Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One)

by E. W. SALOKA

  “Fine,” Zach said.” Why did you leave Dragmar so fast, and does your sister know you’re here?”

  “That’s two questions,” Dredd said. “I only agreed on one.”

  “Stop being so dramatic, what’s with you anyway?” Zach folded his arms and smirked at him.

  Dredd was now amused. “I’m not social”

  “Yeah, you could have fooled me. Faazen just wanted us to meet because we’re around the same age.”

  Dredd glared again. “The wizard interferes too much.”

  “No, he’s nice Dredd, he’s actually pretty cool to granddad and me. The castle is amazing.”

  “You’re a kid what do you know?”

  “Stop calling me a kid! I am older than my years. My granddad says I have an old soul.”

  “What does he mean by that?” Dredd said slightly intrigued.

  “My dad disappeared when I was young, and years later I lost my mom in a car crash. It’s just been my grandfather and I ever since, and you grow up after something like that.” Zach was pensive thinking how much he still missed them both.

  Dredd understood because he also lost his parents at an early age. “Yeah, me too. It does something to you I guess.”

  “Then it’s just you and your sister?” Zach asked.

  “Yes, for several years now,” Dredd said.

  “Well, then you know how it changes you.”

  Dredd had to agree with him. “I do know,.”

  “Then can we try to get along for Faazen’s sake?” Zach said eyeing him hard.

  “I suppose I could tolerate you in small doses,” Dredd said.

  I’ll take that,” Zach said.

  Dredd sat back in his chair and nodded. “Don’t mention it” he said with a half-smile.

  Andi had a worried look on her face, and wrinkled her brow looking furtively towards the door. Dredd had taken off in a hurry after supper and she knew he was at the tavern. He had something against Colby Shaw. She also knew that Zachary had followed Dredd, wherever he was going. She motioned to the wizard as he was pouring the brandy.

  “What is it my dear, you seem troubled?”

  “I’m sorry to say Faazen, I believe Dredd went to that tavern to spy on Mr. Shaw. Zachary took off after him.”

  “Oh, I knew that, boys will be boys. They will be fine I’m sure.”

  “Won’t Thomas worry about his grandson being out so late?” Andi was wringing her small hands in an anxious way.

  “Perhaps” Faazen stated. “I will mention it to him in a bit if the boys don’t soon return.” Faazen stood up; “will you all excuse me for a few minutes?” The wizard walked outside and looked up at the evening sky. “Fallicon, I need you to go and retrieve Dredd and Zach. I think they could be in a dangerous situation.”

  There was a voice echoing in the air. “As you wish Faazen, I will bring the boys back safely.”

  “Very well my friend, as always your service is appreciated.”

  “It is my pleasure good wizard.” The voice trailed off in the distance.

  Dredd stood up and Zach was quick to follow. “C’mon Zach we have to get out of here.”

  “What’s going on?” Zach said.

  “Just follow my lead.” Dredd made his way to the door.

  “Dredd” a female voice called out, “don’t leave so soon. We haven’t had a proper drink to celebrate.”

  He slowly turned around . “Ilsa Ivey, what rock did you crawl out from under?”

  She scowled at him. “Now is that any way to treat another racerider, and an old school chum.”

  “Well Ilsa, every time you show up bad things happen” Dredd said in a matter of fact way.”

  “It must be my devastating charm I guess.” She said coyly.

  “It’s something much worse. Goodbye Ilsa, and don’t tell your family of toads hello.”

  “You can tell them yourself Dredd, my brothers are right outside the door. “

  Zach looked amused, but Dredd gulped nervously.

  “Are you ready to have that drink now?” Ilsa had a defiant stance as she blocked their way with her muscular form.” I’ve got you now Dredd Domino you cannot run from me this time.”

  She wasn’t a pretty girl, not as pretty goes. Her features were masculine and she had a squat powerful build. Zach decided she could whip them both in a fight with little effort on her part. That nasty scowl made her look evil. However when she talked to Dredd she almost smiled once or twice. Her dark hair was short, but her face was almost interesting with its planes and angles.

