Fallen Tiers

by Cheryl Matthynssens

  Keensight reviewed the last few days. The Daezun were very welcoming at each village he and Dorien visited. However, they were making very slow progress with regard to Alador’s deadline. The dragon finally had to convince Dorien to either ride on his back or let him take them with a travel spell. The young man was more horrified of the thought of flying than magic. By the third casting of the spell, the man had quit throwing up. Keensight rumbled with laughter.

  A sound broke him out of his reverie and he looked up to see Amaum. He was surprised for a moment, then realized that no other older blue dragon must have challenged the young male for command of the flight. As such, he had inherited his father’s right to attend the council. Keensight watched as Amaum drew himself up to appear larger and walked toward him. He saw something in the fledgling’s… no young adult’s…eyes. There was a hardened edge the big red dragon had once held himself when he was young and arrogant. He wondered where Amaum would stand, after Rena’s death.

  He dipped his head in acknowledgement of the young dragon’s equal rank. Amaum returned the gesture, but only as much as was required. Keensight suspected that this blue dragon was going to be his first hurdle. Before he could begin to work on him, a large green dragon strode into the cavern.

  “Ivy, it has been long since I have seen you. How have you been, or more importantly, where have you been?” Keensight was pleased to see the dragon. She was older than he was and he had always found her charming.

  “I have been on the main continent. More room to breed and the interference of mortals is easily dealt with.” She smiled at him. “We eat them there.”

  That did not bode well for his cause. “Let me introduce Renamaum’s son, Amaum.” Keensight stepped aside so she could see the younger dragon clearly.

  To his credit, Amaum stepped forward, extending his wings and dipping his head deeply. “May your wings be ever filled and the turns treat you with grace.”

  Ivy’s toothy grin showed the edges of sharpened fangs. “Ah, a charmer like your father. I always regretted not taking a flight with him before he chose Pruatra.”

  “I am sure you would have danced with skill equal to my mother’s.” Amaum smiled at her in answer, becoming a bit more comfortable.

  Before they could continue, one by one the other leaders appeared. Naturally, after finding that the Black Flight had been the instigators of locating and stealing the other flight’s eggs, they were not present. Frankly, Keensight had not asked them. However, every other color was represented but gold. No doubt, Rheagos still slept soundly in his cave.

  Keensight let out a sigh of relief once all of them arrived. He roared a call for order as the dragons greeted old friends and new ones.

  When they quieted down, he began to speak. “Many turns ago, this council separated for the last time over the argument of the worthiness of those who had once been tasked to work with us. The Great War separated those who shared our land with us into two distinct people – Mages, who betrayed us for power, and The People, who fought at our side. Over time, The People have found their own place, continuing to honor the pact. Lerdenia, the tiered cities of mages, has continued to violate the rights of dragons, stealing our young and killing our mates.”

  There was a rumble across the hall. Keensight caught a glimpse of Amaum out of the corner of his eye. He was very serious and watching all the dragons present. The large red dragon brought his full attention back to the dragons in the great circle. Many were displeased to have the argument brought up again.

  “If I remember right, was it not you who led the division suggesting their extermination?” Ivy asked. Her welcoming tones fell to a hardened accusation.

  “It was,” Keensight admitted. “I even went to the Gods and was given permission to seek my revenge, but only after I had lived among them for a year.”

  “So now you have called us back to help you take your revenge?” Silverbell eyed Keensight with disapproval.

  “No, I have changed…” he took a deep breath, “I have changed my position.”

  This created a huge uproar among the many flights represented. Strangely, it appeared that Silverbell was going to align with him on the matter.

  A deafening roar sounded from the entrance of the cave. All the dragons spun toward the opening as one, except Amaum. Their wings shot out, and their chins touched the ground. It only took Amaum a moment to follow suit. A huge gold dragon lumbered into the cavern, at least twice the size of the largest among them. Keensight remained where he was, in Rheagos’ place on the large rock ledge a few feet above the others.

