by L. R. W. Lee
Andy and Yara’s eyes met and the pair sagged against the wall.
“Who are you fighting for?” Gavin grouched.
The prisoner narrowed its eyes and stared but remained silent.
“His silence tells us all we need to know,” Sergeant Terric bellowed.
“What are we going to do? The other guy got away,” Yara worried.
“No doubt he’s gone to tell his cronies we’re here,” Sergeant Ector groused.
“I’m more concerned Abaddon now knows there are five of us,” Andy thought aloud. “Two might not have drawn his attention, but five probably will.”
The captive quickly turned his head and scowled at Yara.
“I just tried planting a suggestion, and even though his inneru is frozen, he would have nothing to do with me. He’s more powerful than any of the other zolt I’ve accessed. He threw me out of his mind. I’ve never had that happen before.”
Andy motioned for Sergeant Gavin to bend down and he whispered in his ear, “We can’t let him know about the others, especially my mom. We’ve got to get out of here. No telling what might happen now, and if we’re going to complete our mission—”
The sergeant raised an eyebrow and silenced Andy with a hand, then turned and hurried down the tunnel.
“What should we do with him?” Sergeant Terric queried.
“We don’t want him to draw his buddies inside here when they come looking for him,” Andy reasoned.
Sergeant Ector grabbed a length of rope, and with some sharp-pointed encouragement from Sergeant Terric, the zolt stood. After binding its hands behind its back, the four marched the enemy back into the thick fog. Andy and Yara spaced themselves out like breadcrumbs so the men could find their way back after presumably securing the zolt to a tree. But a minute later they heard the unmistakable sound of a dagger slicing flesh and they cringed.
When the officers reappeared, Sergeant Terric wiped his dagger on the grass, leaving a small trail of red. At their shocked expressions, Sergeant Ector replied matter-of-factly, “We’re at war. We couldn’t bring him with us, and leaving him to a slow, painful death from starvation would be inhumane. He is an enemy combatant who could not be allowed to reunite with his compatriots.”
As if a blast of ice filled his veins, a sudden coldness overwhelmed Andy. I’ve killed plenty of zolt, so why does this feel wrong? He fought for breath.
“Because the enemy didn’t struggle?” his inneru postulated. “Because its death seems senseless?”
Andy’s thoughts whirled.
“You okay?” Yara queried.
Andy nodded mechanically and tried to force his stomach juices back down.
“Andy,” his inneru continued, “these soldiers are doing what they have sworn to do—protect you and the land…at all cost. This is what war means. Abaddon’s not playing games. He’s dead serious about taking over and wiping out you and everyone you love. I suggest you stop looking at this as a game. The stakes are life and death. Any hesitation on your part will mean people die. This is what it means to be a responsible sovereign—to make the hard choices. Times such as these are when courage is most necessary.”
Responsibility, diligence, and dignity are the keys to success in life. Father’s mantra swirled around Andy’s mind. If this is what is required, I’m not so sure I want to be successful.
The four returned to the tunnel and sealed the door behind them, then made their way to join the others.
Only Sergeant Fulk remained in the room where they had slept, and when he saw them he motioned to follow. They found their gear already packed. Hurrying after the fleet-footed officer, they emerged into the bright, fogless sunlight of Hadession a minute later.
The rest of the company stood spread out against the foot of the wall, trying to remain invisible from above. Captain Baldric bobbed a finger against his lips as Fulk depressed the closing stone.
Andy squinted skyward. While no enemy appeared, he tried unsuccessfully to push aside the icy feeling. He scanned the territory before them. It was not as mountainous as the area he and Alden traversed on their way to the Dragons’ Lair, but the barren and blackened landscape sent a chill down his spine all the same. The skeletons of once-mighty evergreens lay burned and broken, their bones strewn about in the rocky soil. From reading the scrolls at home, Andy knew the devastation had not been caused by a forest fire but by Abaddon. The only cover was sparse, jagged rock formations standing like daggers thrust into the ground.
