The Legend of the Dragon Child

by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait

  Galdean shook his head in frustration and looked to Zelspar for answers.

  “What now, Zelspar? Are we supposed to go merrily on our way with this new information?” He checked himself before Zelspar could answer as the walls of the cave shook with Wyrtregon’s reply.

  “Do not anger me, Galdean! My patience with your doubts has reached the end. Do you think for one instance your spirit’s Call would have, or could have reached Zelspar without my knowledge? Who do you think had to alert the Weavers of the Strings?” Wyrtregon’s sudden display of anger extinguished, he continued more calmly, “You are the fearsome Warrior, Galdean. In the past you have chosen your battles well. It would be well that you do so in the future. You have no battle with me.”

  Zelspar began, “Will I…”

  Wyrtregon answered, “I do not know the answer Zelspar. I cannot say. These are strange times for Dragons. If it were not so, I would not have awakened. Carry my warnings close.”

  Zelspar turned to Galdean, “We leave immediately. Be watchful, we must be prepared for anything. We have knowledge our Hails need, and we do not have time for the wasting. We fly home.”

  Without a backwards glance they proceeded to the cave’s ledge, driving a plume of dust into the cave as they quickly took to the air.

  Wyrtregon followed them with three sets of eyes, wishing he would have been free to give the last warning, the one needling deep within his scales regarding Dargenoin.

  It was because of Dargenoin he had been alerted. It was what he did in the Weaving of the Strings. That is the sole reason he had been allowed to see the warning for Zelspar. It was his chance to help while there still was time. While everything still held in the balance.

  All that could be heard were the steady beat of wings as they flew homeward. Each Dragon lost in their own thoughts as they canvassed the skies above and the ground below. Watchful. Ever watchful.

  Zelspar was filled with so many questions, his skull ached. He was given no direction, no assistance on how to prepare for such a dreadful warning. The warning that he, Zelspar, could very well be the unraveling of the future for Dragons. He inwardly cringed at the mere thought of what he was told. His racing thoughts brought him to the realization of telling the Queen and the King of Mursei of the warning, to tell them of Wyrtregon and Dargenoin, to tell them their whole future might tilt off the balance on something he did or did not do.

  Galdean flew next to Zelspar, stealing a peek at the old White Dragon as they silently flew. He wished for the right thing to say to him, something that would ease his concerns, yet he found nothing that could erase the meeting with the Historian. It angered his very soul to see Zelspar in such anguish. By all that is Dragon, he wished he would have blasted those red eyes when he first saw them lurking in the cave. Then, a thought came to him. What if... Yes! What if Wyrtregon was an imposter? What if he really was Dargenoin, the Deceiver? What if he told Zelspar and himself lies so Zelspar could not aid the Dragons with his sage advice?

  “Zelspar!” Galdean shouted causing the old Dragon to falter a bit in flight, shaken from his deep thoughts so abruptly.

  “Galdean, are you well? Is this flight too much?” Zelspar quickly asked.

  “No, no. I am well. But think about this. Maybe that three-headed Dragon only presented himself as Wyrtregon? What if he is really Dargenoin? Dargenoin is the Deceiver, you know. What’s to tell us who is who? I mean, wouldn’t it play well into Dargenoin’s plans to shatter your confidence right from the start?”

  “Galdean, my friend. I, too, had thought of that possibility. It doesn’t fit right. Surely, if Dargenoin was that concerned with this old Dragon, he had plenty of time to burn us both to a crisp. Also, there is the fact that we both tried to get a clear answer from him and if he had been the Deceiver, he would have filled us with poisonous replies. Yet, he did not. The last fact I have in believing he is truly Wyrtregon the Historian, is the first moments of hearing and then seeing him. Remember, I told you to do no harm? It is because although I could smell a strange Dragon approaching, I did not have any impression of danger. That would not be the case with Dargenoin. No, Galdean. I do not think that is a possibility, my friend.”

  “It made perfect sense to me. The Deceiver and all…” Galdean said feeling deflated.

