by Beam, Brian
“I was unaware this power had been present in Amirand before now,” Rhyxis answered, his giant orange eyes staring blankly into the distance. “Our banishment has kept us unaware of what occurs below the Waste. Giving soulless life to the dead can only be accomplished through the power of the god of death. If such magic has been in use before now, then Rizear has been able to reach from his imprisonment for longer than I had thought. This troubles me greatly. Destroying the one behind the undead we fought today may not break Rizear’s touch on the world as I had hoped.”
I nodded but found it hard to believe that Rizear was not only real, but exerting his power on the world.
My thoughts were interrupted as several blurred objects zipped over my head, colliding with the dragons and ricocheting with metallic clangs to the snow-dusted ground. I looked down to see arrows, most snapped in half from impact.
Turning, I saw a small group of armored troops approaching. They wore red tunics over their chainmail. I wasn’t sure what kingdom they represented. What I was sure of was that most of them had their swords bared while a few held back, readying another volley of arrows.
The dragons, though unharmed by the attack, roared towards the sky. My hands flew to my ears, but did little to mute the deafening sound. The dragons’ necks craned down, and their eyes focused on the approaching men. An orange glow started forming in the back of Rhyxis’s throat. This was not good.
“What do they think they’re doing?” Til’ gasped at my side, his fingers shoved in his pointed ears. “They’d be dead if not for Rhyxis!”
“Stand down!” I screamed at the men as if they’d listen to some random guy with a shortsword, a squirrel on his shoulder, and a childlike Kolarin at his side.
Max muttered something involving the word “jackasses.” Before I could worry about him doing something stupid—like use his own body to draw magic energy, for instance—a line of about ten of Sal’s Wizard Guard squadron rushed into view, forming a wall between the troops and the dragons. Each held up one hand towards the advancing men. Sal’ filed in with them and took a stance before the center of the line.
“These dragons are the only reason we are all still standing here,” Sal’ called with more authority and volume than I’d have thought possible. The troops in red tunics halted, their faces holding a measure of uncertainty. If I’d been one of the men she faced and didn’t know her, I’d have been pretty damn intimidated too.
“While our forces were overwhelmed, while our fellow soldiers, friends, and the townspeople of Terafall fell to our enemies’ blades, these dragons deigned to lend their aid. They chose to help those who, as you have now proven, hold them in contempt.” Sal’s words oozed disappointment with a perfect dash of anger. “Any who attack them will be considered Gualainian allies and detained for treasonous activity against the greater good of Amirand, by order of the Grand Wizard, Nehril Fellway. Your trial will be swift, your punishment severe.” That measure of uncertainty turned to stark terror.
One man stepped forward, his chest heaving with anger. He pointed towards Rhyxis with his sword. “You expect us to allow these beasts to return to our lands? To threaten our existence? You would call us traitors for protecting our entire race?”
“Yes, I would. Feel free to test me,” Sal’ countered, raising a glowing hand. Similar glows appeared around each wizard’s outstretched hand.
Two of the other troops quickly grabbed the man’s arms and struggled to pull him back. The man fought for a moment before allowing the others to draw him away, but not without some vocal, and colorful, protests. He’d probably been the one behind the attack.
The red-tunicked troops retreated without looking back at the line of wizards who could’ve killed them all in an eye blink. Or at the dragons who could’ve done the same. Or at me, who was letting out a breath that I’d unknowingly been holding since the arrows had struck the dragons.
A quick glance back revealed the dragons to be relaxing their necks and easing back onto their haunches. Their eyes were still bright with anger, but the tension was gone. There was no sign of impending flames. Looking to Sal’, her eyes meeting mine, I gave a gracious nod with a “damn, that was close” widening of my eyes and raising of my eyebrows. Sal’ returned a similar look before starting to post her men around the area, presumably to guard against further attacks on the dragons.
“Did you see that?” Til’ questioned shrilly, shaking his fist in the air. “Sal’ sure showed those Meliatus-blooded cowards.” Meliatus, the god of insolence, is apparently another god connected to the Kolari that I’d never heard of before.