The captain had the company split into three groups of three. Mom joined Andy, along with Sergeants Hammond and Rosser, as the sole group of four. After checking the skies, the first group ran for the nearest rock outcropping a good twenty-five yards away and huddled in its shadow before the next group followed. They continued in this fashion for two hours until evergreens once again staked a claim in the tapestry of the forest realm. Captain Baldric reestablished the standard wheel-and-spoke formation as they moved forward under the canopy, and Andy felt tensions ease as low conversations took flight.
They headed up and over several steep hills. All the while Yara shot occasional glances at Andy. Frustrated with his continued silence, she finally ventured, “Still thinking about earlier?”
Andy shook his head. “Why haven’t we seen any zolt? I expected them to be after us, especially after that soldier escaped.”
Yara opened her mouth to speak but closed it again as she grappled with the weight of his observation. “You think Abaddon’s ignoring us because he’s got all his troops ready and waiting for his signal to attack the castle?”
Andy met Yara’s gaze. He neither confirmed nor denied her speculation, not wanting to bring his worst fears to pass. But her question fueled his worry as they scaled another rise.
A half hour later, Mom, who had been chatting with Alden and Hannah, moved forward to join Andy and Yara. “You’ve been rather quiet since we left this morning, Andy.”
“I haven’t felt much like talking, I guess.”
Andy caught Mom and Yara exchange looks before he asked, “Mom, why did you nominate me to go see if our soldiers still manned the wall?”
“Did you not want me to?”
“No, it’s not that. I wanted to go. You just surprised me is all.”
Mom hesitated, considering her words carefully. “I believe that message with the characters from the Wizard of Oz was meant as much for me as it was for you.”
“Oh?”
“Do you remember what happened when you got back home after visiting Oomaldee the first time?”
Andy laughed. “How could I forget? You yelled your head off for Dad to come deal with me.”
Yara chuckled softly.
Mom smiled. “Your confession unnerved me. You were only ten at the time, and while I knew you’d be called away at some point, you were so young. I wasn’t ready. You’ll hate to hear this, but…you were my baby.”
Andy rolled his eyes.
“When it happened again a year later, I could no longer deny the truth. I became afraid for your safety…and of losing you.” Mom moved a hand to her chest.
Andy studied the ground.
“You won’t understand this fully until you become a parent one day, but something magical happened the first time I set eyes on both you and Maddy. The awe and wonder at holding a baby, the miracle of new life…”She took a deep breath.
“So much potential. I wondered who you might someday become. You captured my heart in a way no one else could, and I willingly surrendered. As you grew, we comforted you when you hurt, disciplined you when you needed it, and cheered your successes. Dad and I knew yours would not be a typical life, and even though you vexed us plenty, we’ve always been committed to your success.”
Yara’s glance pivoted between mother and son.
“My rational mind knows the time is not far off when I must let you go to fulfill the role ordained for you. I understand I don’t have power to control what happens. I know all that…up here.” Mom pointe
d to her head. “But when it comes to you and Madison, my love ruins me. And if I think too much about it, I get scared.”
Andy’s eyes darted to meet Mom’s, and she drew him close.
“I have been strong in so many areas of my life all these years, but in matters of the heart… Well, that message to take up courage—I needed that.”
Andy nodded.
“When I heard it, I finally understood I need to stop allowing sentiment to govern me. Rather, I need to help you prepare to rule. Soon.”
Andy swung his gaze to meet hers and opened his mouth to protest, but she held up a hand and pushed back her shoulders as the muscles lining her jaw tensed. “We both need to stop wishing for things to be different than they are. I don’t know how much longer Father, Mermin, and I have here.” Mom’s tone had become all business. “The soldiers need to respect you when that time comes. They need to trust you to lead them in a way that will protect them and the land. Having you successfully execute that mission demonstrated you can get things done. It will take much more than that to earn their trust, but you must. Lives depend on it.”
“I didn’t deal with it very well,” Andy confessed, and shared what happened earlier when the soldiers killed their captive.