  “I know, Galdean. I do appreciate you running the possibilities through your mind, looking for an answer. But I simply can’t rationalize him being any other than Wyrtregon himself. Do not worry too much on my behalf. Once home and we’re able to visit with Starleira and Rynik, I will search out the Ancient ones for guidance. They have never failed me. At the very least, a warning to be cautious is something we all need to be aware of. I plan on taking it as such.”

  Galdean shook his head in agreement and said, “I guess you are right. I was trying to make this all add up to something else, something that would deflect your heavy burden.”

  Zelspar gave Galdean a partial smile and said, “I am a most favored Dragon to have you as a friend. Now, do you feel ready to a brief rest?”

  “You read my mind and my stomach. I do need some food,” Galdean said with a bit of a chuckle. “Let’s head towards those trees by the water, it will be a nice place to rest.”

  They both turned their bodies towards the oasis Galdean had pointed out and their wings pushed the wind as they sailed towards the shaded spot.

  The trees rustled as the Dragon, older than Time, retreated. A low rumble cackled out of his throat. He reached into his side bag and withdrew a small packet. His sharp teeth tore open a corner. Sprinkling its contents heavily, he continued to walk backwards into the depths of the trees that had only a short while ago sprung up. His eyes glinted, relishing the quick attention his oasis received. A yellow-toothed grin spoke of his delight. He never tired of the game.

  Galdean touched ground first, quickly followed by Zelspar. They both stooped at the water’s edge and gulped down a belly full of the sweet water.

  “Ah! What a refreshing place to rest,” Galdean remarked.

  “Yes,” replied Zelspar, still busy taking in their surroundings, “a very refreshing spot. I missed seeing this when I searched for the Call. Not that I would have stopped at that time.” He gave Galdean a slow half-smile.

  “It’s nice to know we eliminated most of our worries with the Jodrugs. It makes resting so much easier,” Galdean remarked.

  “Perhaps,” Zelspar mused, “but then, we have no idea how many retreated and went into hiding. I wouldn’t let your Warrior guard down anytime soon, at least not until we are safely back to our Hails.”

  “Point well made. I will keep my eyes open but I’m still going to gorge on these fresh greens. One thing’s for certain, with a vast amount of the Jodrugs and De Dezertico Hails gone, it sure let the vegetation grow thick.” A sideways smile showed as Galdean bent to take his first large mouthful.

  Zelspar continued looking around, flaring his nostrils, checking for safety. He stood rigidly and narrowed his eyes. Inhaling deeply, he thought he had picked up a scent, but then it was gone. Possibly a very old scent, hardly there at all in the overabundance of flora and fauna. He grabbed up a swath of vegetation and walked back to the stream to soak and eat. He kept his eyes busy, watching Galdean and their surroundings. It was good indeed to take a short rest.

  Galdean ate enough for two Dragons and grew sleepy. He leaned against a towering tree, its enormous leaves making a cool spot for him to rest. He closed his eyes for a short time. He hadn’t felt this refreshed since before going into battle. He was feeling even stronger having stopped to rest and eat. He pondered that they should be able to make it home before dark. Then he remembered. Yes, then they would have to warn Starleira and Rynik. Tell them the dire warning from Wyrtregon. He would warn them about Zelspar.

  His brows knitted together as his face scrunched up wondering why he thought that. He had only meant to think he would--they would--repeat the warning Wyrtregon had given. That is, if you could even trust he was who he
said he was. It left just enough doubt in Galdean’s mind. He wasn’t exactly confident in Zelspar’s assessment of the three-headed beast. Perhaps it would be best to share his idea of the beast with Rynik and Starleira, privately. He would give it some thought on the way home.

  Zelspar called, “Are you filled and ready to fly some more?”

  “You bet, you old Dragon, I’ve never felt better.”

  The two Dragons, one White and one Blue and Gold, glimmered in the late afternoon sun as they headed towards their home. Their eyes filled with the passing scenery, pleased to not have encountered any trouble on their journey.

  They could not have known they were being followed by eyes yet hidden within the foliage of their resting place. Watching. Waiting. Smiling. A vile laugh rumbled low in his belly.