  The golden dragon drew himself up until his head nearly touched the stalactites hanging above them. “Since when do we start a council when I am not present?”

  Keensight bravely raised his head, though even he feared Rheagos, whose fire was so pure it flamed blue before moving to the oranges and yellows. “I am sorry, Sire, you have slept a great deal these days and…”

  “So, you thought you could just proceed without me?” The dragons fell back as Rheagos approached the ledge.

  Keensight found himself stammering. How did you tell the patriarch of all dragons that he was getting old and was rarely around? “I did not wish to disturb you, Sire.”

  Rheagos stood waiting and finally hrumphed. “Well…”

  “Well what, my Great Lord?” Keensight could feel his heart thumping in his own chest. The stink of his fear filled his nostrils and he knew none of the others were likely to miss it.

  “Get off my ledge so I can relax. I am not getting any younger.” Rheagos’ words were followed by a short flash of blue flame.

  Keensight scrambled off the ledge to make room for the gold dragon. He was more than happy to relinquish the position to the older male. As Rheagos was settling into his higher seat in the cavern, everyone else formed a circle around him.

  “Now, Keensight, what is this uproar about? I have not been disturbed in ages.” Rheagos booming voice made the bones of the other dragons vibrate like drums. “Wait!” The leader raised a paw. “Where is the Black Flight leader?”

  “He was not invited, Great Lord.” Keensight followed this with a quick explanation before the golden dragon chose to roast him for not including all the flight leaders, “We discovered the Black Flight were the ones who were revealing the location of the other flight’s nests and stealing the eggs for Lerdenia’s bloodmine.”

  Rheagos rose and shot blue flames toward the ceiling in anger. “Our own kind turned on us?” He roared in disbelief and pain. “How was this discovered?” Keensight could tell the Great Lord did not wish to believe this atrocity.

  “Milord, it was the dragonsworn. He has appeared and it is time to see him seated above the mages of Lerdenia.” Keensight stated respectfully.

  “Has it been that long already? How many turns have passed?” It was a rhetorical question and no one, much less Keensight, chose to point out that the golden leader had been slumbering for ages. Rheagos scratched his muzzle and a great scale of gold clattered to the ground. He eased himself down. “Black flight running rogue… dragonsworn…”

  Keensight was very aware that all eyes were on him. His announcement of the dragonsworn had not been made prior to their leader’s appearance.

  Smallstone, named for his unusually small size, bravely stepped forward. No one wanted to go into detail about the Black Flights’ betrayal, but he was willing to pursue the topic of the dragonsworn. “How can Keensight know for sure that this dragonsworn is real and not just some manifestation of his hope?”

  “Because he carries the powers of my father,” Amaum offered.

  “Wait, who said that?” Rheagos demanded.

  “I did,” Amaum squeaked. He stepped out to where Rheagos could see him.

  “Who by fire and stone are you?” Rheagos leaned off the ledge, stretched his long neck out and sniffed him.

  “I am Amaum, hatched of Renamaum and Pruatra.” The young dragon managed to hold himself still. Keensight could not have b
een prouder of him at that moment.

  “Ah yes, sad day when Renamaum died. Noble dragon that one.” Rheagos tipped his head slightly, a great copper eye looking at the young dragon. “This mortal has your father’s power, you say? Are you certain?”

  “He was able to bring back my father’s spirit and form so we could meet our sire. I am certain.” Amaum said, drawing up a little and demonstrating his confidence in the matter.

  “I see. A geas stone then.” Rheagos murmured. “Haven’t seen one of those in an eon.” The great dragon turned his gaze on the red dragon.

  Keensight felt his heart skip a beat when Rheagos fixed his huge copper eyes on him. He made sure not to look away, though instinct suggested that he do so.

  “What does the dragonsworn need of the flights?” Rheagos demanded.

