“We’re almost there,” he commented.
“Almost where?” asked Kazin.
Rubin was startled. “I thought you knew?”
“Knew what?”
“Didn’t Sandor tell you where you were going?”
“No,” said Kazin bluntly.
Rubin sniffed. “That’s a very strange mage you be travelin’ with, Kazin. I don’t know what to make of ‘im.”
“He has been acting strange lately,” agreed Kazin. “It seems like ever since we left Marral he was a totally different person. This mission has him on edge. I wish he’d tell me and Max what it was about. After all, we’re here to help.”
“I can’t help you there, Kazin, but I can tell you where you’re goin’. There’s a rocky shore just south of the mountains ahead of us where a large cave is said to lie. In that cave there is rumored to be a fierce fire dragon. Anyone who has ever entered that cave has never returned. A black smoke comes from the entrance of the cave all day and night. This is rumored to be the dragon’s breath.”
Kazin was stunned. “That’s where we’re going?”
Rubin shrugged. “The captain gave me the orders. I just follow ‘em.”
“When will we get there?” asked Kazin.
“Tomorrow evening,” responded Rubin.
That evening at dinner Kazin reported what he had learned to Max. Max was as shocked as Kazin was.
“We should talk to Sandor,” said Max. “We’re almost there and Sandor still hasn’t told us what this is all about.”
“I agree,” said Kazin. “Let’s go find him.” They finished their dinner and went in search of their old instructor to find some answers. He was in their quarters, as expected.
“I think it’s time you told us what this quest is about, Sandor,” demanded Kazin. “We’re almost there and we still don’t know any more than when we left.”
Sandor smiled weakly. “I didn’t want you two to worry about the job you were going to have to do. But I guess it’s time you were told.” He leaned back in his bunk and gestured with his hands. “Please, sit, and I will explain what I can.”
They sat on their bunks and leaned forward eagerly. Finally they would find out about their first mission for the tower.
“The tower chose you two,” began Sandor, “because you are the strongest mages to perfect the test in some time. The task before you is quite simple. You must defeat the dragon in the cave.”
“What?!” cried both mages together.
Sandor held up a hand. “Allow me to explain. There are dark forces gathering in the world as we speak. These forces are eventually going to wage war upon us. The tower is fearful that it will not be strong enough to defeat those forces. In the past several years, we have sent more and more of our master mages on dangerous and forbidding quests to find as many artifacts as possible to aid in our fight against the evil. The results are discouraging. More and more the master mages are turning up empty handed or, worse still, not returning at all from their quests. This has resulted in some drastic actions by the tower.
“There are, hidden within the dragon’s hoard, many magical artifacts of great power. If these artifacts could be obtained by the tower, it would bolster our defenses greatly. Among the treasures is the dragon’s orb. This orb can control the dragon. In the right hands, this dragon can be used for the side of good, giving us a powerful defender in times of need. In order to obtain these treasures, however, you must defeat the dragon.”
“But why us?” asked Max. “We may have strong magic, but we are very inexperienced. Why not send a whole legion of mages instead of just a few?”
“Those are good questions,” said Sandor. “First, if we pulled a large number of mages away from the army for this, it would leave us at a disadvantage. The forces of darkness would surely attack when we are most vulnerable. By the time the mages returned from defeating the dragon, there would be nothing left to defend.
“As for why you two have been chosen,” continued Sandor, “there is very strong evidence that you will succeed.” He pulled out the Book of Prophesy. “In this Book of Prophesy, it states that in the year when two mages perfect the test, the dragon will be defeated by them. It doesn’t say how, but the point has been made.”
“We’re going to defeat a dragon by ourselves?” asked Kazin weakly.
Sandor smiled. “I hope to assist you, as feeble as my magic is. While you distract the dragon, I will attempt to get hold of the orb. With that I can prevent the dragon from harming you, if it should come to that.” Then Sandor’s face became stern. “I wouldn’t put too much faith in this book, though. It’s full of nonsensical rhymes that make no sense whatsoever. Even I can’t figure all of it out and I’m a teacher! This book says you will succeed but that remains to be seen. When we get to the cave, do not let your guard down, even for a moment. Dragons are quick to anger, and strike you down they will, if provoked. Understood?”
