The woman and George stared wide-eyed, not daring to move or speak until well after the odd spectacle had ended. At last, she cleared her throat, “Well, I’ll be! You – you saw that, didn’t you? I’m not hallucinating?”
“I saw it. Pretty amazing.”
“Wow! It really pays to get up out of bed early now and then. What a treat that was.”
“Too bad nobody else was looking. They’ll never believe us.”
“We’ll know what we saw, George. You and I. I’ll bet we’ll still be telling this story years from now. You know, I’ve never seen a dragon before – that was one, wasn’t it?”
“I’ve never seen one either, but I think so, yes.”
“It’s pretty rare to catch them all the way down here…I’d always heard they holed up in the mountains, or places where there are still some big tracts of old forest.”
“Yes, but I seem to recall some news reports that there have been more and more sightings this year all over the place. Seems they are enjoying some sort of resurgence of late.”
“Well, whatever the reason, it’s our lucky day. You don’t run into things like that all the time. Wonder who that old guy was? You don’t think the dragon was going to eat him, or anything like that…?”
“Naw…seems almost like he was waiting for it. Bizarre, is what it is. Maybe there will be something on the news about it. Publicity stunt or some such, maybe for a new movie?”
“Sounds right. I’ll be sure and check.”
“I wonder how they do that popping in and out thing? It’s very cool. I’d like to be able to do that.”
“Well, anyway, that was very exciting, but now I am getting cold, and I think I would like a cup of coffee after all. Want me to see if the snack bar has any of those excellent milk bone things you liked?”
“That sounds perfect. I am feeling a bit peckish.”
And the woman gathered George, her Pomeranian companion, into her arms and turned away from the railing toward the staircase into the ship’s warm cabin, reflecting on the special bit of magic that had begun her day. The empty dinghy drifted further away, unnoticed by most.
Jorelial Rey leaned this way and that to get a better view. She was struggling with Tvrdik, and trying to see around Tashroth’s great bulk. But, no. Danoral was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank…had it all been for naught? A moment later, there was a small disturbance in the sky, like radiant heat waves that distort the air. Then, an odd, spiral-shaped cloud appeared that expanded before her eyes. With a flash of light, from out of its center sprang the dragon-transporter himself. And dangling from his front talons was another figure, a man. They had done it!
Andrus was signaling that Tvrdik’s heart was racing and erratic, and his eyelids were still fluttering. The dragons, fearing for his life, let go of the time corridor they had built, and began to disengage, one by one, at a much faster pace than they had intended. After the third dragon had pulled out of the collective consciousness, the young mage’s eyes flew open in terror, and he let out a howl that startled Mark, Delphine, and Jorelial Rey several paces backward.
“Nooooo! Please, no. I can’t go back there. Please don’t leave me. Please, please, I’ll do anything. Don’t make me squeeze back into that small, pitiful body and that puny mind again. I can’t…I can’t go back there.” He was thrashing about, and wailing in agony, genuine fear on his face, and tears rolling down his cheeks. With each dragon’s exit, subtle as they tried to be, he winced, and begged them not to make him shrink down any further. He grabbed his head in his hands and howled again with an almost inhuman sound. Once more the coin bearing Xaarus’ image fell into the dust. And Tvrdik stood up again, grasping his own head as if it would fall off. Not knowing what was happening, or what to do, Rel, Mark, Delphine, Warlowe and Andrus had all taken another step backward in helpless shock. Rel clapped her hands to her mouth, and found herself biting the skin of her palm, tears of concern and frustration welling up in her own eyes.
At that moment, another tall figure strode through the little group of onlookers, and with a gentle, but firm gesture, pushed them all aside. With confidence and presence, he grasped the young mage’s arms and lowered them to his sides. Then, with a father’s care, he wrapped the young man in a bear hug, guiding Tvrdik’s head onto his shoulder, and speaking to him in a soothing voice.
“There, there, Tvrdik, it’s all right now. It’s over. Let them go. You can do this yourself. You are sufficient. You are remarkable. Come back to us, son. Come back to yourself where you belong. Everything is going to be all right. Better than all right. You’ll see.”
