Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One)

by E. W. SALOKA

  “Oh good you are here” he called, “and just in time for supper.” He wore a long coat with matching trousers and a full brimmed hat. His eyes blazed like fire and it seemed like he knew all the mysteries of the world. Thomas was mesmerized In the presence of the wizard. They both felt obliged to bow, but just stood transfixed.

  “At your service gentlemen, my name is Faazen. Whatever I can do to make your stay more enjoyable please let me know. Welcome to Castle Dragmar. You are special guests here. Cook has been busy all day preparing for your dining pleasure, you must be famished.” He patted Zach’s back, “Come my lad, I’ll take you and your grandfather to your rooms to refresh yourselves. I have laid out some suitable garments and bathing linens.”

  They were hot, thirsty, and ready to refuel and partake of some refreshment. Two tiny things scampered up to the wizard and he called them by name. He seemed to have a fondness for the pair, Thomas thought.

  “Myloe and Moplie, come welcome our guests, and say hello.” “Hello” they sang in unison. Zach bent down and rubbed their heads. They were funny as they rolled around in the grass squeaking and giggling. In a flash they flew off to a small tree and hid. “Goodnight, goodnight,” they replied.

  The trio made their way past the castle gates and entered the wizard’s beautiful gardens. “You will have plenty of time tomorrow to become acquainted with your new surroundings.” They both nodded in agreement and walked past the courtyard.

  Once inside Faazen announced, “supper is being served in less than an hour. Bergouhy, what is on the menu tonight? We have some hungry guests dining with us.”

  “Some very good things sir, a succulent roast duckling and roasted lamb too.”

  “Wonderful” the wizard exclaimed “Everything will be in place for a relaxed meal, I am going to the long table and Bergouhy will show you to your rooms.”

  “Wow granddad, this castle is pretty cool, I wonder if it has a dungeon.” Zach examined the clothing laid out for him by the wizard, “these should be all right.” He kicked off his jeans and threw them in a corner.

  Thomas carefully folded his jacket and slacks and placed them on a chair by the bureau. He tried on the clothing Faazen gave him and found it very much to his liking. They were in a most pleasing shade of dark blue.

  They joined Faazen in the dining area and found him talking to his servers. He seemed to be giving instruction on the presentation of the dishes offered this evening. It all seemed very elegant. and when the two took their seats at the long table, one by one the servers came in carrying the silver platters, each more impressive than the one before.

  “Well I think everything is in place,” the wizard said. He stood ceremoniously at the head of the table. He poured from a silver flask, the amber liquid was sweet, made from ground hazelnuts and spiced oranges.

  “Please rise and let us lift our goblets to friendship and new adventures.”

  “To friendship,” they said in unison.

  “And now we feast.” the wizard smiled as he passed the steaming platters to Thomas and Zach. “Help yourselves to the muffins and fig breads. Our evening meal is not rushed, we take our time and enjoy.”

  “This is a wonderful supper Faazen, my grandson and I thank you for your hospitality.” Thomas was gracious as he spoke. He spooned some plum sauce on his duck and then reached for the hearty dark bread.

  “Thanks,” Zach mumbled, “everything’s great..”

  “Well, we are not through yet good sirs, Look at the desserts!” Servers were carrying crystal platters of every sweet treat. There were thickly sliced brownies, coconut frosted cupcakes, and vanilla iced cookies also some nicely spiced ginger cakes.

  “I couldn’t eat another bite, but I’ll force myself.” Thomas laughed at Zach who always had room for cakes, cookies and oh my! Look at the pies. Lattice topped apple and golden peach crumb pie. “We really should try just a bite granddad, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, please do have more, there is plenty. Whatever treats are left, will go to our good servers, their children do enjoy sweets. I always make sure there are enough for our guests and plenty of leftovers for the little ones.” Faazen had a warm kindness that showed in his good deeds towards all.

