The Dragons Return

by J. J. Thompson

  “Hey guys,” Simon said over his shoulder. “You met up near the island?”

  “We did,” Aeris said as the two of them reached the tabletop. “I was curious about those rafts you had Kronk build. I have to say, they're quite impressive.”

  Simon carried a couple of sandwiches and a cup of tea to the table and sat down.

  “Well, that's high praise coming from you,” he told the air elemental with a grin.

  Aeris shrugged but Kronk looked pleased by the compliment.

  “So what have you been up to since we left?” Aeris asked him.

  Did he sound a little suspicious, Simon wondered. But no, it was an innocent enough question.

  “Oh this and that,” he replied. “Last minute planning, thinking about the best way to deploy our forces. You know, stuff like that.”

  “Uh-huh. I see.”

  “Master?” Kronk skittered over to stand next to Simon and looked at his hand.

  “Why is there a bandage around your hand? Did you have an accident?”

  He sounded distressed and Simon barely managed to avoid rolling his eyes. The little guy worried, that's all.

  “No, no. Relax, Kronk. I'm fine.”

  “Are you indeed, my dear wizard?” Aeris said with a touch of sarcasm. “Then why is that,” he pointed toward the door, “leaning against the wall again?”

  Kronk spun around and stared. The staff was gleaming in the candlelight next to the front door. He gasped and then looked up at Simon in disbelief.

  “You used that cursed thing again?”

  “Hey, take it easy, guys. It's under control. I've come to an...understanding with it, I guess you could say.”

  “Have you really?”

  Aeris rose from the table to stare at Simon at eye level.

  “Are you insane or just foolish? What do you think you're doing?”

  Simon felt himself flush angrily but bit back his retort.

  “Look, guys, I didn't have much choice. Tomorrow I face a dragon. I may be foolish, Aeris, but I'm not insane. I need all the help I can get.” He looked across the room. “That staff expands and enhances my powers. Yes, it's dangerous. But quite frankly, if I don't use it, I'm probably dead regardless. At least this way, we have a chance.”

  “But master, what if it takes control of you in the middle of the battle?” Kronk asked anxiously. “You'll die then anyway, won't you?”

  Simon ran his fingers through his hair. Aeris was glaring at him while the little earthen's expression was one of deep concern.

  “Okay, look. I've already told the thing that if I start to, I don't know, go crazy out there tomorrow that you,” he nodded at Kronk, “will bury it so deep that it will never be a threat to anyone ever again. And I meant it. If either of you think that I've lost control, you have my permission to tear that damned thing from my hands and get rid of it.”

  Simon stared at the staff.

  “I hope you're listening, because I'm serious about this.”

  The staff didn't react. It just leaned there innocently, a part of the furniture.

  Yeah, right, Simon thought. As safe as a sleeping cobra.

  “Can you do that?” he asked both of the elementals. “I know it means putting you in harm's way, and I really didn't want you in the battle tomorrow. But I need someone to keep an eye on me.”

  Aeris' expression had changed from one of suspicion to relief. Kronk was nodding vigorously.

  “Yes, we can do that, master. Can't we?”

  “Of course we can,” Aeris agreed. “That's very sensible, Simon. And I have to reluctantly agree. We need all of the help we can get against that monster.” He shook a finger at the wizard. “But if you show even a hint of instability or lack of judgment, I shall rip that thing from your hand and give it to Kronk.”

  “You mean beyond my normal bad judgment?” Simon asked with a grin.

  The air elemental chuckled.

  “Yes, beyond that.”

  “Good. I'm relieved. Thanks, guys.”

  He held up his bandaged hand.

  “I actually think the staff is satisfied with this. It seems to need blood each time I use it. That's what made me so weak and light-headed the first time I cast with it. But I've warned it now. It can have a taste but that's it. If it drains more than that and I become disoriented, it will never see the light of day again.”

  “You do realize that is disgusting, don't you?” Aeris asked with distaste.

  “Gee, you think so? A blood-sucking staff? I'd go beyond disgusting and call it creepy as hell. But that's the price and, as long as it's only a drop, I can live with it.”

  “If you say so.”

  Kronk peered up at him.

  “Master, you should have an early night. You look exhausted and you'll need to be as rested as you can be tomorrow.”

  Simon finished his food and sipped his tea.

  “Thanks, my friend. I intend to, although I doubt I'll get much sleep.”

  He finished his tea, rinsed his dishes and picked up the book on dragons that was on the kitchen table.

  “I'm going to read for a while in my study and then hit the hay. Could you guys make sure the gates are sealed? I'll rest better knowing that the tower is secure.”

  “With pleasure, master,” Kronk said and hopped down to the floor.

  “Certainly, Simon. And we'll patrol tonight too. Sleep well.”

  Aeris bowed slightly, something he rarely did, and floated off after Kronk. Simon watched them leave and smiled.

