by Sarah Hite
The shaman nodded and left as the boys lifted Ania and took her to her tent. Madia passed them on the way and soon joined her husband. “What’s wrong with Ania?”
“I don’t know,” he replied while Ryell shook his head. “I have seen her in this condition before, but it was never this bad.”
As confusion spread through the council members, Elder let out a long deep sigh that revealed his concern. “I assume they don’t know?” It was not a question and he did not wait for a response. “Ania has been what we call ‘touched.’ She has been given the ability to see dragons when they are invisible. She also has the ability to see our memories, our pasts. We don’t know when or how this happened. All we know is that it happened when she was just a hatchling. Probably before we met with Thorin.”
“How? She was only three months old when you came to Pycan!” Madia exclaimed.
“Since Pai was sent to observe Pycan’s Guard only a month prior to our visit, it must have been before his arrival.” The group turned to see that the shaman had returned, as he answered for Elder.
“How? She was never alone. Tia was extremely protective of her.” Madia went on. Then her eyes lit up as an idea occurred to her. “When Ania was born, they stayed in Pycan for a week. When Tia recovered from the delivery they returned to the complex. But they did not have Ania with them…”
Silvrin realized where she was going and finished for her. “While they were preparing their wagon to leave, Tia set Ania down in the back of the wagon, just behind the seat, so she could help Thorin load a crate of supplies in the back. As they bent to lift the crate, someone jumped in the wagon and stole it. They must not have known there was a baby in the back. She was found on their doorstep a week later.”
The dragons looked at each other. “A week old?” Kei- ata asked. “She would not have been able to survive on her own.”
Elder looked down. “That would mean that she was ‘touched’ sometime during that week.”
A few days later, Madia was sitting on a stool beside Ania’s bed. She was reading Ania a book about a dark brown and pale green Forest dragon who had to save his family from a Fire dragon who had taken them for his own gain. She looked up when Ania’s ragged breathing suddenly shifted, becoming slow and easy. Her body had relaxed and her eyes had closed. Madia called out to Caleb, who had been assigned as a messenger, to inform the council of the change. A few minutes later Flame poked his head in the tent and asked Madia to step outside. He tied the tent flap open so they could still keep an eye on Ania.
Elder was sitting on top of a large boulder next to the tent. “If her breathing has eased, it’s possible she may wake soon. It seems to be a pattern,” he said just as Ryell arrived. He seconded Elder’s opinion and added, “Although, it may be a matter of hours or days before she wakes.”
About five hours later, Flame had relieved Madia so that the village elder could get something to eat. He heard a groan and looked up. He studied Ania for a moment, focusing on her face. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up. She blinked a few times and blearily looked up at him, plainly confused. He gave her a small smile and said, with relief, “Welcome back.”
Ciciana
Lukair concentrated on keeping his feet moving. He was cold from the rain that was currently drenching the hills. He could hear the mud sucking as he pulled his feet free and watched them sink back into it with each step. He kept his head down, trying to keep the rain out of his eyes. He looked up as lightning flashed across the sky, quickly followed by thunder. He could see the rain coming down in sheets; the large drops stung his face and hands. This was no doubt the largest storm of the year, and it provided the perfect cover.
The army left the mountains after Ania recovered. She still did not talk about what she had seen, but had told Elder and Moon, who were helping her cope with the memories. He worried that she might be pulled into a memory during the battle, and he knew the others feared this as well. They had tried to convince her to sit this one out, but she refused, and they knew they would not be able to stop her.
They had left the mountains earlier that day. The dragons had carried their supplies and catapults. They had even carried the men out of the mountains and into the foothills. They would reach the valley in a few hours and would set up camp behind the hills. The King’s Men were to be split up into three battalions. Each battalion was made up of men and dragons. There were 204,800 men in the King’s army, not including Kayton’s men, and another several hundred dragons. Most of these dragons would not be joining in the battle but would watch from the hills in case the battle went poorly.
