There were enormous windows along the walls. Even though they were filled with the stone of the mountain, they harkened to a time when this place was not buried from the world. All of the grandeur of this place was nothing compared to what resided within its hall. Perched in massive thrones – seven dragons and nine chairs – were monstrous statues of dragons; each donning faces of shame. The only empty chairs were the head and the one adjacent to it.
Markus pierced the darkness of the room with a beaming light from his wand. The floor reflected the light and almost blinded him as he searched for clues as to the location of what he desired. What had happened to the missing dragons to cause them to crumble? he thought.
“Markus, what are they?” Crystal asked as she walked alongside him.
“I’m not sure. But, I think they're the dragons of legend.”
Kiin pulled her dagger out like a sword, frightened by the huge statues. “Or, at least, the statues of them. Who built this place?”
Markus slowly approached one of the statues and observed its lowly countenance. He was hardly as big as this creature’s big toe. “I think they're the real dragons, just turned to stone.”
Crystal asked, “What makes you think that?”
“They vanished just after the war and no one found them or any remains ever. You would think something this large would leave quite the body to be found. Besides, who would build these monoliths just to bury them with the Citadel? I think… ” Markus reached out and touched the toe of the dragon. The floor shook and its eyes opened.
Markus and Crystal retreated, weapons at the ready, joining Treb and Kiin, who held defensive stances of their own with weapons drawn.
The Dragon statue did not move anything other than its eyes, but they were glowing bright. “It has come to pass; a son of a dragon has brought himself to us.” A deep voice boomed throughout the Citadel from the dragon, though it never once moved its lips.
Markus’ body shook down to his bones, but he puffed out his chest and held the creature’s gaze in an attempt to appear unshakable. “Who… what are you?”
Another dragon awoke, speaking in the same voice. “We are what remain of the dragon council of nine. Their memories placed here to guide the dragon son to his destiny, the means by which this war shall be concluded for good.”
Markus swallowed. “War? The war ended a thousand years ago.”
“No, child,” the first dragon said, “the war has merely been delayed, stalled, kept at bay by the will of the last noble Dragon, Tolen the wise. The war will never reach its conclusion until the vile betrayer is put to death and those who followed him suffer their long due punishment!” This was spoken with wrath and spite.
“What happened here?” Treb asked.
One by one the dragon statues opened their eyes. A deep, yet feminine voice spoke up from the third to last. “Once upon an age, the wizard kind lived far away. We were a noble race who studied the ways of the magical world. We would send wanderers out to the non-magical world to offer wisdom and help, but each was only allowed to leave for a short while and then return. The non-magical kind did not understand us and they could not conceive of beings that lived as long as we.”
“The leaders of our kind were nine wizards,” a male dragon voice continued, “a fellowship of the wisest and most powerful of the wizard kind. Each was bestowed with a special wand that granted them the form of a Dragon and power above that which normal wizards could control. The nine ruled for centuries with only peace and prosperity in their wake. Each generation a new nine would be chosen to be given the Dragonwands and thus membership in this elite group of leaders.”
Another female voice caught Markus’ attention. “It was understood that those within the council of nine would rule fairly and wisely, obedient to the people and considerate of the good of all over the good of the few.” The older tone of her voice made him wonder if there was such a thing as lineages among them. She continued. “But, twelve hundred years ago, a new power crept into the lands of the wizard kind, an evil magic that enticed good wizards to do terrible things. Some did not believe this power to be wrong while others recognized its horrible greed and uncaring tyranny. A war broke out and the wizards were forced to fight one another for a hundred years.”
“When the war was finally over,” the first dragon said, “the evil ones were vanquished and the council of nine prevailed, but at a dreadful cost. The lands we called home were destroyed beyond repair. All that we held dear and that which sustained us was gone. We had to leave our lands and find a new home. In all of the travels by the wanderers, Gallenor was most suited to our needs and could contain us without disrupting their own lives too much. We found the barren lands and knew with our wisdom and power; we could turn the desolate wastes into a prosperous haven for our kind.”
