Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One)

by E. W. SALOKA

  “Well good morning my dear, I didn’t hear you leave the castle. Where did you go? “

  Daksha whipped her head around to face him. “What makes you think I left the castle?”

  “Why..! Because there is snow and ice all over your boots,” he said with an expression as smooth as butter.

  “Well, I just went outside to get cream for your coffee, I let it chill there overnight.” She paused and rubbed her forehead. “The winds had calmed, so I took a walk.”

  “He placed his hand on her shoulder and left it there for a minute while he stared at her. “Well that is fine then, I’ll have breakfast now. What you’re preparing has given me an appetite.”

  She kept her voice light as not to arouse his suspicion. We are having sausage links and biscuits with honey. I know you enjoy them.”

  He nodded sipping his coffee. Daksha placed his food in front of him and then watched him eat.

  “Where is your food?” he said between mouthfuls. “Tea is hardly enough of a breakfast my sweet one. Why aren’t you hungry? Daksha you’re becoming skin and bones” he rubbed her thin shoulder.

  “I can have a biscuit, I suppose.” She smeared on a dab of honey and daintily picked at it.

  Rianor reached into the pan, lifted out some sausages, and put them on her small plate, “Eat these too.”

  She looked at her plate and felt sick to her stomach. All at once, she got up from the table and ran into the other room, shaky and sweating profusely.

  He went in and touched her cheek. “What is it? You look very tired and weak. Maybe you should go back to bed and rest.” Daksha’s eyes were glassy and her skin was very pale, almost white. “I am concerned about you, now go rest.”

  Daksha’s heart was beating very fast and she felt dizzy. Rianor helped her into bed and covered her. “Sleep,” he said firmly. Gently he kissed her hand and left the room.

  Daksha sat up in her bed and tried to make sense out of what had happened. Left alone with her thoughts she felt she needed to talk to someone. She wished she could go home and see her father. Sometimes she missed him, like now. So many years had passed and she realized this time she could never get back. It was gone forever. She thought perhaps all of the evil in her life is now coming full circle and now she was reaping it.

  Dredd’s dragon flew smoothly through the air, sweeping upward and gliding effortlessly toward the clouds. Dredd held on to Payne’s spiked collar and let the ride take him. He was an expert rider and these were some of his best times. His dragon Payne was a sleek, stealthy creature, a chameleon- dragon that could change his pigmentation to blend in with his surroundings or to match his mood. He adopted Dredd as his rider, he liked his style and they had been together for a while. He lived at the Domino farm in one of the storage barns to be near Dredd, as they were good friends. Payne was intelligent and very creative. He had a workshop at the barn and he and Dredd would work on projects together. Payne loved to read, and together they built bookshelves for the many books. He taught Dredd many things and was a bit of a mentor to the young man. Payne was always looking out for him and his sister. When he would go to the hunting grounds, if he found something interesting he would bring it back to Dredd. On one such outing, Payne found something and brought it back with him. The next morning he gave what he found to Dredd.

  “Thanks Payne,” he said and put it in his pocket.

  Payne nodded his large head. “It looked interesting Dredd, I thought you might like it.”

  Payne had been working on an elixir, a potion of sorts and it seemed to have medicinal properties. When he gave a thimbleful to Andi her headache disappeared. She had been having pain all day, so it this was a good thing. It started to have a strange effect on her and she was able to jump as high as the tree in their yard. Then when she went to gather the wash, she nearly flew there. They both laughed at this, but Andi said it wasn’t funny, and Payne’s elixir wasn’t quite ready for human consumption. Payne agreed and went back to tweak the potion a little bit more.

  Dredd patted his dragon’s neck. “That’s alright; remember you wanted to change the formula anyway.”

  Andi shook her head at both of them. “I’m not going to be used for any more experiments; it’s too dangerous, the next time I could end up with something worse, like a tail!” She walked up the back porch still muttering under her breath.

  Dredd followed Payne as he slunk off. “My sister doesn’t realize you’re ahead of you time as a scientist. She should be honored to be a part of your experiments.”