“Not thankful in the least,” Rhyxis grumbled, echoing his earlier sentiment.
“They are not all bad,” Max responded from my shoulder, sure to assert that he was separate from everyone else. “They are just ignorant by means of wizard-borne propaganda from a thousand years ago. I truly believe that this day will eventually be considered the catalyst for the end of your unjust banishment.”
Or the catalyst for a war between the races of man and dragon, I thought cynically.
“Yeah, we’re not all bad,” Til’ agreed emphatically, nodding.
Rhyxis arched his neck over to Til’. “The Kolari were never the problem, young Tilrook.”
“Rhyxis,” I began, changing the subject, “Til’ has told me that you and your brethren have offered us transport.” Though the dragons’ presence being known to so many was going to create a tension between the races not seen since the Power Wars, ending the active war was a more pressing issue.
“That is correct, Korin,” Rhyxis replied deeply. “We will allow those of you whom Tilrook has named to join us in our flight to discover the source of Rizear’s power to the east.”
“We also have several wizards here who may be able to aid us,” I offered.
“Be that as it may,” Rhyxis intoned, “our trust of wizards does not extend so far. Even if it did, they would have little to contribute to my and my brethren’s capabilities. We do owe a certain debt for Xalis’s return, however. Therefore, we offer transport to Tilrook and you, his friends, as well as our own power, to put an end to the use of Rizear’s power in this land. If doing so puts an end to this war, so be it. If not, the war will be your people’s concern, not ours. Ours is only to rid this land of Rizear’s influence.”
Rhyxis’s words sounded familiar, and after a head-scratching moment, it hit me. “Bhaliel’s words were much the same.”
With a snort, Rhyxis dipped his head down and back up. “Our beliefs lie in words passed down since times long forgotten. Times before history ever found its way into writing. Times before the world is as you see it now. Loranis gave his life to protect the world from the dark god, Rizear, by sealing him in a prison, separated from existance. A portion of Loranis’s remaining power was invested into the earth, imbuing each new life with a part of his essence. Upon death, that essence is returned to the earth for a new life to be brought forth. Dragons were the last creation of Loranis, crafted to embrace the greater portion of his remaining power to protect the world from Rizear’s grasp, should Rizear succeed in breaching his prison.”
Rhyxis’s orange eyes dulled as he continued. “Your ancestors imprisoned us just as Loranis imprisoned Rizear, prohibiting our kind from monitoring the world for signs of Rizear’s return. Because of those wizards of old, our race will eventually die out, and then there will be none left to protect you.” Rhyxis snorted, puffs of smoke ejecting from his large nostrils.
Only my lack of religious belief kept me from freaking out at the thought of a world unprotected from the threat of Rizear. My concerns were on more realistic things, such as a possibly corrupted father, an evil wizard doing the corrupting, and a resultant war—much easier concepts to accept.
“So you can imprison Rizear again if he comes into the world?” Til’ asked, staring up at the towering dragon with wonder.
The chartreuse dragon to Rhyxis’s side shook its head. “If we possess such an ability, it has been
lost with time as surely as mountains slowly erode to dust.” The dragon’s voice was somehow even deeper than Rhyxis’s. I’m sure people a mile away would’ve thought a thunderstorm was brewing in the distance.
“But if the dead walking the earth and eldrhims mean his power is being used, then maybe he is free,” Til’ retorted, a slight tremble sounding in his voice. “What then?”
Another shake of the dragon’s head. “We will do as our instincts guide us and pray to the god who gave us the life to do so.” Silence enveloped all for a brief moment.
“When will we set out for Bherin?” Max asked, breaking through that silence.
“We shall wait until first light,” Rhyxis replied. “My brethren and I will need rest and sustenance before the journey. I assume you believe that this Bherin is where the dark magic of Rizear is emanating from.”
I swallowed against the dryness in my throat. “Yes.”