“Understood,” echoed the young mages.
“Now it is time to get some rest. This is the last chance we will have to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day and our work begins in the evening. I’m sorry I haven’t been much of a companion lately. I’ve been preparing myself mentally for this for a while now, and burdening you two with the details of our quest was something I had to put off to allow you to remain well rested for our encounter.”
“Well, we sure know the details now, don’t we?” said Max.
“Don’t let it interfere with your sleep, boys,” said Sandor.
“Easier said than done,” said Kazin. “I think I’ll go outside for some fresh air.”
“I’ll join you,” said Max.
When they left, Sandor chuckled. The fools had no idea what they were getting into. One thing and one thing only mattered to him. The dragon orb. Beyond that, nothing mattered. If the dragon or the mages died, it did not matter. Once he had the orb, he could control the dragon. Better still, if the dragon was killed, he himself would become a dragon. Then the mages would have to die. He wanted no witnesses. Sandor laughed himself softly to sleep. Things were going very well; very well, indeed.
The next day seemed to drag on forever as Max and Kazin tried to keep their minds off their quest by busying themselves around the ship.
“I wish I knew how to defeat the dragon,” intoned Max.
“We have to be vigilant,” responded Kazin. “We have to use our skills and our wits to gain advantage. Dragons are intelligent but that doesn’t mean they can’t be outsmarted.”
“I hope you’re right,” said Max.
The sun was already getting low in the sky when a sailor in the crow’s nest called down to Rubin. The dragon’s cave was within sight. They sailed as close as they dared and Captain Durango came on deck.
“Lower the rowboat,” he ordered. “Rubin, you and Millar escort the passengers to the shore.”
“Aye, Captain,” said Rubin.
Sandor came on deck and talked to the captain briefly.
“And how long do ye expect to take?” asked Durango.
“We’ll be back by morning, or not at all,” answered Sandor.
“Very well,” said the captain. “We set sail at sunrise, whether ye be back or not.”
Max looked at Kazin and gulped. Kazin gave a weak grin in return.
The three mages and two sailors rowed to shore. The water became shallow quickly and boulders pierced the surface everywhere. Twice they narrowly avoided being dashed to pieces on the jagged outcroppings. Finally they made it to a rocky beach and disembarked.
Rubin shook hands with Max and Kazin. “Good luck, fellas. If you get back before morning, send some sort of signal and we’ll come get ya.”
“You can count on it,” said Kazin.
The sailors pushed their rowboat out into the waves and rowed ba
ck to the ship.
Kazin and Max looked expectantly at Sandor.
“Come,” he said simply, starting toward the smoky cave. The younger mages followed.
The cave was exactly as Rubin had described it, with a sulfurous black smoke emanating from its entrance. They coughed upon entry and blindly made their way for a few hundred yards before the smoke dissipated enough for them to see. They were in a large, rounded tunnel both high and wide and littered with bones from every conceivable creature, from mice to minotaurs and humans. Some rusty weapons were evident among the bones, obviously belonging to unsuccessful treasure hunters.
Sandor lit his staff and signaled them to follow and they made their way deeper into the tunnel. They rounded three or four turns and noticed a golden glow ahead of them. Rounding the last bend, they were nearly blinded by what they saw.
In a cavern before them lay a pile of gold coins, jewelry, and other fascinating objects, piled almost as high as the roof of the cavern itself. Atop the pile was an enormous fire dragon, whose tail dangled lazily down the golden slope. There was no surprise in its gold and black reptilian eyes as it watched them enter its domain.
Sandor approached slowly and was about to speak when the dragon interrupted him.
