Clutch Of The Cleric (Book 4)

by Craig Halloran

  Whop!

  Dragon upper-cutted one in the belly, lifting it off its feet.

  Shum had seen Dragon fight before. Against the winged ape, Sansla Libor. Dragon had been strong then, but he was stronger now. Quicker. Dragon’s claws were cutting the Orcs to ribbons.

  “Don’t lose control, Dragon!” he said. “Run! I’ll hold them off!”

  If only the Orcs were wiser, they’d run from the danger. But they were stubborn. Stupid.

  For a moment, Shum wasn’t sure if he was saving Dragon from the Orcs or the Orcs from Dragon.

  And there were still twenty of them. Slow. Angry. Strong. Coming at him three, four, five at a time. Shum killed some, wounded others, but they kept coming. Their crude weapons nicked him up. Drew his blood.

  I’ve got to get us out of this.

  ***

  Shum was yelling, “Run!”

  I wasn’t running anywhere. I laid into the Orcs with no mercy. Left them alive, but bleeding. Limping. Crawling. I was Dragon. And I hated Orcs!

  An Orc took a wild chop at my head.

  I caught the blade in my hand and yelled. My scales were as tough as steel. I laid that Orc out. Tore into the others. I was faster. Stronger. Tougher than they were.

  And the thought of them capturing Dragons! I would make them pay. Punish them. Hurt them.

  Whop! Crack! Bang! Slice! Slam!

  They cried out.

  I laughed.

  Someone was saying something. Yelling again. Perhaps Shum was in danger, but I didn’t see him.

  BOOOOORANNNNG!!!

  The ground beneath me burst open. Rocks and dirt flew everywhere. The Orcs fell and tumbled all over. I stumbled but didn’t fall. My ears rang. Orcs snorted and started to flee. I was going after the nearest when someone pounced on my legs. I took a swing. Landed a hard shot cracking its ribs. Drew back again.

  “Dragon!” a voice bellowed. “STOP!”

  I hesitated. Looked down at my victim. It was Ben. My hot blood turned cold.

  CHAPTER 29

  “I can’t believe it,” Brenwar said, grumbling from his saddle. “Fighting Orcs without me. Bloody Elf. You could have gotten yerself killed. Would’ve if I hadn’t come along and dropped down my War Hammer!”

  The Orcs had fled, and that had been over a day ago. I’d apologized to Ben several times since. I’d busted his ribs. Put a dent in his armor. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes when I realized it was him.

  Fear. Pain.

  I couldn’t believe I’d done that to him. I just wanted to crawl into a pit. Bury myself. I’d lost control again.

  “And you, Dragon!” Brenwar said, “Like a fool you run off. No plan. No backup. Not only did you hurt yourself, you hurt your friend. I saw that look in your eyes.” He shook his head and stroked his beard. “You could’ve killed him.”

  My mane dangled over my eyes. I couldn’t even look at Brenwar. He was right. He could chew me out all he wanted. All the way back to the village. Back to Quintuklen. I deserved it.

  Brenwar rode along my side, the others much farther ahead. No one was saying much of anything, at least not to me. Shum had spoken to Bayzog and Sasha separately, and I saw worried expressions whenever they turned to me.

  I’d freed two Dragons, but I felt like I’d let everyone down somehow.

  “You can’t be running off on your own, Dragon. We’ve got to stay together.” Brenwar poked his stubby finger at me. I hated that. He continued. “And don’t you ever, and I mean ever, fight Orcs without me. Ole’ Pot Belly ended up taking more of them down than me.” He growled. “Never again.”

  He went on and on. A thorn in my side. A nagging companion I wouldn’t shed. A burr in my saddle.

  I kept my eyes open and my mouth closed. I paid no attention to the wonderful terrain and babbling brooks we passed. I didn’t fish in the streams. I didn’t eat a thing. Mile after mile. League after league. I just wanted to get Ben back to safety.

  He told me he was alright and there was nothing to forgive.

  But I couldn’t forgive myself. I’d hurt a friend. Never again, I recounted in my head, never again.

  ***

  Garrison kept busy tending to Ben and the others. He helped hunt, cook, and gather the wood. All the time he listened to their whispers. Their worries. He rubbed the mystic earring. It was perfect.

