Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One)

by E. W. SALOKA

  The small dragon looked apologetic. “Well now what do you think? He’s taking me back for the grey one with the green wings because I’m so bad.”

  “He should,” Thomas said, “You are sometimes incorrigible.” Julefire looked at the wizard and then Thomas. “Don’t understand what that word means. It isn’t good is it?” They both shook their heads firmly. Julefire looked down at the ground and slunk off woefully in a dejected way. He sighed every couple of steps and looked back at the pair.

  The wizard pointed with his finger. “Go find Zach and tell him you’re sorry for such bad behavior.”

  Zach was throwing stones in the pond and watched them glisten in the sun as he held each one up, inspecting it before he pitched it across the water. He had much on his mind with the race so close, and lost in those thoughts he didn’t notice his dragon coming up behind him.

  “I’m sorry,” J fire almost startled Zach as he shouted and blew a puff of smoke at the boy almost singing his clothes. Julefire could not control that yet, and many times it just came out as a belch or something else one wouldn’t want.

  This time Zach smiled and ruffled the dragons’ tufted sprout of hair. “Trouble should be your middle name.”

  “I know I’m a really bad dragon” Julefire nodded.

  “Not bad, just mischievous” Zach laughed.

  “And incorrigible” Julefire added, “Thomas and Faazen said so. Even though I do not know what that means.”

  “Well that’s ok J Fire, I remember grandfather said I was incorrigible when I was a kid too.”

  “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

  “Maybe,” Zach said, “does it?”

  The dragon thought about it, “I don’t know.”

  “Give yourself time J fire you are getting there, everything in life is a process, especially growing up.” The small dragon looked up at him sheepishly. Zach patted his dragon’s neck proudly. One day soon he would be tall and strong, having as much wisdom as Xandar and Payne. The boy knew it, after all J fire was Lorthax’s son, one of the Royal Dragons who was quite majestic with his dark purplish wings and imposing presence. Zach remained hopeful.

  The day had been long, and after supper, Zach decided to climb the stairs to the observatory. It was blissfully quiet and so close to the stars he didn’t need a telescope to observe them.

  J fire settled near the hearth where granddad was reading. The little dragon was usually content to stay there peaceful into the night, then by morning Zach would find him curled up at the foot of his bed. Either Faazen would bring him in or he would wander in by himself. Julefire liked people and wanted to be underfoot. Zach tried keeping him in the barn with Brownie and Faazen’s horses but he was miserable there and cried throughout the night. The wizard decided it was better to keep him in the castle where they could keep a watchful eye on him. During Zach’s riding exercises the dragon caused havoc in Cook’s kitchen, swiping food or running away to the Seia Woods. Many times a patient gnomlie would bring the little one back to them. Yesterday Algor Palgon himself found the wee dragon at Kinnledge playing with JuJu and Mackie. Faazen told Zach it was Julefire’s way of letting him know he did not like being left behind when Zach went off to ride the big dragons. Zach understood now. You wouldn’t leave a small child alone in a stable during the night or unattended during the day. J fire was somewhat like a child. Zach put his head in his hands. “Boy, that’s a lot of responsibility for someone my age. I believe I’m finally starting to mature.” He said to himself.

  Fifteen - Mella’s Gift

  Suddenly, he saw her in the moonlight, the soft curve of her upturned face. It was Mella.

  “Hello Zach,” her voice sang out and tickled his ear. “Are you surprised to see me out of the lake?”

  Zach looked down and then away, “I guess, I thought you couldn’t leave.”

  “Well I came to see you silly,” she smiled shyly. “Look, Fallicon wants to take us for a ride.” The powerful winged horse rose up on his hind legs in agreement.

  “Ok then,” Zach wrapped his arms around Mella’s tiny waist and all at once the silvery creature galloped off into the twilight. The wind whistled through the trees and the moon danced in between the leaves as this was the place where hopes and dreams collide. Anything was possible in a kingdom such as this. Soon the winged horse stopped under a moonlit sky with hardly a sound in the air except the beating of two young and excitable hearts.

