by Andy Holland
"These two are Dave, and Dave," Theo said, introducing the last two. "Our mappers." The two Daves were of similar height and build and although clearly not related, there wasn't a lot to distinguish them from each other.
"Two Daves?" John asked. "How do you prefer to be addressed?"
"Dave, and Dave, of course," the first Dave replied with a wry smile. "Do you prefer to be called John?"
"Er, yes, I do. But how do you know which Dave people are referring to when they just call you Dave?"
"Never been a problem," the second Dave replied.
Theo laughed. "Come on, John, take a seat. I'm sure you have some questions for me."
"So, tell me the plan," John said, sighing as he sat down. "Where are we going to start looking?"
Theo smiled. "Oh, we don't plan to spend too long looking. We thought we'd get them to take us to the camp."
John raised his eyebrows. "What, just ask them where it is? Won't that seem a bit suspicious? Wouldn't they want to know who we were and why we want to know?"
Theo nodded. "John, tell me. What do you think they would do, if after we found their camp, they realised we knew where it was?"
John thought for a moment. "Probably increase their defences in case we attempted a rescue?"
Theo nodded. "They might do that, yes, but for how long would they want to do that? What else what might they do?"
John thought for a moment. "Perhaps relocate the camp?"
Theo clapped. "Exactly. According to the prisoner, in the last five years they've relocated the camp eight times and she is pretty sure that each time it was after a prisoner escaped."
"Doesn't this make our task much harder?" John asked. "Don't the Browns want us to bring back a prisoner as proof?"
Theo nodded. "They do, and that is a challenge. But it also gives us an opportunity. Can you see what it is?"
John was silent, and after trying to think of the answer, shook his head.
"Well, imagine what they'd do if they thought a prisoner had escaped today. What would they do?"
"Start planning the relocation of their prisoners?"
Theo shook his head. "They will have already done that. They'd execute the plan. Immediately. And they have hundreds, if not thousands of prisoners. We know from our escaped prisoner how many guards there are, or at least we have a good estimate, and there just isn't enough of them to relocate the prisoners quickly. It would be a massive operation in an area that isn't that heavily populated. Every Blue Dragon in the area would be required to lend a hand. We'd just offer to help and they'd take us to the camp. We probably wouldn't even need to offer—they'd conscript us as soon as they saw us."
John shook his head. "But how would you make them think a prisoner had escaped? And how do you know they wouldn't wait for a while before moving the camp, to check that a prisoner had really escaped?"
"None of those escaped prisoners made it, John," Dinah added. "All were recaptured except for the most recent one. They must have moved the camps straight away just in case they made it. They've probably moved again since she escaped. Of course, they needn't have bothered; she couldn't give us anything of use about the camp's location, but they wouldn't know that."
"So, how do we make them think a prisoner has escaped?" John asked.
Theo smiled. "Ah, now this is where it gets interesting and this is why we're very glad to have Dinah as part of the team..."
Theo explained the rest of the plan as they continued their journey, flying east along the border with the Dark Browns until they reached the sea, where they met their contact from the Dark Brown Dragons. Their contact was a little unhappy that they insisted on travelling disguised as Dark Browns rather than as Golden Dragons, but relented when they insisted that it reduced the risk of the Blues working out what they were up to.
Flying across the Dark Brown Kingdom was uneventful, meeting few of the countries inhabitants, sticking to the beautiful but deserted coastline. The two Daves had an amazing knowledge of the region—better even than their escort, which did nothing to allay his suspicion. Apparently the Dark Browns were fearful of an attack from the Sea Dragons, and avoided building settlements too close to the shore or even spending much time by the sea. This was based purely on paranoia, as it had been centuries since Sea Dragons had been anywhere near here.
They arrived at the border with the Blue Dragons late in the afternoon and after leaving their contact behind and performing a quick high altitude transformation, they entered the Blue Dragon territory as Blue Dragons, crossing the border high above the thin cloud cover. It was late in the day, so they spent the remaining hour of light flying above the region just to the north of the border. Unlike most borders, this one was without any defining features to demarcate the two countries. It was another frozen conflict, the two nations never really not at war, and this border was a particularly fluid one with the region just north of here having been held by the Dark Brown Dragons not that long ago.
Informally, the border was indicated by a dotted line formed by large piles of stones. Informally, as there were no formal lines of communication between the two nations that could lead to an agreement on a border. The line was only in place to alert those in the air that they might be entering an area where their enemy would be patrolling, but of course, being on the right side of the line didn't guarantee your safety and skirmishes were common.
The two Daves insisted on gaining a more detailed understanding of the area and landed twice to record details, an activity fraught with risk in John's eyes. However, doing so did help familiarise them with the area and although there wasn't much to distinguish the border region from the land on each side, John noted that it was a little hillier than the area to the north and the trees were a little thinner.
When the sun began to set they returned as Dark Brown Dragons to the site they had agreed with their escort, where a campsite had been established for them by the Dark Browns. A lot of Brown Dragons were at the camp and were setting up more tents; evidently they were confident that the mission was going to be successful and were starting their preparations.