  I'd really be lost without them, he thought. I wish I didn't have to ask them to put themselves in danger tomorrow.

  He glanced one last time at Bene-Dunn-Gal.

  But I don't trust that thing and I need them nearby, just in case.

  Simon closed and locked the front door, blew out the candles and began to climb the stairs. It promised to be a restless night.

  Chapter 25

  Simon woke up after a night filled with dreams of fire and smoke and the sounds of death. He sat up and looked out the window.

  The glass was etched with frost and the sunlight looked like it was shining through crystal.

  As his feet touched the floor, he shivered. It was cold.

  Winter's coming, he thought. I wonder if I'll live to see it.

  He sat on the edge of the bed for a few minutes, thinking about the day to come.

  D-day, he thought a bit whimsically. Dragon day. Today is either the end or a new beginning. That thought made him shiver but also filled him with a surge of anger.

  Some unknown bunch of 'gods' had decided to wipe the Earth clean of humanity. Who were they to decide such a thing? This is our world, not theirs. They had their day and were cast out. And now here they were again, sneaking in like a thief in the night, trying to take back what wasn't theirs. Well, screw them.

  He stood up, feeling a rush of determination.

  I don't know if we'll win the day or not, Simon thought as he began to get dressed. He chose a woolen robe, light blue, to protect him from the chill in the air. But by God, we'll give that dragon a hell of a fight.

  Aeris and Kronk were waiting for him downstairs. The kettle was on the fire and Simon nodded his thanks.

  As he waited for the water to boil, the wizard opened the front door and walked out on to the front steps. The grass leading to the gate was covered with frost and he could see his breath rising in the still air.

  Well, at least it isn't raining, he thought. Or snowing.

  Simon took a few deep breaths, savoring the cold bite of air in his lungs and then went back inside to prepare breakfast.

  The day passed more slowly than he would have liked. They had to meet their allies before dusk near the island, but that left hours for Simon to brood and conjure up images of defeat that didn't help his mood at all.

  When he began to snap at the elementals for no reason, Simon decided to take a walk around the tower and clear his head. Kronk and Aeris wisely let him go alone.

&nb
sp; He wandered around to the stable. The horses greeted him with wickers of delight and he stroked and patted them all. Then he opened the stable doors and the back gate and allowed them to run free along the shore. Their beauty and grace always cheered him up.

  Simon had already decided to leave them loose when he left for the battle. In case he didn't make it back, they would be free to jump the fence and survive in the wilderness. He was well aware that all of them could escape at any time. It was only loyalty to him that kept them nearby.

  He began to walk around the lake. The sun had burned off the frost on the grass but wisps of steam rose from the water's surface as it heated up in the cool air. It was almost mystical and, when he'd reached the far shore across from the tower, Simon found a dry spot on the grass and sat down, watching the water ripple with unseen fish.

  What a perfect scene, he thought. I'd like nothing more than to spend my whole life in this place, if I had the chance. But will I? Ah, that was the question.

  A tingle of warmth on his hip made Simon jump a bit and then he realized that it was the lodestone in his pocket that connected him to Clara. She wanted to speak with him.

  He summoned the Magic Mouth easily and spoke while he watched the lake in the early afternoon sunlight.

  “Hi Clara. How are you doing?”

  “I'm good, Simon. I wanted to let you know that we're leaving now. We should be at the location in about three, three and a half hours. Are you ready?”

  He closed his eyes a moment, not sure of what he should say. But he knew what she wanted to hear.

  “Yes, I'm ready. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you and your people's help in this. There's no guarantee that any of us will make it out of the battle alive. You all must know that. And yet you're coming anyway. That's just...amazing.”

  “Is it?” Clara sounded amused. “What choice do we have, really? Face the dragon today or face it down the road. Either way, we have to deal with the beast. At least this way we're taking the fight to it, on our terms.”

  “I agree. That is pretty much my own thinking. Okay then, I'll meet you on the shore in a few hours. See you then.”

  “You will indeed.”

  Simon closed the connection and stood up. Time had ceased to drag and was starting to flow more swiftly. He had better get moving.

  When the wizard and the two elementals were ready to leave, Simon had Aeris close and seal both the tower and the two gates. He left the horses to roam beside the lake, watching them a bit sadly as they grazed.

  When the tower was secured, he grasped the staff tightly and winced as the thing bit into his palm.

  Taking its payment, he thought coldly.

  “Okay. Kronk, grab a handful of my robe. Aeris, up here on my shoulder please. We're going to Gate to the shore.”

  Both elementals took their places without comment and Simon called up the Gate spell.

  There was an instant of disorientation, a flash of light and a mighty push from behind and then the three of them were standing on the rocky shore of the river, staring out at Aylmer Island a hundred yards away.

  “You made it,” a voice said from behind him and Simon turned and smiled at Clara as she walked over.

