As he was beginning to stand up, Nogard came barreling out of the cave and towards them. “Get in the cave, all of you!” he barked.
Ajax yawned. “I thought we needed to train in secret?” he asked, stretching. “Now everyone is invited?”
The dragon headed back towards the cave. “You may be a foolish boy after all.” He whipped his tail in the opposite direction. “There is an army of elves upon our doorstep. Feel free to engage them on your own.”
Nogard broke into a run.
Ajax grabbed his things and followed behind, stumbling as he took his first step. He rushed into the entrance of the cave and turned to look back as the others were doing.
“Shouldn’t we go deeper inside?”
“I placed an enchantment on the entrance. It will appear as though it’s a wall of the mountain.”
“We left some of our things, and the fire pit is there. The elves will know someone was here,” Neely lamented
Nogard nodded. “Yes, but one can hope that the elves will search and then give up as they always do.”
Within ten minutes the area was swarming with elves armed to the teeth.
“What are they searching for?” Ajax enquired.
“You,” Niko grunted.
The elves began to set up camp in the same spot that Ajax and his companions had been.
“Looks as if we’re trapped for now,” Spots noted.
Nogard spun around. “I must go clear my mind and see what visions come to me. Have Neely assist you with your training, down in the cavern we used yesterday.”
They surveyed the elves for a while longer and then it was Neely who pulled them away.
“Let’s start your training. It’s probably not smart to ignore the council of a seer.”
“Okay,” Ajax agreed reluctantly, looking once more at the elves running around like ants.
The sound of his footsteps echoed as Ajax made his way to the center of the cavern. He took off his medallion and set it beside him.
Neely sat across from him. “What exactly am I supposed to do?”
Ajax closed his eyes. “Just try to read my mind. Let me know if you can’t.”
They practiced for hours. Ajax noticed a slight difference in how it felt when Neely tried to read his mind as opposed to the dragon. He was becoming quite skilled at recognizing an intrusion, but he still had yet to be able to block it.
“Ugh!” Ajax groaned, putting his head in his hands. “This isn’t working.”
Spots flew over. “You seem so calm when Neely is trying to read your mind. Try using some emotion. Force her from your mind.”
If only it were that simple, he thought.
Ajax closed his eyes. He felt an inkling from inside his mind. He imagined a massive wall pushing her out and threw all his force behind it.
“I’m not getting anything,” Neely applauded.
“Good job,” Niko smiled.
Ajax opened his eyes. “Let’s try it again.”
It was a lot harder to block Neely with his eyes open and with all the distractions around the room. Spots kept flitting from one person to the next, humming some song. Niko was sharpening his ax in the corner of the room, and Neely had begun to make funny faces at him once she realized it would divert his attention from the task at hand.
“That’s not fair,” he said sternly, attempting to keep a straight face.
She responded by sticking her tongue out.
Practicing was exhausting. Ajax’s head was pounding by the time they called for a break.
Spots threw his piece of cactus across the room. “I am not that hungry,” he said matter of factly.
“Hey, I would have eaten that,” Ajax complained.
They heard a noise in the distance. Niko sprung to his feet, wielding his ax in his hand.
Nogard stepped into the cavern, and the rhino relaxed.
“How has the training been progressing?”
Ajax smiled. “Pretty well,” he proclaimed proudly.
The dragon chuckled. “Really?”
Suddenly Ajax felt a penetration into his thoughts. He tried to push it out as he had with Neely but he couldn’t.
“You’re afraid of spiders,” Nogard chuckled.
“Stop that,” Ajax blushed. “It was so much harder. It felt very different than having Neely in there.”
“As it should. I have magic and she doesn’t. If I wanted to interrogate you, I could appropriate every bit of information you have and then some. Keep practicing.”
“Why did time not seem to pass when I was here yesterday, but when the elves got here I could see them moving around as if time wasn’t affected?”
Nogard gave him an impatient look.