  “He seeks to replace the leading despot. To do that, the dragons will need to assist in the assault on the city.” Keensight looked over to the other flight leaders. “Regardless of how you feel, this is our time. Those that want revenge can breathe down upon the mages resisting. Those that want to help the dragonsworn can work with me and the chosen few that will go after their leader.” Keensight had only, in that moment, realized that all the dragons would be satisfied regardless of their motives. “I only ask that you do not assault those that are helping the dragonsworn win the day.”

  “Bow your head if you do not wish to help the chosen in his quest to renew the oath once broken by the Lerdenians.” Rheagos commanded.

  Keensight did not know the motives of some, but none dropped their head to the ground. He breathed a sigh of relief. What could have been hours of debate had been thwarted by the arrival of Rheagos.

  “The dragon flights will assist you. I command that all dragon flights send some of their battle capable dragons to this endeavor. I expect each of you to lead your flights.” Rheagos commanded.

  The bugling of each of the dragons brought tears to Keensight’s eyes. He had not seen them united since before the death of Renamaum. In spite of what he had done to divide the dragon flights, now he felt as though he had succeeded in reuniting them. He threw back his head and roared, even though his flight had no members left to answer. He promised himself he would fight with the ferocity of three dragons.

  As soon as they all settled down, Rheagos sent them off. Amaum was the first to scurry away. Keensight was of a mind to follow him when their leader called him back. He turned and padded over to the large gold dragon.

  “I am here, Sire.” Keensight lowered his gaze in respect.

  “I have a very serious question to put to you.” Rheagos looked exhausted - as if the meeting had taken every bit of energy he possessed to get through it - but his copper eyes sparkled as he asked, “Do you wish to challenge me to lead all the flights - to be their ruler?” Rheagos’ question caught Keensight off guard.

  “Of course not, I would not wish to find an early grave.” Keensight uttered with a bit of shock.

  “Oh, do not give me that. I am old and slow in the air. A young buck like you could out maneuver me.” Rheagos scoffed.

  Keensight found amusement in being called a young buck; he had not been of an age to be called ‘young’ for many turns. “Yet old enough to respect the wisdom that age brings,” he offered.

  “I was hoping you would say that.” The large golden stretched his wings and then folded them tighter to his sides.

  Rheagos’ triumphant tone made Keensight’s heart sink. If he was honest with himself, he secretly did wish to lead the flights and his banter was merely to placate their current ruler.

  The golden dragon’s eyes looked heavy, as he said, “I will want weekly reports until this matter is settled. I expect you to deliver them personally. Now get.” Rheagos head sank to the floor of his ledge. “I need a nap.”

  Keensight did not need a second command. He too scurried out of the council cave.

  Rheagos smiled as the tail of the red dragon disappeared around the bend. He had chosen his successor well. Now… now, it was time to train him.

  Chapter Thirty

  Jon returned to Nightmare’s cave from a long day of serving Morana. His office as prelate required he be at her side. Add to that being her current lover and well, breaks were few and far between. Morana was a skilled lover and had taught him many things, but even with that, her presence had become cloying.

  He now had rooms in the temple proper, but he felt safer in Nightmare’s cave. There were those threatened by his rise to power and the fact that Morana did not hide the identity of her lover. Between the two, he did not wish to find a dagger protruding from any part of his body, or worst yet, find himself in Dethara’s care too soon.

  Nightmare had not returned from wherever he bumbled off to for the evening. Jon was content with that. He told Morana he needed to return to his rooms to study and meditate then made a quick exit. Her good-byes were longer than a Daezun middlin courtship.

  He sat in the cool evening air, his back against the cave wall, and just let himself exist for a time. As the night grew darker, Nightmare returned. He landed without finesse, the dim lightstones of the cave making ‘nightmarish’ silhouettes.

  “You are here!” He shuffled over and nuzzled Jon. The young mage had more than one acid hole in many of his robes due to these affectionate greetings.

  “I am here most nights,” Jon pointed out in his bored monotone. The timbre of his voice had become habit over time.