“Learning is never easy; in fact, it’s painful. You’ve reached the point where you must trade childhood for being a responsible adult. You must give up indulging what you wish for and begin to choose what is necessary. You must learn to think like a king.”
Andy nodded and glanced at Yara, who had taken in every word.
“Always think about what will best serve the good of the people and the land, and your actions will follow.”
Andy tuned out as Mom continued. His mind staggered, trying to process the events of the morning.
Captain Baldric’s command from behind brought him back to the present. “We’re nearly to the griffins. Let’s hold up here and eat lunch.”
“Do you understand?” Mom questioned, unaware of his lapse, and Andy nodded.
The company scattered into clusters around the base of three conifers. Mom joined Captain Baldric to confer. Hannah, Alden, Andy, and Yara headed for another tree, nesting in the soft blanket of brown needles below. The four sat in silence as they munched on dried goat meat and apples. Yara and Hannah, their brows furrowed, ping-ponged looks between the silent boys for a full minute before Yara queried, “What’s up, Alden?”
Hannah corrected, “Don’t you mean what’s up, Andy?”
“Two words: Becoming. King,” Andy groused.
“One word: Griffins,” Alden muttered.
The monotone admissions hung like petrified ghosts. The girls took to biting their lips until shadows darted across the bare ground.
The soldiers instantly scooted to the edge of the overhanging boughs and squinted skyward. A series of pulsing screeches echoed over the site.
“Andy!” Yara whispered, rousing him.
“Alden!” Hannah echoed.
“They’re not zolt,” Sergeant Gavin intoned as the creatures made another pass.
“Griffins,” Sergeant Hammond verified.
After two more passes, the squadron disappeared and Captain Baldric called everyone together to discuss strategy. “They know we’re here. They probably think we’re poachers coming after their gold or eggs. Walking into their camp would be considered an act of aggression, so I recommend we allow them to capture us and take us to their dens.”
“What, after they’ve killed us?” Alden interjected, frowning.
The captain held up his hands. “I don’t know griffins, but if they behave like birds of prey, they won’t kill us first. They’ll scoop us up and bring us home.”
“Like a cat playing with the mouse it just caught? Oh yes, count me in. I can’t wait!” Alden countered.
“I’m hoping we can talk some sense into them before that.”
Andy jumped up. “This is my mission. Only I need to go. You all can wait here.”
Mom and the officers raised vigorous objections, as if Andy had suggested playing a game of fetch with herewolves.
Hannah put a hand on Alden’s arm and his shoulders sagged. “Sorry. I’m—”
“It’s okay. We understand,” Andy reassured.
Alden stared at the ground and exhaled as Hannah grabbed his hand.
“If there are no other objections?” The captain brought both arms up like a conductor readying an orchestra to play.
The company moved into wheel formation and started up the rise. After navigating over two hills, the trees began to thin and crude black rock formations again jutted upward. It reminded Andy of Sometimes Island.
Within minutes, six winged shadows flew in unison across their path and Andy felt rough claws snatch him skyward. The pain of razor-sharp talons biting his flesh brought back memories of a similar trip in the clutches of a zolt when he and Alden had sought Abaddon in serpent form to procure the second ingredient. Judging by the pain these claws elicited, they were significantly longer.
Yara shrieked to his left.
Andy reached up to grab hold of the scaly, russet talons of the griffin propelling him forward. Moisture leaked from his eyes, but he barely noticed as he focused on remaining calm.
Mountainous land streaked by far below. Andy felt himself bob with each pump of the beast’s massive wings as the breeze grabbed greedily at his tunic, racking his body with shivers. He closed his eyes but his mouth gaped open in pain. Something hit the back of his throat forcing him to cough and sputter, intensifying the jabs from his shoulders. “Ohhhh.” A moan escaped.
At length, the threads of control Andy had tried to spin ripped away as if torn by the wind, and a sense of foreboding wrapped itself about him like a blanket. Just as terror reached its talons for him the griffin began to descend. Rough black rock filled his vision. The beast banked then swooped, coming in for a landing. Andy’s legs dragged across the punishing ground, which shredded his leggings and tore at his skin.
