The Legend- Revealed

by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait

  As they explored their enormous cavern, they found tunnels branching off in every direction. One such tunnel wound deep into Urthe. One of the Solteriem scouts followed this tunnel until he hit a wall at its end. At the bottom of the wall, he detected a small fissure where light broke through. He chiseled through enough to peer inside. The scout, Aghar, stretched his arm through the opening and pulled out a large vine. Paradise, he thought. He practically careened through the tunnel to bring back the good news.

  The Solteriem folk celebrated Aghar for his discovery. A team of scouts returned with Aghar to enlarge the opening. Once done, the Solteriem folk flew down into the newly discovered land. In honor of Aghar, this inner paradise was named after the him. They called the place, Aghar Found-land.

  Chapter 6

  Kaida pushed through the foliage and caught her breath. Before her stretched out a vast meadow where rivers cut through its blue-green landscape. Large trees clustered around the rivers casting off shadows, inviting the weary travelers to rest beneath the umbrella of their low sweeping branches.

  “Molakei, look ahead!” Kaida could hardly contain her excitement as she took in the vision.

  Molakei answered, “I see, Kaida. A beautiful retreat. Let’s make our way to the river and trees. There we can eat and rest for a spell. Keep watchful. We do not know this land or where danger may arise.”

  Kaida and Flower Bird answered with nods of understanding.

  For Kaida, it was difficult to think of danger in such a beautiful place. It seemed as perfect of a place as one could ever imagine. She was eager to get to the river’s edge. With sweeping strides, her legs propelled her across the springy moss meadow well ahead of Molakei and Flower Bird. Unaware, each bouncing footstep transmitted their exact location to Jengar and the Solteriem folk.

  Once at the river’s edge, Kaida dropped to her knees and skimmed her fingers through the clear water. Sigrunn and Tyrianua approached and sniffed the water before drinking.

  Tyrianua licked his muzzle and announced, “Drink your fill. The water is sweet and pure.”

  By this time, Molakei and Flower Bird had arrived. They all scooped up handfuls and quenched their thirst while Sigrunn and Tyrianua kept watch.

  Jengar kept watch also. Her wings quivered and her eyes glowed green. Her mind buzzed with questions. Who are these uninvited guests? Why have the Uplanders come to Aghar Found-land? Her eyes narrowed as she unconsciously adjusted her arm shields. She was torn between the urge to tear them apart and the notion of learning their mission.

  She reached behind her and plucked an arrow from her quiver. Her bow reclined against her Throne with a small cage woven from willow branches next to it. She took one arrow and thrust it through an opening and pierced the frogs back. Not deeply, just enough to coat her arrowhead with its poison.

  The golden frog carries a poison on its skin which will kill. To keep the frogs highly prized poison flowing, the Solteriem trap a special beetle to feed their pets. In exchange, the frogs suffer the superficial wounds to their skin which quickly seals over and heals.

  Jengar loaded ten arrows with poison and replaced them into her quiver. She glanced around her fortress with its stone walls which had been erected and fortified throughout the years. The battlements stood ready for her warriors should the Uplanders choose to invade. She pondered, Those which she watched may be a scouting party, more may find their way inside.

  They had been able to protect their kingdom from most any attack, and there had been many. She did not mind a fierce battle, to the contrary, she fought valiantly along side of her brother, Togar, on their raids against the Nomliacs.

  The Nomliacs are the Forest people that live far to the east in the dense forests. They are a decent people, for being clumsy giants. The battles between the Solteriem and the Nomliacs began long ago, after the killing of a young Solteriem. The Nomliacs said it was an ‘accident.’ Accident or not, the Solteriem folk never forget a harm. And as such, delighted in causing mischief against the giants. They had not killed a giant in hundreds of years but … a harm is never forgotten nor wiped clean by time.

  Chapter 7

  It was a time of great despair for the Dragons of Urthe. They had lost their Legend, Kaida, to a world within the one they flew. Queen and King Mursei tried to console Zlemtec to no avail. He flew solo now and across great swaths of ravaged land, searching for Kaida in every crumpled mountain range. He had become a rebellious hatchling, not listening to his Elders. They brought him no answers, they brought him no comfort. Even the Great Zelspar, the Elder of the Qyrdrom Hail, could not quiet the inconsolable roars of Zlemtec.

