Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One)

by E. W. SALOKA

  Andi was experiencing a little anxiety too. Dredd was being awful saying her hair was dreadful. She would have been in tears but realized her brother took pleasure in kidding her. Andi had styled her hair for hours and finally settled on gathering her curls to one side with a pearl barrette. Her dress was deep blue with elegant cap sleeves trimmed in silver. The look was enchanting, yet with a touch of whimsy. Andi was still primping when she heard a knock on her door. Taking a deep breath and taking a final look in her mirror Andi was satisfied and called out “I’ll be right there.” Taking her time she took another breath and slowly opened the back door.

  Colby Shaw was smiling and carrying a small bouquet of pink roses. A box of chocolates was neatly tucked under his arm.

  He held his breath for a second as his eyes drank in the beauty of the woman standing before him. Sweet Andi had been transformed into a goddess. “Miss Domino you are exquisite,” Colby uttered the words with adoration. “Your carriage awaits my lady,” he gestured with a sweep of his arm and she saw the fine white horse and red carriage. Her eyes were shining and her genuine smile brightened Colby’s heart. Because he couldn’t think of what else to do, he quickly kissed her and it surprised both of them. They held hands and almost tripped over their own feet because of not watching where they were walking.

  “Once in the carriage Colby leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Miss Andi I’m finding it hard to resist your charms.”

  “Mr. Shaw you’re making me blush.” They both laughed again and their conversation, peppered with stories that Colby told in such a way enthralled her. she found herself anticipating the next word.

  The carriage made its way and then stopped at a green shady glen down a few more winding roads. Colby had found this secluded area a few days ago and pronounced it the perfect spot for their first date picnic. There were rows upon rows of trees, and peach blossoms fell from their branches in a mound. The tiny blossoms floated in Andi’s hair and onto her cheek. She looked like an angel as she danced around the fragrant petals. He kissed her hand, and there in the gentle breeze Colby pulled forth a charm bracelet with a turquoise heart. He paused for a moment and then put the bracelet on her slender wrist. “Andi will you wear this token of my affection? It has been in my family for a long time and I’ve been waiting for someone special to wear it.”

  Andi’s heart melted as she said “yes, I will, it’s beautiful Colby.”

  “Thank you darling girl” then he stood up and wrapped his arms around her in a tender embrace. They set out their blanket and enjoyed their picnic together. Andi thought the game hens were divine, and the bubbles from the sparkling wine tickled her nose making her feel warm inside. Later, lazing in the afternoon sun they began to plan their next date.

  “Well aren’t you two the perfect pair of lovebirds.”

  Colby looked up and was surprised when he saw a small dragon speaking to them. Her wings fanned out as a peacock and she was eloquent as she said, “I am Mikko, Luck Dragon of a thousand peach blossoms.”

  Andi spoke shyly. “I have heard your stories but never have I seen you.”

  The dragon spoke softly again. “There is love fragrant in the air and it welcomed me. I am blessing you both today with a visit and a word of hope. There will be some obstacles to everlasting happiness and I cannot tell you what they are. Your heart must be true and pure to overcome them.” She looked at Colby. “Young man be wise and heed my words. Remember, the purpose you chose when you first came here has now changed and this journey has a new path. Do not look to either side and seek out other roads that could lead to dishonor and destruction. Have a clear eye as you set a course for your future and you will both be blessed.” Fluttering her iridescent wings, she disappeared but the essence of peach blossoms still filled the air.

  They both slowly looked around. Andi danced in a circle with outstretched arms, her smile sweet as the fragrance that permeated the air. Mikko the fabled and magical luck dragon had appeared and spoke to them and gave them her blessing.

  Colby had a worried look on his face. He was concerned about the warning the dragon gave him. He knew his life was changing in a big way, and was he up to the challenges that lie ahead. He would need to prove to be the man Andi deserved. First, he would set things in order. Their relationship was fresh and new, full of wonderful expectations. His choice was to move slowly. He hoped there would be time before…. He briefly looked away for a moment unable to think about it.

  “You look deep in thought Colby is something bothering you?” A look of concern crossed Andi’s face.

