by L. EE
Then, two rows ahead, the vulture-man from the stables stood. He was holding a narrow tube up to his mouth.
What’s he doing?
Alden raced Optimistic over everyone’s heads as he drove her vertically up and up and upside down, performing the requisite loop. Just as Alden cleared the stands, the little man lowered the narrow tube and ducked down. An official who had been standing in the center ring in front of Andy collapsed.
What just happened?
As Alden approached the stands again for his next obstacle, the little man popped back up, hurriedly loaded something into the straw, and once more raised it to his mouth.
He’s trying to hit Alden with something as he flies over!
Andy launched himself over the intervening two rows of people and tackled the bird-man. He grabbed the straw and wrestled it away.
Immediately, Andy felt something scratch him. “Ouch!” he yelped as pain shot down his left forearm.
Andy reached for his arm and yelled, “He’s trying to hurt Alden!” No sooner had the words exploded than he began feeling lightheaded.
“Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!” Andy overheard a lady laughing uncontrollably. Her outburst sounded evil.
I’ve heard that voice before! What’s going on?
“Imogenia! How could you!” a man’s voice challenged.
Then everything went dark.
Andy woke to find himself in bed. His head felt like it might explode, and his stomach wasn’t much better. His left arm was wrapped in a cloth bandage and elevated in a sling. Alden and Marta sat nearby. Hans stood at the end of his bed.
“Wh-wh-at hap-p-pened?” Andy rubbed his eyes with his free hand.
“You’re awake!” rejoiced Alden. “You’ve been sleeping for three days.”
Andy tried to sit up, but his head screamed when he lifted it off the pillow.
“You gave us quite a scare,” intoned Marta, leaning over Andy to kiss his forehead.
“That’s for sure,” added Hans. “I knew it was a poison dart, but I didn’t know which poison. It took all my medical training to finally figure it out.”
“The King and Mermin have been by regularly to check on your progress,” informed Marta.
“I’ll let them know he’s awake,” Alden interrupted, jogging out door.
Moments later the King and Mermin appeared.
“Well, Andy, that was quite a surprise you gave us,” intoned the King.
“What happened?”
“Near as we can determine, Alden was doing his run in the Tower Chase when one of the stable servants tried to shoot him with a poison dart from the stands.”
“Yes, I remember. The vulture-guy. He was sitting two rows in front of me. He shot once.”
“Yes, Andy. The first dart hit an official who was standing in the center ring. Unfortunately, she has yet to regain consciousness.”
“Really? That’s terrible!”
The King and Mermin nodded.
“The guy tried a second time as Alden was coming around again. I couldn’t let him hit Alden or Optimistic, so I tackled him. That’s all I remember.”
“Yes, Andy. Apparently you disarmed him. Unfortunately, he had another dart in his pocket. As soon as it scratched you, the poison knocked you out. Lucky for Alden, you passed out on top of the man and he could do no more harm. The guards arrested him. He’s being held in the dungeons.”
“Why would he do such a thing?”
“While he is being questioned extensively, his motives are not yet known. It could be he is prejudiced against Cartesians, as you have witnessed, or it could be—” The King glanced quickly at Marta then back at Andy and Alden.
Andy finished the King’s thought—that Abaddon has somehow learned about our plan to visit the Dragon’s Lair and wants to stop us. Was that the guy who was eavesdropping?
“Whatever his motive, we need to take extra care. Andy, I’m very glad to see you’re recovering. You did a brave thing in stopping that threat. I’m proud of you!”
Andy felt his cheeks warm and his stomach did a happy dance. Savoring the praise yet trying to hide his embarrassment, he deflected: “Where did you finish, Alden?”
“Alden took first place in the competition!” Marta beamed and pulled back her shoulders.
“I knew it!” shouted Andy. “Oh ouch!” He reached for his head. “I guess I’d better not yell.”
“It was awesome. During the awards ceremony, the crowd was completely quiet. There was no heckling. Some even cheered.” A smile perched itself on Alden’s face.