Between encouragements, the stranger seemed to be interjecting words in some unknown foreign tongue, and where he stroked Tvrdik’s pale, damp hair, the others swore they could see light radiating from his hand. Or perhaps it was a trick of the sunrise.
As the last few dragons, then Candelinda, and finally Tashroth, stepped back, folded their wings, and nodded to Jorelial Rey, signifying that they had disengaged from Tvrdik’s mind, the young man seemed to grow calmer in his comforter’s arms. No one else stirred, or dared to make a sound. Tashroth had broken the last of the link, but the pair in the center of the circle seemed to be swaying in their embrace for an eternity longer. At last, the stranger’s arms loosened, and he held Tvrdik at arm’s length and regarded him with a heart-warming smile. Tvrdik, drained, but himself again, looked back at the hooked nose, the twinkling eyes, the great bush of snow white hair…
“Master, if it is finished, then why are you still here, in my mind?”
Xaarus’ smile broadened, “Because I am not in your mind, dear boy. I am standing right here beside you on solid ground. You did it. You brought me home.”
Tvrdik’s eyes widened, and a single wordless sob escaped his lips. He shook his head once, a bit like a dog does after a rainstorm. Then, as it dawned on his consciousness that Xaarus was there in the flesh, his face came alive with joy, and he whispered, “The gods be thanked. Welcome home.” And he hugged his mentor with a child’s enthusiasm.
Their worst fears alleviated, and the realization of their success beginning to dawn on them, the others rushed up for hugs and handshakes all around. Great shouts and cheers and dragon trumpeting filled the dawn sky with such a cacophony that later they all swore that they had expected their celebration to be heard all the way back at Theriole.
“Sir, my name is Andrus, and I am currently the head Palace Physician. It is an honor to meet you in person, sir.”
“Do I know you, Andrus? Forgive me if I have forgotten…” chatted Xaarus, shaking the man’s proffered hand.
“No, sir. I came to Theriole after you had already…left. But I have heard so much about you from so many sources that I almost feel as though I know you.” Andrus was a bit star struck. Xaarus leaned in very close, “Don’t believe everything you hear.” He winked at the healer.
Andrus forged on, “I-I wanted to ask your permission to examine you, sir, and make sure that all is well after your…journey. Just a precaution, you understand…part of my function here…”
“Of course, my good man. Examine away. I think you will find everything in good working order. I feel fine. I could sleep for a week, but otherwise, not bad, considering…” Andrus thanked him and went to work, still a bit in awe.
Mark and Delphine and Jorelial Rey were crowded around Tvrdik, congratulating him. Mark was pumping his hand, “You did it! You brought him back from the future. That was incredible.”
Delphine intervened, “I may be no physician, but I picked up a thing or two from all of our Thursday healing marathons. Why don’t you sit back down and let me check you over? Andrus will be here in a moment. He’s going over Xaarus.”
Tvrdik managed a faint smile, but still looked somewhat dazed and confused. He allowed himself to be guided back to the chair and ministered to. Warlowe arrived with a skin of cool water, havin
g brought one to Xaarus as well.
“You must be thirsty. It’s only water. Will that do, or would you prefer something a little stronger – wine, perhaps?”
“No, water is fine, Warlowe. How kind of you to bring it. I am awfully thirsty; give it here.” He took a long draught from the water skin.
Jorelial Rey laid a hand on the young wizard’s shoulder, her face unreadable, “I can see you are in very good hands here, so, if no one minds, I would like to go check on Tash and the rest of the dragons. I shouldn’t be long.”
Tvrdik looked up at her, “No, of course, go ahead. Please thank them for me, especially Tashroth.”
“I will, but you’ll be doing it yourself soon, I’m sure.” She started away, but stopped and turned back to him, “Tvrdik?”
“Hmmm?”
“Well done. I’m…I’m really happy for you.” She turned and headed over to Tashroth, Tvrdik following after her with his eyes. As she came to the green dragon, who was in conversation with Danoral and Candelinda, he swung his great head around to welcome her.
