The Dragons of Argent and Silver (Tales from the New Earth #6)

by J. J. Thompson

  The chief laughed once and turned his head to stare at Simon.

  “Haladanin? On a ship? Can you imagine that? I certainly can't. Where would we set up our hives? Or plant our crops? And somehow I doubt that we'd be very comfortable floating around on the ocean.”

  Simon grinned at him, a little embarrassed.

  “Yeah, good point. Sorry. But what about Nottinghill Castle? I'll tell you in all honesty that they've been attacked by undead as well but repelled them fairly easily. They also have mages and a cleric for magical aid.”

  Saying that reminded Simon of something. He looked around at the survivors.

  “You lost your shaman?”

  Galder nodded and clenched his hands in obvious anger.

  “We did. She died defending the gate. That is how we few had the time to retreat to where you found us. But many fell to her power before they overwhelmed her and the other defenders.”

  “I'm so sorry to hear that. But then you know the value of magical aid in these troubled times and you'd have that if you relocated to the castle.”

  Aeris flew over and took their cups, returning with fresh tea a minute later.

  “Thanks,” Simon said to him.

  The elemental nodded silently and flew off to serve the others.

  The wizard and the chief sipped their tea quietly for a few minutes, each lost their own thoughts.

  “And just how will these Changlings of yours react to me and mine?” Galder asked eventually.

  “React? What do you mean?”

  “Come now, my friend. Let us speak plainly. We are not exactly normal looking, are we? My memories from my old life are vague, but I know how that man would have responded if a humanoid bear had walked up to him and said hello. He would have been terrified and might even have attacked it. So what about your friends at the castle?”

  Simon had already become so accustomed to the appearance of the Haladanin that he was caught by surprise.

  “Er, that actually hadn't occurred to me. They'll be startled at first, I suppose, but I'm sure that they'll get over it quickly.”

  “Are you really? Because I am not.”

  Galder looked around the room at his people and his gaze stopped when it reached his daughters. The two young creatures were sitting on the couch, arms entwined. It looked like they were falling asleep and the chief's expression softened.

  “I am sorry, Simon, but I won't risk my children, and my few remaining people, on your guesses. If we must, we will set out again and find another home; one more defensible than the last. But I won't expose us to scorn or ridicule. Or, even worse, fear and loathing. No, that I will not do.”

  “Do you really think, after all we've been through since humanity fell, that other Changlings would be prejudiced against the Haladanin?” Simon asked in surprise.

  “Don't you? Come now, my friend. We are all Changed, yes, and my people more than most, but at our core we are still human; at least in part. And with that humanity comes a host of latent fears and hatreds. As a species, we were far from perfect. Can you truly say that the world is worse off with our old race wiped out?”

  “If the alternative is allowing the lords of Chaos to return and spread out from the Earth like a pestilence? Yes, I can,” the wizard said stoutly. “We made mistakes, God knows. We had wars and pollution and a million flaws. But I have always believed that the majority of people were good at heart, that they had a core of decency. And I always will. Will some people at Nottinghill Castle fear the Haladanin? Probably. Will they get over it eventually? Most of them will. The few who can't will simply have to suck it up and live with it.”

  He smiled at Galder.

  “No one is universally loved. Certainly there are people out in the world who can't stand me. And why should they? But if it's to their benefit, they will work with me. That is the key, my friend. Your people are hard working. You have a way with beehives and crops that I doubt can be matched by anyone else. You are all strong and willing to contribute. I think that would make you more popular with others than you might believe.”

  The chief pondered Simon's words, looking at his sleeping children.

  “Perhaps. Perhaps you are right. Allow me to sleep on it, my friend.”

  “Of course, Galder. Take your time. If you or your people need anything, just look through my cupboards. If you can't find it, ask Aeris or Kronk. Both will be available all night.”

  He got up and offered his hand to the Haladanin leader.

  The chief stood up as well, towering over Simon, and engulfed his hand with his own large furry one.

  “Thank you for all you've done,” Galder rumbled sincerely. “We would all be dead now were it not for you.”

  “Friends help friends,” Simon replied simply. “Sleep well.”

  “And you.”

  The next morning, the elementals reported in. They told Simon that the Haladanin had had a quiet night and had slept well, considering.

  “They all got up a few times in the night to use the outhouse and to drink some water, but that was about it,” Aeris told him as the wizard got dressed.

  “And this morning?”

  “They rose early, ate some of their own rations and are now outside in the pasture behind the tower, master,” Kronk said as he offered Simon his boots.

  “Thanks. Outside?”

  “Yes, master. They asked if they might go out beyond the wall once the sun rose and I opened the back gate for them. You gave me your permission to do that, if you remember. I hope that was acceptable?”

  Simon smoothed out his robe, he'd decided to wear dark blue that day, and looked curiously at the little guy.

  “Of course it is. They aren't prisoners, Kronk. You did the right thing.”

  The earthen looked relieved.

  “Thank you, master.”

  The wizard ate a quick breakfast, took a second cup of tea with him and headed outside.