"A good day's work," Theo commented after they transformed. "I'm pleased with what we saw today. I would like to see that map when you're ready, but I think the terrain is perfect."
"We'll need a few hours," said one of the Daves.
"And it'll just be a first draft," the other Dave added. "Don't expect a finished map. We'd like to have another day for mapping the area in detail."
Theo shook his head. "Take no more than an hour. I'm not interested in a map that's ready for publishing. By tomorrow evening, I want a map which covers a much larger area than what we looked at today and if that means less detail, then so be it. The purpose of the mapping is not just to get your department a more complete set of maps, but to have something we can use to show the Dark Browns where to go to rescue the prisoners. I'm guessing the camp is not going to be near to the border."
"So they won't be with us tomorrow morning?" John asked.
Theo shook his head. "They'll be heading far into the Blues’ territory, in the area where we expect the camp to be. Once the alarm is sounded we expect they'll conscript every available Blue Dragon to help with the relocation. If they're already nearby they'll have a greater chance of being spotted and asked to help."
"We won't need them to help us?" Mark asked.
"No, five should be plenty—more than enough. Dinah will be doing the hard part."
"And taking the biggest risks," she added.
Theo shrugged. "Maybe. Although I'd be more worried about our part. How's your accent, John?"
"It should be fine. I've never spoken to a Blue Dragon but I've listened to their conversations many times. It's easier to mimic an accent when it's your mind rather than your voice."
Theo nodded. "Though it might be easier to spot a fake as well. We will see. Right, I have some report writing to do, believe it or not. Dealing with two governments doubles the bureaucracy. Daves, pleas
e bring me the map when it is ready. Everyone else, I'd suggest you all get some sleep, tomorrow will be a big day."
They all set out early in the morning, the two Daves heading off first, eager to get started with mapping the region and taking off at first light. Reuben and Dinah left shortly afterwards, leaving just John, Mark and Theo.
We'll fly slowly, Theo told the two brothers as they left the camp. Dinah has plenty of running around to do, and we don't want to show up too early.
They glided effortlessly above the border region, looking out for signs of life. It was an underpopulated region on both sides of the border, each nation rightly fearing the other.
It always saddens me, seeing these borders, Theo said. Other than our own, they're always the same, every country. There's never anyone living near a border and the only times people cross them is to attack each other. I think we sometimes forget how unique our situation is, having established safe border communities. Seeing this place makes you realise how lucky we are.
I haven't seen much of our borders. What are they like? John asked.
Populated, for a start, Mark replied, which makes them very different to here. And that's true on both sides of the border, as our neighbours know that we aren't going to attack them either. There are a few border towns which are pretty lively places where you can mingle with our neighbours quite freely. I highly recommend visiting some of them when you get the chance.
I think there's probably only three towns that fit that description, Theo added, and other than in those towns we have very limited numbers of people crossing our borders, but we do at least have reasonable relationships with all of our neighbours. The trouble is we can't persuade them to talk to each other. They're not even that interested in communicating through us. It's a constant struggle to dissuade them from killing each other. Still, none are as bad as the Blues or the Reds.
Come on, John objected. You can't compare the two, not any more. The Reds haven't attacked anyone in years.
Mainly because they've wiped out everyone weaker than them, Theo countered, leaving just two races they can't ever beat, or at least they've given up trying for the time being. If the Blues ever lost enough territory to the Reds, creating a border between the Reds and one of the smaller countries, you'd see that nothing has changed and they'd immediately set about attacking their neighbours again. In my opinion they're by far the worst offenders and are a bloody and ruthless nation, and if the tables were turned, they'd be doing exactly as the Blues are. I wouldn't blame the Dark Browns for letting the Blues maul them for a bit before joining the battle. An overly powerful Blue Dragon nation is scary, but not as scary as an overly powerful Red Dragon nation.
Is that fair? John asked. None of the leaders alive today took part in those campaigns. Is it fair to blame them for the misdeeds of their ancestors?
John, I think you're a bit too close to them to see impartially, Mark observed. Talking about blame is a little irrelevant. Theo is talking about what they may do in the future, based on what we and everyone knows is a very long history of expansionist, aggressive and murderous behaviour. I like your friends, but they're not really representative of the nation are they? You've probably influenced them a lot; definitely the case with Daisy and she in turn has probably influenced her brother. Can you say this small group of young people are a true reflection of the rest of them?
That's the wrong question, John countered. Are their leaders a true reflection of their nation? Red Dragons don't get to choose their leaders and they're kept ignorant by isolation and a one-sided version of events. The King never fights in these wars, he just sends his people to fight for him and they have no choice in the matter. We've been lucky in our leaders, but can we really say that we would be that different to them if we had a King? Crystal has grown up with the Reds and thinks just like they do.
An interesting discussion, Theo interrupted, but one for another time, boys, as I think I can see some company up ahead. Two of them. Now, before we meet them, I need to remind you of something. Don't refer to the Dark Browns as Dark Browns. It gives us away. Everyone else calls them Browns.