“Was that better than the award?” asked Andy.
Alden thought for a minute. “I think they were both great.”
“I knew you’d win it. I had no doubt.”
“You had more confidence than me—”
“I know I’ve said it before, Alden, but congratulations again,” the King interrupted. “You truly did an outstanding job for yourself as well as the castle.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“We’ll visit you again later, Andy. For now, get some rest.” With that, the King and Mermin left.
“Well, I’ve dinner to help prepare. Alden, stay with Andy in case he needs anything. Andy, get some rest,” instructed Marta. She walked over to the bed, kissed Andy on the top of his head one more time and tousled his hair, then headed for the door. I wish Mom would do that when I’m sick, instead of always being so busy.
Andy’s attention was drawn back as Alden said, “I know this sounds weird, but you saved my life.”
“You’re my friend. What was I supposed to do?”
“Well…thank you.”
“You can save my life the next time.” Andy smiled, coaxing Alden’s brow upward.
Chapter Nine
A Perilous Journey
Three days later, Andy, Alden, the King, and Mermin met in the laboratory.
“Have you discovered that servant’s motive yet?” asked Andy.
“So far it remains unclear.” The King held up a hand. “Until we know why he tried to poison Alden, we won’t know what action to take.”
“I think Razen might be a spy,” Andy blurted.
“Do you now?” Mermin raised an eyebrow.
Andy exchanged a look with Alden.
“What pwoof do you have?”
“Well, he looks like that guy you’re questioning and…well, he always scowls at me.”
“Andy, if you’re suggesting we arrest people who resemble the perpetrator and scowl at you…” the King cautioned.
“But sir, if that guy tried to hurt Alden because he’s helping Abaddon—if the servants who look like that are spies—other people might get hurt before we know.”
The King shook his head. “All will be made clear in time, Andy. We will continue to press the servant, and he will come to understand that it is in his best interest to tell us what motivated him. If you ever see the dungeon where he’s being kept, you’ll understand.”
Andy’s mind flashed back to the wisps of putrid green vapor seeping from under the dungeon door. He also remembered the raised area that looked like someone or something had punched it from the inside. He let his argument drop for now.
“While you’ve been recovering, Mermin and I have been planning your route to the Dragon’s Lair,” said the King, changing the subject.
They all moved over to the table where the map of Oomaldee lay open.
“The day after tomorrow, when the festival is over, I’d like you and Alden to set out to retrieve the red dragon scale,” the King began. “If all goes well, it should take you four days to reach the Dragon’s Lair. Mermin and I believe the best route for you to take is through the city of Oops to the Goozy Bog, right here.” He pointed to a location on the map. “Be careful to stay away from the edges of the bog as there are patches of quicksand.”
“You don’t want to fall into one of those,” Mermin interjected. “You could dwown. Your feet get stuck, and you just keep sinking and sinking. The quicksand ev
entually covers your head and you dwown. Nothing much you can do once you get stuck in quicksand. Yep, you’d dwown.”
Andy and Alden ricocheted looks, eyes wide.
The King cleared his throat. “Thank you for that, Mermin. Now, as I was saying…from the Goozy Bog, follow its edge to the village of Oohhh. The Forest of Giants will be off to your right. Be sure to keep your distance, for it is a dark and dangerous place. Many an unwary traveler who has gotten too close to the forest has turned up missing.”
“What happened to them?” Andy couldn’t keep the quake out of his voice. Alden glanced between Andy and the King.
“No one knows for sure. Some say there are giant plants that gwab people and cawwy them to their deaths. Other folks say vicious giants eat people,” explained Mermin matter-of-factly. “The last person to go into the fowest that I know of was an old cwazy lady, Anta Emm. Don’t know what made her do it, but she up and walked into the fowest. Never been seen or heard fwom since.”
Andy shifted on his stool.