  The morning was fresh and bright. It was a day that made it hard to believe in things like walking skeletons and necromancers.

  Aeris flew ahead while Kronk walked with Simon as he circled the tower and went out the back gate. Once he could see the pasture he stopped and stared, both surprised and amused.

  The Haladanin were frolicking in the lake; swimming, hooting and generally acting like very large, furry children. Simon stood near the gate and sipped his tea, watching with delight.

  “They seem so much happier today than yesterday, master,” Kronk observed. “Have they managed to put the horror of what they have gone through behind them already?”

  “Maybe so. I don't know anything about bears and how they think and how much of that carries over to the Haladanin. Maybe they don't brood on bad memories. Who knows? But I think this is a good sign. Perhaps they've begun to heal.”

  They watched the people play for a few minutes before walking down to the lake. When they got to the shore, Galder, who had been paddling back and forth, noticed the wizard and made his way back from the far side of the lake.

  They swim like large dogs, Simon thought and held back a grin.

  “Good morning, my friend,” Galder called as he stood up.

  He waded through the water and stood in the shallows. Even though he was in the lake and Simon was on land, the chief was still the taller one.

  “Morning, Galder. How are you all today?”

  “Better, thank you. We were delighted to discover your lake. You have few fish though, so we didn't bother them. It is important for lakes and ponds to have them to keep the water clean.”

  “Is it? I didn't know that. Well, thanks then.”

  “Not at all.”

  Galder looked over his shoulder at the other Haladanin and grunted a few instructions. Then he stepped out of the lake and motioned for Simon and Kronk to step back a ways. He bent over and shook himself furiously, sending a shower of water droplets in all directions.

  The wizard covered his cup and moved even further back. Aeris descended out of the s
un at that moment and the three of them watched as the chief finished drying himself off.

  “Handy technique,” the air elemental said quietly. “Saves him needing a towel.”

  “Good point.”

  Simon finished his tea and Aeris motioned for the cup.

  “Thanks, Aeris.”

  “No problem. I'll be back in a couple of minutes.”

  The elemental zipped off toward the tower and Simon and Kronk waited for Galder to join them.

  “You have a fine group of animals,” the chief said.

  He was looking at the horses, cows and sheep as they grazed. Simon noticed that all of the animals gave the Haladanin a wide berth.

  “They find us strange,” Galder continued.

  He scratched his head, shrugged and then picked up his belt and weapons from where he'd left them beside the lake. He got dressed and looked down at Simon.

  “My people and I have decided on our course of action, my friend. We do not want others to react to us as your livestock do. We need to have our own place, our own home. It will be easier for us, and for you and the other Changlings, if we remain apart.”

  “I'm sorry to hear that,” Simon said regretfully. “I think that you are selling the people at Nottinghill Castle short, but the decision is yours, of course. But where will you go? It isn't safe out in the world now.”

  Galder smiled and his small fangs protruded as he pulled back his black lips.

  “It has never been safe, Simon. It may be more dangerous now with necromancers stalking the world, but that is what it is. And before those spell-casters can harm us, they will have to find us.”

  He looked at his people with obvious affection as they continued to play in the lake.

  “We do well in the wild, better than a more 'normal' Changling would. We can eat almost anything, sleep almost anywhere. We can survive deep cold and burning heat. Our mistake, we now believe, was settling down in a place so close to a city. We will not make that error again. Once we have the supplies we need, we will set off to the west, deeper into the wilderness. The next major city is hundreds of miles away in that direction. We will find our place; I know we will.”

  Simon nodded but felt a wave of sadness. These strange, gentle people had been driven from their homes for no reason except the enmity of the dark gods. They deserved better than the fate that awaited them.

  “What can I do to help?” he asked Galder. “Whatever is in my power to do for your people, I'll do.”

  “Ah Simon. My friend.”

  The chief smiled down at him and patted his shoulder gently.

  The wizard had a weird moment of juxtaposition. He wondered if Kronk felt this way when he reached down and touched his small shoulders. It was a weird feeling.

  “You have saved my people,” Galder told him. “What more could we ask of you? If you take us back so that we can get our belongings, that will be enough.”

  “Of course. Whenever you're ready.”

  The Haladanin were prepared to leave in a surprisingly short time and Simon Gated them and the elementals back to town. It was still early in the day and Galder wanted to gather what they needed and leave so that they would have a head start on any attackers before nightfall.

  “Do you think that you will be able to travel far enough away from the town to lose them by nightfall?”

  “We can only hope so. What choice do we have?”

  Simon stood in the center of town with Kronk and Aeris. Galder was with them and the other Haladanin were searching through the buildings for anything they thought they might need.

  “What about your beehives?”

  Galder sighed heavily.

  “We will have to leave them, I'm afraid. It is too bad. We love honey and enjoy caring for the bees. Perhaps to the west we will find fields of flowers that do not grow as thickly in this part of the country.

  A light seemed to go off in Simon's head and he felt a surge of excitement.

  “Wait. I have an idea!”

  The chief and the elementals looked at him with almost identical expressions of surprise and Simon almost burst out laughing. He was so excited that he felt giddy.