  Payne was quick to add, “I will improve the formula until it is perfect.”

  Dredd nodded. “I know you will. I want to check on something in town, be back later.”

  Dredd went and picked his horse Samuel out of the stable. “Come on old boy; let’s go for a quick ride.”

  He arrived at the shop right before it closed. The old man inside voiced his complaint with Dredd.

  “You there what do you want? I’m about ready to close in a few minutes. Can’t this wait until tomorrow?” The old man had a cane and spoke in a raspy voice. “I’m about ready to have my supper, an old man needs to eat you know, and I’ve been on my feet all day.” He had a chair there but the old shopkeeper preferred to use his cane, fussing with his customers all day. He was quite cantankerous but kept a good selection of interesting items and the price was about right. He also sometimes accepted things that were of some value for a fair trade.

  Dredd pulled a silver piece of jewelry out of his pocket and tossed it on the counter.

  The shopkeeper removed his thick glasses and brought out a small glass that fit over his right eye. As he peered at Dredd, his eye looked enormous and oddly misshapen even without the magnification.

  Dredd grabbed his silver trinket and started to say something.

  The old man walked him towards the door. “Throw it away or keep it, but it’s not worth much to me!”

  Dredd shot back at him, “it’s special to me that’s all. What do you know anyway?”

  The shopkeeper threw his hands in the air and mumbled something about his dinner getting cold. He locked the door and pulled down the shutters. Making his way into the back where his living quarters were, he eased his sparse frame into a waiting chair and rested before his evening meal.

  Dredd was a little angry with the shopkeeper, but then realized he was always sour. It wouldn’t have mattered if he had come earlier, the old man would have had a fit just the same. It was his way. He took the silver trinket out of his pocket and inspected it. Yes, it was a little unusual, but Dredd liked it just the same. He put it on a chain and fastened it around his neck.

  He rode Samuel back to the farm, then at the stable he brushed the horse until it shone. Dredd gave him a carrot and covered him with his plaid blanket.

  “Here we go ol’ boy, lets get you back with Sallie and Molly, its getting late.” The other two horses shook their heads at him. Dredd didn’t like the farm much but he enjoyed the horses. He took good care of them. Samuel, being his favorite always got an extra carrot, apple or bag of oats. After feeding and watering the horses, Dredd took the lantern and made his way back to the house. He could smell Andi’s cooking from outside. He didn’t know what she was preparing but he was hungry. At the kitchen table there was a big bowl of vegetable soup. Then Andi brought over a plate with fried apples and thick slices of maple-cured ham.

  “I’m glad you’re here Dredd. After supper, you should check on Payne and see how he is. I was hoping I wasn’t mean to him when he gave me his new elixir.”

  “Yeah, that was harsh Andi , he was only trying to help you.”

  “I know, I suppose it’s interesting to have all this strength and abilities I didn’t possess before.”

  Soon he was full and very tired. Andi was busy with her needlepoint, humming happily. Everything was peaceful at the Domino Farm, at least for tonight.

  Nine - Thomas’s Rude Awakening

  Faazen rose in the middle of the night, he
wasn’t sure why, but something was bothering him in some way. It was not a dream because it seemed more real and tangible. He thought if he stayed awake for a while, he could piece the mystery together. He knew it had something to do with the leaf; it was as if the silver leaf was calling him, challenging him to find the answer, there seemed to be something missing of course. He remembered the night when he and the two others cast the spell. At times, and especially recently he would awake in a cold sweat with his heart pounding, and it was usually the same dream. He was walking down a very long corridor, one that seemed to go on and on, and then quite suddenly there was a long drop. Hanging in front of him close enough to touch, was the silver leaf. When he tried to grab it, he would fall into a deep cavern that seemed to swallow him whole. He would jump up startled and realize it was just a dream. The whole thing was very unsettling. What could it all mean? Faazen was still pondering these things when there was a large crash outside the gate. It sounded like a tree branch had crashed into one of the turrets. He walked outside and saw Rore. Rianor’s black beast was perched on the castle turret. In his claws, he was holding Thomas, who was struggling to get away.