“You will be safe as long as you follow the edge of the bog,” the King reassured. “Once you reach the village of Oohhh, travel northeast until you reach the Great Wall. Take care not to be seen by the soldiers stationed in the Greenleaf watchtower. If they see you, they will stop and question you as to what you are doing in those parts. If you can’t provide a satisfactory explanation, they will think you are spies and apprehend you.”
Andy looked over at Alden as his mouth dropped open.
“Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen,” the King suggested.
The pair bobbed heads.
“The Forest of Giants goes right up to the Great Wall at the Greenleaf watchtower. So you’ll want to cross that section as quickly and quietly as possible. Follow the Great Wall until you come to the Victory watchtower. You’ll know it easily because this is where the Slither River, Red River, and Blood River merge.”
“Excuse me, sir,” interrupted Andy, “but why are the rivers named Red River and Blood River?”
“Many years ago, King Abaddon snuck into the land of Oomaldee on the Slither River under the Victory watchtower. He and his troops laid in wait for our forces who were up in that area on training exercises. They ambushed our troops and over fifteen thousand of our men died. The two rivers ran red with blood. Only when our forces took refuge on nearby Mount Hope were they successful in driving Abaddon back and finally defeating him. He retreated back to the land of Hadession.”
“Is it possible that King Abaddon could be in that area again?” asked Alden.
“It’s not likely. After that battle, we made many improvements to the watchtower. Chances are slim that he would be able to get back into our land.”
“But those vulture-men fly overhead all the time,” objected Andy. “What’s to keep King Abaddon from flying troops into the area?”
“There’s a big difference between flying men and flying artillery. Catapults are heavy, and he would have a hard time getting all that into Oomaldee without being detected.”
Andy’s mind started racing. “What if he killed the guards in the watchtowers? What if…what if he replaced them with guards of his own, so it looks like your watchmen are protecting the land but really aren’t?”
The King took a deep breath. “Boys,” he spoke slowly and calmly, looking them in the eyes, “I would never send you this way if I thought you would be harmed. We looked at several possible routes, but in the end chose this one because we feel it is the safest.”
Andy and Alden locked eyes.
Safest?
“It’s completely understandable that you’re a bit concerned, but trust me, I want you two to return safely. After all, what good would it do if you couldn’t return with the red dragon scale? That is, after all, the whole point of this mission,” said the King, putting a hand on Andy’s shoulder.
Andy met the King’s eyes.
“Now—” he paused for emphasis “—may I continue?”
Andy nodded.
“I recommend that you cross the Slither River just as it is getting dark to avoid notice by the watchmen. Once you cross the river, follow it upstream until you reach Dragontail Tower, but again, be careful you aren’t seen. You should be able to go through the Great Wall by way of the tunnel that the river runs through. We sealed up the main access after that battle, but installed a secret door just to the right after you get in the tunnel. It’s similar to the way the door to the drawbridge power room works.”
Andy squirmed.
“There’s a stone at the base that, when you push it, will open the door for you. Follow that tunnel and it will open up into the foothills of the Zwellow Mountains. Keep following the Slither River northeast and it will take you to the Dragon’s Lair.”
“Any questions?” asked Mermin.
I wish I had a GPS.
Neither Andy nor Alden voiced their concerns.
“As I said before, we’ve chosen this route to minimize risk and maximize the probability of success.” The King took a deep breath. “Now, tomorrow is the last day of the festival. Alden, you’ll want to participate in the closing ceremony with your first place medal. You two enjoy yourselves, and we’ll plan to have you leave in two days.”
Enjoy yourselves? Easy for him to say.
In the quiet of his chambers that night, Andy could not stop thinking about the route the King and Mermin had outlined for them. Sleep provided no relief, for he dreamed that a giant from the forest was grabbing him. The brute squeezed Andy’s chest until he saw stars. Just as the foe reached to pull his head off, Andy screamed and woke himself up. His sheets were damp.