  “Forget it Ilsa. If I see you again it will be too soon.” Zach followed as Dredd quickly exited past her almost knocking her down. Outside the tavern Ilsa’s brothers, a nasty pair, were leaning against the post in a menacing way. Ilsa came out very upset. Both of them sprang to action and muscled in on Dredd starting to corner him. The large one pulled out a short dagger and flicked it back and forth. Dredd wasted no time and proceeded to go for his horse. Her two brothers blocked his way and the one held the dagger at his throat. He almost growled the words. “When our sister asks you to have a drink with her, you do it! Understand pretty boy!”

  At that moment, they saw Fallicon. He was waiting with his silver wings poised and ready to fly off. “Come gentlemen, I was sent by Faazen. There will be trouble here.”

  Dredd jumped on the winged horse with Zach right behind him. “Too late Fallicon trouble already showed up, let’s get out of here now! “

  Ilsa shouted at the pair as they took to the sky. “Next time Dredd, you won’t be so lucky.”

  Fallicon dropped them both off at the castle and flew off in a hurry. Faazen was standing close by. He waved to the winged horse and collected his wayward boys. “What were you two doing tonight?”

  “Nothing much,” Dredd said nonchalantly.

  Zach just stared at the ground, his hair hanging over his eyes.

  “It must have been something or I wouldn’t have summoned Fallicon. I sensed there would be trouble afoot. Dredd I don’t want you involved with that girl and her family of pirates and rogues.”

  “I don’t either. We tried to leave but her nasty brothers cornered us outside. I was going to get the horse but he wasn’t there.” Dredd was apologetic as he tried to cover his tracks.

  Faazen was emphatic. “He came back home and is in the stable now. I am more concerned about you boys. Those Ivey louts are a dangerous sort. Do you both understand to keep away from those people? I don’t like to judge them, but they make it easy when they attack those closest to me.”

  Zach looked at the wizard solemnly. “I understand Faazen, you have my word,” and then he nudged Dredd, who just nodded.

  “Well at least you looked out for Zach” Faazen patted Dredd on the back.

  “It couldn’t be helped. He followed me… you know.”

  “Yes I know. I suppose he did.”

  “What about me? I’m right here guys. Stop talking about me.” Zach said.

  Dredd spoke up. “Hey look, it’s over now. Let’s forget about it. It is late and I’m going home. See ya.”

  Zach started walking away. “Yeah, me too. Goodnight.”

  The wizard threw his hands up in the air “As it should be.”

  Thomas came running out of the castle “Where was Zach? I just saw him grab a few cookies from your cupboard and a milk bottle. He looked terrible.”

  “He and Dredd went out for a bit. They were discussing the upcoming race.”

  Thomas relaxed. “All right then, possibly, he could give my boy a few pointers.”

  “That is exactly what I was thinking,” Faazen said keeping his voice light. “We should call it an evening because everyone is tired. I could use some sleep myself, It has been a long day.”

  Andi walked out to the gates with Dredd. “Thank you for a lovely time gentlemen.”

  “It was very nice my dear and do come again. You and Dredd are always welcome at Dragmar.”

  She leaned over and whispered in his
ear. “Thank you for bringing him back safely.”

  Faazen nodded. The two black horses trotted up and Dredd opened the door to the carriage for his sister to enter.

  “A safe ride home and sleep well” the wizard called. The horses rode into the night and Thomas waved goodbye until the carriage was out of view.

  When Andi and Dredd arrived home, they were both very tired. Dredd had an apologetic look on his face. “Sorry I left when I did sis.”

  “Its alright brother, but Zachary came after you and it could have been dangerous for him.”

  “No one told him to go. I guess he’s okay though.”

  “That’s good to hear Dredd because he is Faazen’s guest.”

  “Yeah whatever, I’m going to bed, night” he said sleepily.

  “See you in the morning.” Andi prepared a warm glass of milk and sprinkled in some cinnamon. “Mmm,” she said as she carried the cup into the bedroom. Andi pulled on her favorite warm nightgown and folded down her cozy quilts. Crawling sleepily into her bed she plumped the pillows, took a few more sips of her spice- scented milk and lying down, fell fast asleep.