  “What do you want with him? Let him go Rore! What does Rianor want with my guests? This is between him and I, Thomas has nothing to do with it. Let him go Now!” The dark sky turned an eerie shade of purple as the winds whipped around and lightning flew down. The bolts were sharp and jagged as they struck at the dragon. He dropped Thomas who landed in the bushes with a loud thud. The great beast kept whipping his tail and fires spewed forth.

  Thomas got up and shakily made his way over to Faazen. “What happened? I was sleeping and then there was a loud crash, and this foul creature carried me off.”

  “Yes I know, go in now and I will finish this!”

  Rore was unable to take flight as sharp bolts hit him. Every move he made shocked his body and left him paralyzed and pinned down. Faazen held him there.

  “I am letting you go now Rore, go back to Rianor and give him this message. Next time it will be just him and I. “Now leave!” With that the winds died down as the lightning disappeared. Rore quickly flew back to Windsword.

  The wizard folded his arms then looked heavenward. “Oh Wise Souls thank you!” Faazen then went inside; Thomas was at his side immediately firing ten questions at once. “Calm down Thomas, I understand of course you are upset.” Thomas was pacing back and forth, thankfully Zach slept through everything.

  Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead and he mopped at it with his pajama sleeve. What was that and why was it after me?”

  Faazen spoke quietly. “It is just more of Rianor’s scare tactics. I had Rore under control.”

  “Didn’t look like it to me Faazen, he seemed quite the monster. You weren’t trapped in his claws. Its a whole different experience when you are suspended in mid-air!” Thomas’s voice took on a noticeable crescendo.

  “Yes I’m sure old Rore could be fearsome.” Faazen had a serious look.

  “Could be, and is fearsome! I could use a stiff drink. What do you have for me?”

  “I have something you may like.” Faazen went to a low wooden cabinet and behind a small door, a tray slid out. On the tray were two crystal goblets. Faazen passed his hand over them and they became filled with a rich vintage cognac.

  “Now you’re talking my language.” Thomas patted him on the back and then said goodnight.

  Faazen thought it best to stay awake for a while, and retire to the Inner Sanctum. Once there he would enter his chamber and have a wisdom sleep. Tomorrow he would feel rested, refreshed, and filled with the wisdom of the ages. Much was given to him, and with that responsibility, much was required.

  In his room, Thomas sat on the side of the bed trying to piece together the chain of events that led to the attack by the crazed dragon. After letting the cognac warm his bruised body, he got into bed and finally fell asleep.

  Colby Shaw made his way down the road. He was walking slowly and sort of sauntering back and forth, weaving to one side then the other. He had one too many stout ales and he was singing merrily, loud, and especially off-key. Arriving at the Domino farm, he walked over to what he thought was Andi’s window. Picking up a few small stones, he gently threw one then the other hoping to get her attention. Maybe the girl would come down and meet him here in the moonlight. In his mind’s eye, it seemed quite romantic. A few minutes later, someone did come to the window, but it was not Andi.

  “What is going on down there?” Dredd looked angrily at him. “Decent people are sleeping at this hour. Go home, you’re drunk Shaw!”

  Colby apologized profusely, “I am sorry Dredd, I was hoping to see your fair sister.”

  “Well she doesn’t want to see you, I’m sure she is asleep. Don’t let her catch you on our property at night, she might never speak to you again! Up to you, but I would leave.”

  Colby hung his head down sheepishly. “Yes, yes, you’re right I’ll go now. Sorry,” he said slurring his speech.

  Dredd shook his head, closed the window and fell back into bed, muttering under his breath.

  Colby made his way back to his room at Weller’s Tavern . He agreed he did have a few too many drinks tonight, and showing up at the Domino Farm wasn’t his best idea. While pondering some things, he dropped his guard and didn’t realize someone had been following him. and as they drew closer, he saw long golden curls peeking out.