  Chapter 9

  Kaida stretched out on the soft fur bed and slowly opened her eyes to the walls of images surrounding her. She rose and quickly shuffled over to Molakei and gave him a radiant smile, in which was returned by Molakei, the Keeper of the Legend.

  “What should we do today, Kaida?” Molakei asked Kaida who was busy looking at all her surroundings.

  “Molakei is Teacher?” she asked, her eyes large and round.

  He made a rumbled grunt and answered by saying, “Yes. I am the oldest of the Tribe. I carry our ways passed down from generations and keep the flame bright in the eyes of the peoples.”

  He looked deeply into Kaida’s eyes before adding, “I am also known as the Keeper of the Legend.” He waited for any signs of recollection from Kaida but there weren’t any.

  “What means that?” she innocently asked.

  “It means, from long ago, a story was passed down from Elder to Elder. I keep the story now and have been sharing it to all of our peoples, to keep them wise in their ways.”

  “Kaida likes stories. You tell Kaida, too?”

  Molakei grinned and stood. “Yes, I will tell you this Legend. Do you want to eat first?”

  Kaida motioned ‘no’ with her hands and said, “Kaida wants to hear.”

  Molakei nodded and walked to the fire pit and sat down. Kaida immediately joined him and sat opposite Molakei so she could watch him tell the story. He was glad about that as he wanted to watch her reactions.

  “We will begin at the time when the lives of our peoples were in great turmoil. Our oldest Elder called all the peoples together to tell of a Vision he was given while taking a Sacred journey,” began Molakei.

  “Our peoples were being attacked by the great beasts in the sky. They had flames that came out of large, toothed mouths and large claws on their arms and legs. Their bodies were covered in heavy armor that rarely allowed our arrows to penetrate. We had poor defense against the Warriors in the sky.”

  Kaida listened attentively, her eyes large and mouth open, absorbed in the telling of the tale.

  “This is the story the Elder told. This is the story that has been passed down like the spark kept burning for our fires. It is said, the Giver of Visions shared the Vision with our Elder and a great White beast of the sky.”

  “The Elder of the peoples shared his Vision. He saw a land long ago. Our peoples filled the land and there was much plants and animals for food and medicines. Our peoples had great shelters both in the mountains and out-dwellings. We crafted marvelous items from beautiful stones and metals found in the mountains and across the ground. The peoples were happy and lived without fear.”

  The little girl stared on, watching Molakei’s hands and mouth move like flowing waters, smooth and without ripples.

  “There were great beasts in the air, with giant wings and beautiful colors that shone like the rocks our peoples used in making decorative objects. They, the giant Warrior beasts of the skies, would protect the peoples from the giant beasts on the ground. The Elder spoke of this time as a great time of Honor. The beasts of the skies were called Dragons. They liked the same things as our peoples. They liked the foods of Urthe, the flowing waters, and most of all, the shiny decorations our peoples made.”

  “Long ago, a great White Dragon flew down and sat by an Elder who was making a mask of yellow shiny metal. The White Dragon became interested, so the Elder showed him how to take the chunks of yellow rocks and melt them to make the liquid he used to fashion the mask. In exchange, the Dragon took our Elder across the land to show the magic of certain plants. They formed a great bond and the Teachings of each was shared among peoples and Dragons. Soon, the Dragons of the air and the peoples of the ground spent much time together. They learned to talk together. They shared knowledge and both grew wise and prospered.”

  Molakei reached into the fire pit, taking a small stick to light his pipe before he continued. “The peoples had grown to think the Dragons had always been here just as the peoples had always been here. Both were unaware of the openings on Urthe that lead to faraway places. Our grounds and sky became full, so both searched out farther for a way to live without so many in one place. That is when the troubles first touched the peoples and Dragons alike.”

  Molakei paused for Kaida to situate herself. She had moved next to him and was staring up with her sparkling blue eyes. He gently patted her knee and continued the Vision.

  “In the land across the mountains were more Dragons and more peoples. They were unlike us. Their ways were without Honor. The peoples and Dragons fought battles and turned against us in battle also. These new Dragons blew poison into our air making it hard to breathe.”