  They excused themselves from the table and joined their host as he walked down the lamp-lit castle hallways. Beautiful tapestries hung on the walls and they seemed to tell a story as you went from one to another. It almost came alive with their vibrancy and fine details. Thomas could see the expressions on the faces, and creatures depicted in each illustrated story.

  Everywhere Zach looked were small creatures roaming through the long halls. Tiny dragons flitted here and there in many illuminating colors. In the corner Thomas noticed large flowing plants with bright, shiny leaves. he felt drawn to walk over and touch them. Just at that moment, he heard a small voice.

  “Stop doing that, you might hurt me.” He whipped his head around to see the plant moving and shaking its leaves in disdain at him.

  “Oh don’t mind her she’s in a dreadful mood tonight. Be good Esme, this is a fine gentleman and his grandson, they are our guests. Say hello Esmeralda” The wizard spoke kindly to her.

  “Sometimes I prefer Esme,” said the tall, willowy plant.

  “How do we know when?” Zach asked

  “Only when I tell you, otherwise I won’t answer.” Esmerelda replied.

  “She really won’t” said another voice. This one sounded like tiny bells, shrill but joyful.

  “This is my sister Isabella, she is nice but boring and never lets me have any fun.”

  One was a tall willowy plant, and the other was short with very full leaves. It was as if they were two girls standing there with hands waving in the air.

  “I always have to referee with these two, but deep down in their roots they care for each other as good sisters should.” Faazen said.

  “Faazen, can you tell me if there are any male plants or are they all girls?” Zach had a confused look on his face.

  “Well, yes as a matter of fact there are a few but they are on the other side of the Castle. When they are together, they argue something dreadful. I’ve learned its best to keep them apart.”

  “I don’t want to hear about Cyrus and what’s his name anymore,” Esme’s voice became shrill. “Please stop talking about them.”

  “Isabella’s happy voice cut in. “I like them Esme, they are our brothers you know.”

  “Its fine my dear they are not here, young Zachary was just asking a question.” The wizard motioned them over. “The boys were once very mean to Esme and she still harbors a grudge unfortunately. However, Isabella likes visiting them and I take her over weekly so they can enjoy one another’s company.”

  Thomas was empathetic, “I could see where that could be a problem for you.”

  The wizard shook his head, “At times perhaps.”

  “Follow me gentlemen, I wish to show you a special place.” Thomas and Zachary walked behind the wizard as they made their way down the corridor through twists and turns until they reached a single stained glass door.

  Faazen spoke; his voice had a serious tone. “Enter my Inner Sanctum Thomas and Zachary.” At once, they saw the mist; it started to take on a life of its own as it reached as fingers toward them.

  “Don’t be alarmed! It only wants to determine if your intentions are for good or evil,” said the wizard.

  The strange ghost-like hands encircled Thomas and Zachary, moving around them slowly with purpose.

  “Just stand perfectly still and allow it to flow around you, there is nothing to fear here.”

  The mist felt odd to them as it slithered up their bodies. As it reached their chest, it seemed to cling closer.

  “It feels like its hugging me,” said Zach nervously.

  “Yes, this most definitely is something new Faazen,” Thomas agreed in a sarcastic tone.

  The wizard smiled. “It’s always a little amusing watching when someone does this for the first time
, forgive me.”

  The probing mist snaked its way around their heads and faces. “Please tell me its finished soon, this is creepy and weird.” Zach shivered inside.

  “I’ll second that,” mumbled Thomas.

  The mist faded away as Faazen made a sweeping gesture with his hands.

  “Are they ghosts?” asked Zach.

  “I like to call them guardians” Faazen said.

  “Well at least they’re finished. Did we pass the test?” asked Thomas with an irritated sound in his voice.

  “I assure you that you both have passed. As if, I had any doubts! Still, the guardians do insist.” The wizard said.

  Faazen closed his eyes and whispered a few words.

  “A million silver stars dance in the sky, while a jeweled net unfolds to carry us on high.” The wizard carefully led them across a mist covered bridge and towards the end; it felt like they were floating through a veil of sparkling diamonds. It seemed to move with them as they gently descended, stepping off into the snow.

