Rise of the Dragons

by Angie Sage

  But what came next was a distant voice somewhere deep inside her mind: Allie. I, Bellacrux, know you.

  Allie thought she must be imagining things. Cautiously, she peeked through her fingers and saw Bellacrux tilting her head to one side in what seemed to be a quizzical glance: Allie. You are from Ettie. The sweetest Lock I ever had. My darling Ettie.

  “Ettie?” Allie whispered, and the echo took up the name: Ettie Ettie Ettie Ettie Ettie Ettie … “My great-aunt Ettie?”

  Allie. Ettie. Twin souls.

  Allie was transfixed. She crawled over to the guardrails and, thinking that this was the stupidest thing she had ever done in her life, she reached out and placed her hand very gently on Bellacrux’s snout. It felt like warm velvet with a touch of dampness. Bellacrux did not react, so Allie let her hand lie there, thinking how strange it was that it made her feel so happy. But as Allie sat gazing at Bellacrux and the stillness between them seemed to fill the chamber, her grandmother’s words came back to haunt her: My darling sister, Ettie, Locked with the Lennix Grand—a vicious Green named Bellacrux. The next day, it killed her.

  Bellacrux blinked slowly, and Allie saw a tear escape from the dragon’s right eye. As she watched the tear find its way down the scales, these words came into her head: Allie. Please, never believe this terrible lie. It was not I who killed my dearest Ettie; it was the Lennixes. They killed her in front of my eyes, for daring to be my Lock.

  “Was that you talking to me?” Allie whispered to Bellacrux.

  The big green head nodded.

  It was very unsettling having someone else’s voice appear in your mind, Allie thought. But she decided to try to send her thoughts to Bellacrux: Bellacrux. Can you hear me?

  I can hear you, Allie, came the reply. Allie looked deep into Bellacrux’s eyes. I’m so sorry, she sent. So sorry for you and for Ettie.

  Bellacrux lowered her head. It is the Lennixes who will soon be sorry, she sent to Allie. I, Bellacrux, have a long memory. I have waited through the slow turning of the years for vengeance, for everything the Lennixes have done. I have bided my time. And now that time has come.

  Allie felt a thrill of excitement. “Good,” she whispered, too excited to think of sending her thoughts. “And the Lennixes will deserve everything they get. They are monsters.”

  Fighting talk, Allie heard Bellacrux say. I like that, Allie. Ettie was the same. She was so brave. She knew it was dangerous to Lock with me but still she did it. You remind me of her. Very much.

  “I’m glad I do,” Allie whispered. “Because I want to be brave too. It’s not always easy, but sometimes being brave is the only thing you have left.”

  Wise words, Bellacrux said. Wise and brave.

  Allie thought it was much easier to be brave with a huge green dragon by her side, but she said nothing. And then these words came into her mind: Allie. It is true, two are always braver than one. And so, I, Bellacrux, ask you this. Will you be my Lock? My last and best?

  In the echoing dragon chamber, there was silence as Allie sent her message deep into Bellacrux’s mind: Oh, Bellacrux. Yes, I will be your Lock. I will be your last and best.

  As the shadows from the moon moved across Bellacrux’s chamber and two guards sat dejectedly outside, Allie climbed down the ladder and curled up beneath Bellacrux’s wing beside a large green rock.

  Sleep now, Allie, my Lock. Bellacrux’s words came to Allie. And so, exhausted, Allie slept.

  While Allie was falling into a deep sleep beneath her Lock’s wing, Declan was showing Joss the Lock’s room: a simple space containing a bed, a chest, a desk with a few books on dragon care, and, most important, a small blue door leading directly to Lysander’s chamber.

  Rather self-consciously, Joss wore the Lennix Roost uniform. It was a smart black tunic and trousers edged with the dark Lennix red, and around his waist was the impressively shiny silver sash that Kaan had recently thrown off in a temper. By far the best thing about the uniform, Joss thought, was the Lennix watch. A big, square timepiece, it sat on his wrist while the seconds, minutes, and hours ticked relentlessly over. Joss had never seen anything like it and he could hardly stop looking at it.