“We will return to the eastern border of this town at sunrise. Make any preparations you must before then. If we are met with animosity upon our return, we will depart without you, no matter the debt owed.” Rhyxis let out another roar, this one much kinder on the ears, and lifted into the air with beating wings. The other dragons followed suit, the resulting blasts of wind nearly knocking me to the ground. Many of those nearby weren’t as lucky and were sent sprawling into the snow.
The dragons quickly became nothing more than specks in the gloom above. Still, my eyes followed their presence through the gray sky as I tried to take in what had just happened. Others in the area near us stared upwards as well. I just hoped they had no intentions of attacking the dragons the next day.
Max’s voice cut through my trance. “If we set up a strong perimeter, we can stay in Terafall tonight. Maybe we can even get a decent meal and a warm bed for our final night before confronting our destiny.”
“Listen to you,” I responded with the barest hint of a smile. “Talking about destiny as if you believe in it.”
“Korin, destiny may be the only thing that can keep you alive through this,” Max countered gravely.
“And you can’t die, Korin,” Til’ pleaded. His head dropped, his long raven hair draping over his face. “What would I do without you? You, Max, and Sal’ are all I really have.” Silver eyes rose to meet mine, shining with conviction. “As long as there is breath in my body, I will fight for you and keep you safe, Korin.”
I mussed Til’s hair reflexively yet again. His words were much deeper than I was used to from him. My fears and worries ebbed as I gave him a genuine smile.
“Thank you, Til’.”
Max snorted. “If you two are through with bonding, we need to start planning for tomorrow, as well as get some food—a lot of it—and some rest.”
With a dry chuckle, I replied, “Rizear himself couldn’t keep you from that. Let’s find Sal’ and Ithan and start our preparations.”
Ithan chose that moment to cut through a larger group of troops, jogging to meet up with us. Briscott joined us as well, brushing snow from the seat of his pants.
Ithan stopped before me, his worn gaze dropping to my shoulder. “Max, I believe word has been spread to all of the leaders. Now, assuming that the information will trickle down through the ranks, everyone within these walls should have knowledge of the dragons and their intentions within the hour. If anyone attacks the dragons, it will be against orders.” His eyes scanned the sky. “Though now that they are gone, does it even matter?”
“They’ll be back in the morning,” I said.
“Good. I was hoping to meet them after all you told me of Bhaliel.”
“Oh, you will meet them, all right,” Max chuckled.
Ithan tilted his head.
Til’ stepped forward, puffed out his chest, and began speaking before I could say a word about it. “Rhyxis, Tharax, Ghalien, Rhal, and Alyshine will be flying us to Bherin in the morning,” Til’ explained in one breath. Excitement was clear in his large eyes. “Just wait until you’re up in the air. It’s incredible! Of course, we’ll need more rope.”
Ithan’s face blanched. “We are going to be riding dragons? As in flying?” He swallowed loudly.
“Blighted hell and ashes,” Briscott added.
I laughed but cut short as I noticed a satchel hanging heavily at Ithan’s side. “Ithan. Fleet . . .”
Ithan glanced down at the cloth satchel and patted it gently. “It is okay,” he assured me with a slight tremble of his lower lip. “Her life helped save others. I will miss my old friend, but I also have new ones to help ease the sting of her and my family’s passing.”
I grasped his shoulder. “Ithan, your family—”
Ithan held up a hand. “After seeing this . . . I just can’t convince myself otherwise. Hope will simply blind my actions.” His voice cracked, and I could tell he was about to lose it. I threw my arms around him, prompting Max to leap to the ground to keep from falling off my shoulder. Til’ stepped forward and placed a hand on Ithan’s back as the wizard sobbed into my shoulder.
I felt an arm grasp around my waist and turned my head to see Sal’ watching Ithan with despondent eyes. She placed her other hand on his arm as we all stood in silence.
Ithan eventually stood, wiping his eyes. “Salmaea?” he gasped.
“I am so sorry, Ithan. I truly am.” Sal’ embraced him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for all you have done for Korin, Max, and Til’.”
Ithan chewed on his lower lip as he nodded.
“And me as well,” Briscott put in. “Remember that we’re all here for you. Loranis willing, we will put an end to all of this, and no one else will have to suffer as we have, friend.”
