by Sarah Hite
Upon hearing his sister was alive and fighting with the lords, Kyeon knew he had to go to her, but he knew he could not go alone. He also had a responsibility to the prince. Kyeon raised his head and, for the first time in almost a year, his eyes were alight with fire. He turned to his brother and said, “Seoung, assemble the warriors.”
Lorex
It was midmorning. Several weeks had passed since Pai was injured in the battle of Magree. The sun was shining; it was warm, unusually warm for the middle of spring. Ania leaned against the base of the tree. She looked out over the camp and beyond. She watched the men set up camp. They had traveled north since the shaman’s arrival and had just reached their next target. The small town of Oakenwood was well known for its carpentry and was one of the largest producers of lumber in Altera.
Pai could move a little now, but he still could not stand. After much deliberation, and after consulting with Kei-ata Lorbrein, the council had ordered the construction of a canvass gurney large enough to carry Pai. After the construction was complete, Kei-ata helped the younger dragon onto the gurney. They knew that moving him would be painful and wanted to make travel as comfortable for him as possible. They also knew that they could not leave him in Magree for fear of a counterattack. Kei-ata had warned him that the takeoff and landing would be the hardest part of the journey. However, Pai had agreed to make the attempt.
The dragons, except for Shaelynn, took hold of the gurney straps and laboriously took flight. They flew low to the ground, slowly and carefully, avoiding populated areas. When they landed for the night, it was several hours before Shaelynn ran to greet her parents as the army came into view. They slept until early morning, with only the sentries on alert. When the camp broke for the morning, the dragons again took to the skies. The army left shortly and would join them at the next checkpoint. It took them roughly one week to make Oakenwood and were now preparing for their next attack. They were expecting the duke’s army within days.
Ania looked out over the hills to the west. She sighed. The oncoming battle plus the fact that they were short two dragons would make the coming days difficult. She stood, preparing to return to camp, and took one last look over the rolling hills. She called to Moon, who had stepped away from camp to view the army’s progress. As she approached, Ania pointed out what appeared to be a cloud of dust. Moon agreed and flew off to inspect the rising debris. She returned after only a few minutes and landed heavily. “A wagon approaches, several riders with it. They appear tired, ill, and injured. It is strange they did not fear me.” Only the men from Pycan had actually seen dragons in the last twenty years. They were still new to the Dragon Guard who had joined the king, and those men were still uneasy around them.
Ania suddenly ran for camp; Moon followed, and they reached Flame and Lukair’s tent just as the wagon and its riders stopped just outside of the army’s borders. Flame exited the tent as they arrived. “A wagon approaches, and it carries men from home!”
He looked up at Moon who nodded. “More survivors, hmmm.” He paused to think a moment. Moon continued, “There is more: one of these men smells familiar. I think one of them may be Lorex.” Flame and Ania looked up at her. “Do you think he really came back?” Flame asked. Ania had told him of her suspicions. She knew the only reason for him to have left his siblings was to try and find their father. She just did not know why he had not told them, instead of giving away their position, although she had an idea. Together the three friends watched from the hilltop as the men dismounted their horses and climbed down from the wagon. They could see the Lords as they greeted the new recruits. Then Flame left. Ania and Moon stayed and continued to watch.
One of the men, the wagon’s driver and last to dismount, wore plain, worn-out clothing, over which was a ground-length, dark brown cloak that covered his face. He hung back while the rest, as well as one man whom they carried on a gurney, were led away. He turned to the lords after they had gone and requested to speak to them in private. They agreed and began to show him the way. However, before they had gone ten feet, Flame came up to them with Madia. She recognized the young man and embraced him. A tear fell from her eye.
This meeting gave the lords a good idea who he was, but they looked to Flame for action. He gave a single nod and walked away toward the command tent. Lord Ryell motioned for them to follow. They sat down in the shade of the tent (Ryell on the left, Flame in the middle, and Mychal on the right). Lorex looked uneasy, but he took a chair next to his mother. Ryell waited until they were all settled and then he said, “We know who you are, Lorex; and we know what has been said about you. This council has heard the statements of your siblings and friends; however, we would like to hear your explanation. Would you tell us what exactly happened?” As he spoke, Ania slipped in through the tent flaps and sat down on the ground in the same corner where she sat during the meeting with Madia and Martus.
Lorex looked down at the ground. He was not sure how to start. He looked at Madia, who squeezed his hand in support. Then he glanced at Flame who said nothing and did not seem to be angry with him. He took a deep breath and slowly began. “When Lukair and I went to sell the wagon in Locrin, I saw a group of soldiers. I left Lukair while he tried to get a good price for the wagon and harness and sought out the men’s commanding officer. I used the name ‘Garet Lorell’ and told him that I was a spy for the Duke and had been watching the Guard at Pycan.” He paused and looked up at Flame. He smiled encouragingly in return. “I told them where to meet me the night of the attack. Then I got the dragons to leave so it would be easier to take the camp.”
“So, what you’re saying is you betrayed your friends and family, the Pycan Dragon Guard, and almost got your siblings killed?” Mychal asked, unamused.