  Joss was tired; he had spent a long day learning all about Lennix family history. He knew he should be interested, because however strange it seemed, he was a part of them now, but he had found it hard to stop thinking about Lysander. After the history lesson there had been a tour of the Lennix quarters and then a strained supper with his new brothers and sisters, three of whom had refused to acknowledge his presence. But at long last, here he was, only a few steps away from Lysander.

  Lysander was the newest member of the Raptor Roost, and so under its strict hierarchy he had been allocated a chamber on the lowest floor, Level Twelve. It was an airy and comfortable space; its walls were painted a calming blue with a silver frieze of interlocking swirls below a dome of dark blue scattered with silver stars. A circle of silver lamps sat high on the walls, lighting the chamber with a soft glow. The floor was, like all the Roost chambers, strewn with rugs and huge soft cushions, although on Level Twelve these were a mixture of plain colors—Lysander’s being all in various shades of blue—rather than the more exotic rich patterns found in the upper levels. Comfortable though Lysander was—and also full of a supper of three roast chickens—he felt lonely and unhappy. He missed Joss terribly. He lay mournfully on the rugs, his head resting on a cushion, thinking of the last terrifying time he had seen his Lock: trussed in a net and being flown away in the talons of a huge blue Raptor. And then, suddenly, Lysander’s eyes flickered open—Joss was near. Joss! Lysander sent excitedly. Joss, Joss, Joss!

  Joss laughed out loud. Declan looked at him quizzically. “All right?” he asked.

  Joss grinned. “You bet. I just heard from Lysander. Can I see him now?”

  Declan grinned and pointed to the blue door. “He’s through there. See you tomorrow,” he called after Joss as he headed for the door. “Don’t forget, it’s family breakfast at eight a.m. prompt. You’ll find a Roost timetable on the noticeboard. Don’t be late, okay?”

  Joss turned and nodded. “I won’t be late, not with this watch. But thanks for telling me. There is so much to remember.”

  “You’ll get used to it.” Declan came over to Joss and shook his hand. “We’re brothers now,” he said. “We’re in this together.”

  Joss smiled. “Thanks, Declan,” he said, then, heart beating fast, he pushed open the little blue door and raced into the dragon chamber. “Lysander!” he yelled. “Oh, Lysander, Lysander. I’ve missed you so much!” He threw his arms around Lysander’s neck, and as he buried his face in the soft folds of skin beneath Lysander’s ears, he felt a long, rasping dragon tongue, warm and damp, on his cheek.

  Joss, Joss, I missed you too. Lysander’s happy squeak filled his head. I was so sad. They put you in a net. They hurt you.

  Joss tried not to think about the terrifying ride in the net. It was certainly some test that D’Mara had set for him and just the thought of it made him feel sick. Lysander caught some of Joss’s terror at the memory and his excited squeaking faded away. They sat quietly together in the chamber, Joss leaning back against the dragon’s soft stomach, which burbled in a companionable way.

  After a while, Lysander sent: Hey, Joss, I know how to open the outside door. We could fly away. We could go right now!

  Joss patted Lysander’s stomach affectionately. I can’t go. Not yet. Allie is here too and I can’t leave without her.

  Lysander did not understand. Why? You’re not Locked with Allie.

  Joss searched for a way to explain it. Allie is my sister. She is like … my human Lock.

  Lysander snorted scornfully. But you can’t fly with her. What use is that?

  But the truth of it was that it wasn’t just Allie making Joss reluctant to leave; it was the new and exciting possibilities that had opened up for him. Now that he—and very soon Allie—were to be part of the Lennix family, Joss felt that at last he belo
nged somewhere. The idea of leaving did not fill him with the kind of hope he had felt when he and Lysander had planned to escape from the Zolls. And besides, he really liked Declan.

  Joss was wondering how to begin to explain all this to Lysander when the wicket in the large door to Lysander’s chamber burst open and Tamra and Mirra came hurtling in. Lysander leapt up and raised his wings to an attack stance. Joss placed his hands on Lysander’s neck and whispered, “Shh … it’s all right. It’s all right.”

  Tamra and Mirra stopped dead and stared at the silver dragon—he was a startlingly beautiful sight with his raised wings shimmering in the light of the lamps, his head held high, and his brilliant green eyes glittering with anger. Mirra’s and Tamra’s mouths dropped open in amazement. Mirra stood silent, overawed by such beauty, but Tamra quickly recovered herself. “Hey, little bro,” she sneered. “Tell your shiny friend to keep his temper, will you?”