One hundred dragons would participate in the battle. They had been divided into five groups. The largest group would remain in camp and serve as reinforcements. Kyeon, with Elder as his second, would lead fifteen dragons; Elder Lyong Ryou and Kwan would lead another detachment; and Moon and Seoung would lead the third group. The final group would consist of five dragons, who would be led by Lang Ryou, Elder Lyong Ryou’s older son. His team would be joined by five carefully chosen men to guard Flame during battle. Ania would command the dragons.
The men would be split up as well. Flame and Captain Harden would lead one battalion. Their battalion would later spilt into three regiments, each joining a lord. Harden would take one third of the men and join Ryell’s ranks. Captain Landen, of Sheadod, would take his men and rejoin Mychal. The remaining troops would be led by Silvrin and Marcus. They would join Kayton as his forces joined the battle.
As the night wore on, the rain only increased. The wind howled, blowing away any noise that they might have made to the west. Lightning flashed again, allowing Lukair to see that the men in front of him had stopped. They had reached their campsite. He could see men setting up the tents and preparing the catapults. Some were digging trenches and building the camp’s defenses while others constructed fences and walls. They had a lot to do and wanted to have it done by dawn. Lukair watched the men for a moment and then joined a group of men digging a trench that the dragons would place large boulders in to serve as a wall. Some of these boulders were over ten feet tall. After they had set up camp, and the men polished their armor and sharpened their weapons, they were given a chance to rest. Several dragons would keep watch and wake them before dawn.
A few hours later Seoung woke Caleb up. He asked the boy to wake Moon, Flame, and Ania, and bring them to the command tent. When the three arrived at the tent, they were met by Lord Ryell, Lord Mychal, the three envoys Lord Kayton had sent, as well as a diminutive man, about five feet tall with bright red hair. He wore a huge, childish grin under an untrimmed beard just as bright, and wore a polished helmet. The rest of his armor was equally as admirable. He giggled to himself, and his green eyes darted from one of them to another. He rubbed his hands together and said, with a rolling accent, “Shall we scare his pants off? Yes, I think we will, he, he! The old varmint won’t know what he’s looking at! He’ll think King Evander’s a’come back from the grave, he will!”
Mychal crossed his arms, shaking his head, and tried not to smile. Ryell sighed and said, “You never change, my friend, always one coin short of a chest of gold.” He glanced at the kids for a moment then continued. “Ania, Cainen, Lady Saydene: I would like you to meet Lord Kayton, in all his strange glory.”
“Let’s not just wait here, let’s give the old man something to be afraid of; let’s give him a couple a ghosts and a warrior fit for the land we live on.” Kayton spun around an entered the tent before anyone had a chance to respond. The command tent had been reconstructed to allow Moon to move about unhindered inside. There was nothing inside the tent, with the exception of three tables and two chairs. A curtain separated one table and chair from the rest of the room, taking up an entire corner of the tent. The tables were burdened with bundles of cloth. There were also several bundles on the floor surrounding the second table. One of the envoys, Tomas, led Flame over to a table near the front of the tent. Eret, the man who had tried to coax Shaelynn out of hidi
ng, led Moon inside the tent and to the second table. Kiera entered from behind and led Ania to the division in the far corner.
Tomas instructed Flame to sit and take off his over-shirt and boots. He was then given a sturdy pair of boots made of reinforced leather. After he had put them on, Tomas untied one of the bundles, and pulled out a shirt of leather-backed chain mail. He pulled it over Flame’s head and let it drop to his knees. He then pulled a chain-mail hood from the bundle and slipped it over his head as well.
Next, the older man pulled out a breastplate. It was brightly polished and rather plain in design. Its only embellishment was a dragon symbol delicately carved into the piece, between the chest and neck. This was strapped in place, and then Tomas strapped on grieves and bracers. He handed Flame a pair of thick leather gauntlets with chain mail on their backs. He handed Flame his broadsword which he hung across his back, followed by a short sword that he hung from his waist. Lastly, he was given a helmet with gold trim and a shield of polished metal. The shield was decorated with the dragon symbol that adorned both the medallion and the sword.