  “Many peoples and Dragons perished. The ground withered and with it the supply of food and medicines. Peoples and Dragons died in battles and from the lack of food and air. Our peoples ran and hid in caves and the Dragons we lived with mostly disappeared. It is believed they found the special openings that led to faraway lands.”

  “Soon, we had no protection by or from the Dragons. We entered a time when all peoples and Dragons of Urthe fought. Our peoples began living in the Time of Sorrow. Many generations lived knowing only battles, hunger and death.”

  “The Dragons would kill our peoples and take our objects. They rampaged through our caves and took those too, to make themselves large homes to protect their stolen goods.”

  “Many of our peoples were scattered. Some returned here, to the place of our Ancestors. We found our stories on walls, like mine.” Molakei motioned with one hand to the walls Kaida had been looking at earlier.

  “We had to relearn our beginnings, as much had been lost during the Times of Sorrow. We had lost our ways of peace and prosperity. We had forgotten the peaceful times of living with the long-ago Dragons. We no longer knew the ways of communication, only of fear.”

  “Then our Elder was shown a new Day. A time with Dragons and our peoples. There were still battles and distrust between the two. But then the Vision showed tunnels in the sky where many Dragons flew through to Urthe. Other tunnels showed different peoples coming to Urthe from faraway places.”

  Molakei paused, he wasn’t sure if he should explain all of the Vision just yet.

  Kaida said, “More? Want to know more.”

  “Yes Kaida, there is more.” He said as he cautiously restarted. “Our Elder spoke of a Legend. It involves a child born of a mother from a faraway land. She was a female child. She would come to our peoples and become a bridge of understanding between peoples and Dragons again.”

  He again paused and looked at Kaida. She still showed no sign of recognition.

  “The Vision told of how we would be sure of her. You see, Kaida, in the Vision that was passed down to me from the Elders of long ago, passed on this story, which I tell. It is the story of the Legend of the Dragon Child.”

  Kaida's eyes momentarily flashed as if a light caught in her eyes, perhaps a memory flared briefly. Molakei felt his hairs prickle on his arms.

  “The Legend tells of our people finding the girl close to our dwellings. She would be without parents and would carry the mark. She would have the mark of the Dragon on her left shoulder and carry something of
a Dragon when found. Her eyes would reflect the color of water and her hair, the color of maize.”

  Kaida’s fingers tumbled her locks of hair, her eyes wide in wonder.

  “Kaida,” Molakei gentle continued, “We found you in such a way. You have four scars on your shoulder, and we found you wrapped around a Dragon scale. You did not know how to talk with the peoples, but you learn quickly. I believe you are the Legend we were told would come. Now, after your flight with the Dragon, I am sure all the peoples now believe the same.”

  Kaida burst out, “But I do not remember, I only remember flying!” Her lips pouted in sudden frustration.

  “Kaida, do not worry. You were meant to come to us. First, we must learn of one another, wouldn’t you agree?”

  She nodded; her head bent down.

  “You are to become one of us, to live and grow with us. In time, perhaps you will remember. You do not need to worry over the Legend, Kaida. It will reveal itself inside you when it is time.”

  Kaida nodded again as she stared deeply into the coals of the firepit. The longer she stared, the more she became aware of her name being called out, sounding distant, and looked up to say, “Yes?”

  Molakei looked at her in surprise. “What is it, Kaida?”

  “You called my name?”

  “No.” Molakei motioned, intrigued.

  “Oh. I thought you called my name. I became lost in the glow of the coals,” she replied.

  Molakei stood and stretched. “Kaida, let’s go find Flower Bird. She should have something good to eat. You are hungry?”

  Kaida jumped up and grabbed his hand, “Yes! Kaida loves food Flower Bird makes.” She patted her belly as she licked her lips, drawing a laugh from Molakei.

  Up to the north and west of Kaida, on a ledge hours away by air, sat a Dragon. He had just exited his cave where he went to make objects and practice his magic. As Zlemtec looked over the grounds, he prepared to fly back to join the Hails, his heart ached for his companion. He whispered her name in the wind, then took to the air.