  Joss looked at the two girls, who were now officially his sisters. They stood a head taller than him, their identical dark curls scraped back into ponytails, their Lennix Roost uniform sporting green sashes for their Lock, Trixtan. He thought how lucky he was to have Allie as his sister; he couldn’t wait for her to become a Lennix too. As soon as she was part of the family they’d hang out together all the time, and there was no way they would have anything to do with the twins. But right now, Joss knew he had to remember he was a Lennix. “Sorry,” he said. “I think you frightened him.”

  “Yeah,” Tamra said, laughing. “We’re good at that. Frightening things.”

  Joss made an effort not to respond. The sooner the twins left him alone, the better. But it seemed they were not finished yet.

  “So you’re our brother now, right?” Mirra said, leaning nonchalantly against the wall and kicking at the rug.

  “Yeah, I am.” Joss forced a smile.

  “So what does that make us, Sheep-boy?” Tamra sneered.

  “Well, you’re my sisters,” Joss said, trying his very best to sound pleased about it.

  “Yeah. We’re your sisters,” Tamra said.

  “Yes,” Joss said, feeling the smile growing tight upon his face and his cheek muscles aching. The twins were working up to something, and he really did not want to know what it was.

  Tamra walked slowly over to him, taking care to keep an eye on Lysander, who was standing at the ready, guarding his Lock. But even Lysander could not guard Joss from what Tamra had come to tell him.

  “Well, we’re the only sisters you’ve got now, Sheep-boy.”

  From beside the door, Mirra spluttered with laughter.

  Joss’s stomach felt as though it were suddenly full of ice. “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “I’ll give you a clue.” Tamra stuck her face so close to Joss he could see the rash of pimples on her forehead. “It’s two words. And it’s …” She trailed off and looked back at Mirra. Joss could tell they had practiced this and were enjoying every minute.

  “Dragon food!” Mirra yelled.

  “What?” Joss felt like the world was spinning out of control. Behind him he heard Lysander take in a deep firebreath. Unaware that Lysander had yet to have his fire sleep, Tamra hurriedly backed away. “Hey, calm down. Don’t set fire to your bed, ha ha.” She joined Mirra at the door and Joss suddenly lost his resolve to stay cool. He hurtled across the chamber and dived at them, but the twins were too quick for him. They leapt through the wicket and slammed it in his face.

  “What have you done to her?” Joss yelled after them. “What have you done to Allie?”

  The tiny inspection flap in the wicket flipped open and Tamra’s face appeared.

  “Fed her to Bellacrux,” she said. And the flap snapped shut.

  Joss stared at the flap, waiting for it to flip open again and for Tamra to tell him it was a joke. It stayed shut. A feeling of numbness spread through Joss as he stood stone still, unable to move, unable to think or even feel. Slowly he became aware of Lysander nuzzling his hair with his long, rough tongue, and he turned to his dragon and wrapped his arms around his warm, silvery neck. And there they stayed, while Joss’s tears ran down Lysander’s scales and dropped onto his polished Lennix shoes.

  He thought how scared Allie must have been and how, while he’d been all dressed up in the stupid Lennix uniform acting like he was someone important, Allie was being thrown away like a piece of garbage. He wondered what he’d been doing at the very moment Bellacrux had taken Allie’s life. How come he hadn’t known what was happening to his own sister? Joss threw himself down onto one of Lysander’s cushions and buried his head in its dragony-smelling softness. And then he sobbed and sobbed for the unbelievable awfulness of everything.

  Lysander placed a protective wing over Joss and waited patiently until he found a space in all the grief to send: Joss, Joss. Please don’t cry. Maybe the nasty girl was lying.

  Joss raised his head and looked up into Lysander’s eyes. Too upset to send any thought, he spluttered out loud, “She wasn’t lying … I could tell. She did it. She really did it.”

  Why don’t you try to send Allie a message, Lysander suggested.

  Joss shook his head. “It’s not like that with humans. We can’t send thoughts. Or hear them. Not from humans.”

  Lysander put his head to one side. Why ever not?