  Faazen took a few minutes to obtain a book from his study before turning in for the night.

  Zach went to his room earlier and Thomas followed him not much later. The wizard was not as tired as he thought and was slightly puzzled. Late at night when he was alone seemed to be a good time to think quietly. Ideas would come to him and answers to questions he did not know he even had. Overall, it was rather peaceful. He always looked forward to this time. Bergouhy appeared with his usual thimbleful of sweet almond nightcap, which helped.. The halls were so quiet he could hear his tiny dragon Pelsa alight on his shoulder. “Hello little girl, How is my Pelsa tonight?” She was as a little peacock, with plum colored wings and a bluish lavender body. At her throat was a jeweled necklace and she seemed to be singing to the wizard in her melodic voice. “Yes, you have a lovely song tonight dear.” The dragon stopped her singing, rubbed her master’s cheek, and flew off to another part of the castle. Faazen had many pets and small dragons that roamed around the castle. He was kind to all of them. His greatest riches were his kindness and big heart. No one had anything bad to say about the wizard. He was well liked by everyone and esteemed. The wizard had immense wealth but he shared with those he loved and those in need as well. Ready for his wisdom sleep, Faazen entered his sleep chamber. Something jolted him and he practically ran to the gates knowing something was wrong.

  Eleven - The Uninvited Guest

  There stood Rianor next to his black beast, Rore. He was well over six feet and had an imposing stature. His eyes, the coldest and iciest blue, could pierce through to one’s soul. Long dark hair whipped about his face. The ice wizard wore a dark blue cloak and to his hip was strapped a blue dragon- jeweled dagger. He wore leather gloves finished in silver spikes, and his dark boots had the same treatment.

  Rianor exuded fierceness, with his rugged good looks and powerful physique. It was easy for any woman to fall under his spell and he knew this, using it to his advantage. With smooth speech and cunning ways, he was intelligent with a dangerous twist. This made him quite unpredictable and hard to deal with in any situation. Rianor eyed the wizard coldly, watching him approach.

  Faazen illuminated light when he stood face to face against his nemesis. It was almost blinding, shining from within. This happened at times, so it was not really a concern to the ice wizard. Rianor remembered when he was the wizard’s young apprentice. To him it was just a trick, nothing denoting of true magical abilities, more like a smoke and mirrors effect.

  Still he clapped.” Faazen, ever the good wizard, and the wise souls light still shield you, I see.”

  “They are always with me in one way or another. Their presence cannot be ignored. They have warned me of a night such as this. Have you come for blood Rianor?”

  “No, not really old man, more like a quest. I believe you have the answer to my puzzle.”

  Now Faazen found that interesting because he also had a puzzle, and sleep had eluded him for several days as he wrapped his mind around its clues and meanings. Then the prophecy is true and you might be one of the clues he thought. “Does this have anything to do with the silver leaf?”

  Rianor acted coy “Maybe yes and maybe no.”

  “One thing I don’t have time for is you being elusive. Speak your mind wizard! What do you want?” Faazen was clearly angry now and his facial muscles started to twitch.

  “I see your temper is still intact. You really should try to stay calm Faazen.” Rianor stood arrogantly with his arms folded, taunting the wizard.

  “I will not be calm when you show up unannounced disturbing my wisdom sleep and not answering my questions. Goodnight Rianor you are not welcome at Dragmar, or many other places I am sure.”

  “Do not be so sure wizard, I will not leave until I’m ready. Don’t make me show you how serious I can be if needed. Right now I am still amused by you Faazen.”

  “Amused! Why did Rore come after my guest? He does not mean anything to you.”

  “This may be true; there is something about him and his grandson. I may need to know more. I’m thinking they might be the missing piece of the puzzle.”

  Faazen’s voice was very low. “They are visitors to our kingdom, nothing more.”

  Rianor weighed his words. “Daksha seems to think otherwise.”

  This got Faazen’s attention. “What form of torture have you exacted on her? I have heard she is becoming fearful, and might say anything to avoid your fury.”

  Rianor’s mouth curled in a sneer. “Why I love that woman, I could never hurt her. I only show my Daksha tenderness and kindness.”