  She turned and faced Zach and solemnly spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. “This will help you in the upcoming race.” She placed a velvety pouch in his hand and tightly closed his fingers over it. “These are singing stones.”

  “Yeah, they’ll sing to me as I fall to my death.” Zach was glib as Mella wrinkled her nose.

  “Stop it, seriously, these are very special, just believe.”

  Zach emptied the pouch into the palm of his hand. He looked intently at the pale stones. They were light to the touch as he rubbed each one gingerly. He held them to his ear, “don’t hear any singing Mella.”

  “They wont sing for you now Zach, only when you need them.” She kissed his cheek; “you have many gifts you have yet to open. One day you will have the chance.”

  She was eloquent as the words fell from her lips, and she delivered them with an air of grace. That made it special to him. It was something Zach would remember. “Mella can you stay like this?” Zach hoped he would see her again.

  “Sadly no Zachary, only when Jannalor the unicorn calls to me. The moon must be a quarter full with three bright stars to follow her, then and only then. I never know the time, only Jannalor does. Then Fallicon comes for our midnight ride. It is very special, and I do so look forward to the night as it unfolds. I wanted to spend tonight with you.”

  Zach hugged her close as Fallicon flew high into the sky. His silver wings glided majestically over the forest and they soared high above the town. Looking below Zach and Mella pointed out the people that were scurrying about and looking like ants from so high above. Fallicon stopped and let them both off at a secluded lake that begged for the moonlight. The silver horse trotted over and drank deeply from the illuminated waters. Mella gently took Zach’s hand and the two walked to a sycamore tree and sat on a carved out wooden bench. There were names of sweethearts drawn with small hearts. “This is a special place Zach,” Mella said sighing. Mella traced the outlines of the hearts with her finger. Zach reached down finding a sharp stone, he carved Mella and Zach and drew a heart with arrows through it. He took her hand and placed it on his chest. “Mella, you have my heart.” Mella looked up at him through the fringe of dark lashes and smiled sweetly. “And you have mine Zach, forever.” Zach leaned in and gently kissed her petal soft lips. They sat there for a while with their heads together and watched the stars above.

  Finally Mella spoke. “Zach we have to go now, I must return to my lake.”

  Zach nodded and slowly stood. Taking her hand, they ran over to Fallicon. “We’re ready to go now.”

  Fallicon shook his silver-flecked mane as Mella climbed on and Zach sat behind her. The sky was velvety as they rode back. Zach felt as if he could touch the stars. Too soon the winged horse landed nimbly on the deck of the observatory.

  Mella stayed on while Zach gently kissed her. “Goodnight Mella,” He said touching her silken cheek.

  “Goodnight Zach, have a wonderful race and remember the stones.”

  “They’re right here,” he said pointing to his shirt pocket. He watched until she was a blur in the sky, so fast did the winged horse fly away. He thought about her for a moment, sweet and lovely. A prisoner of the lake even more enchanting, like a princess in a bittersweet fairy-tale. She would someday have a happily ever after, somewhere in time it would happen just for her. The two of them were meant to be together forever.

  Zach lay in his bed unable to sleep. The race was weighing heavy on his mind and he spent the next few hours tossing and turning. His granddad was sound asleep in his bed, a
peaceful look on his face. Thomas was as active as Faazen who spent a great deal of time outdoors tending to his gardens. This place had become a tonic for him. Grandfather was happy and healthy here.

  Zach liked riding with Dredd, as they had become friendly lately. He admired his riding ability. It was almost effortless for him. He was starting to spend some time at the Domino Farm too, and Dredd’s sister Andi made them lunch or special treats. Some of the time, they would spy on Andi and her boyfriend when they were on the porch. It was good having someone near his own age to hang out with. Dredd told him the other day, “You will be fine at Dragon Masters, just relax.” Easy for him to say, he was the best.