  “I don’t know,” Joss wailed. “I don’t know anything anymore. All I know is that Allie is dead. And I’m never, ever going to see her again.”

  Late the next morning, Allie opened her eyes and found she was hugging a warm green rock with a strangely soft texture. For a few moments she had no idea where she was; all she knew was that for the first time in years, she felt safe. She stretched, rolled over, and looked up at what seemed to be the roof of a leathery green tent. And then she remembered. The events of the previous day came rushing back, and Allie understood that she was under her Lock’s wing and her Lock just happened to be the Lennix Grand. “Bellacrux!” she said.

  A gentle voice came into her head: Shh, Allie, my dear.

  The leathery tent above Allie’s head moved and revealed a rippling wall of green scales—somewhat faded and battered-looking, but impressive even so. A long, muscular neck with a jagged crest arched down, and Bellacrux’s wise old eyes regarded her new Lock fondly. Do not speak out loud, Allie heard. They must not know you are alive. Remember what they can do.

  Allie looked up at Bellacrux and concentrated hard on sending her a message. I won’t ever forget. I won’t forget my parents, I won’t forget your Ettie. And we will make sure they never forget either.

  The big green head nodded. We will indeed, my little Lock. Now, tell me, did you sleep well with our egg?

  Allie put her hand on the green “rock.” Of course, it was a dragon egg. Very well indeed, she sent.

  The best sleeps are those beside an egg. There is a quietness within that soothes, Bellacrux told her. And how do you feel this morning, my little Lock?

  Allie wasn’t quite sure how she felt. Despite the fact that she trusted Bellacrux completely, she was still a little shocked to find herself in the Chamber of the Grand and actually be alive. Carli’s words, death dragon, still haunted her. Bellacrux, may I ask you something? she sent tentatively.

  You may ask me anything you wish, Allie dearest.

  I was … er, I was wondering why everyone is so scared of you.

  Ah, well, sometimes I … Allie thought she detected a wisp of embarrassment from her Lock. Sometimes I behave a little … badly. But I choose no one who does not deserve it. Do not forget, my little Lock, that I am a Lennix Raptor and must at times be seen to behave like one if I am to avoid suspicion.

  Allie decided to ask no more. It was, she told herself, none of her business. But there was one other thing she did not understand. Why do you stay in this horrible place? she asked. You could fly away whenever you want to.

  Bellacrux gave a long sigh that ruffled Allie’s wispy hair. Well, Allie, my dearest. Over the centuries, I’ve learned how to
play the long game. I am here for now, biding my time, understanding all I can about the Lennixes.

  Allie smiled. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

  Bellacrux lowered her head so that she was looking Allie in the eye. She winked. Indeed. And we will not be here much longer, my little Lock. Because the thing I hoped for has finally happened.

  What’s that? Allie asked.

  A Silver has been born, and now he is here, in this place. He is our key. With him I believe we can at last save what is left of this poor Raptor-ridden world.

  Allie was puzzled. But Lysander’s only little, she said. How can he possibly save a whole world?

  Lysander? Bellacrux sounded puzzled.

  That’s the Silver’s name, Allie sent. My brother, Joss, Locked with him. I’m sure that’s why D’Mara Lennix kidnapped us.

  Well, well. Who would have thought it? Bellacrux sent. Indeed, I am sure it is why they took you. They want the Silver as much as I do.

  Allie sighed. I know. Lysander is a beautiful dragon.

  It is not his beauty we want, Allie. It is his power. A Silver is a key to another world. The place my ancestors called the Lost Lands. Some say this world is no more than a legend but I know it is real. My grandmothers’ grandmothers lived there once and they passed their stories down to me. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to which I long to return and take my kind with me. We will leave the Raptors and the Lennixes and all the wreckage they have made far behind, take our good friends with us, and go to live in peace with humans once again.

  But how will we all get there? Allie asked.

  Lysander will take us, Bellacrux said.

  But how? Allie persisted.

  My little Lock, don’t you see? Lysander is a Silver. And all Silvers can travel through the invisible portals that link our two worlds. And if a Silver touches its tail to another dragon, they can both go through. Indeed, you can have a whole chain of dragons going through. This is how our great-great-great-grandmothers came here all those long, long years ago.