Lorex looked down. He knew what he had done, and he knew it was unforgivable. He looked up at Lord Mychal. “Yes, but not for the reasons you might think.” Mychal looked skeptical, but Ryell gave him a small smile. “Please continue,” he said.
Lorex nodded and said, “After we heard about what happened to Pycan, I couldn’t… I couldn’t stop thinking about Father, Martus, and the others. I couldn’t help but feel that I was somehow responsible. As the only member of our team that was an actual Guardsman, I felt that I needed to find out what exactly happened. I didn’t want to get anyone hurt; I didn’t want to leave them, but I knew that the soldiers wouldn’t treat me seriously unless I proved to them that I actually did work for the Duke. The only way I could do that was by giving them what they wanted. I used the ruse to find out how many survivors there were and their locations.” Ania glanced at Flame, who returned the contact.
“They had been taken to Arza and were being held in the prison in Kintone. It took a while, but I was finally able to gain an audience with Aiden. He told me that several soldiers had come and taken Father and Nealson and that they had not yet returned. Together we planned how to get the others out, but I still needed to find out where they had taken Father. It took over a month, but I was finally able to get some information out of one of the commanders. After a couple of hours, and several pints of ale, he told me what I wanted to know. They had taken Father and Nealson to Gunner’s secondary palace, where they were to be interrogated. By then it was late winter.
“It took me another month to gain entrance to the palace. From there I was able to work my way down to Gunner’s dungeon and see them for myself. It wasn’t good. I knew I had to get them out; I had to get them all out. I went back and talked to Aiden. We decided that we would have to fight our way out and sneak into the palace to rescue Father and Nealson. There would be a new moon in a week, and we decided that it would be the best time to execute our plan.
“I found a wagon and told two of the guards that Commander Larsen, the commander from Locrin, had ordered them to prepare the wagon for departure by the end of the week, as well as enough horses to carry all but five of the men. I had them fill it with enough supplies to feed two dozen men for a month’s journey and had them leave the
wagon by the palace gates.
“The night of the new moon, I went to the armory and took three swords, three bows, and a dozen arrows each. I put the bows and quivers over my shoulder, and carried the swords down to the dungeon. I set the weapons down just outside the doorway and then snuck up on the guard. I struck him in the back of the head and knocked him out. Then I took his keys and unlocked the door of the cell. I gave Aiden and Layon the swords, and the bows and arrows were distributed throughout the rest of the men. From there we freed the rest from their cell down the hall.
“After that, we split into two groups. One group would secure the horses and wagon; Aiden, Layon, a few others, and I went to the palace. We snuck in through the servants’ entrance. From there we worked our way down to the dungeon where we used the keys to unlock the door to Father’s cell. Aiden and Layon carried Father while Silas helped Nealson to the corridor.
“As we turned to leave, two guards came in; they challenged us, and we fought back. Together Silas, Aiden, and I kept the guards busy while Layon, Nealson, Milton, and Ezra went for the door. Milton and Ezra carried Father. It wasn’t long before the alarm sounded. After we finished with the guards we had to get out quickly. The others met us at the wagon. We put Father in the back and Nealson sat up front. The lack of light helped us slip away.”
Ryell silenced him with a raised hand. “Tell us about the condition of the men. It sounds like your father and Nealson were injured.” It was more of a statement than a question.
Lorex nodded. “Father had been badly beaten; Nealson is ill. Everyone else is all right, a few minor injuries but nothing too serious.” He paused and looked down at his hands. The look on his face told Flame everything he wanted to know. “I never wanted anyone to get hurt, but I knew that the soldiers would never believe me if I didn’t prove to them that I really did work for the Duke. I don’t blame Lukair and Stone for not trusting me anymore. I know they have to hate me, and I don’t blame them.” Ryell nodded and excused Lorex and Madia. After they left, the lords, Flame, and Ania discussed what they had heard.
Meanwhile, Stone and Lukair had decided to check on Pai. They were almost there when they heard a group of voices. The voices sounded very familiar. The siblings turned toward the sound and were shocked to see several men from Pycan. One was being helped to the infirmary while another was being carried by a few others. After a moment, Stone grabbed Lukair’s arm and exclaimed, “Lukair, that’s Father!”
He did not hesitate. He took her hand and ran to the infirmary. Together they entered the tent. As they approached they saw he was awake. “Father?” Lukair asked tentatively. Silvrin looked up. His voice was weak and hoarse. “Lukair!” He looked at one of the men next to him. “Help me sit up.” Once he was comfortable, he looked his son over and noticed Stone standing just behind him. “Stone, come here child.” She came over and sat on the edge of the cot. “Look at you, both of you.” They were both dressed for war. Lukair was wearing chain mail armor and a sword hung at his side. Stone wore thick leather clothing, a bow and quiver on her back. “Tell me, what happened since I last saw you?” They quickly told their story. “Ania is here?”