“Is he recovering, little one? Is he all right?”
“Andrus will be over in a moment, but he seems well. Quite a bit dazed, but all right. He asked me to thank all of you – for the inspiration, and the brilliant execution too. Xaarus is fine, Danoral. Thank you for your part in this. It will be a real coup to bring Xaarus back to Theriole, alive and well, after all this time. The people will be overjoyed, and will take it as an omen of good fortune for the future. No doubt, it will be. More good news to celebrate, eh? Anyway, we owe all of you dragons a great debt for this. Anything I can give or do for you that is in my power, just ask, and it will be arranged. Tell them, Tash, please.
Tashroth’s laughter rumbled out, low and earthy, “Dearest, we are all delighted that our idea bore such joyful fruit. Xaarus is well-loved among our kind, and we rejoice in his return. We are also content that Lord Drogue is no longer a threat to dragonkind and our way of life. Now, each of us may continue to live as he chooses in peace and freedom. In addition, we have all experienced something new and fascinating here today that we will long remember. We have explored, and learned, even about ourselves and our own potentials. These are things that bring our kind great joy. There is no other gift, necessary, little one, but we appreciate your generous impulse.”
“Are all of you all right Tash? The dragons suffered no ill effects?”
“No, on the contrary. We are feeling quite exhilarated by the joining and expanding of our consciousness. We are interested in exploring further the power of the collective, and the ancient skills we had almost forgotten. But all of that will wait for another time, as most are eager to take their leave and return to their homes.”
“So soon, Tash? May we not tempt them back to Theriole for a while longer? It was wonderful to have so many of your kinsmen and women around.”
“Most gracious. Candelinda will stay on awhile, but the others are missing their homelands, and their normal routines. Our work here is done, and they would beg to be released as soon as is convenient.”
“Oh, of course, if that is your desire.” All of the dragons were focused on her by now, their large, bottomless eyes seeming to search her soul. She addressed the whole group as one, “For all you have done for me, for these two wizards, and for our kingdom and all of its citizens, we are forever in your debt. From henceforth and ever after, the royal flag of Eneri Clare will bear the image of a dragon, without whose generosity we might not now have a free and peaceful kingdom.” The dragons exchanged glances and nods, and made sounds of approval. The Lady Regent went on, “On behalf of all, I pledge you eternal friendship and support, and bid you farewell as you return to your homes and families. Be welcome always to come and visit us again any time, or to call upon us for aid in any circumstance.” The great, colorful beasts continued snorting and nodding, regarding her with those huge, glowing eyes, and with what she could only guess were something close to smiles. But before any of them could make a move to leave, Xaarus approached the saurian circle, Tvrdik still under his protective wing.
“I beg your pardon if I am interrupting something, my dear, but do you suppose the two of us could have a moment alone with the dragons, to speak with them one last time?”
“I was just leaving. Oh, Tvrdik, I almost forgot to give you these…” She handed him the precious spectacles, which he received with a look of relief, but no words. “Dragons, I wish you safe travels. Tash, Candelinda, will you be near?”
“If you are staying a while, we were thinking of having a bit of a hunt…mind-melding is famishing work.” Candelinda offered.
“That’s fine. Take your time. We should all rest before going back. Oh! If all the dragons are leaving, how will we get everyone and everything back to Theriole?”
“We will take it in shifts and all will be taken care of. Go and eat and rest. We will return in the afternoon.”
“All right, Tash. I’ll look forward to your return.”
He nuzzled her, and whispered, “Once again, dearest, you have distinguished yourself with the respect you show my kinsmen. You have garnered much goodwill among dragon kind this day. I am proud of you.”
Jorelial Rey grinned, “Maybe I learned something at Dad’s knee about diplomacy after all.” He winked at her, and she turned, heading back to where Mark and Delphine seemed to be waiting for her, while Tvrdik and Xaarus walked among the dragons. Looking back, she saw them deep in conversation, and then, both standing still, silent, eyes closed, faces lifted, as the great beasts also sat in communion together, eyes flashing. A tiny pang of jealousy disturbed her. She was the one who was supposed to have the special, unique bond with dragons, after all. But the thought only lasted a moment, as she watched them take off, one by one, and fly away in every direction, leaving the two wizards alone on the ground, earthbound and sighing. At least she knew Tashroth would always be back for her.