Seems wrong, Mark objected. It would be like forgetting the Light Browns existed.
It is necessary, Theo replied. Get into the habit. Besides which, they themselves don't think of themselves as Dark Browns. It's an outdated term in their minds. Now, this is it; time to split up and put this plan into action.
John and Mark descended to fly just above the trees, with Theo heading for the two approaching Blue Dragons. John headed towards the river and started to search along the river banks. It didn't take long to find what he was looking for: foot prints! Dinah's footprints to be precise. He followed them, or rather pretended to be doing so, knowing already where she would be headed and just waiting for the Blues to arrive. He didn't have to wait long.
You there! Have you found anything? The two Blues flew quickly to meet him. Your father told us that you thought you saw a brown-haired girl walking through this area. Have you managed to find any trace of her?
Footprints, John replied. Someone has walked through here recently. She seems to have followed this river.
Yes, I see them! The first dragon replied excitedly. She can't have travelled far, but the border isn't too far either. Let's see how far these tracks lead us.
While they slowly followed the footprints, the second dragon flew down the river ahead and called back to them after a minute. I've picked them up here as well. They still follow the river.
Fly ahead again, the first dragon responded. We'll follow them along the river.
I can see them still. They're easy to spot from here, the second responded. Looks like she was running.
This is a fair distance from where we started, the first commented. How long ago did you spot her?
Some time ago, John replied. It took a while to find the footprints. Ah, that's my brother ahead. Perhaps he can help us.
Over here! Mark called. I've found the footprints by the river. She has travelled quickly. Help me find her.
John and the two Blues flew swiftly towards him, where he was circling a large sandy area beside the river.
The footprints end here, Mark told them. She may have taken to the water to try and lose us. We should split up to try and find her.
Agreed, the first dragon replied. You and I will head towards the border; it's the most likely place she would be heading. You two continue along the river and see if you can find where her footprints reappear.
John and the second dragon carefully scanned the bank—John with the full knowledge that they wouldn't find the footprints. They continued all the way to the sea before agreeing to slowly cover the ground between there and the border to try and spot her. Their search was eventually ended by a loud shriek from the Blue Dragon that was with Mark. John and the other Blue Dragon flew towards Mark and his companion, who were approaching them rapidly.
What happened? Why did you call out? Have you confirmed that it was an escaped prisoner? The second Blue Dragon asked as it reached them.
Definitely, the first replied, circling around John and the second Blue. It was an escaped prisoner and she has got away this time. We spotted her on the ground near the border, right by one of those stupid piles of stones. We nearly had her, but a Brown Dragon turned up out of nowhere and snatched her away.
Just one? Why didn't you pursue it? Surely it couldn't have outflown you carrying a girl.
We did chase after it, but it flew surprisingly quickly and the weight of girl didn't seem to slow it at all. It hardly slowed even when it plucked her from the ground. She must have been as light as a feather. We came close to catching it as it picked her up, but it dodged and flew under us and after that the opportunity was lost. We pursued it for a few minutes but by then we were deep into Brown territory and it still had managed to stay quite a way ahead of us. We didn't think we could catch it and if anything it was leaving us behind. We had to turn back.
The second Blu
e Dragon let out an irritated shriek, making John shudder, but calmed down immediately. Alright, you did the right thing, I guess, although I suspect some might ask whether you're being totally honest. Not me personally, but it's hard to believe a Brown could outfly you carrying a girl. Forget that now; we have to act quickly. Dammit; this really couldn't have happened at a worse time. They'll have to move the camp immediately."
The Blues stopped circling and headed to the north, with John and Mark keeping pace with them.
Why is it a bad time? John asked.
Are you stupid? The second Blue Dragon asked angrily. We've all been called up to join the war, haven't we? Everyone other than those left to guard this border has orders to leave tomorrow and head to the front. There were going to be leaving parties everywhere tonight. They should have made the first assault by now, or at least that was the plan, so now it's time for the rest of us to get in on the action to finish them off. I expect the first attack was very successful. Sadly, even news like that doesn't travel that quickly. But the second wave is going to be massive. They won't stand a chance!
John's heart sank. He knew this was coming, but he had hoped it wouldn't happen so soon. Hearing it said out loud felt like being stabbed in the stomach; his only consolation was knowing that Daisy and his friends were safely out of the Kingdom.
Not a great time for someone to escape then, Mark added, glancing at John uneasily and wondering how he would react.
You could say that, the second Blue Dragon replied grimly. It'll ruin it for everyone here. We'll all have to be involved in moving these stupid girls from one place to another. I wonder if they're not more bother than they're worth. I'm amazed they still keep trying to escape. You know, for each girl who tries to escape, I've heard that they kill ten of the other girls. Not the one who tried to escape—they make her watch instead. Nasty killings as well, if you believe the stories, which I do. More often than not the one who tried to escape ends up killing herself. It used to be an effective method of putting them off escaping and we haven't had escapes for a long time, but this is the second one in a month. He snapped his jaws together angrily, smoke streaming from his nostrils.