Ania, likewise, was asked to remove her over-shirt, which was replaced by a shirt of chain-mail. She was also given the hood, grieves, and bracers. Kiera pulled out a breastplate. It was polished and delicately carved with decorative lines down the front that slightly resembled a shield. There was also a tiny dragon carved into the front, just below the neckline. The shield was also decorated with the symbol from her ring. Her sword was belted to her waist, and she was given a helmet that was outlined in silver. After she was dressed, Kiera asked her to sit and wait; she would return when it was time.
Meanwhile, Eret was untying the first of the many bundles at his table. Another person was also untying a bundle, revealing several large pieces of metal sheets, each looking oddly frail and chipped. Eret held up a piece that was an odd shape and curled at the bottom. He asked Moon to lower her head. As she did she noticed Shaelynn sitting in the doorway. The hatchling watched quietly as Eret placed the piece on her head, between the eyes. The piece went all the way down to her nose. This piece locked with two more off the sides of her face, covering her whole head. While he and another man worked to cover her neck and chest with similar interlocking pieces, two other people were also covering her legs and tail with armor.
What are they doing, Mother? Shaelynn asked from the doorway. Moon stopped watching the men working on her left hind leg and looked at the hatchling. I’m not exactly sure, but I think they’re giving me armor that will make me look silver.
Do they want you to look like the old Silver One? the little one asked. Moon looked at her daughter and smiled under her armor. Only the child would be able to figure out their scheme.
Eret saw her looking toward the entrance and glanced that way. He saw Shaelynn sitting between the flaps. “The little one’s yours, right? How old is she?”
“Shaelynn will be seven months old in a couple of weeks. She is one of the reasons for this war.” He finished latching another plate in place before asking, “Why’s that? What could someone so young have to do with a war?”
“Vidar stole her egg from the Keep, after destroying the rest in the Nesting Cavern. Pycan’s Dragon Guard stole her back and were returning her when we met.” Her anger at the Nesting Cavern’s destruction broke through her voice as she spoke. He knew what the duke would have done with her. “I see you have made this a personal war.”
“Vidar made this personal when he tortured my mate… and abducted my children. He still holds my son captive.” Eret took a deep breath, slowly released it, and returned his focus to his work. A little later they were done. Moon’s body was covered in armored plates. The largest were on her chest and sides. Then came her belly and tail, with the smaller pieces on her neck and head. Chain mail was attached to the surrounding plate armor and would protected the soft hide under her legs. There were even small pieces for her wing bones. Overall, the armor had been expertly crafted. It moved with her as she flexed her neck and tail, and did not loosen or fall in any way as she moved. It was decorated in the same manner as Ania’s armor, with delicate lines and runes stretching smoothly from plate to plate along her neck. It would serve her well.
The lords stood in the doorway watching the transformations. They nodded in approval at the final product. Ryell leaned out the door to Captain Harden, “Assemble the troops. You know the order.” The officer nodded and left, spreading the word as he went. By the hour’s end, the army was assembled and ready. The pike men were assembled at the front with the archers behind them. The catapult teams were in order and standing by on the nearby hilltops. The ranks of foot soldiers stood ready behind the archers, and the cavalry reined their horses in on the army’s flanks. At the signal they would take the lead. The whole army was dressed in the king’s colors of silver and blue.
Caleb returned after a few minutes with Flame’s war stallion and Ania’s mare. They had been readied for battle and were waiting outside. Ryell gave Harden the signal, and the men took their positions on the hilltop overlooking the city; the cavalry in front. The banners of Omri and Jehu could be seen throughout the army. Kayton’s troops would join them during the attack, since Lord Kayton and his men had to return to lead them into battle. The dragons were filed in ranks behind the army, in three ranks of five, one per battalion.