  “How are you feeling, Friend?” he said, helping Ben off his horse.

  The wiry country boy held his ribs and groaned. “I’m getting better. That potion Sasha fed me really mended me, but I’m still sore.” Ben looked around. “Say, where’re Dragon and Brenwar?”

  “They’re coming,” Garrison said. “I think Brenwar’s still lecturing him. I didn’t think Dwarves talked so much, but when they start they get on a roll.” He helped Ben sit down. “I’ll fetch you some fresh water.”

  “No need,” Ben said, looking around. “I wish Brenwar wouldn’t do that. I’m alright. Dragon is alright too. He seems sad. I don’t like seeing him so sad.”

  “Well, I’m sorry too, Ben,” Garrison said, shaking his head.

  “For what?”

  “I never should have told you to grab him. But I thought that’s what they wanted. Everyone was yelling at him.” Garrison sighed. “It should have been me, not you.”

  “Oh,” Ben said, “you know I’m faster than you.” He turned away, eyes searching for Dragon.

  “I know you are,” Garrison said, a sneaky smile parting his lips.

  I was counting on it. Kryzak will be pleased.

  ***

  “What is it, Darling?” Sasha said. “Are you still worried?”

  Bayzog was worried. He was worried about Sasha, Dragon, all of Nalzambor. The encounter with the Orcs filled him with fear. Dragon’s eyes had been wild. Filled with lust and power. Dragon had almost killed Ben―and there was something else that he and the rest of the party had allowed to escape Dragon’s attention. He’d killed some Orcs.

  Bayzog shifted in his saddle. Long rides he’d never gotten used to, but it was better than walking. He replaced his long face with a smile. “That obvious, is it?”

  “You can’t fool me,” she said, smiling back at him. “Dragon will be alright, Bayzog. He’s good.”

  “He’s lucky,” he replied, glancing over his shoulder. The party was spread out, but closing in on the village border. “And dangerous.”

  “Bayzog, they were Orcs. Since when are you so compassionate about Orcs? You’ve told me countless horrors about them. Why can’t Dragon take them out? The best way to stop evil is to kill it.” Her jaw tightened. “I hate evil and so do you. It causes all the terrible things. Good for him, I say.”

  “Sasha!” he said, neat brows lifted. “Watch what you say!”

  “Well,” she said, flipping her hair. “Shum and Brenwar killed some of them, and you would have too if you were there. Why can’t Dragon?”

  “He’s not like us,” Bayzog said with a sigh. “He’s different. He’s a Dragon. The son of the King Dragon, and his standards are not ours. It’s complicated. But as I understand it, the more Dragon kills, the more danger for the world.”

  “Well, I think it’s ridiculous. He’s so young and that’s too much responsibility.”

  “He’s over two hundred years old, Sasha. He has to do what Dragons do.”

  Sasha’s eyes got big at hearing how old Nath was, but she tried to cover up her surprise. “Dragons kill, don’t they?” she said. “I really want to see them. Those two yellow ones were so magnificent. I only got a glimpse of them. What were they called?”

  Bayzog wasn’t fooled, but he let it go. “Golden Flowers,” he said, “and, yes, Dragons kill, I suppose. But Nath is not like other Dragons. He’s a Dragon born a Man. He’s special. We have to guide him. You understand that, don’t you?”

  “Uh,” she said, mouth open, her smile gone, “of course I do. I’m just talking to you, Bayzog. I’m not a fool.”

  “Sasha, you know that’s not what I—�
�

  She rode way, auburn hair bouncing on her head.

  “―meant. Great Guzan.”

  His Sasha was miffed. It happened, just not often, but when she was angry, she stayed that way awhile. He let her go. She’d be back to give him an earful. But if she didn’t come back within a reasonable time, then he’d better go after her or she might get even madder.

  The drizzle turned into rain and splashed off his robes.

  He sighed. “If I ever understand women I’ll be the world’s most powerful wizard.”

  Everyone needed to be on the same page. Everyone had to keep an eye on Dragon. He was changing. For all Bayzog knew, Dragon might be transcending into another age. From a young Dragon into a mature one.