  When Zlemtec was not charging off in one direction or another, scouring the landscape for Kaida, he took a perch on their mountain and thundered his loss to the sky. He flung boulders down to crack against the Urthe, punishing the ground itself for taking Kaida away.

  This is the reason why Zelspar called a meeting with the Queen and King of Mursei as well as with Galdean, the mightiest warrior in Dragon history.

  “By all that is Dragon, I can no longer tolerate Zlemtec’s pain. He is tearing himself in two. Do you realize he hardly eats enough to sustain a beetle? He cannot go on this way,” Zelspar told his friends.

  “I do agree with you Zelspar,” replied the Queen. “But what can be done for him? We are all in despair but Kaida is unreachable.”

  “She is right Zelspar. I saw the mountain fall away in front of my eyes. She is gone from us,” said King of Mursei.

  Galdean looked on but held his tongue. Something gnawed at him. It buzzed through his mind and would not be silenced.

  Zelspar noticed Galdean’s unusual quietness and raised his shaggy brow. “Galdean? Have you no words to exchange?”

  He muttered something the three did not hear.

  Zelspar asked again, “What is it, Galdean? I know you must be thinking of something. That is the only time you aren’t constantly wearing our ears out!”

  Galdean rolled his head to the side and looked straight into Zelspar’s eyes. He said softly, “That is the nature of things.”

  Zelspar’s eyes narrowed. A flush of anger rose to his cheeks ready to explode when in that instant, he understood. “By all that is Dragon, you are right! Indeed. That is the nature of things. For every good there is a bad, for every tear there is a laugh and by Dragon, for every exit there is an entrance!” declared the wise old White Dragon.

  A small smile crept up to Galdean’s mouth as his eyes flashed green. “I suggest we search for an entrance, my friends.”

  Starleira added, “But Galdean, there isn’t one. The mountain fell in on itself in the Urthe’s quaking. It took away the place where Kaida was, it swallowed her, and those with whom she lived. Rynik saw with his own eyes.”

  “Yes. He did. But Zelspar has seen Kaida in his Visions. She lives in a world inside our world. Which means, the ‘nature’ of all things still exists. There must be a way out for Kaida if she found a way in. We only need to find the way.”

  The group of four Dragons sat and discussed plans and when the sun faded against their cave, a plan was hatched. In the morn they will tell Zlemtec. They knew it wouldn’t come easy, nothing of great value ever does. But they now had a plan. They will find a way to rescue the Dragon Child.

  The sun gently washed the opening of the cave in the soft tones of morning light. Zelspar was already waiting at the entrance. A quick thudding against the ground announced an arrival, before his appearance. Just as he had thought, Zlemtec was making his way to ledge again.

  “Good morn, Zlemtec,” the old White Dragon called out.

  “What? Oh, Zelspar. You are up early.” Zlemtec muttered, being caught off guard.

  “Indeed I am. I calculated your early arrival. One must catch the first rays of daylight to run into you these days, Zlemtec.” The old Dragon stood his ground watching Zlemtec shifting his weight from foot to foot.

  “Look, I just need to get out, stretch my wings a bit. I’ll see you
tonight.”

  “No.” Zelspar plainly answered.

  “But….” he began before the chorus of voices behind him pinned him down.

  “Zlemtec. Follow us. We are sure you will want to hear what we have to say,” King of Mursei said as he came up on one side of Zlemtec.

  Zlemtec looked at the ground and kicked up the dust before responding. “I understand each one of you think you can help me. I listened when you said, ‘give it time,’ like that is supposed to do something. I can’t do the things you want me to do anymore. I can’t just sit here while Kaida is … out there somewhere. I can’t!”

  “No you can’t.” Zelspar answered, making Zlemtec’s head pop up in surprise.

  Zlemtec glanced from Zelspar to the King and Queen and then to Galdean. They didn’t look angry, they looked … sympathetic? His mind felt muddled. He had been prepared to push his way through Zelspar if he had to, but now? He was confused by their reactions.