Markus held his peace, pausing as the words of the dragon echoed through the towering halls. There seemed to be more they weren’t telling him. “What happened next? Where is this civilization? Where are the dragons now?”
The first female voice answered him. “After a few short decades of building and learning more about our new home, some of the wizards began to venture out and explore the other races within these borders. Then something occurred we had not anticipated. Wizards fell in love with non-wizards and began to have children.”
Crystal gasped, “The wizard gene.”
“Yes, child, the wizard gene that is now part of every race in Gallenor. It all began with a few children,” the older dragon replied, with a pleasant attitude. “We had never studied this and did not believe it possible for the magic of a wizard to pass on to a child when one parent was not a wizard, but…we were wrong.”
The older dragon continued. “The wizards of our new city had differing opinions about this merging of races and a new conflict arose. Conflict grew even between some of the Dragon council, for one of our own had fallen in love with a young human girl and taken her as a wife. When he came forward with a son, the division increased and the wizards looked to be close to another civil war. Only, we did not know who was truly behind it until it was too late.”
Markus frowned. “What happened?”
The dragon closed its eyes and sighed; smoke lifting from its nostrils. “One of the Dragons was a betrayer from long before the new world. He practiced the dark, forbidden magic and led a hidden cult under our very noses. It was he who encouraged the divisions among our people. His plan was to break up what little structure we had left and destroy it, replacing it with his own rule and the rule of his dark wizards.”
The younger female dragon’s voice chimed in. “We did learn of his betrayal before he was able to complete his task. But, not before he had gained much strength. Our council was broken, for the dragon who loved a human left us to be with her when he felt we did not want him. With the betrayer against us and Tolen gone, our strength was too little to put a stop to the plans of the dark wizards.”
Markus, who was not shaking as much now, stepped forward. “What happened? The Dark wizards are gone now… aren’t they?”
Markus wasn’t sure, but he swore a light smile splashed across the younger female’s dragon’s face as she replied. “The betrayer went to the races of non-wizards and deceived them into believing it was we who wanted dominion and that we were to be feared. Some of the races believed him, some did not. A war began in Gallenor that took many lives. So many of the wizards and dark wizards fell that it seemed the race of the ancients was doomed forever. The enemy was stronger because they seemed unafraid of death. Those who followed the wicked Betrayer ensured victory at great costs to their numbers. It baffled us as to what possible logic was behind these tactics until we realized that the Betrayer had a devious plan.”
“The war was critical to the betrayers plan,” the first dragon to finished, “for he wanted the people of Gallenor to die in battle and the good wizards to be slain in the process. Then, once the war was over, he would raise his loyal
cultists to his side by allowing them to assume the bodies of fallen wizards and half-wizards. The cultists had crafted a dark spell in a cave near the human’s capital. When the dark wizard was killed, his soul did not perish but took refuge in that cave until the time of his return. Once we learned of this great deception, we knew there was but only one opportunity to stop this from happening. We had to seal the dark wizards in their cave using a difficult spell that would cost us our lives. Once the seal was placed, their spell would break and their souls would perish forever. It was a perfect plan, but we miscalculated the tactical skill of the betrayer. His soul was not bound to the cave but to a tomb in another part of Gallenor.
“When our spell was completed, the dark wizards were forever bound. But they did not perish while one of them survived. As we lay down, closing in on death, we called to the one we could trust and who could stop the evil betrayer. Tolen the Wise. Tolen answered our call for he had a family to protect and he would give up his life to stop this evil. He and the betrayer fought a battle over the capital of the humans that shook the very world. Tolen was no match for the evil magic of the betrayer, but the betrayer was no match for the foresight and wisdom of Tolen. All the while they fought, Tolen was sealing himself in the same spell as we had used to stop the others. By the time the betrayer was nearing victory, the spell was completed and Tolen froze in his dragon form. The betrayer’s powers were sealed as well. The barrier between their return and this world was created and Tolen stood in that barrier.”