  And Bayzog had already shared the secret about the Occular. He’d told Sasha and Brenwar. If they were going to work together, they’d have to trust each other.

  But they didn’t tell Dragon they were working together to keep an eye on him. They didn’t tell Ben and Garrison either. What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. They’d be leaving the company soon anyway.

  He’d ridden onward alone for another hour and Sasha hadn’t returned.

  A strange feeling overcame him. The plains were open, but no one was in sight. Lost in his thoughts he must have fallen behind. “I better go after her,” he said to himself. He snapped the reins.

  Another mile into his ride, the rain came down so hard it stung his face. Horse hooves splashed through the water. He couldn’t see a thing.

  CHAPTER 30

  Sasha’s horse nickered and they came to a stop. A heavy rain was coming and the distant trees were bending.

  “Oh great.” She tugged on the reins to turn around. Those cool rain drops might extinguish her temper. She rubbed her horse’s neck and spoke to it. “It’s not like me to get so upset. I’m sorry, but I’m glad you’re here. Us women need to stick together.”

  Her horse snorted and wriggled its long neck.

  Sasha laughed a little. “Good to know someone understands.”

  She felt a bit guilty. After all, Bayzog wasn’t the best communicator. She knew that. What he’d said wasn’t that bad. She’d just overreacted.

  “He must think I’m a witch.”

  Bayzog was normally calm, in control, intent on his studies. But now he was worried. And that worried her. It scared her.

  She sniffed. Took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “Dratted weather, always does this.”

  Two riders approached, side by side. She smiled. It was Ben and Garrison. Ben was waving, hand high in the air.

  “Sasha! Sasha! Storm’s coming!”

  “I know,” she said, “Did Bayzog send you for me?”

  Ben and Garrison looked at each other, then back at her.

  “No,” Ben said, “we just saw you riding alone and thought you might want some company. Besides, we humans need to stick together. We don’t live forever like the others.”

  Sasha giggled. Ben had a strange charm in how he said things. And he was right. The others tended to take their time about things.

  She brushed her hair from her eyes and yawned. “I don’t guess there’s any way around this storm,” she said. “Do you think we can make a ride to town? Where are the others?”

  “I hate storms. I hate being wet,” Ben said. “You’d think you’d get used to it, but the legionnaires insist on sleeping out in the rain. They say it makes you tougher. I say it’s stupid. Why would you be wet or cold if you didn’t have to be?”

  “I agree, Ben,” she said. “And what’s your opinion on all this, Garrison?”

  He shrugged. “It’s not so bad I guess. Ben just complains too much.”

  “I do not!”

  “Do too!”

  “Alright,” Sasha said, “let’s find the others. Maybe they have a plan. They couldn’t be too far, right?”

  “Shum said to just whistle and he’ll find us,” Ben said, putting his fingers between his lips.

  Garrison pushed his hands down.

  “We’re almost to the village. Let’s just ride through the rain and find shelter. They’ll catch up with us there. Come on, it’s less than a league away.”

  “What do you think, Sasha?” Ben said.

  She squinted her eyes and looked around. There was no sign of Bayzog. It riled her anger up again. He should have come after me by now.

  Ben looked at her kindly. “I think there’s no chance of avoiding the rain either way.” He patted his stomach. “And I have a feeling there’ll be some warm food cooking. And I’m ready to eat. The Elven bread’s tasteless. Needs some salt and pepper. I’m sick of it.”

  “Come on,” Garrison said, waving after them. “Let’s ride right through it. We’ll be safe together. After all, we’re Legionnaires.”

  Ben lifted his eyebrows at Sasha. “He’s right you know. I say we go.”

  “And I say,” Sasha said, “last one to the village is buying our meals!” She dug her boots in. Snapped the reins. “Yah!”

  They’d raced the first mile when the hard rain hit. It soaked Sasha to the bone, but she liked it. She’d been indoors so much she’d forgotten how much fun the outside could be.

  “You alright, Sasha?” Ben called out.

  “I’m fine, just stay close. How about you, Garrison?”

  The young Man motioned with his hand from up ahead.

  She squinted to see him. “Lead the way, Garrison.”