After dumping their booty, the six griffins took off once more, joined by another of their compatriots.
Mom, Yara, and the officers thudded to a stop beside him and lay there, barely moving. Andy forced himself up on bleeding knees and crawled between Mom and Yara.
“Are you okay?” Andy hoped aloud, clutching his bleeding shoulders.
“Uhhh…” Yara moaned.
“Mom?”
“I’m okay.” Her drawn out response did not reassure.
Sergeants Hammond, Albin, and Fulk began moving nearby.
Like clouds passing overhead, earth-bound shadows chased away the sun. Andy looked up to see three griffins with white-feathered heads looming over them. Seconds later sharp beaks grabbed hold of their tunics at the back of their necks. Yara shrieked as they plucked her up to standing.
“Remove your weapons. Now!” The message crashed like violent waves in the confines of their minds. They winced, covering their ears even though their captors had vocalized no words.
The three complied, throwing their swords and daggers to the ground.
Andy counted fifteen griffins seated on furry haunches, their wings furled, tails twitching. Half had almond-colored feathers covering their eagle-like heads and matching the fur on the rest of their bodies. White feathers adorned the heads of the others. Four young, pin-feathers sprouting from their fuzzy heads, wrestled and frolicked in the clearing, oblivious to the goings-on. One looked to be limping.
“Move!”
Barefoot and bleeding, Andy and the others hobbled toward a trio of caves. The yawning mouth of the center cave loomed yards away.
Yip-yip-yip. Rrrarh! Rrrarh!. The too-familiar sounds of herewolves erupted from the opening, followed by whining and whimpering. The brawny beast who paced in front of the cave mouth moved aside to permit them entry, then resumed its vigil.
Andy and the others lingered in the light-filled entry until a herewolf catapulted toward them. Its outstretched claws barely missed Mom’s shoulder as
it overshot and landed just beyond.
Methuselah!
Seconds later the changeling lay unmoving at Andy’s feet.
“Help me move it before our guard sees I killed its dinner.”
Methuselah kept predators at bay while Sergeants Hammond and Albin grabbed the beast’s limbs and pulled it back into the dimness. They dropped the carcass and hastily rejoined the others as a chorus of howls and catcalls ricocheted off the walls. Andy watched as the shadows came alive with a swarm of hungry animals.
Yara held hands to her face and looked away.
Within minutes the carcass had been shredded into something bloody and unrecognizable. As violent skirmishes broke out over scraps, Andy held a ready position between the herewolves and his companions. Mom huddled with Yara as the officers flanked them, ready to sacrifice themselves if necessary.
Full bellies quieted the cave’s inhabitants, allowing the six to collapse and Methuselah to retract.
“I feel like mutton,” Yara quaked.
“Not if you stay outta reach.” The gruff voice from out of the darkness caused everyone to jump. Methuselah’s blade shot from its hilt.
Andy scrambled up, ignoring the pain that zapped his extremities. “Who’s there?”
In his blade’s glow, the form of a man about Sergeant Terric’s height limped forward, an arm drawn over his face to shield his eyes from the dim light. His pinky and ring fingers were missing. Curly black hair cascaded chaotically from his head, and an unruly beard covered the front of a soiled plaid shirt. The man’s stench assaulted Andy’s nose even before he reached them.
“So, we meet again,” the man stated the obvious, catching himself against the cave wall. “Never thought I’d be glad to see ya.”
“Merodach.” Andy recognized the surly, uncooperative dragon trainer from years before.
“You know him?” Mom questioned.
Andy looked him over. The buttons on the man’s shirt no longer struggled around his middle, for it now hung loosely, and no morsels remained nestled and uneaten in his beard.
The man’s eyes found Alden’s bright green hair, but he refrained from comment. Memories of Merodach’s racist behavior, refusing to even acknowledge Alden’s existence, floated through Andy’s mind. Funny what happens when he needs something.