“It has been too long,” the dragon began in a powerful, rasping voice, “since anyone has challenged me for wealth. Even the minotaurs seem to have given up. Ordinarily, I would have killed you long before you could even imagine my wealth, let alone see it. But I sense you have come a long way and it would only be fair to let you behold my greatness before I devour you.” The dragon slithered slowly down its pile of gold and jewels and stopped before Sandor. The old mage looked ant-like next to the giant reptile. “Well, mage, what type of death would you prefer? I’ll bet you want it to be quick and painless, right?”
“Oh, no, Great Filbar,” stammered Sandor. “I have brought you a gift. Two, in fact. You wouldn’t kill someone who offered you gifts, would you?”
The great dragon appeared startled for a moment. Then he regained his composure. “So, the world is still in awe of my great power? Good! As for killing you, it depends on what kind of gifts you bring.” Filbar glanced at his pile of gold, then back at Sandor. “I find it hard to believe that you could offer me something when I have wealth beyond imagining, jewels to die for, and artifacts so powerful that even a mage such as yourself is not capable of wielding.”
“I have something that you do not have,” said Sandor, “something that you would surely want if you paid any heed to the Book of Prophesy.”
“Book of Prophesy? What do you mean?”
Sandor pulled out the book and opened it to a certain page. “Here, read this.”
The dragon carefully lifted the Book of Prophesy out of Sandor’s hand with a taloned foreleg.
“As you can see,” said Sandor after a moment, “the prophesy says you will be defeated by the two mages who perfect the test in the same year.”
Max and Kazin exchanged glances. How come he was telling the dragon all this? It was only going to make things harder for them. They quietly moved into a different position to prepare for a fight.
“Foolishness!” spat the dragon.
“It’s true!” insisted Sandor. “These mages are quite powerful!”
“What’s he doing?” whispered Max.
“I don’t know,” said Kazin. “But I get the impression we’re in trouble!”
The dragon glanced at the two young mages. “Don’t tell me your two companions are the ones you’re talking about. They’re only boys!”
“Don’t be fooled!” growled Sandor, glaring at Max and Kazin with a strange look. “I’m offering you the chance to defeat them before they become too powerful!”
Filbar reared back his head and hissed a hysterical laugh. “You think these boys are too powerful? Out of my way, old man! You try my patience.” With a sweep of his scaly foreleg he casually slapped Sandor across the room into a cavern wall. Sandor slid to the floor, unconscious. Then Filbar advanced on the two young mages nearby.
“The old mage says you boys are powerful,” sneered the dragon. “Let’s see what you’ve got!” He let loose with a fearsome blast of fire, blackening the rocks and floor nearby and filling the cavern with smoke. But the young mages remained unharmed.
“So, you have powerful shields,” commented Filbar. “Perhaps a few more blasts of hot air will weaken your resolve.” He blasted again several more times with the same result. The thick smoke was making it difficult to see. The dragon inhaled for one more blast of fire and expelled. This time, however, only heavy steam came out, completely hiding the mages from view. He cursed and slashed at the steam angrily.
“Let’s split up,” whispered Kazin. “We need to outflank him. Remember—to defeat a fire wielding creature you need ice magic.”
“Got it,” whispered Max. He silently made his way to the right, disappearing into the smoke and steam. Kazin moved left.
Meanwhile, Sandor regained consciousness. The smoke billowed around him and he could hear the dragon’s breathing. He rose slowly, wincing in pain, and worked his way to the left, where earlier he had spotted the object he was after.
When the smoke cleared somewhat, Kazin hollered a signal and the two younger mages began pelting the dragon with ice bolts. Filbar shrieked in pain and swung around on Kazin, whose yell had given away his location. He snapped with his huge jaws but Kazin dodged aside, prepared for just such an attack. Max was furiously showering the dragon with ice bolts from behind and didn’t notice the tail until it was too late. It crashed into his side and threw him against the wall, shattering his ribs and breaking his arm.