“Magic?” Ajax guessed.
The dragon winked at him.
Niko stood. “What did you see, Seer?” he probed in his usual gruff manner.
The big green beast settled in the middle of the room. “I have looked into the future,” he began, “and things concern me.”
Ajax stopped practicing and shifted his attention to Nogard.
“What things?” Neely asked, leaning forward slightly.
“When I look into the future, I don’t see a nice clear picture from beginning to end. I see images, sometimes short visions, or occasionally words come to my mind, like the prophecy,” the dragon explained. “After spending the last few hours in meditation, I have seen many things. More elves are coming to the mountains. This is just the beginning.” He closed his eyes and paused for a moment. “I saw scenes of torture, death and destruction, not only here but in your world as well…I saw Nivara dead in a white gown, with an elf standing over her, holding the bloody blade,” he said slowly. “There were other images and flashes, but they were too quick.”
Ajax had already stood and was sliding his amulet underneath his shirt. “Then we have to go. Now.”
The dragon stood. “Slow down. Rushing into things will only get everyone here killed.”
The sorcerer took a step forward, and unsheathed his sword. “I won’t sit here and do nothing.”
The dragon slammed his tail down, startling everyone. “Foolish boy, will you ever listen?” he huffed angrily. He paused and took a deep breath. “There are over a thousand elves scouring the mountains. We need a moment to consider a way to get everyone out. They don’t have a medallion like you do,” the dragon snorted, pointing his tail at Ajax’s chest. “Or do you plan on leaving them here to fend for themselves with an army outside?”
Lowering his sword, Ajax looked to his friends. “No, of course not.”
“Then if you would sit down and give me a moment, I may have an idea.”
The dragon shimmered as he transformed back into a human.
“Did you just shift into a human?” Ajax asked.
“Yes, can you see me?” Nogard enquired, surprised.
“Not now, but for a moment. You were tall and thin, with short black hair. When I beheld the image, it was of a young man.”
Nogard nodded. “Your mind is getting stronger, changing into a sorcerer’s mind.”
The plan was laid out before the group. They would wait for nightfall. The dragon would cause a gigantic storm to come, forcing the elves into their tents. With any luck, they would be able to sneak through without being caught.
“So, we wait until nightfall.” Niko pulled out his ax and tested the sharpness of the edge.
“There is one thing. I can create a storm easily enough, but once it begins I cannot control it. I can start it and end it, but once it commences it simply becomes a normal, unpredictable storm. I can control the level of strength, but it shall need to be pretty fierce if we want the elves to stay inside their tents.”
“You will just have to move quickly,” Neely said.
“You mean we,” Ajax corrected.
Neely shook her head. “I can’t go.”
“Yes, you can,” he insisted.
Spots flew over and landed on Neely’s shoulder. “She really
can’t. Once Neely gets wet she will revert to her other form, unable to move without a large body of water,” the bug clarified.
“I’m not leaving you here,” Ajax declared firmly. “We shall come up with a solution.”
As night approached Ajax still hadn’t come up with an idea. He walked up to the mouth of the cave and stared out as the light started to fade. He put up the hood of his cloak, glad he finally had one. His cloak! Ajax ran back into the chamber where the others were waiting.
“Neely, how wet do you have to get before you transform?” he enquired impatiently.
“Saturated, but if there is a storm I will absolutely get wet.” She patted his arm. “Don’t worry about me.”
He reached up and unhooked his cloak. “Here. It won’t cover you entirely because I’m not as tall, but if you hold it closed while you run, it will keep you fairly dry.”
Neely looked at the material skeptically. “I can’t take the chance,” she apologized. “It’s not safe for you. If I change, I know you won’t abandon me, and then everyone is in danger.”
He pushed the cloak into her hand. “It will work, I assure you. Water won’t seep into the material.”
Nogard cleared his throat. “He’s right. Dragon scales are airtight. Nothing shall get through them.”
