Dragons Shining

by Michael Sperry

  "I must leave you now, my good friends. I will fly with the Dragons from here, to meet with Znost."

  "They will test you Owen, before they call you King," said Baird.

  "Well if they side against it, then I might be relieved, Baird."

  "Then you could return to your village and be the farmer you really want to be", said Rolph.

  "No, Rolph. That life is gone", said Owen sadly. "Where will you go, while I am on the mountain?"

  "Falos doesn't know it yet, but I will ride him back up to Dragon Mount", said Baird. "I will speak to Znost."

  "Do you want me to ask him?"

  "No, Owen. Falos and I go way back. He will take me without a fuss."

  "We will return to Kirkland, although our allegiance is to you now Owen", said Rolph.

  "Then I am glad you will return to him. Guard him well in my absence. It is his plan to come this way with Justin and Denise. Would you accompany him on that expedition?"

  "If that's what you want, Owen, we will."

  "Ok, then. It's settled. Baird, I will leave Gander here in the Dragon Woods for now. Tamaris is right, I hope. He will find friends here."

  "Owen, you should mark the Toss so that all will know. That is the custom." Baird said.

  "Mark them, how?"

  "With magic of course, a symbol on their chests."

  Owen thought about that, and he asked for the first volunteer.

  Whistle stepped up and bared her young chest without the slightest hesitation. Owen reached out to touch Whistle in the center of her chest, thinking of the image that Falos had slipped him only moments before. Falos had gotten it from Znost and Znost from Zana. It was the image of Briana as a Dragon through Zana's eyes, with her wings spread and posing for the older Dragon to inspect. With a simple invocation, the spectacular image appeared on Whistles chest in a dazzling color Tattoo.

  "Wow", said Ender. "That's a beautiful and frightening Dragon", said Ender. "Look at the eyes, like they are watching us."

  Owen could have told him that Briana was doing just that at the moment, but she was looking at Owen. "Watching over us, Ender", said Owen. "That is Briana. She will always know where you are if you let her. It can be removed like any other Tattoo, however."

  "Yes", said Tamaris, "more painfully than when it goes on." He stepped up to get the Tattoo, as did all the rest in turn, the other wizards as well - and Baird.

  Owen was surprised when a number of the swamp people requested it as well. They wanted to join the Toss. Three of the best swordsmen: Frank, Thomas and JJ. Two of the archers, both women, Susan and Betsy wanted in. Then all of the big axe men stepped up, all eighteen that had survived.

  "You all do realize what you are getting into I hope", said Owen seriously. "Baird is your leader in my absence, and Rolph in his. I leave the rest to you. One thing that you must understand is that I will not command you. What you give must come from your heart. I was born to fight for the Maker against the dark ones. If you follow me you will be drawn into battle after battle until Belaros is completely destroyed, or we are."

  "We just hang around to make sure you do your job", said Tamaris with a grin. The others laughed and Purdy slapped him on the back.

  "Well ok then." After placing the mark on all who wanted it, Owen stood and called everyone together.

  "My friend, I know many of you lost dear ones or relatives this day. Know this. I saw the Maker's collectors carry their souls toward Heaven. All sins were forgiven the men and women who died here today. Not a single one was taken to darkness, for mind you I can see the collectors, curse or blessing it may be. Your lost ones are done with this foul war, and will return in happier times!"

  "Can you bring back the dead?" one man called out.

  "No, nor would I want to. Whistle was a special case. A few more minutes and her body would not have recovered. I intercepted her spirit before the collectors could take it and returned it to her body with enough life energy to begin anew. I did this without hesitation, because it seemed the right thing to do at the time. I am not the Maker, only his tool, and please do not think me a Necromancer, for that is an evil art. I hope you never have to face the walking dead. The Demon probably knows how, and I expect he will use that knowledge eventually. It is for the Dragon Lords to undo his Necromancy if it surfaces."

  "Owen must go with the Dragons now and learn their ways", said Baird. "I will go with him for a short time. You should take your dead away from this fouled field and return to your homes. You who have volunteered will be called to help escort King Kirkland when he arrives here in about six months to mine for star metal. Without your help today, this battle would have been lost, and all our hopes crushed. May the Maker bless you and all that you undertake."

  "Take care, my Toss, each and every one. We shall meet again at the mines on Dragon Mount, if not before then.

  "I don't like it not going with you", said Rolph. "It feels like we are abandoning our duty. I swore to Kirkland that I would take the fatal blow if it were aimed your way."

  "You are a Toss now, Rolph, outside of Kirkland's law. You answer to the Dragon Lords. If I could take you I would, my friend. The time may come when the Dragons allow riders other than the Dragon Lords or the greatest of wizards, but it is not yet. We will meet again soon, and that may have changed. I hope you like heights!"

  "Oh ho", said Purdy. "It better be a big one that wants to carry me, hah."

  "Nothing like a nice big snack to carry you around for", said Tamaris. "Look what they did to those huge porkers."