Moon stayed within the tent as Ania and Flame mounted their horses. The three Lords followed suit, and the remaining council members mounted their steeds as well. Flame looked down at Caleb. “Take care of our friends for me?” The boy nodded and, at Flame’s signal, blew a horn three times to signal the army of the council’s approach. As the pure, light notes faded away into the darkness, the men spurred their horses into a trot. Flame took the lead with Ania at his left flank; the Lords fell in line behind them, with the rest of the council at the rear. As they neared the back of the army, they slowed their horses to a walk.
As they approached, the army turned to watch them. The ranks of men parted and bowed as he passed them. The armor and the sword revealed his true identity. He no longer smiled; rather, he wore a serious expression. Ania sat tall on her steed as she followed the king to the front of the army. Her friends watched from their positions within the ranks in awe and wonder. They seemed so regal in their armor, almost as if this was who they truly were, warriors.
The dragon council watched as they made their way to the front. They would join them in a moment. Where is Moon? Kyeon asked. He had not seen her since they left the hills.
Her presence was required at the command tent about an hour ago, Seoung replied, but I have not seen her since then.
I have a feeling that the council has something planned. We will see her before the battle begins, Elder assured them. As the council neared the front, the dragons prepared to join them.
“Sire! Sire, wake up!” Ira shouted through the door. He slammed his fist on the door, trying to wake the duke.
Vidar grumbled and threw off the covers. He rolled out of bed and threw his robe on over his sleeping garments. He thrust the door open and yelled, “What is it, Ira? Can’t you see I was trying to sleep?”
“Yes, Sire,” the old man said weakly, “but… the army. We’re under attack!”
“Nonsense. My men would have seen an army approaching.”
“Forgive me, My Lord, but I think not, not this one.” The frightened old man pointed a trembling finger at the window. “Look.”
The duke turned to see this army for himself. He could not believe what he saw. Their southern flank had been completely cut off, and more men appeared from the northeastern hills. He watched as several dragons landed at the front of the army, next to two figures on horseback wearing shining armor. One bore the sword of the king. “Sound the alarm!” Vidar yelled as he ran to prepare for battle.
The King’s Men watched as the city came to life. Men were running about, preparing for battle. Women and children were running for shelter. Ciciana’s fires and torches were lit.
Flame held the men in check as he waited. He wanted them to see this ‘ghost army’ for all of its worth. He turned to Ryell and gave the word. Ryell signaled one of the archers, who lit an arrow and shot it into the air.
As if on cue the clouds broke and a thick beam of moonlight sprayed the valley from hillside to hillside, illuminating the army. The King’s Men watched as the men bellow quailed as a silver shadow lit the ground. The King’s Men were thrown off by this strange shadow, but they did not fear it. Flame pulled his massive sword free of its scabbard and thrust it into the air. As if on command a silver dragon flew over the men’s heads, gained altitude, looped around, and landed in a bare spot next to the king. The dragon council was shocked by Moon’s appearance. They had not expected this. Don’t you look… terrifying, Seoung said while studying the armor.
That was the plan.
Together the dragons turned as Flame thrust the sword back in its scabbard and walked his horse out in front of the men. “I have never liked war, but sometimes it is necessary. This is the final battle! We have too much to lose not to win. There is a tyrant inside those walls, a tyrant whose time to rule has come to an end. It’s time to rid Altera of this evil; it’s time to give it new life, a life of freedom. To war!” he shouted as he pulled the smaller sword from its place at his side and spurred his horse into a run. Behind him Ania and the council followed, the dragons took flight, and the catapults were launched. The massive boulders flew through the air.
The archers stayed behind the safety of the stonewall the dragons had built. They lit their arrows on fire and shot them into the air. With every volley launched more of the enemy soldiers fell. Kayton’s men reached the bottom of the hill and the troops assigned to that battalion followed Kayton into the ranks. The remaining forces raced toward the main gate. A blazing boulder crashed into the wall in front of them. It had been slathered with pitch and lit on fire by the Fire dragon stationed with the catapults as it flew through the air. Then another molten boulder came through. The second crashed through the wall, leaving a gaping hole behind it. Flame’s horse jumped through the opening, followed by his men.