  They moved at a trot. The rain was heavy to ride through and they didn’t want to slip on the rugged spots. Besides there was no hurry. They’d see the warm torchlight of the village at any moment.

  “Well, we’ll make it before dark anyway,” Ben said.

  “It’s pretty dark now,” Sasha said. “I wonder how long this rain will last? Seems like it’s been raining forever.”

  “Like I said, you never get used to it.”

  “If you were a rock maybe,” she said.

  “Or a river?”

  “A pond,” she said.

  “A fish.”

  “A Kraken.”

  “A Dwarf,” Ben said. “I bet Brenwar is just fine with it.” He cupped his ear. “I think I can hear him singing a cheerful song right now.” He started to work his elbow and sing:

  “Dwarves smell bad—Hoy! Dwarves smell bad— Hoy!

  We like to stay mad—Hoy! We like to stay mad—Hoy!

  Being sad makes us glad—Hoy! Being sad makes us glad—Hoy!”

  “Hahaha,” Sasha said, holding her belly. “Ben, only you could find humor in this rain.”

  “Well, it’s just part of soldiering, is all. Making up silly songs to lighten the mundane,” he said, beaming. “But I thought of that one myself.”

  “Well, you have a gift for it,” she said. “Whoa!” Her horse nickered and stopped. “What is it, Girl?” Both horses stomped their hooves and nickered again. “Ben, do you see Garrison?”

  “No,” he said.

  The heavy rain started to feel like ice, and Sasha’s nose tingled.

  “Stay close to me, Ben. I’m going to cast a little spell,” she said. “I think we need some more light in the darkness.”

  Ben’s horse reared up and neighed. A dark hulking form emerged from the rain. It was bigger than a Man. Black wings spread over its back.

  “Sasha, get behind me,” Ben said, ripping out his sword.

  Sasha’s words froze in her mouth.

  Ben struck. The creature was faster and ripped Ben out of the saddle. It tossed him through the rain and out of sight.

  Sasha fumbled with the locket on her neck and tried to speak, but her tongue was tied.

  Thunder cracked.

  The monster spread out its thick arms and snatched her up. Smothering her in its powerful arms, it leaped from the ground and flew up, up, up.

  Helpless and tongue-tied, she couldn’t even scream. Arms pinned at her sides, she couldn’t do a thing.

  CHAPTER 31

  The village hall was rebuil
t, but not finished. Water dripped through the cracks in the incomplete roof and soaked the rafters of the wooden structure. Several lanterns gave them all the illumination they needed but it was still dim.

  Inside, Bayzog paced back and forth. A dozen villagers dwelled there for now, riding out the storm, still eager to finish their own homes. Their offers of food brought him no comfort. Ben, Garrison and―most importantly―Sasha, were missing, or perhaps lost. Back and forth he went, hands locked together, thumbs circling one another. This is my fault.

  Dragon, Shum, and Brenwar had been with him when they entered the village just before dark. They’d waited almost an hour for the others to arrive. Every minute of that hour had become more miserable than the previous.

  “I must go look for her,” Bayzog had said. “Something is wrong, I know it.”

  Dragon’s voice had been so reassuring. “They’re fine, Bayzog. I’m certain they’re just waiting out the storm. Probably found shelter somewhere close. They might be here in one of the homes. I’ll send one of the villagers out.”

  “Do as you wish,” Bayzog had said, “but I’m heading back out.”

  “Tell you what,” Dragon had suggested, “let the three of us go. We’ll find them.”

  “No, I insist. I wouldn’t feel right not searching for Sasha myself,” Bayzog had said, “and my magic can be of assistance.”

  Dragon had put his hand on Bayzog’s shoulder and smiled. Nath had a soothing way about him when he wanted to. He voice was convincing. Smooth. “You need to be here when she shows up and we’re still out searching, getting our boots full of mud. Things like this always work out that way. Trust me.”

  Bayzog had reluctantly agreed. Over two hours ago. He’d been in torment ever since.

  I should’ve gone. I should’ve gone. I should’ve gone.

  “Please, Elven One,” a village Man said. He was older, salt & pepper haired with big brown eyes, “have some Honey Tea. It will soothe your worries. I promise.” The Man held a mug out to him, his hand shaking a little.

  “Why do you tremble?”