After inspecting the cloak thoroughly, she turned to the dragon. “Do you swear?”
He nodded. “I give you my solemn oath.”
She flung the cloak over her shoulders and fastened it. It didn’t cover her entirely, but with the hood on, it would probably keep her from getting completely drenched.
“Okay.” She hugged Ajax. “Thank you. I was a little nervous about being left alone.”
“I would never have abandoned you,” Ajax vowed, squeezing her hand lightly.
Nogard stood and stretched his back. “It is time,” he announced.
The more Ajax concentrated, the more he could see the dragon in his human form.
“Spots, come sit on my shoulder.” Neely called. “The cloak may be a little stuffy, but you’ll be dry.”
The ladybug flew over and landed lightly. “Thank you.”
Ajax and Niko headed up the path first, followed by Nogard and then Neely and Spots.
The stars were out and the night was clear.
Nogard muttered an incantation, and dark clouds quickly began to roll in from all around. Lightning flashed across the sky and rain began to pelt down to the ground.
The elves ran to their tents frantically as the heavy rains put out their campfires. Wind whipped at the tents wildly as they struggled to tie them down securely. Within a couple of minutes none of the foul creatures were visible.
“I think that’s intense enough,” Ajax said, looking out at the storm with a little concern in his voice.
Nogard stepped out first. “Keep close. My eyesight is better than yours. Run fast,” he cautioned. “Don’t stop for anything.”
The thunder clapped loudly overhead. The dragon led. Ajax lingered as Niko and Neely followed. He held down the rear, wanting to make sure no one was left behind. The rain stung his skin as he ran. He yearned for his cloak, but was glad he had it for Neely to borrow. The wind sliced at them. It was strong and nearly knocked them over a few times. Ajax could barely see the footsteps in front of him. By the time they stopped, he was out of breath and the storm was still raging loudly.
“We’re through the camp.” Nogard shouted into the storm, but the wind carried most of his voice off to the south. “I will call off the rain when we get a little distance between us.”
Ajax grabbed his side as they continued to run. He had a small stitch that continued to grow as he pushed himself forward. He collapsed to his knees, panting, when Nogard finally stopped. The storm dissipated as quickly as it had begun. Neely was hunched over, trying to catch her breath. Niko seemed unaffected by the run.
“Where is Nivara?” Ajax enquired after he had caught his breath.
“Remember, I just see images,” the dragon gently reminded him. “There were clouds and towers.”
“So, we are headed to the Chasm of Sky,” Neely answered.
Ajax looked towards the rhinoceros. “Back all the way we came and then some,” Niko grunted.
“Great,” Ajax smirked. “And I thought I was through with the stinky wax and giant worms.”
Ajax peered down, realizing they were already on sand. With the storm thrashing around them, he hadn’t noticed the change. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“Sandworms are not particularly fond of dragons. They give us a wide berth,” Nogard informed them. “We ought not have any trouble from them this trip.”
“Even in your human form?” Ajax questioned.
“I’m still a dragon, no matter the mask I wear.”
They marched throughout the night. Nogard had seen more elves coming, but he was unsure of the timing. He wanted to get them into the forest and undercover as soon as possible.
As the stars began to fade, the dragon called for a rest. “Take a quick break, but then we must continue.”
True to his word they barely stopped enough to eat a quick meal. Ajax wasn’t sure which was worse, to keep going or stopping for such a brief respite. After sitting for the few moments, he could feel all the aches in his muscles. They had been loose before but after the quick break, they had become tense and stiff.
After a long, hot, and humid day of hiking the group finally reached the edge of the forest.
Neely reached for her pack and sighed. “I forgot, our things were left out when the elves took over our camp.” She frowned sullenly. “I don’t have the wax.”
Nogard patted Ajax on the back. “I’m sure the sorcerer can cast a spell to keep us from dozing off.”