  “What is it that you all came here to tell me?” Zlemtec managed to sputter.

  The Queen, in her innate motherly fashion calmly slipped her arm through his and said, “Not here, Zlemtec. Come to my lair. We have a plan to discuss with you but … well here is not the best place to discuss it.” The Queen’s eyes were soft and reassuring as she slowly turned Zlemtec’s direction towards the lair.

  “What do you mean, ‘a plan?’ To do what?”

  Zelspar, instead of erupting in frustration, gave a soft chuckle. “Give us the time to speak and you will be informed. We were awake longer than the sun last evening, to formulate this plan.”

  By the time he finished speaking they had made their way to the entrance of the Queen and King’s lair. They each entered and ushered Zlemtec to a seat by the table. Galdean bent over and retrieved a hastily made map and unfurled it across the table facing Zlemtec.

  Zlemtec’s eyes flew wide with surprise. As he gazed at the map he immediately recognized the landmarks. The landmarks of where Kaida lived with the Urthe peoples, the place as it was before the terrible downpouring of flaming rocks and the quake that swallowed her into Urthe. He reached out and touched it with a golden talon. His eyes were misty when he raised his head.

  “What does this all mean?” He asked with a nudge of hope in his voice.

  “It means,” remarked Zelspar as he placed his hand on Zlemtec’s shoulder, “we are going to look for Kaida.”

  Zlemtec jumped up from his seat in such a hurry, leaving Zelspar to catch the table before it tumbled sideways.

  “We, all of us, will go hunt for her?” Zlemtec could hardly believe what he heard.

  “Well, no. All of us cannot go and leave the Hails unguarded.” The Queen of Mursei smiled as she responded.

  “But, you will have us three.” The King of Mursei added as he gave a sideways nod to Zelspar and Galdean.

  “Alright! Let’s go.” Zlemtec was trying to leave the table so they could dash off.

  “Wait,” the old White Dragon said as he clamped down on the hatchling’s shoulder, “we haven’t laid out our plan yet. Fold your wings for a moment, hold still and listen.” Zelspar gave him a wink and a reassuring smile.

  This time, Zlemtec smiled back. His mind took flight and quickly soared to the moment they could rescue Kaida. His heart found its beat again, and his eyes? They carried that sparkle of purple, blue and white that once held the vision of Kaida in its grasp. He felt like flying solely for the sake of joyous flight.

  Around the table, they spoke and laid plans and made notations on the map. Where first to search, what caves to explore and how to mark off where they had made attempts to enter into the world below. Their heads were bent in planning mode long after the sun had passed overhead.

  The Queen had slipped out and went to the gathering room to fill platters of food to bring back to her lair. As she entered with her arms laden in food, it awoke hunger pains in Zlemtec he had not felt in many days. His stomach roared its intent to the laughter of the others in the room. They had what felt as a feast and agreed to start out in the morning so they could take full advantage of the light.

  A new motto was shared across the table of the four Dragons. Leave no stone unturned. They will move, dash or pulverize boulders to find access to Kaida. Zlemtec had fought to keep hope alive but now, shared with these three legendary Dragons, it was alive and burning brightly in each of their hearts.

  At first light the four Dragons gathered at the entrance to their cave. Beside them were travel worn bags which carried a few supplies to aid them on their journey.

  Zelspar had the most bags and parcels to strap around his hide. He carried both daily supplies and medicinal supplies. He strained to fasten his side bag he always carried, but this time it was laden with a variety of Magic enhancers. Casting spells was a learned technique but when one used the Magic enhancers, the spells worked at their optimal ability. He had no idea what they may stumble across, and considered being prepared well worth the added bulk.

  The Queen of Mursei joined them to send them wishes for a safe and productive journey. They had all reached an agreement that the four would return home after one complete cycle of the moon. She could see the anxiousness for them to depart, so she made quick her goodbye. Her king, Rynik, embraced her in his arms tightly before stirring the dust on the ledge.