  The three of them stood crouching in the bitter cold while Thomas could feel the thick air as it fell around them, enveloping as a heavy shroud. The change was a bit of a shock to his senses but it didn’t seem to bother him.

  Faazen spoke first. “My friends, I know you are wondering why I brought you here. This is where the air is icy cold and the inhabitants can be more so. Up ahead is the entrance to Windsword, but it cannot be entered, it is a trap! It appears as if you could enter it, but then captures the poor, hapless soul who would dare try to penetrate its frozen walls. Many years ago, I was a welcomed guest in its hallowed halls with fine food and fellowship, but those days are long gone. Rianor has chosen to shut out almost everyone, choosing to live as a hermit.

  He can be quite deadly in thought and nature; one never knows what he may do next. He has plenty of minions eager to do his bidding, scraping and bowing to meet his needs, catering to each of his devious whims. At one time, he was destined for greatness, and so I truly lament that he has turned into a sorcerer bent on evil and destruction.

  “I hope not to cross his path.” Thomas said quietly.

  “We all hope that, and this wizard likes to hide in the shadows. He is usually one-step ahead of everyone else. Now look ahead and be sharp, nothing is quite as it seems here.”

  Zach watched his step and moved stealthily behind the two. “Faazen,” he whispered, “are we invisible?”

  “Oh no my boy we are quite visible, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve, not to worry.” He said with a sly smile.

  Soon they were close to the castle and Thomas noticed the strangely beautiful ice carvings of some kind of creatures. They almost looked alive. As they drew closer, the ice sculptures seemed to move and change into another shape.

  The wise wizard motioned for them to step behind him. “Do nothing but stay hidden and don’t make a sound.

  We are not ready for confrontation, I brought you here so you could observe, and I could give instructions on how to enter Windsword safely. Try not to stare at them for too long. They can entrance you, and draw one in for a surprise attack. Their stings are deadly, and trust me when I say you would not survive.”

  Thomas looked surprised but still spoke with authority. “I must ask you Faazen, why do we need to go to the castle for this surprise attack? So much remains hidden, and although you say this will come in time, I still wonder why my grandson and I are involved in such a thing. The questions I have could fill a notebook.”

  The wise wizard thoughtfully stroked his silver beard and spoke softly. “Of course, you have questions my fine man. Anyone would and that is fully understandable. I want you to know that it is good to feel this way. There may not be much I can say as of yet, but it is acceptable to ask.”

  Faazen knew the questions Thomas had but was not able to answer as of yet. Things were going to unfold in their own way and this journey was only just beginning.

  “Come on my friends, stop looking so glum!” The wizard smiled broadly and waved for the twosome to join him. “Let me show you something.” He pulled a large globe from inside of his cloak. It sparkled with a blue glow and a shower of incandescent beams. In the center, they saw their journey so far, the winged horse, Marquor, and everything. They were transfixed as the events unfolded before their eyes.

  “You were brought here for a reason and the knowledge gained and the character you develop will be with you always.”

  “I wanted you both to see that your visit was foretold long ago.”

  Thomas understood a bit, of what the wizard told them, but was content to learn the rest in time. After all, he agreed to come here, when Fallicon appeared outside his window that snowy night. It really was another world ago. Time was interesting like that, especially when in another place.

  All at once, they were jolted back to the present when they heard footsteps in the snow, more like boots scraping in the ice, coming closer. They stood face to face with a most intriguing hooded figure; all that was visible were black rimmed eyes and a most petulant scowl.

  “Hello Faazen what are you doing at Windsword and who are they?” She sniffed at disdain at both Thomas and Zachary.

  “Hello Daksha, I might ask what you are doing out here. Does Rianor have you spying for him now as one of his lowly minions?”

  “Watch it; I am not in the mood for any of your snide remarks tonight. I have enough of my own issues at the present, which is why I am not interested in you or your friends. You can stay here all night until Rianor himself finds you in the morning when he takes his walk at dawn.”