  “Yes, but it is important tonight.” Nightmare tucked his wings close and plopped down beside Jon. It was not really laying down. He just suddenly was not on his feet.

  “And why is it important tonight?” Jon asked only half-paying attention.

  Nightmare often told him that his presence was important. Then as if it never occurred to him that his day was not important in the scheme of things, he would lay out in detail everything he did and practiced. The elders of the flight had begun to teach the young dragon, taking a great deal of the burden off Jon.

  “I heard something I think you should know,” the dragon declared. He nodded his head to add emphasis.

  Jon waited a moment or two and then finally asked. “What is it that I should know?” He grinned because the dragon always needed some kind of verbal response to continue.

  “Dragons are going to attack your people,” Nightmare declared as if giving Jon a beautiful stone for his meager hoard.

  “Wait! What?” Jon sat up straighter and turned toward the dragon. Nightmare had his full attention.

  “Dragons are going to attack your people,” the black restated, as if Jon had not heard it the first time.

  “Yes, yes I heard that. The black flight is going to attack people?” Jon had heard nothing of this.

  “ALL the dragons.” Nightmare emphasized and watched for Jon’s reaction. “I thought this was bad based on what you told me about dragons and mortals.”

  “All of them? Do you know where?” Jon’s mind was racing.

  “Yes, the flight leader said a place called Silverport.” Nightmare aimlessly picked at a scale loosening on his leg.

  “Tell me everything,” Jon demanded.

  “Okay,” Nightmare closed his eyes in an effort to remember everything. “Blacksaber said; ‘I have called you all together for the King has spoken.’ Everyone grew very still. It seems the King speaking is a big deal. He said that he was looking for volunteers to help him attack Silverport. Many raised a wing. He then warned them this was a conflict of loyalty. Wings dropped. Morana was not to know of this attack, Blacksaber said. If she knew, she may demand the flight not attack and then we would be disobeying the King. Destruction rose to his full height and demanded to know the King’s…”

  Jon interrupted. “Can you summarize rather than giving me every word and action?”

  Nightmare looked indignant. “You said tell you everything.”

  “Yes, well, I didn’t realize how much everything was going to be.” Jon sighed. “Let us go with the main point
s of Blacksaber’s words.”

  “Well you should have said so.” Nightmare huffed with indignation.

  “I know,” Jon offered in a soothing tone. “Tell me just what the flight leader shared.”

  “Fine.” The growing dragon laid his head on Jon’s lap. “The King was angry with the Black Flight and said that the dragons must support someone called a dragonsworn. He said, now was the time for dragons to rise up and support a ruler that reveres dragons. Morana does not revere dragons,” Nightmare huffed, “she uses them, which suited Blacksaber for the time being. However, the King’s demands might be dangerous to this arrangement between black dragons and Dethara’s temple.

  “He then chose five to go with him… soon. He did not disclose when they would go, but they are going.” Nightmare raised his head and looked into Jon’s eyes. “Can I go with them? I want to watch.”

  “It is best you don’t, my friend.” Jon rubbed the young dragon’s snout as he contemplated what he just heard. He had not known there was a dragon king, let alone that Morana did not have control of the flight as she thought.

  “Why?” Nightmare tilted his head and brought it close so his eye was only a couple of inches from Jon’s.

  It created a visual disturbance to have one eye so large before two. It always made Jon’s stomach uneasy. “I don’t want you caught in a crossfire.”

  “I would stay far away, just close enough I could see.” The dragon did not move his head.

  Jon gently pushed the muzzle a bit further from his face to relieve the effect. He was also trying to prevent any snorted acid hitting his skin if Nightmare went into a huff. “If Morana finds out, you are not large enough to defend yourself.”

  “She is little like you,” Nightmare insisted. Since he started training with the Black Flight adults, his confidence had grown.

  “She is stronger in magic then both of us. Sometimes size is deceptive,” Jon instructed and scratched the dragon affectionately under the chin. He was so young and still innocent. “Do not underestimate a small and seemingly helpless adversary.”