Ajax pointed at himself. “Me? I don’t know how to do a spell.”
“Try,” the dragon said encouragingly. “Envision something you want and make it happen.”
They had used wax before when they had ventured into the slumbering forest. The only thing in the vicinity was sand and leaves. Ajax picked four green leaves off the nearest branch. He imagined them smelling worse than the wax, and muttered “stink,” not knowing any fancy incantations. He felt the power radiating from within. Then he started to gag. The stench was overpowering.
Nogard nodded his approval.
Ajax passed out the leaves. “Spots, you’ll have to stick close to one of us.”
“Why would I do that?” the ladybug asked. “You all stink,” he teased as he landed on Niko.
Ajax took his leaf and tied the stem into a knot around the same chain his medallion hung on. He looked at Nogard. It was getting easier and easier to see his human shape. Although he appeared young, just older than Ajax, there was something in the way he carried himself and in his expressions that made him seem wiser and more mature than he appeared.
Chapter XVIII
Leif almost fell flat on his face, tripping over his feet, unprepared for her sudden abruptness.
Nivara held a finger to her mouth, motioning for him to be quiet.
The elf stood up and straightened his shirt. “What is going on with you?” he asked, slightly perturbed.
She threw herself on the bed dramatically, sprawling her arms out. “Did you hear him? He wants to pick out our home and then never leave here again.”
Sky jumped on the bed and smirked. “Well at least you’ll still have your castle.”
Niv sat up and glared at him. “I can’t believe Blake just wants to give up. It has only been a few days since we entered. He hasn’t even tried to find a way back.”
Leif came and sat on the other side of the cambriar. “I do not want to defend Blake, but Axel did say he had searched for years.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Niv sighed. “That was Axel, not us. Maybe he missed something. I’m not ready to give up and start courting him like I would have back in Rastella, like nothing has changed. I have a family back home to think of.”
�
��I don’t think you’ll ever be ready,” Sky muttered under his breath.
She shoved the hoosula, making him fall off the bed.
“Sorry,” she apologized, covering her mouth. “I didn’t mean to make you fall.”
He turned his nose up and walked away.
“What did you mean by your comment, Sky?”
Sky spun, looking defiantly at Nivara. “You seem so ill-matched for Blake. Has he ever done anything for himself? Did you not hear him ordering Axel around? Here in Axel’s home.”
“That’s how he was raised. He can be inconsiderate and selfish. Nothing was ever denied to him. But Blake is kind too. I don’t know if I want to marry him...this was arranged by our parents. I don’t know him well enough,” Niv explained.
“Good,” Leif nodded. “I have never been keen of the way he acts around you. So just tell him no.”
Niv huffed. “It’s not that easy. It’s expected of us. Maybe one day it might turn into love, but who knows anything at fourteen. I can’t just tell the Prince that.”
“Sure, it is easy. I will do it for you,” the elf replied, leaping off the bed and starting for the door.
She ran in front of the door, throwing her body across it, blocking his exit.
Leif stared at her like she was being ridiculous.
“You can’t say anything. I know you are just trying to help, but my world is very different from yours. At least I have four years to figure things out. It’s not just about me, I have to consider my family and all of Rastella.”
Leif raised an eyebrow.
She stepped forward, lowering her defensive position.
“He’s a Prince.”
“So?” Leif said.
She shook her head. “Your father Striker—” Niv began.
“Do not call him that,” he interrupted angrily.
Niv stopped. This was the first time she had seen the elf truly angry. “I’m sorry. I thought that was his name.”
He stepped over to the bed where Sky was lying and rubbed the hoosula’s stomach. “It is Striker, his name I mean. Do not call him my father,” he shuddered. “We are nothing alike.”
“Okay,” Niv said. She headed back over towards the bed. “I just meant, people do what he says. He leads and either out of fear or obligation the elves obey him. The King wants us to be wed someday.”
The Portal Keeper Page 18