“But, I met Tolen the Wise, he sent me here,” Markus said, admittedly a little less uncertain of his purpose. “How could he have sealed himself?”
“The evil one had one last spell aiding him,” the first dragon said. “He could return to this world for a short time while he searched for a receptacle for his soul. If he assumed another person’s body, his life would be lengthened; at the cost of the person he destroyed to steal their body. But, his spell had one catch; it also released Tolen’s soul to return. Tolen was only partly here, his dragon form was still sealed and his Dragonwand no longer was attached directly to him. This weakened him terribly, causing him to age and eventually die, but it allowed him to put the betrayer in check for centuries.”
The female dragon to speak shifted her focus on Markus. “The seal was not eternal and the Dragon statue that Tolen left is losing power. When the spell breaks and the seal is broken, the souls of the fallen cultists will be able to return, as long as they have enough magical bodies to inhabit.”
Crystal gasped and took Markus’ hand. “The Labyrinth… the wizards… my parents!”
Markus nodded, but spoke to the dragons. “The betrayer, who now calls himself Hallond, has set up everything for the return of the cultists. Almost all the wizards of Gallenor have been placed in a prison under his orders.”
The deepest dragon voice boomed. “Then all is lost, unless you are willing to take your grandfathers wand and finish what was started twelve hundred years ago.”
Markus was silent for a long moment as the truth sunk in. “Grandfather?” the words slipped from his mouth.
“Did you not know? Did you not realize the connection when you met? Tolen the Wise was your ancestor, the first wizard in your family. It was no special accident that you were chosen for this task.” The old female dragon voice spoke as though Markus should have known this all along.
Markus looked around in a daze. All the pieces finally clicked into place like an old wooden puzzle. “That is why he was seeking one of my family.”
“Yes, young one,” the female voice replied. “He was seeking a person who was compatible with his magic. He knew when the right person was born with the talent and ability, he would be ready.”
Markus looked at the huge dragon statue, as if anticipating it to move. When it remained motionless, he spoke. “Is this why I've had such vivid and terrible dreams all my life? Is this why I turned into a Dragon in the canyon?”
There was a pause, as though his words had actually stumped them. The first dragon to speak finally answered. “Your dreams are remnants of Tolen’s history put in your mind. When he sent out his call to you, he provided you a glimpse of history and magic so you would taste what your destiny would be. In a way, he was priming you to become him when the time came.”
“What about becoming a Dragon?” Markus asked again.
“He became a dragon?” he overheard Treb whisper to Crystal.
From the corner of his vision, he could make out the faintest of head nods coming from her, along with a shushing motion of her index finger placed over her lips.
Again, there was no response. The tension in the stale air of the Citadel was palpable. Markus was a little worried, but was dedicated beyond even his belief. He would stand here for days if that was what it took. “Well?” he asked.
The old female dragon’s voice responded. “It was theorized that since he never passed on his Dragonwand to a successor, as had been tradition for centuries, his genetic offspring might inherit the ability to become a dragon. The notion was dismissed as impossible. But… ” the voice paused momentarily, then continued, “if this is true, then you, child, are the true heir of his wand. It was passed on to you by Tolen’s desire to give you his power and wisdom.”
Markus had an idea. He held out his hand and the wand Tolen gave him appeared. He held it up and asked, “Is this it? He gave it to me when he sent me here. Did he give me the wand then?”
The glowing eyes of the nearest dragon behold the wand in wonder. “No. That is his mastery wand. It was crafted by him when he was granted the title of master of magic by the council before he was bestowed with the honor of becoming the ninth dragon when Lord Corrin the Mighty passed on. Tolen knew his Dragonwand was a dangerous artifact that could be used to complete the terrible work of the Betrayer. So, Tolen brought it here and then cast a spell that concealed the Citadel from the world. It was his intention to wait until the time came when the seal began to break, then he would send his successor to retrieve the Dragonwand and finish the war once and for all.”