  Zach got out of bed and walked down the hall. He made his way to the kitchen and once there, poured a glass of milk and grabbed a handful of cookies. As he sipped his milk he tried to relax and think thoughts which did not include him looking foolish the day after tomorrow. He didn’t hear the wizard who had entered the kitchen also looking for a late night snack.

  “Hello Zach, can’t sleep because of the excitement I’m thinking?”

  “Something like that I guess,” Zach said. “Join me in a midnight snack Faazen?”

  “Why not, I am a little hungry and you could use the company.”

  “True statement” Zach said. He went over, poured some milk for the wizard, and grabbed more raisin cookies.

  Faazen saw the apprehension on Zach’s face and tried to ease his mind a little. “You are going to be fine. I know this frightens you a bit Zach but you are building courage by facing those fears.”

  “I know Faazen. Granddad says I am leaving a boy but coming back a man. I’ll just be glad to come back at all.”

  They both smiled. The wizard walked Zach to his room. “Sleep well my boy. Your next day will be busy as our accommodations are nearly ready in Blackshire Village. We’ll leave tomorrow afternoon so that you can settle in the day before Dragon Masters.”

  Time flew by the next day, and before Zach knew it, they were packed and ready to leave for the Inn. When they arrived at Blackshire Village their rooms were ready and waiting. The three of them had supper together in the dining room that evening but Zach couldn’t remember what he ate, or even if he ate at all.

  Sixteen - Watch Out For the Green One

  The morning of the race woke Zach with a strange harshness. He felt he was ready for the task ahead and had been diligent in his training, but still doubt would always creep in. Closing his eyes he traced the course of the race in his minds eye. He lay there thinking of this for a short while. Stop, he thought, the nervous butterflies in his stomach would make him sick if he continued on this destructive thought process. Just then, Zach felt a slight breeze flutter past him. Perched on one side of the bedpost snickered a particularly mischievous and outspoken wee-bie. The little creature stopped chuckling and winked his eye. Shyly it spoke in a small, lilting voice.

  “Good luck young man-person, watch out for the green one, watch out for the green one!”

  Zach shot back “green one, almost everything and everyone here is green. Anyway thanks for the tip.”

  Cocking his head to one side, the creature replied, “gotta go, sorry.”

  Zach, hoping for more information tried to block his exit but received a small nip on the finger for his trouble. The wee-bie laughingly replied “Goodbye, goodbye.” Out the window it zipped away, faster than the eye could follow.

  Zach watched him zoom away. He could see that the day was perfect, clear skies and a light breeze. Excellent day for riding, he said to himself. Of course, this was not going to be just a normal day of practice. This was the big day, the day he had been training for. This event was one of the largest if not the most prestigious event in the kingdom. “I just want to finish in one piece,” he mumbled to himself. He had studied past records and there were serious injuries and deaths throughout its long history. Three races back, one rider lost his way on the course and flew full speed into a rocky cliff. They never did find all the pieces of rider or dragon. Dredd told him they still see a glimpse of a shadow rider on occasion. A sudden cold shudder ran up Zach’s spine “shake it off, shake it off, everything’s cool,” he whispered.

  At that moment, there was a light knock at the door “come in,” he said. It was the innkeepers’ wife.

  “You poor dear, I heard you pacing back and forth and I thought you might appreciate something to calm your nerves. I whipped up something special for you, nothing strong just something to clear your head. You have a great challenge ahead, and this will help.”

  She gently passed the mug to Zach and he immediately felt a sense of deju vu. This kindly woman reminded him of Mrs. B and he felt better. “Thank you ma’am, this is very good!” It tasted of caramel, chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon.

  “Now I will leave you with your thoughts young man. You have to prepare for your great day,” she said with a smile. “I will be right downstairs if you need anything else,” she said padding off quietly.

  The drink was tasty and satisfying as it slid down his throat. It reminded him of good memories from back home and that brought him comfort. He was starting to feel at ease. The fact that this dear woman cared for his welfare was what he needed at this time. I am going to be okay Zach thought.