  “Hello Mr. Shaw, where are you going at such a late hour?”

  Colby thought she resembled the woman he saw the other night at the tavern. Oh yes, it was her, he wondered what she wanted.

  She was pretty in the moonlight with her hood down and her hair falling around her shoulders. Her eyes were twin pools.

  I’m going back to my room, I had a little too much to drink? What are you here for?” He hiccupped, “excuse me” Colby said.

  “Well Mr. Shaw I am wondering that myself.” Daksha paused for a moment but was also perplexed. What was she doing here?

  Colby could feel a pang of something, he knew it from the first moment he met Andi at her farm. So it was that something he couldn’t quite understand that stopped him from going any further with this beautiful woman. A moment of fun perhaps, but regret in the morning would surely follow. He was certainly tired of having next morning regrets.

  Colby cleared his head and spoke quietly. “Goodnight Miss, I need to leave. I’m sure there is someone wondering where you are right now.”

  Daksha had to admit there was, and he was probably pacing the frozen grounds cursing her name to the dark skies. She pulled her cloak tight and walked closer to Colby.,

  “You are wise for one so young Mr. Shaw, I’m not sure why I came here, lately I’m surprising myself doing things I don’t understand..”

  Colby understood, she looked confused and unsure, like a scared child. He took her pale hands and looked in her luminous eyes, I know you’re scared, I see it on your face. I don’t know why, but I do know you can’t live in fear. I saw it the other night and now I see it again. Daksha hugged him briefly, kissed his cheek and disappeared into the night.

  when he finally arrived back to his room, Angus was standing outside the door with his arms folded and shaking his head.

  “I see you had a wee bit too much ale again Shaw, what’s wrong with you boy? You’re never going to win Miss Andi’s heart like this, all tanked up most every night.”

  “Yea, Yea, I know. I made a fool of myself at her window; well at least I thought it was. Her brother was none too happy with me.” Colby started laughing. “It was his window! “

  Angus laughed with him. “Colby Shaw, you’re a corker alright.” He patted the young man on the back. “Get yourself some sleep. I need help in the morning with some inventory. Might as well put you to work, keep you out of trouble I’m thinking.”

  Colby had to agree. “Yes, maybe so, and hey, thanks.”

  Angus smiled, “think nothing of it. I am glad to help when I can.”

&nbs
p; Zach awoke early and shielded his eyes as the glaring sun filtered into the room. He looked out the high window and saw Myloe and Moplie flitting around below in the courtyard. They stopped and started throwing berries at one another from a nearby bush., Zach could hear Faazen scolding them. Zach then tried to rouse his grandfather a few times to awaken him, but he wouldn’t get up, so he dressed quietly and tried not to disturb him.

  “Good morning Zach.” Faazen was gathering oranges from the fragrant trees. He tossed one to Zach, who caught it neatly.

  “I couldn’t wake granddad, he seemed to be out cold. His face was quite puffy and swollen. Did he get hurt or something?”

  “Yes that’s true, my boy, there was an issue last night with Rianor’s dragon, Rore. Thomas was the unwitting victim and was dropped head first into the bushes. It was quite a fall. I picked some herbs earlier to apply to his wounds. Now I have them steeping in some liquid to make a paste. The salve will take away the swelling and heal the bruises nicely. I would think it best to allow your granddad to rest a bit to regain his strength. He will be feeling like himself again.”

  “I’m concerned. Will he be ok?” Zach took a protective stance, his arms folded square against his chest.

  “He’ll be fine after I give him this special mixture, which will promote healing. It has never failed, so you just have to trust me. I know how important your grandfather is to you.”

  “Thanks for understanding;. He means a lot to me.”

  “Let’s go and see your grandfather now. He should be about ready for breakfast.”

  Zach patted his stomach. “I could eat too.”

  “Bergouhy, ask Cook to have breakfast ready for us when we return. We’ll all eat together.”