  He quickly brightened, “Of course not lets go shall we?” He took her hand and led her back to the carriage. The horse nuzzled Andi because she had swiped an apple from the basket and saved it for him. Colby settled her into the carriage and while the horse was munching on his treat, Colby cleaned up the remains of their picnic. Carefully he folded the blanket and put it in the wicker basket. When he returned the driver had come back. “Now sadly our date must end, there might be hungry chickens and other farm animals needing my fair maiden’s attention.”

  She hugged herself. It was perfect, magical in every way. “Colby Shaw you are full of surprises.” Andi gave him a flirty wink as she put her head on his shoulder and they started their ride back.

  Once at her farm they walked hand in hand, lost in emotions neither of them had experienced before. Words were not needed, just soft gazes that lingered as a gentle breeze wafting in the air.

  “I will see you soon sweet Andi, and probably be at your window until Dredd has to chase me away.”

  She put her hand on his cheek. “Well, he’s my brother and protective now that we’re dating.”

  They both laughed and Colby kissed her lips again, this time with more passion than he intended. They both pulled away nervously and looked at one another. It was too soon for both of them. Colby mumbled “goodbye,” hugged her quickly and ran back to the carriage. He waved before he whispered something to the driver and then left.

  Andi spun round and round dancing in the yard as chickens gathered about expecting to be fed. “Oh, you are looking for food, well not in my party dress little men and women. I’ll be right back.” She rushed into the house and carefully removed her lovely dress and fancy hair clasp. Pulling her hair back in a quick braid, she ran out the back door and went to the barn to get the feed. She fed the farm animals then went inside to make supper. Andi set an extra place at their table hoping Colby would stop in to share the evening meal. Lost in her own thoughts and up to her elbows in soapsuds, she did not hear the knock at the door. She wiped her wet hands on her apron and went to answer it. There standing in her doorway holding a woven basket was her friend Daisy.

  “I just had to know how your date went, I’m sure it was wonderful.” Daisy had her hair pulled up in a stylish knot with a few tendrils around her face. She was wearing one of her latest creations with a matching scarlet cape.

  “Oh yes, come in and let’s have some cool lemonade. I was just finishing up here anyway.”

  “I was hoping you would say that Andi. I am a little parched.”

  Andi carefully chipped at a small ice block and fixed two glasses of refreshing beverages for both of them. “What do you have there?” Andi glanced at the basket.

  “Oh this, I made a blueberry pie and some honey rolls for you and Dredd. I didn’t think you would want to be covered in flour after your first date today.”

  “Thank you” she said hugging her friend, “how sweet you are Daisy. I’m sure they will be delightful.”

  “Oh, we had a nice time, it was a romantic picnic lunch!”

  “It sounds to me like your day was enchanting.” Daisy said gushing to her friend.

  “It was Daisy, and just simple things like the way he looks at me and I at him. Oh yes I almost forgot, we saw Mikko, she appeared and it was amazing.”

  Her friend’s eyes lit up. “You know that is good luck.” She clasped Andi’s hand. “Now that means she has blesse
d you both.”

  “Does this mean I need to start working on a wedding dress? I’m ready, just tell me when.”

  “Daisy,” she exclaimed, “no” it’s too early for that.” Andi said wistfully.

  “I’ll get started on a dress for your next date. I have the color in mind, a soft apricot in honor of Mikko the Luck Dragon and the peach blossoms.”

  “That would be wonderful. What would I do without you Daisy?”

  “You need to look your most lovely again, and I like dressing you up in my creations.”

  “Daisy I don’t know how you will find the time, honestly with how busy you always are.”

  “For you I always find the time.”

  Both women smiled, their friendship was both treasured and special. Andi hoped that someday soon a certain someone would fall in love with her friend. He would look beyond the superficial and see the inner beauty that shone within Daisy. It was her gift and she shared it with all. Everyone so loved her talents and she was a busy seamstress. Her fingers were nimble and quick as she created pure magic. Andi was the lucky one because they were like sisters.

  Daisy smiled at her. “You have that lost in love gaze.”