  Getting ready for the race was tedious, there were many pieces of special gear. The leather, or what appeared to be a leather tunic and trousers were quite a tight fit even for his slim build. These were custom tailored by a certain seamstress, and Daisy was quite skilled at her craft and it showed. The boots were equally well-made with heavy straps and buckles. They were artfully hand-tooled and reached to his knees. The belt was also ornate and matched the boots in design. The last two pieces were a pair of gloves and a vest. The gloves reminded Zach of the ones he used for skating when he was back home; fingers cut out and padded knuckles. The vest was a thing of beauty; it was waist length with three buckled straps. Elaborate stitching covered the garment and the edges were silver cord. There were silver shoulder plates that were highly polished as silver glass. “In the sun they could blind you” Zach said aloud. The material was tough but lighter than it looked. As he turned around his eyes widened. On the back was a crest stitched into the leather. Two falcons back to back with their wings outstretched. Parts of the crest appeared tinted with various muted colors, and below this were two leaves. They were less prominent in the design and color. He stood back and looked in the long mirror. “Wait until they see me, wow. I only hope I ride as good as I look.” He grinned wildly as he fastened the silver buckles. Zach descended the stairs and every head turned in his direction as he reached the main hallway.

  “Ride swift and ride strong boy!” The burly innkeeper thumped him on the back and led him to the door. Just then, Zach smacked into Daisy who was there to drop off some draperies she had sewn for the innkeeper’s wife.

  “Oh hello, you must be Zachary Wellington. I see you are wearing my creation. My name is Daisy.”

  “I am pleased to meet you Daisy. This is fantastic riding gear, thank you.”

  “You look quite the man, very heroic.” She was warm and friendly. “I’m on my way to Dragon Masters now. Your grandfather asked me to stop by and say hello.” She looked clean and fresh in blue linen.

  Zach thought she seemed to have a generous spirit, which glowed within her.

  “Well I must be on my way. Have a wonderful race Zachary!”

  “Yes. Thanks, Daisy!” Zach said.

  Seventeen - The Festival at Blackshire

  The village was a fantastic sight. Everywhere he looked there was something going on. Thousands of colorful lanterns dotted the cobblestone square. “This must be amazing at night; I hope to be here to see it.” He pushed those thoughts away and weaved through the crowd. Many eyes looked his way as Zach strolled through, especially the young women. He felt good. A pretty girl caught his eye; she had silky black hair and wide violet eyes fringed by long, dark lashes.

  “Tell me,”
she said coyly. “Will you be coming here after the race?”

  “I certainly hope so,” he said shyly.

  “Well I might be here too. Maybe I’ll save you a dance, Race Rider.”

  He was thinking she looked especially nice in her pink and white satin dress. “Sounds good to me,” Zach said. He walked off into the crowd and noticed the array of wonderful foods and sweet treats offered, and the aroma was heavenly. He knew eating now might not be a good idea, yet, it was tempting just the same. “Getting sick on my dragon will not make me popular.” Games of chance and skill filled the square, loud victorious shouts and muffled curses were heard everywhere. Artisans of every sort were selling their goods under beautifully colored tents.

  An entertainer was breathing fire on a small stage. “I’ve got to see this,” he mumbled to himself. The woman was very tall with burnished skin and quite exotic. Not from this part of Brandiss-Dor, he thought. An orb of blue-green fire danced between her outstretched hands weaving through her long, slender fingers. Its brightness reflected bluish light over everything that was near it. She threw the flaming orb over the gathering audience. It was exciting and eerie at the same time. Everyone ducked and gasped in amazement. The blue orb then flitted among the crowd at such a high rate of speed. It was difficult to focus your eyes on it.

  Zach watched as it would stop and hover over the people. Shortly it disappeared from his sight until from behind he heard a strange humming sound. Slowly Zach turned and was face to face with the flaming ball. “Cool” he said nervously, it was not as hot as he thought it would be.