  "Not much left, is there?" Ender added. "Take care Owen, and you too Baird. I expect you guys will show up when we least expect it."

  After Owen and Baird had moved off, Ender said "You know he is not yet even sixteen."

  "Truly, he is still a boy", said Rolph. "It's not fair he must become a man so soon. I for one, treasure my simple youth and the games we played. I look back and know I could never have traveled his path at that age without being scarred. I hope he does not become callous of death."

  "Even in his games there was death", said Purdy. "But that is a soldier's life, is it not? I am afraid I must have no conscience myself. I feel good about killing Orcs, Ghouls and the other creatures of that nature - and this new breed of Demon Spawn especially."

  "I say if the Orcs and such leave me be, then I will do likewise", said Tamaris. "But when they kill us, I guess we need to kill them better. As for the Demon Spawn, the Maker had them in Hell for a reason. We need to put them back."

  The others all nodded in agreement.

  The swamp people gathered their dead and carried them on the Toss horses in several trips, preparing to go home.

  Owen removed the harness from Gander and slapped his rump. "Go and sire me some young Unicorns willing to carry my Toss, Gander. Come when I call, ok?"

  Gander snuffed and turned to butt Owen gently. Then he trotted of into the forest. Owen sensed a herd of more typical Unicorns, watching from within the trees. They waited for Gander, and then drifted deeper and finally out of sight.

  "We will watch over him, young King. His blood is welcome. The Unicorn magic is the most subtle and we believe strongest of all in this forest. They are a well spring source of magic in the realm. They will teach him many things, and he will sire a new warrior breed." It was Delishaterina. "You are a mighty warrior already, and so very young. I begin to have hope. If you need us, you know how to reach me."

  With that, the Fairies flew into the deep forest, to their secret places in their Mother's embrace. The Rock Gnomes had vanished with the last Orc dead.

  Chapter Eleven – The Enemy Met

  Owen and Baird made their way over to where the Dragons were laying in the sun resting and well fed.

  As they approached, Falos thought "I am glad my friend Baird is coming. The yearling Owen will need a friend where he is going. Yearling. No yearling could fight like this one. No Dragon could have done what he himself saw this one do. Not even Znost in his prime. No
wizard either, of any race. A Demon perhaps, but there is no Demon here. No, I don't think I will call this one a yearling. Can it be true? Has the Dragon King returned?"

  "Hello old friend", Baird projected. "It's been at least forty years."

  "It was long before this mess began. Hello old friend. You bring the one we seek. Znost sent us to collect him."

  "Znost was wise to send so many. He must have known what was brewing. I hope to travel with you and speak to him about Owen."

  "I thought as much. I would be glad to carry you, Baird, and then to wherever you are going next. I owe you much more than that."

  "You owe me nothing, Great Dragon. There can be no price for saving a life. I am certain you will eventually return the favor now that you are such a large and fearsome Dragon. I treasure your friendship in any case, greatly in fact."

  "Greetings Owen. Are you ready?"

  "Yes, Great One. I would fly with you to Dragon Mount and meet Znost. That is why I have come."

  "Will you wear that harness? It covers your true form like clothes cover a man."

  "This one time I will, or when I must fly and carry my swords. I will not leave them here."

  "As you will then. Znost might let you keep them in his treasure room. Or not. There are already greater weapons there, but that is for him to discuss."

  "I left a staff with him for safe keeping, you probably remember", Baird sent. "That's another reason I need to see him."

  "Yes, I remember. The one you said you hoped you would never need."

  LET US FLY!"

  Falos lowered his shoulder and wing, and Baird climbed up to sit at the nape of the Great Dragon's neck, where a natural saddle was formed by fur covered scales, and where Baird could hold onto the spikes a little further up, and he hooked his feet under spikes on the Dragon's shoulders.

  "Clearly this is not your first time, Baird."

  "Not even close, youngster."

  Owen changed, and beat his wings madly to rise with the larger Dragons. There were dozens. "Is this all of the male Dragons, Falos?"

  "Only half of the mature males, Owen. I will introduce you."

  A long list of introductions followed, with Owen courteously greeting each one and trying to remember all their names. That was not hard when they spoke to him, yet for him to start a conversation, he must remember their names. Owen got the unmistakable feeling that it would be all too easy to insult a Dragon, and that they would not easily forgive such mistakes by another Dragon.

  Falos smiled inside. "For a youngster, Owen is taking this very seriously", he thought. "Perhaps I should tell him that Yearlings are normally stupid, and must be reminded of things all the time. No, let him sweat. Strength is not given to the pandered. He looks very much like Briana, somewhat larger and with different coloring. I will send an image to Znost."