  “I don’t know” Andi sighed. “I barely know him and yet, I do. He has an unassuming charm that takes my breath away. I think its love Daisy; it feels like it could be. But then again I never felt like this before, so I don’t know.”

  Her friend smiled. “You know your heart, so trust it and let yourself fall a little.”

  Andi hugged herself and touched her face. “Am I blushing again? I blush a lot, especially around Colby.”

  “Yes you are Andi, and love it is” Daisy announced happily.”

  Andi looked solemnly at her. “When will you meet someone Daisy? Is there someone special in your life I don’t know about?”

  Daisy smiled. “It’s something very new, he’s dignified and kind. A friend of Faazen’s, and his name is Thomas Wellington. He is staying at Dragmar with his grandson. We met shopping at the marketplace and he carried my bags,” she said shyly lowering her head. “I offered to be his friend and he accepted.”

  “I met him Daisy, he’s very nice and his grandson is training with Dredd to be a racerider. We all had supper together at Dragmar. He is an interesting man and quite intelligent. Are you seeing him again?” Andi looked at her friend smiling.

  “Perhaps Andi perhaps. We’ll just think good thoughts about it shall we? Now let’s go see if the curtains I made will fit your parlor window.” She held out a pair of russet drapes with golden tassels for Andi to inspect.

  “Very elegant Daisy, I certainly like them” and she hugged them to her chest

  The days passed quickly and soon turned into weeks. Zach spent his time dragon riding with Dredd and Payne. He liked the friendship the two of them shared. He was fond of Xandar-Sym, the dragon he had been training with, but he was starting to think that maybe he could have his own dragon too.

  “Zach I was thinking you might like to go to the hatching grounds and find your own dragon.” Faazen announced brightly.

  “I would like a dragon like Xandar or Payne, they’re awesome Faazen!”

  The wizard paused for a moment. “Zach you cannot have a full grown dragon, you will pick a hatchling at the Hatching Grounds. That is how a rider finds his dragon and a dragon finds his rider.”

  “I don’t want to start with a baby dragon. Can I have Xandar-Sym?”

  “No Zachary, nobody can have Xandar. He is his own dragon with a mate, Arrathon-Sym and Xaxxar, his hatchling. He is a member of the royal dragon bloodline along with Marquor, Varthon and Lorthax. The dragons from the royal dragon bloodline never pair with humans, not to say that it cannot happen. I would say it is highly unusual.

  Every rider starts with a hatchling so that the dragon can grow with you. Tomorrow we’ll find a suitable hatchling, and one you will like.” Faazen sat down in his chair and let Zach think about this.

  Zach stopped being defiant and finally agreed with the wizard. It was clear he knew best in these matters, and the boy was anxious to tell his granddad about his new dragon.

  Kenzie called out to the hatchlings as they awoke. The hatchlings were ready to break out of their shells. There was Lorhthax’s young one who was particularly comical. He had started to shake off his shell and his huge head popped out with bits of shell sticking to him. He was a sight, and the little thing kept yipping and yelping and was already starting to form words.

  Brenna had her hands on her hips and was quick to add, “oh he’s a lively one dear, I can just tell.” Kenzie had to agree as the little red dragon finally emerged and made his presence known. He was the size of a small dog, and followed Kenzie everywhere. It got to where the wee one cried outside, and demanded to be let in their cottage. He would sit by the fire with the gnomlie couple every night as they had their evening meal. Lorthax was very proud of his young one and gave him a special name, Julefire. The hatchling’s blazing crimson color was special and he would be carrying on the fine heritage of the Royal Dragon Bloodline and their ancestors. However he talked incessantly and was quite verbal whether he knew what he was saying or not. Kenzie enjoyed the small dragon and was patient as he was forming words and learning speech. It didn’t take Julefire long at all, and in a matter of weeks, he was having full conversations with everyone and anyone who would listen. Marquor was quite stern as she was the aunt of the spirited Julefire. “Hush little dragon, you speak too much, learn to listen more.” Julefire looked at her with big eyes. He liked everyone and was affectionate as an oversized puppy. He rolled over in enthusiasm and peeked out from the grass.