“Thank you,” Ithan replied, exhaling through pursed lips, his breath a vapor before him.
“Can I help you put Fleet to rest?” Til’ asked.
“I would like that, Til’,” Ithan responded with a half smile. Til’ beamed up at him.
I hated to interrupt the moment, but time was wasting. “We leave at sunrise. The dragons will meet us outside the eastern edge of town. Til’, Rhyxis said they will take those you named. Does that include all of us?”
“Yeah, all six of us.” Til’ started ticking off fingers. “Me, you, Sal’, Max, Briscott, and Ithan. I didn’t know we would be all they’d take. I was just telling him about everyone I was hoping to find once we located Briscott through the Tracking Stone. The only reason he didn’t bring more dragons was because the others I met, even those loyal to him, refused to help, whether Rizear was involved or not. They kind of hold a grudge against everyone on the other side of the barrier. Oh, also—”
“That’s all I need, Til’,” I interrupted. “Do any of you want to turn back now?” I was met by shaking heads. “Then tomorrow morning, we leave for Bherin. Take these hours to rest and prepare yourselves.”
Ithan knelt down on one knee before Til’. “Til’, do you have the abelyr box the Tracking Stone was in?”
Til’ nodded energetically, reaching into a large pouch hanging from his hip. With a bit of finagling, he produced the abelyr box with a proud smile. “Yeah, and it worked just as you said it would! I didn’t open it any more than necessary, and we made it all the way here.”
Ithan smiled, but his eyes were still lined with pain. He took the black box from Til’ and removed the Tracking Stone. He reached into his own bag, retrieved one of the green rocks, and dropped it into the abelyr box before sealing it shut once again.
Memory of the attack on Jefren’s camp immediately filled my mind. “Ithan, I told you that the rocks can be tracked. It’s not safe to keep one.”
Ithan stood and patted the lid of the box. “It cannot be tracked while in here,” he insisted. “The abelyr will nullify the Link as long as the rock is sealed within the box. Those fighting for Gualain have been meticulous in retrieving any of these rocks left behind. Somehow, this one was missed. We must take advantage of their oversight. This rock may come in handy later.”
�
�He is right,” Max pitched in, climbing back up to my shoulder. He shook each of his paws individually to rid them of snow. “If nothing else, this will prevent another from suffering from its magic.”
“General Salmaea,” a voice called from behind us, interrupting our conversation. We turned to see a member of Sal’s Wizard Guard squadron running towards us. He stopped breathlessly an arm’s length from Sal’ and brought a fist to his chest. I recognized him as Cawler, the wizard who’d given her report back at the house.
“Cawler, Julus is your General now,” Sal’ chided. “I’ll be helping him organize the squadron’s next moves tonight, but you should be reporting to him.”
“I am sorry, Gen . . . Salmaea, but we have captured one of the enemy soldiers. He is awaiting questioning. Capt . . . General Julus thought you would want to lead the questioning.”
“Take me to him,” Sal’ commanded, sliding her arm from around me.
“Yes, Gen . . . right away, Salmaea. He has not spoken to us yet, but he wears strange armor. It is painted red with a gold tree inlaid across the breastplate. I have never seen its like.”
The world went silent, and my vision went white for a brief moment. “Max and I are coming with you,” I insisted.
Sal’s men had captured a member of my father’s army.
Chapter 46
Turn the Paigean
Cawler led Sal’, Max, and me through Terafall, taking us past milling troops and huddled survivors. Teams had already formed to clear the dead from the streets, but they hadn’t made enough progress to allow us a clear path. There’s something indescribably morbid about having to watch your step to avoid tripping over mutilated, rotted, or charred bodies. Add the scents that go along with that and . . . let me just say that I could already tell that the memory of the aftermath would likely fill my nightmares until my death.
“Let me get this straight. The man they captured is from a different world?” Sal’ inquired as we walked.
“Or more realistically, a land beyond the storms,” Max corrected after making sure Cawler remained out of earshot ahead of us.