  This was the first time Owen had attempted a long flight, especially at such high altitude. He was enjoying the freedom of flight as he never had. The view was spectacular. For as far as the eye could see northward was a carpet of giant trees, part of the Dragon Forest. Birds of all types and sizes flittered below in the tree tops. A flock of Giant Chitabion was making it's way West toward the plains. To the East the tall, snow covered peaks of the Dragon Mountains loomed in the misty heights. But he was hungry. Owen had had nothing to eat since the boats before dawn. It was mid afternoon with many hours of flight ahead. Down below was a large break in the trees. His keen eyes detected several Elk sleeping in the tall grasses. This was too much.

  "Falos, I am starving. There are Elk below, and I don't think I can make the rest of the flight so hungry after the battle."

  "I understand, little one. Go ahead and hunt. A few of us will remain with you and I will send the rest onward. We will catch up later."

  Falos told twelve of the Dragons to remain and the others to wait at a location well known, several hours onward where there were Deer, Elk and Buffalo, the most proliferate herbivores of the mountain meadows. These Buffalo bred like rabbit and would be a menace to the local environment without the Dragon predation. Those who remained then circled down to watch Owen hunt.

  "The appetite of a young Dragon is sometimes appalling to us older Dragons, who are no longer growing", Falos sent to Baird.

  "I have not seen him hunt in Dragon form as yet. I wonder how much of an Elk he could consume."

  "Ha. Just watch."

  Owen circled so the sun was behind him, flying faster than the wind. Even so, the Elk spotted him, and the large female he was after nearly made it to the tree line before he slammed her to the ground and drove his fangs into the arteries of her neck, drawing her delicious, hot blood. She struggled, heaving and trying to dislodge him, but soon the blood loss overcame her struggles, weaker and weaker until she stilled in death. Owen drank her life force as well, letting her spirit fly free. He ripped into muscles and loins rapidly consuming all but bones and other in-edibles. Then he coiled up in the grass nearby and fell immediately asleep.

  "That was spectacular", Baird sent. "He drank its blood first. That's the first time I have seen him do anything like that, although I suspected it. I don't know where he put all that meat."

  "Just like Znost. I could use a bit more rest myself. We might as well take a nap too."

  Baird had taken along a back pack he removed from his saddlebag just before giving his horse to the swamp people. The pack was loaded with salt smoked fish and alligator, and contained a filled water flask. After eating, he joined the dragons in a short nap, but not before using his skills to set wards. He didn't want any surprises.

  But he got one anyway. After about an hour had passed, Baird felt his wards probed hard. He woke with a start, and because he was resting against Falos, he also woke with a start and a grunt. Owen also was awakened, having napped off his meal.

  They all looked to the edge of the forest where five Ogres were slapping the wards trying to get their attention. Owen flew over to meet them and changed into his Elven form. The Ogres were startled and stepped back.

  "Greetings, Ogres. You have our attention now." Owen said. Baird arrived on Falos and dropped his wards. It was obvious the Ogres were not bellicose.

  "You must be the one Briana told us about" the largest one said. "The Dragon King, Owen."

  "Yes, I am Owen, this is the Wizard Baird, and this is Falos." The dragons were alert, and watching from the distance.

  "I am Zhong, this is Fhong, indicating the female, and this is Slong. We are a scouting party, and we have urgent news for the dragons, and for you Dragon King."

  "Go on", said Owen.

  "The Elf wizards have sent us a message, by water scrying. The Elves know you are here, and knew we were here too. The Demon is in the forest attacking the Mother's tree with a host of malagae. The unicorns and rear guard fairies are holding them off and the Fairies main force are elsewhere. Briana is there with the unicorns and she has called the forest creatures for aid. They are hard pressed by the Demon, and the Mother is not awake enough yet to help them much."

  Owen was stunned. His strangled cry turned into a roar as he changed. The ogres scattered, and Baird barely had time to leap onto Owen's back before the irate dragon flew up over the forest in the direction of the Mother Tree, a score of miles distant. The trees blurred below as Owen poured on the speed.

  "Owen, quell your anger. This will not help us."

  Owen did not respond as he uttered a spell of high magic, concealing his form and that of Baird on his back. He tripled his speed with a flurry of spells until Baird could barely hang on, and the wind whistled past. He strained to contact the Forest Mother, willing her to cooperate. She heard him, yet was so slow to respond that Owen lost the meaning.

  Baird was surprised when Owen vanished from under him, yet he caught on quickly and worked to augment the spell. Nothing but a sudden whirlwind disturbed the treetops. It was all he could do to hang on, now.

  "Baird, he is moving too fast. We cannot keep up and can no longer see
you."

  "Just stay as close as you can. I think I know what he has in mind, but he is not speaking to me. As you know, near the Heart Tree Copse with the Mother Heart Tree as it center is a large clearing to the east. The battle must be in the clearing where the Demon could have flown on a wyrm. Owen will try to take the Demon by surprise. Things will happen very fast and I am sure they will be watching the sky. He will need all of our help, and it may not be enough. But this is our chance. If we can take Belaros out now we can at least buy some time to better prepare. I don't think we are strong enough yet to destroy him totally. Even if we can kill his body here, he will be back. Fly as fast as you can, Falos. We will need your help soon."