  Zelspar cupped the Queen’s hand in his. “Starleira, do not worry for us. We shall look after one another. I have brought what I need to speak to the Ancestors, to seek guidance to find Kaida. Much time has passed, perhaps the newer quakes have opened accesses that were not there before.” He patted her hand before turning to go to the ledge.

  She caught her breath as they took to the sky. They did not utter the normal ‘Fly fast, Fly direct’ call. They looked from one to the other and then shouted to the sky and mountains, ‘To Kaida, we go!’ It made her hide tingle and her scales ripple. Dampness seeped down from her eyes, proud of each one of those Dragons. She leaned back into the cave’s wall and watched the mighty Dragons until they were only specks in the distant sky.

  Chapter 8

  Molakei watched as Kaida raced ahead.

  “Flower Bird, do you see anything different with Kaida?”

  “Yes father, she is growing quickly. I also notice the change in you.” She softly smiled as she placed his long braid over her father’s shoulder. “See? You have been given silver strands to adorn your braid.”

  Molakei picked up the braid and held it in front of his eyes.“I have never seen these before. Now I surely look like an Elder,” he laughed. “I wonder if it is this place? Does it make us grow old faster? I think I see the change in Kaida because she is … or was so young. Easier to see those changes.”

  “Perhaps father. There is something else about this inner world. I feel more agile and, I do not have the words for it, I would say younger but that is not the right word.” Flower Bird’s words stopped as she searched for a better description.

  “Yes daughter, I know of what you speak. No, not younger but more vital. Full of energy.”

  “Yes, that is it. Vital. I think it is good even if it gives silver threads in the hair.” She shared a smile with her father then watched Kaida suddenly stop.

  Alarmed, Molakei called out. “Kaida, is all okay?” He and his daughter made quick tracks to catch up to her.

  By the time they arrived the wolves were pacing, hackles up and spiked. Low growls came out between their bared teeth. They had bumped Kaida backwards and were staring down into a hole. A long slithering monster showed its head and quickly lunged towards Sigrunn. Kaida let loose a squeal and Tyrianua leapt forward and caught the enormous viper under his jaw, snapping his neck. He shook the snake vigorously until he knew the threat was neutralized.

  The wolves pulled and tugged until they pulled the full length of the viper from his hole. The snake’s body was at least five times the length of Molakei with its head almost as large as Kaida’s. Long sharp fangs protruded from the mouth, dropping venom to the g
round.

  Tyrianua chewed the head free from the body and told Kaida, “You may eat the body but not the head. The poison is deadly. If we were bitten … we would not survive.”

  “Oh thank you! You and Sigrunn saved me. I’ll be more careful when I look at holes from now on. I thought I might find rabbits,” she answered. Kaida told Molakei the wolves said the snake meat was safe to eat, but leave the head alone.

  They got busy butchering up the meat. Flower Bird loaded up a pack and drug it over to the nearby trees. She found enough deadwood to start a fire and forked the meat with narrow branches to roast them over the fire. As their meal cooked, she cleaned the snake hide and rolled it up for storage. She would find a use for the shiny hide.

  Molakei had wrapped the head in the thick moss and tethered it with creeping vines and brought it back to their makeshift camp. The wolves growled and snarled.

  “Kaida, tell your wolves it is all right. Molakei knows how to work with the snake and not be harmed. I will collect the poison and keep it in a container. It may help us in the future. The teeth I can use in some way, maybe a weapon? We must be prepared for anything.”

  Kaida explained but the wolves still were not happy. Their low growls continued as Molakei did his work. It was only after he completed his tasks that they finally quieted down and went to lie by Kaida.

  They ate a hearty meal of crispy snake meat and stretched out under the trees. Another nightfall was approaching. At least, Molakei thought, they had made it to the tree line. Being out in the open meadows for such a long time grated his nerves. He felt exposed and easily watched. Here, by the trees, at least he felt more protected.

  And watched, they were. Jengar and Togar watched them closely and felt their movements across the Meadows of the Moss.

  Togar wiped the Watching Stone clear. “They have moved close to the Giants. They should not be a problem for us.”

  Jengar shifted in her Throne, “But, we can’t be sure. What if they make friends with the Giants? What then? They could come to us and make war. I think we should seize those sidewinders now before they find allies.”