“Yes, she works with the dragons.” Stone answered. She continued when Silvrin asked with an inquisitive expression. “Pai and the Princess, Saydene ‘Moon,’ are here as well. The egg that we took back belonged to her; after what happened to the Nesting Cave, she was forced to leave. We met her after a couple of weeks’ travel. The egg hatched not long after. You should meet Shaelynn; you’d like her. ”
“Chekal was here as well, but he left to get help. Pai was badly injured in the first battle. Only Kei-ata Lorbrein has been able to help him,” Lukair put in.
“Kei-ata is here?” Silvrin asked surprised. When the kids nodded, he sighed. “Much has happened in the last several months.” He slowly shook his head. “As far as your brother is concerned, I think you should give him another chance.”
Astounded and confused, they looked at their father. “Why,” Lukair asked, his anger growing. “After what he did—”
“What Lorex did to you was wrong, and he knows that, but it was necessary,” Silvrin said.
“What do you mean?” Stone asked.
“It was Lorex who freed us, all of us. He risked his life to find us. He arranged the necessary supplies and horses to make our escape possible. We owe him our lives. If he hadn’t left you and into good hands, I might add, we would not be alive.” At that moment Madia, followed by Lorex, entered the tent. Stone jumped up from the cot and embraced him. A tear rolled silently down her cheek.
After a while, the siblings and their mother left the tent. They were stopped by Moon soon after. She lowered her head to look Lorex in the eye. “I know why you did it,” she said, but added threateningly, “But if you ever do anything like that again, you won’t be coming back.” With that she flew away, leaving Lorex dismayed and unsettled.
A Royal Understanding
The next morning the war council met at first light, Lukair and Stone met the Lords outside the command tent. Captain Harden, Tyanna, and Moon joined them. Flame arrived after a few minutes. He looked at the assembled group and asked, “Where’s Ania?”
“I thought she would have been here first,” Lukair stated. Stone looked from her brother to Flame. “She wasn’t in our tent when I woke up. I thought she had already left.” No one else had an idea where she could be. Moon sat up and stretched out her neck, looking around. She sniffed the cool morning air for her scent. After a moment she sat back down. “I can’t see her, or smell her scent. She looked toward the back of camp, where the other dragons were assembled. “I wonder—”
She did not finish, but they could tell that she was talking to them. After a moment she shook her head. “I thought, perhaps, she had decided to check on Pai, but neither Kei-ata Lorbrein nor Kwan have seen her. I don’t know where she could have gone.”
“She did know to come this morning, right?” Flame asked. Stone answered, “She was asking about it last night at dinner. She said she wanted to be sure of the time.”
Flame turned and looked out at the hills as he thought. He turned back to the others after a moment and said, “She will arrive in her own time; she probably had a sudden idea and wanted to check it out. Anyway, we can’t wait for her, so we might as well begin.”
They had decided to discuss their plan of attack. “We can’t attack Oakenwood the same we attacked Magree. They’ll be expecting it,” Lukair pointed out.
“True. That strategy won’t work here,” Harden said. “We need to think of something that they won’t expect. Something that will allow us to take the town quickly.”
The others nodded in agreement. Ryell looked them over. “We may need to split our forces and attack from two different directions. We could send the riders around to the east side, and we could send half of the archers with them. The sentries may not expect that.”
Mychal nodded, “No, I don’t think they would expect that, and attacking from different directions would confuse them.”
“That may be true, but what if the Duke’s army arrives before we attack?” Lukair asked. “We can’t fight two separate battles. I don’t think our numbers are large enough for that.”
Flame looked down; he knew Lukair was right. Without Kayton’s men, they would be outnumbered. Both the Arza and Zimri provinces are larger than the other three combined. If the duke sends the whole army, they would be outnumbered at least three to one. He looked up when Mychal said, “We are going to need more men.”
He was about to say something else when Ania suddenly ducked in around Moon’s head and entered the tent saying, “What we need… are more dragons.” They all turned to look at her and she did not wait for them to respond. She was smiling; Flame saw the laughter in her eyes as she said, rather excitedly, “Come outside, you’re going to want to see this.” Without another word she ducked back out of the tent, forcing them to follow.
Then she led them to the top of th
e hill where she had seen the wagon Lorex and the others had come in and pointed east. “Look!”
The council did not see anything right away, but they kept looking. Suddenly Moon gasped and pulled back startled. Without a word she turned and took off. Her sudden departure took them by surprise. When they turned back to where Ania had pointed, they still did not see anything, but they knew as a dragon Moon’s eyes where keener than theirs. After a few more minutes, they saw the distortion on the horizon. It still took a moment for them to realize what they were looking at. Dragons. At first they only saw what appeared to be three in front of a mass of dark clouds, but then they realized that what they had taken for clouds was really a huge gathering of dragons. There were three dragons in the lead: one appeared to be an average-sized Mountain dragon, another was larger, and the third was so small it was barely visible next to the larger dragons.
The council quickly spread the word that the dragons were coming. The men cheered as the dragon army began their descent. They landed on the hills east of camp, except for several who appeared to be holding back. A flash of blue and gold scales passed by them as the shaman leapt to the air. He flew above the other dragons and met the council where they had stayed. As he approached them he noticed Chekal. Let’s land so that Chekal can rest, he said to them.