“What about Hallond’s Dragonwand?” Markus looked around at the statues waiting their response. “He was a member of the council; he must have had his own wand,” he continued, urging a response.
The first Dragon answered. “Tolen focused his seal not on the betrayer, but the betrayer’s wand. Thus sealing his ultimate weapon. The Betrayer did not have the wisdom to see this coming and so his power was sealed inside the Dragon statue. When the Betrayer and Tolen were released into the world, Tolen’s wand awaited him, but the Betrayer's is locked until the seal breaks. This is why the Betrayer has sought Tolen’s wand. He requires the power and strength of a true Dragonwand to complete his spells.”
“Why did Tolen hide it here?” Crystal asked in a low tone.
“He entrusted us with one task,” said the second female dragon voice. “Judge the successor to see if he was worthy of this destiny. It cannot be left in the hands of just any wizard. Only Tolen’s heir could possibly succeed.”
Markus looked at Crystal and found confidence in her eyes. With a wide smile he looked back to the last female dragon that spoke. “What is your judgment then?”
“One question, child,” she replied. “A wizard can only control and use one wand at a time. When he takes a new wand, he must set aside the old wand. But, this is no simple event. The old wand is still powerful and could be used for evil if in the wrong hands. Once you relinquish control, the wand can be controlled and held by anyone who wishes to obtain it. We ask you this, heir of Tolen the Wise, what will you do with the powerful wand he gifted you?” Just then, all the dragon statue heads turned to look at him, their eyes each blazing a different color.
Markus had not given this any thought. In fact he had considered the idea that the wand Tolen gave him would be his wand for the rest of his life, and that the Dragonwand was not his to ever use. Yet, now he had to make a decision. What if he just left i
t here? he thought, stroking his chin. Few people could possibly find this place so the wand would be protected from being used by anyone else. Then again, that might be the wrong answer and if he failed to provide them any ounce of proof, they might not allow him to finish Tolen’s quest at all. And at this point, he was convinced that that was not an option.
Crystal, who was holding his free hand, squeezed his palm and smiled at him. “Don’t over think this. You're a wise man, put that wisdom to use. I know you can find the right answer.”
Markus looked at her and it hit him. He couldn’t just put this wand down and take the next, no matter how safe it might seem. That was not the right answer and he knew it. He had to pass it on as Tolen had passed it to him. Holding her gaze, he answered the dragons. “The only logical answer I can come up with is to bestow this wand on another as it was bestowed upon me. And, I would have to know the heart of the other person was pure and honorable so that she would never use such a gift of power for malicious intentions. I would need to trust her with my life as I would trust her with power that could harm life everywhere. My decision is to pass this on to Crystal of the Rakki, granting her the wand and its power so she could use it for her magic and studies. Crystal is a great wizard and has a kind heart that seeks to heal and not harm.” He held the wand up to her.
Crystal eyes widened. She was in awe; wearing the same expression that Markus did when he first received it. “Markus, this is unexpected. I thought you would destroy it so that no one else could use it.”
“Is this your final decision?” the dragon’s all asked in unison.
He nodded, still smiling at Crystal. “With all my heart.”
There was a joyous roar from the dragons. The dragon nearest them bowed. “Your choice pleases us, young heir. Do as you have said, pass the wand on to Crystal of the Rakki, and bestow upon her the wand and all of its power.”
Somehow, inexplicably, Markus knew this was not a complicated matter. All he had to do was willingly pass the wand to her, knowing as soon as she accepted it he could no longer even hold it. So, he placed the wand in her hand. This time, she was able to grab it as it did not simply pass through like a shadow as it had before. “To you, I give this wand. Use it wisely.”
Legacy of Dragonwand: Book 2 (Legacy of Dragonwand Trilogy) Page 10