Filbar was about to snap at Kazin again when he spotted Sandor nearing his orb. He feinted toward Kazin and blew a weak flame at Sandor. It wasn’t as strong as he would have liked but it did the job, striking Sandor in the back and knocking him to the floor. The old mage lay still.
Kazin continued his barrage of ice bolts, unaware of Max’s predicament.
Max groaned and spit out blood. “Oh, yeah?” he rasped. He sat up. “Take this!” With that he launched a series of gigantic ice bolts into the dragon’s flank.
Filbar screamed in agony and raised his magical shield to protect himself from this onslaught. The two mages continued to shower the dragon with ice bolts, regardless of the dragon’s shield. The air in the cavern became colder and colder and before long, the dragon and his shield were covered in ice. The remaining ice bolts ricocheted haphazardly throughout the cavern.
Sandor lay on the ground and groaned. So close! He was so close! His spine was severed, his legs now useless. He would have been dead if it wasn’t for the pendant he wore—the one presented to him at the ceremony. If he had shielded himself in the first place, he might not have been harmed at all. If only he could get up and walk!
Then an idea occurred to him. It was well known that if a black mage cast a white magic spell, they would lose the potency of their magic, and become as weak in magic as a grey mage or worse. This also held true for white mages who cast black magic. Sandor reasoned that if he healed himself, he would lose most of his magical power, but that wouldn’t matter so long as he had the orb! He grinned despite his pain. He carefully recalled a spell he had seen a cleric perform and groped inside his pockets for spell components. When he was ready, he concentrated. He drowned out the sound of the ice bolts shattering around him. He clenched his fist around the spell components and chanted. The pain subsided. He felt feeling in his legs once again. Yes! It was working! He moved his legs. Yes!
He laughed in glee and jumped up. Then, an enormous ice bolt whizzed past his ear and flew into the alcove where the orb was situated, striking it with a loud hiss. The orb, which was once a rich red hue, changed to a swirling red, blue, and green color. Sandor’s heart leaped. It was still intact!
&nb
sp; He looked back into the foggy cavern. He wasn’t going to be shot in the back this time. He raised a shield spell, noticing the effort in maintaining it, and proceeded toward the orb. Another bolt ricocheted off the dragon’s shield and flew toward Sandor. It easily penetrated his weak shield and struck him in the knee.
“Nooo!” screamed Sandor as he fell once again, only a few feet from the orb. As he lost consciousness, he wondered idly if he should have become a cleric instead.
Meanwhile, Max’s ice bolts were becoming weaker and weaker. He coughed heavily between shots, wiping blood from his mouth. Finally he stopped firing altogether. The dragon could no longer be seen through the thick layer of ice and fog.
Kazin stopped firing his bolts as well, noticing that he was the only one firing now. “Max? Are you O.K.?” There was no answer. Kazin cautiously moved to the right where he had last seen him. The steam from the dragon’s breath had dissipated, but the steam from the cold air in the cavern was just as thick and impenetrable. This made it just as difficult to see.
Kazin continued along the rim of the pile of gold. Finally he could see a dark object on the ground not far ahead of him. He moved forward cautiously and it was not until he could see the shiny emblem of the master mage on the cloak before he knew who it was. “Max?” No answer. Kazin began to run. “Max!” Still no answer. “No!” shrieked Kazin. He ran full tilt through the gold coins and jewelry, kicking them aside like worthless pebbles. “Max!” he cried, nearly pouncing on his friend in panic. “Max!”
Max’s eyes fluttered open. “Oh, it’s you,” he rasped. “I thought today was a holiday. You never let me sleep in on holidays.”
Kazin rested Max’s head on his legs. “Max! Just hang in there. You hear me? We’ll get you to a cleric! Come on, Frosty, old buddy!”
“I know you’re my best friend, Kazin, but you can be irritating at times. Let me sleep.” Max closed his eyes. “See you in the …”
“Max? Max! No!” wailed Kazin. “Nooo!” Kazin cradled his friend’s head in his hands.
Kazin's Quest: Book I of The Dragon Mage Trilogy Page 15