  “Galder, a couple of years ago I had to travel west to the Rockies, to find a special plant to use in a ritual. Anyway, the meadows in the lower part of the mountains are thick with flowers. There are forests further down as well. That entire part of the country is dotted with lakes and streams too. It might be the perfect spot to start over. It's certainly far enough away from Ottawa or any other city.”

  “The Rockies?” the chief muttered.

  He frowned in thought and then nodded slowly.

  “It might do. Could you do me another favor and take me there to see it? Or is that asking too much?”

  “Hardly. We can go now while your people finish up here.”

  “Excellent. Let me tell them that we're leaving and I will be right back.”

  Galder hurried off and Aeris waited for him to get out of earshot before moving close enough to Simon to whisper.

  “Is that a good idea?” he asked softly. “You were in and out of that part of the country very quickly. There could be a lot of dangers that you don't know about.”

  “I have no doubt that there are,” the wizard agreed. “But whatever is out there can't be worse than what they will face if they stay around here. They want a new start, Aeris; a new beginning. This might be ideal.”

  Kronk listened silently but smiled a bit when Simon looked down at him.

  “You may be right,” the air elemental said hesitantly. “I just thought I'd mention it.”

  “I understand. But despite his appearance, Galder is far from slow or stupid. He knows very well that danger awaits them no matter where they go. He's a good leader for the Haladanin. I think they'll do well, if he decides to move them out there. Let's wait and see what he says.”

  The chief returned shortly.

  “I have told them that we will be gone for a while to do some scouting. So, shall we go?”

  “Sure. Kronk? Aeris? I wonder if you'd mind staying here. Keep an eye on things. I know it's the middle of the day, but we can't be too careful.”

  “Of course, master. We'd be happy to. Wouldn't we?”

  Aeris shrugged.

  “Certainly. Be careful out there.”

  “We will be. Galder? Your hand on my shoulder, please.”

  The chief moved closer and laid his large hand lightly on Simon's shoulder. The wizard lifted his staff, pulled out the memory of the lush meadows on the slopes of the Rockies and examined it. When it was locked firmly in his mind, he cast the spell and slipped into the void.

  “Will they be all right, do you think?”

  “They will be fine. Between our master and that bear man, there is little that would challenge them out in the wild.”

  “Let's hope so,” Aeris said under his breath.

  The Gate wrapped them in complete darkness for a count of twelve and Simon was becoming a bit concerned when he and Galder suddenly burst into the pale, pink light of predawn.

  They were standing knee-deep in grass and a cool, sweet breeze blew past them.

  “Oh jeez, I forgot about the time difference,” he said to Galder.

  He could vaguely see the chief looming over him in the gloom.

  “The sun isn't even up yet.”

  “That is not a problem,” the Haladanin replied as he turned in a slow circle to survey the land.

  “Ah, it is beautiful, is it not?” he said with quiet delight. “So pristine. So fresh.”

  “It is. I remember thinking back when I first visited here that I wished there was a way to move my tower and set it up somewhere in the mountains. But my roots run too deep where my home is now and I wouldn't move unless I was forced to.”

  The pair of them became quiet and watched the world wake up around them. It was exhilarating.

  Strange trills from unseen birds and the rustling of swaying plants filled the air. As the sun c
rept over the horizon, the world filled with color.

  Flowers opened themselves to the light and their scents became almost intoxicating. Simon looked up at the chief and saw him breathing in deeply, a joyful expression on his face.

  It's amazing that someone who can look so frightening can also seem so childlike, the wizard thought.

  “So what do you think?” he finally asked.

  “Think? I thing that it is wonderful here,” Galder answered. “It is still springtime. My people and I could begin building new homes and have them ready before the first snow flies, I am sure.”

  He pointed downward at the slopes below them.

  “See? There are many groves of trees that we can use for building materials. We have tools and the skill to use them. And, if you would indulge me somewhat, my friend, we could perhaps bring a dozen of our hives with us and set them up near this meadow. That way, our supply of honey would remain uninterrupted.”

  “I'll help in any way I can,” Simon assured him. “So does that mean that you think this place would suit you and the others?”

  “I do. You are a genius to have thought of this. I have yet another reason to be grateful to you. How can I ever thank you?”

  “Survive, my friend. Survive and thrive. That will be thanks enough.”

  The Haladanin were thrilled when Galder reported back to them. The group was sitting by the gate with their belongings when Simon and the chief returned and looked a little forlorn. But the description of the beauty that awaited them in the mountains cheered them up immensely and they were obviously eager to put their old home behind them and get a new start.

  Simon Gated the people and their supplies separately. There were simply too many bags, boxes and bundles of tools to take all at once. Kronk and Aeris had seen no signs of trouble, so the wizard took his time and made sure that the Haladanin had everything they wanted to bring with them.

  Between Gates, Simon took Kronk aside and asked for a favor. The little guy was thrilled with his suggestion and happily disappeared underground.

  Aeris had joined the wizard on the first trip and Simon sent him off to scout the area around the meadow, just in case.