After catching his breath and glancing about the room, he finally dismissed that nightmare, only to find that he was caught in quicksand. He kept sinking and sinking and sinking, all the while unable to catch his breath. Only his lips remained above the surface, and he gasped for air. Andy jolted awake as his arms thrashed and hit the covers. Sleep took its sweet time finding him after being scared off in such a violent manner.
The morning sun finally took pity on him, sneaking rays through the fog-filled window. He opened one eye then the other.
They were just dreams… Somehow the thought only made his stomach tighten. What will we find?
He sat up, yawned, and stretched.
Several hours later, Andy savored a fried mesh marvel while Alden munched on barbecued pork rolls.
“We haven’t checked out Technology Frontiers yet. Do you want to?” Andy asked around a mouthful of goodness.
“Yeah, that’s always the most awesome part of the festival! Last year I saw a pegasus massager. I’d love to get that. It would save me a lot of time.”
A pegasus massager? Not quite what I had in mind.
Technology Frontiers was situated near the back of the festival grounds, next to the field where they had encountered the dragon trainers. The dragon fighting competition had ended and the field was empty.
Andy spotted something red in the path and stopped. “What’s the difference between a red dragon and a crimson dragon?”
“Not sure. Why?”
To the left of Andy’s foot lay something shiny, red, and curved, about the size of a fist. He bent down and picked it up then turned it over several times. “How do we know it was a crimson dragon and not a red dragon that was here? Have you ever seen a red dragon?”
“Well, no, but why would Merodach tell us where to find the red dragons if there was one here? Why wouldn’t he have just pointed it out?”
“You trust Merodach?”
“No, but…”
“Do you really want to go on this trip? If we make it to the Dragon’s Lair, we still have to get a scale.”
“Yeah, there’s that…and the Forest of Giants gives me the creeps.” Alden rubbed his sleeves.
“Exactly. So if this is the scale of a red dragon, and if we don’t have to make that trip to the Dragon’s Lair, battle a dragon, and get back in one piece, wouldn’t that be better?”
“Yes!” Alden exhaled loudly. “But how can we tell?”
“Let’s take this back and see if the King or Mermin can figure out whether it’s from a crimson dragon or a red dragon. What have we got to lose?”
“I sure hope you’re right.”
Andy put the dragon scale in the pouch that hung around his neck, tucked it back inside his tunic, and gave his friend a reassuring nod.
They walked along the path under a dense mass of knotty oak trees. When they emerged, a huge silver sign proclaimed in bold capital letters TECHNOLOGY FRONTIERS: INVENT YOUR FUTURE. The placard hung from an oversized white tent. Set against the brightness of the fog, it created a distinctly ethereal, almost high-tech feeling that set this area apart.
Cool! This could be amazing!
Andy and Alden walked into the first tent. They found a sewing machine on display. There was also a clothes washing machine with a pair of mechanical hands that picked up the dirty clothes from a laundry basket, scrubbed them against a washboard with soap, and then rinsed them in clean water in an adjoining bucket. Several ladies were excitedly clucking about how much simpler their lives might become once these were available for purchase.
“That’s awesome!” Alden oozed.
Andy forced a smile.
The next tent featured booths demonstrating a fog removal spray and a message delivery system that was nothing more than homing pigeons. The one after that housed an automated milking machine. A group of men gathered around and tested it out, making excited gestures and talking loudly.
Alden gestured, picking up the men’s excitement.
Andy tried to hide a heavy sigh. Lack-of-Technology Frontiers is more like it.
But as the thought slogged around his brain, he noticed a device on the table in front of him. Odor-Be-Gone indicated the sign to the right.
“Guaranteed to manage the nastiest of smells!” a wiry man dressed in a ragged tunic and threadbare leggings announced from behind the table.
Andy started bouncing from foot to foot. “Alden, I keep forgetting to ask. When I first arrived on Curse Day, I could have sworn I heard cows mooing and then farting as the fog lifted. It happened again when you were practicing with Optimistic in the training center, and again during the competition. It always reeks! Am I crazy, or do cow farts make the fog disappear?”