  Zach and Faazen arrived at the hatching grounds and Zach was excited he was selecting his own dragon. “Hello little guy,” he called to one who was sleeping in a curled up ball and was the color of grey steel with green wings. He really liked that one, “wake up please.” He petted the small dragon who was sleeping soundly. Zach looked down at the ground dejectedly.

  Julefire came up to Zach and started up a conversation. “Who are you?” he asked.

  “I beg your pardon small dragon, were you talking to me?” Zach pointed to his chest.

  “Oh, yes I was, are you looking for a dragon? You must be a rider then.”

  “Yes, actually I am, never had my own dragon.”

  “Well I never had my own rider!” He said with authority. Zach laughed at him.

  Faazen smiled, “Ah yes this is Julefire, Lorthax’s son. I heard much about you youngster.”

  “Well I have heard nothing about you.” Julefire said as in a tiny matter of fact voice.

  Faazen shook his head laughing. “He’s a handful for sure.”

  “I can see that Faazen, that’s why I would like the sleeping one, he seems very calm.”

  The red dragon spoke up, “oh him, very smart but I would say quite lazy, he sleeps all the time.”

  Zach was starting to warm up to Julefire. Spitfire would be a better name he was thinking.

  “Lorthax wants to keep him in the caverns once he is old enough. He mentioned that last week, however that would not be for a while yet. Nevertheless, this one is special, don’t you agree?” The wizard folded his arms and scratched his beard thoughtfully.

  The boy stood back and watched the small dragon, the size of a large basketball with red fur sticking out on top of his head. With his wings, flapping it looked as if he might take off. “You could be more trouble than I would like” Zach said aloud.

  “I am different I think, but I prefer living here with Kenzie and Brenna while waiting for my parental dragon at night. Whatever would I do without them?”

  “Well you could visit them if you wish” Zach said.

  “Hmm I shall think about it.” His big head bobbed up and down. “I have thought about it and no! I stay here and you go without me.” He ran back to Kenzie and hid behind the gnomlie.

  Kenzie was firm as he patted Julefire’s head. “Now this could be good for you, Zac
h seems like a nice boy and you and he will be great friends. You can always come back and visit…”

  “And sit by the fire with you and Brenna?” Julefire said looking down woefully.

  “Yes, and sit by the fire with me and Brenna.

  “Then I should go.” He lifted himself up, and dragging his small fat tail behind him, went over to where Zach and Faazen stood.” I am ready.” Julefire called to Brenna and Kenzie, “please tell my parental dragon where I am.”

  “Of course, we will, he will visit you there as he does here every night.” He called out to the other hatchlings and the grey one with the green wings finally awoke and was looking quite lively. The search was over though, and Zach had found his dragon. But if you ask Julefire , he would say it was he who found Zach.

  Within days Julefire was becoming strong and willful, he rebelled against Faazen’s authority and would only listen to Zach, and then not even him that much. He was clearly his own dragon and enjoyed doing things his way, but highly belligerent if coerced into doing something he did not like. He failed to understand these things were for his own good to keep him safe and out of harm.

  Late afternoon Zach went running into the castle completely out of breath. “Where is J fire?” He shouted to Faazen. “That little monster took off again and this time I can’t begin to imagine where.” Shaking his head, he went on a thorough search of Dragmar, from the observatory to the castle gardens. Zach knew J fire so enjoyed the fruit trees, climbing them and throwing fruit at poor Berge who was becoming used to the dragon’s antics. Sometimes Julefire enlisted the aid of Myloe and Moplie, and bothered cook by running off with one of her tarts. Zach kept muttering under his breath, “fine, stay hidden, this game you are playing isn’t funny anymore. “J fire come out now!” He waited a few minutes until the small, sassy dragon appeared. A red tuft of hair stuck straight out of his head and he blew a small puff of smoke at Zach. “Stop that, I told you not inside.” It was hard to keep a stern look and Zach tried very hard to appear almost parental as he disciplined J Fire. Faazen and Thomas could not help smiling. “You two aren’t helping matters; he thinks it’s funny then to keep acting up. I give up”; Zach threw his hands in the air and walked off.