“Rel?” Delphine called, and then came up to meet her. “You know, we did bring along a few provisions just in case. I’ll bet we could fix up some bread and cheese and fruit for everyone if you thought it a good idea?”
“It’s a very good idea, Sweet Pea. We’ll be resting here for a little while before we try to go back. Most of the dragons have gone, now. Tash and Candelinda are off hunting, and will ferry us all back later. So, it’s…let me see…just the seven of us. A bite would be most welcome, and maybe even a nap. Besides, I need some time to figure out how to bring a wizard who’s been missing and presumed dead for twelve years, back to life.”
Sitting around the campfire, enjoying a simple meal, they all spent the time getting to know the real Xaarus, or in some cases, getting re-acquainted. Andrus was dazzled by the charming, witty gentleman, who was equally at home in a musty library, a pub, or a High Court function. Xaarus was legend to him, and he asked a hundred questions, and listened with delight to numerous anecdotes and stories. Warlowe extended the old man a warm greeting, welcoming him back with genuine affection. Xaarus inquired about his family, recalling names and interests, and the two of them indulged in a few happy reminiscences.
“And little Delphine. Last time I saw you, you were a chubby toddler with red curls – always laughing, always bringing home stray cats, or injured birdlings. You were the apple of your father’s eye, and now grown up beautiful, and wise, and kind. Take good care of this one, master bard, and thank your lucky stars that she has fastened her affections on you. She had all of our hearts at court almost from the moment she was born.” Delphine blushed, and Mark smiled, knowing the truth of the old wizard’s words. There was some discussion between them of the Lady Brendelle, her transformation, their reunion, and how highly she had spoken of Xaarus’ kindness to her in her darkest hour. Xaarus nodded, pleased, “A little kindness and compassion, my children, they cost us so little. But they may mean the world to the person on the receiving end. In my long experience, it i
s rare that I have seen any heart, or any situation that cannot be transformed with enough love, and enough kindness.” Rel and Delphine exchanged a surprised look, remembering that Delphine had used almost those exact words on the battlefield only weeks before, concerning baby Drake. Delphine shivered with the strangeness of it.
At last, Xaarus’ keen eye fell upon Rel, who squirmed with discomfort under it, despite the warmth and admiration in that regard. “Jorelial Rey. What an amazing young woman you have grown into. You know, I sent Tvrdik to you on purpose, because I was certain he would find in you the one powerful ally he needed, and I was right. Look at the marvels the two of you have accomplished together in such a short time. Your father – bless his soul and I miss him sorely – would be bursting with pride over you, my dear, as I am over my boy here. He touched Tvrdik’s hand, and there was a moment of awkward glances all around between Tvrdik and Rel, Rel and Delphine, Tvrdik and Xaarus, Xaarus and Rel. No one replied, though Jorelial Rey smiled and acknowledged the old man’s compliment with a coy bob of her head.
Tvrdik had been silent throughout the long, sociable meal, picking at his bread and cheese, alert to the many conversations, but contributing little to them. No one thought very much of it. They all assumed that he was weary from a sleepless night, and a harrowing ordeal, and needed a little rest to be back to himself again. But now, Xaarus, sensing that he had blundered into some small minefield that he wasn’t exactly up to date on, found a way to break the tension. Leaning in to Jorelial Rey, he frowned and said, “What’s that?” Flinching, she replied, “What’s what?” Xaarus pretended to study her head, “Why, there. Behind your ear…there’s something there. What is that?” He reached around behind her left ear as she sat mystified, and pulled out a shining bit of silver, a coin with his own face stamped upon it. On an instinct, Tvrdik reached into his pocket, but his own coin was still safe and sound in its usual place, where Delphine had replaced it after the rescue. The redheaded girl now squealed in delight, and Jorelial Rey melted into easy laughter.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 78