  “Ice wizard you have a twisted mind, leave now! As you must know here in the Seia Woods, your powers have no effect. My patience with you is wearing thin.”

  “Yes I know about your shield, old wizard. It is not as powerful as you seem to think it is. I could destroy this place just like that if I so inclined.” He snapped his fingers for effect.

  At that moment, Faazen raised his arms and a crackling white-hot light enveloped him shooting out towards Rianor’s dragon, Rore. The beast rocketed off in flight until he was a blur in the sky.

  “Oh, I see you scared old Rore with your parlor tricks again.”

  Faazen spoke quietly again. “Leave now or you will see my full wrath! “

  “The wrath of Faazen! Oh now I’m really frightened.”

  “The one thing that was starting to unnerve him was the eerie calm that Rianor portrayed this evening. It was quite chilling and it made him wonder what the ice wizard would do next. “Do you still have Medrith ?”

  “No I became bored with that old beast. Daksha had become quite the nursemaid taking care of her and

  the hatchling. I am thinking she probably let her escape. Varthon was very un-cooperative and I never trusted that dragon anyway. “

  This surprised Faazen. He would have known if Medrith was released. Varthon and Lorthax would have informed him, something was wrong. Rianor planned everything down to the smallest detail; it was highly unlike him to let his prisoners escape and not even care about it. Why did he have her there in the first place? Too many questions and nothing even resembling an answer. Something else had the ice wizard’s attention, something more valuable to him.

  “You know I want both halves of the silver leaf to bring the two worlds together,” Rianor said pointedly.

  “Knowing it would be disastrous, why even attempt it?” Faazen said angrily. The halves were kept apart for a reason. Who are you to tamper with such knowledge? The others and I were given the responsibility to keep the halves separate. Why can you not just be content to rule at Windsword? You were too young then and were not ready. I can see now we made the right decision.”

  “Please Faazen, you make me laugh, I am not content with anything. Challenges make you grow, you taught that long ago. Isn’t that why you are grooming young Zachary to be a racerider?
”

  Faazen spun around. “You don’t know anything about it!”

  “Don’t be so sure, you did the same thing with me. I did learn that from you. I do so like a good challenge Faazen.” With that last remark, Rianor disappeared into the night with hardly a flourish.

  Faazen thought about this confrontation and wondered what Rianor was up to; it was all a game to the ice wizard. He liked playing it close to the vest, never to give away his hand so quickly. Faazen let his mind drift back many years ago, remembering the sad eyes of a young boy. Black matted hair and tattered clothes, leaning against the castle gates hoping for food. No, he did not want to think of such things, that child was no more. What had stood before him this evening personified evil. Preparations had to be made, and through it all, he had to ensure the safety of his guests. The prophecy depended on it. He was aware that Rianor would try another mode of attack towards Thomas or Zach, or possibly both. An astute eye was needed to safeguard their protection. The wizard decided to check on them before entering his sleep chamber. He tiptoed quietly to the door and it was slightly ajar. To his dismay, both beds were empty and the sashes were wide open with the cold air chilling the room. It was his fear that Rianor had engaged him in a confrontation and then had his minions kidnap grandfather and grandson. He shook his head and sadly lamented that he was not able to protect his friends. Well there was not a moment to waste. He summoned the battle dragon who quickly appeared with his tremendous wings outstretched.

  “Xandar old friend, we need to go to Windsword. Rianor has captured Thomas and Zach. Are you ready?” Faazen pulled his hood up against the bitter winds they would soon encounter.

  “I am willing to help in any way to bring them back safely.” Xandar spoke with concern.

  He climbed onto the dragon and together they soared into the black night save for a few stars.

  Xandar-Sym flew low over the mountains and inspected the places where they thought Rianor’s ice prisons could be located. They were nowhere to be found, and Faazen was concerned. Flying into a blinding snowstorm, visibility was near zero. The dragon descended among the snow-drifted rocks because they could only see a few hundred feet in front of them. Suddenly Faazen spoke. “I need to go back to Dragmar.” The wizard sensed he was missing something important.