  Faazen stood on the ice, chipping at it with his boot. “Please Daksha, I am not concerned about Rianor and his many threats against me. That is all they are empty threats.”

  She threw her arms up into the air. “I refuse to be involved in this foolish conversation a moment longer. I am off!” Then she quickly disappeared into the night.

  “That was quite an exit Daksha. As always you are the drama queen.” Faazen said, shaking his head. He knew if he met Daksha, Rianor would not be far behind. Her warning did not sit well with him, but still he decided to take her advice, although reluctantly. Faazen had the safety of Thomas and Zachary to consider.

  “Come my friends, a little change of plans are in order. We are leaving now!” At that moment, he raised his hands into the sky and a silver mist transported them back to his Inner Sanctum. It was all in an instant and Zach fell back to the floor cushions and flopped down.

  “Wow, what a trip” Zach said, “I’m so tired.”

  Thomas also nodded, at a loss for words. “Could we possibly call it a night? I am also rather weary.”

  The wizard smiled, “oh yes you should both go and rest for the evening. I need to do a few things before retiring for the night.”

  Thomas yawned, “Goodnight” he said and went to his bedchambers. Zach followed, rubbing his eyes.

  “Wait for me grandfather, I’m right behind you. Goodnight Faazen…” his voice trailed off as they rounded the long hall.

  “Yes, yes, sleep well gentlemen.” The wizard sat down at his desk and was engrossed in his thoughts, not hearing someone coming up beside him. “Ah, Berge my good fellow, how thoughtful of you to bring a thimbleful of that splendid hazelnut drink that helps me rest so well.”

  The small gnomlie nodded his head and smiled. “It is my great pleasure to be of help sir Faazen.” He was smaller in stature than the other gnomlies. The kind wizard took him in years ago. He had not grown very well and needed special nutrients and extra care. The years passed and Bergouhy grew healthy. Because he knew the inner workings of the castle so well, Faazen had come to rely on him to keep Dragmar running smoothly. He became like a mentor to the young gnomlie, and Bergouhy had a knack of knowing what was helpful at all times. He distributed the manigrain loaves to the Seia Woods villagers and helped Cook harvest the garden vegetables. They would can the surplus for the biting cold winter, which was sure to follow. He was busy indeed
, but made it look like it wasn’t an effort at all. Such was his gift and he gave of himself generously. He also made the amber elixir from ground hazelnuts and the sweetest of oranges. The little gnomlie took his cue; “I will retire for the evening.”

  Faazen shook his head in agreement but was otherwise preoccupied with his thoughts.

  “I must confer with the wise souls. They will show me the path to take.” Faazen walked to the observatory and once there, stared thoughtfully into the heavens. Each star was a painted gem in a black velvet sky. He closed his eyes in deep concentration.

  The wizard whispered. “Oh wise souls who have gone before and walk this earth not once more.

  Who hold the skies in their hands and watch the deeds of woman and man.

  You who guide our paths, I seek you now, Hear my voice.”

  There was a loud rumbling as the heavens shook and three very different beings walked out of the stars. First there was Keeba, a sapphire -winged pixie child. Then Basha, a very old woman. The third wise soul was silver haired Etobi. Only those with courage and honor could summon the wise souls. Touching hands, they took their place at the opposite end of the observatory while Faazen knelt on the ground with his head bowed. Basha spoke gently her voice was barely above a whisper. “Come forward and present your request wise wizard.”

  Keeba fluttered her wings and nodded., Then Etobi spoke with a voice that thundered and crackled the night sky, Come forward now!

  “Thank you wise souls to do me this honor, I humbly come before you with reverence. I have a mystery to unravel and it concerns the two guests at Dragmar. The winged messenger brought them here and I would like to know if it has been foretold, as I believe it to be so. Their visit has caused quite a stir in our kingdom. I believe all will be revealed in time. However, I have concerns” and His voice broke off as Etobi spoke.

  “We know of them,” he said raising his hands.

  “We, have knowledge of your guests” Basha whispered.