  “Of course I did,” he said and shook her hand warmly, after discreetly wiping a drop of blood off on his robe.

  Beyond the cleric, Simon saw a group of people staring at him. He recognized Richard, Michael and Brianna, all wearing their armor but with bows slung over their shoulders. Susan was wearing her brown leather and leaned against her bow as if it were a staff.

  Beside them were a handful of others also carrying bows. Simon didn't recognize them, but he greeted the entire group with a smile.

  “So where are Eric and Virginia and the others?” he asked Clara.

  “Oh, back in the forest a few yards. They tend to have intense discussions about the oddest things. I can't honestly say what they're talking about now, but they'll be ready when we are.”

  “Good.” Simon lowered his voice. “They may still be a bit intimidated by groups of people, you know, after their three years of confinement.”

  Clara looked startled.

  “You know, I hadn't thought of that. Good point, Simon.”

  “Thanks.”

  He looked across at the island, its small lighthouse barely visible in the distance.

  “Kronk? Where are the rafts?”

  The little guy turned and pointed into the trees.

  “That way, master. About fifty yards. We covered them with leaves and branches, just in case drakes wandered by and spotted them,”

  “Huh. Good idea. Well, let's hope the elves get here soon. It would take the group of us too long to drag them to the shore on our own.”

  Kronk laughed lightly and Simon looked at him in puzzlement.

  “I would not make you all waste your strength on that, master. My friends are waiting for my call to transport the rafts to this location. Would you like us to begin now?”

  “Really? You can do that?” Clara asked the little figure.

  She doesn't know how strong these guys really are, Simon thought with some amusement.

  “Trust me, Clara. They can.” He looked down at his friend. “Go ahead, Kronk. And tell the others I appreciate their help.”

  Kronk waved away the comment.

  “They know that, master, as do I. We'll begin immediately. It will only take a short time.”

  And the earthen sank into the ground and disappeared.

  “You know, that still freaks me out a little,” Simon heard Susan say to one of her group. He looked over at her and grinned.

  “If it's any conciliation, I feel the same way, even after knowing him for years.”

  She laughed and nodded.

  Before long, the group heard a loud crashing and snapping coming from the woods. Everyone waited, and Simon saw Eric and his group come running out of the trees.

  “What's going on?” he asked anxiously.

  Virginia, Anna and Gerard were close on his heels and all of them smiled nervously as they spotted Simon.

  “Relax, guys,” he told them. “The rafts are being dragged to the water by some friends. Nothing to worry about.”

  “Yet,” Aeris muttered near Simon's shoulder.

  The wizard ignored him and watched, fascinated, as an earthen emerged from the forest pulling a long iron chain. It reached the river, turned and yanked the chain hand-over-hand until the raft slid out from the woods and on to the shore.

  “My God, how can such a little thing pull something so large?” someone asked.

  “Stronger than they look, I guess,” Simon heard someone else, Richard maybe, reply.

  The raft was exactly as the wizard had pictured it. Two layers of logs bound together and twenty feet on each side. He was amazed that it fit between the trees.

  Never underestimate the earthen, he thought with admiration.

  The elemental dropped the chain, waved and hurried back into the trees.

  More crashing and banging followed and everyone continued to stare as, one by one, the dozen rafts were dragged into the river.

  When they were done, the group gave the little guys a hearty round of applause, and Simon tried not to laugh as the earthen stared at them, obviously puzzled.

  “”It's our way of thanking you all,” Clara called to them and they all beamed widely in response. Then as one, the elementals bowed and sank out of sight. Kronk hurried back to Simon and looked up at him.

  “Are they suitable, master?” he asked, obviously seeking reassurance.

  “Kronk, they are perfect. I couldn't have asked for better. Thank you so much.”

  The little guy looked pleased.

  “Our pleasure, master.”

  Simon watched as the villagers walked over to the rafts and began to examine them. Then he turned to Aeris and indicated the sky.

  “How much time do you estimate it will be before the dragon passes?” he asked quietly.

&n
bsp; Aeris looked up and frowned in concentration.

  “At least two hours,” he answered in a low voice. “It could take some time to row those rafts over to the island and get them anchored in the right spots. I hope your elves show up soon.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  As if his words were a wish, Simon caught his breath as figures suddenly appeared from the trees along the shoreline. The villagers turned as one and he saw Richard draw his axe. Michael unsheathed his sword and moved to stand next to him.

  “Whoa, whoa. Easy, folks,” Simon called out as he hurried forward. “It seems our allies have joined us.”

  After a moment's hesitation, the two guardsmen sheathed their weapons and Simon walked past them to greet Ethmira.

  “Good to see you,” he said as she stepped forward.

  Clara had followed Simon and he introduced them.

  “Thank you for coming,” the cleric said warmly. “We all appreciate your help.”

  “It is our pleasure, lady,” Ethmira replied. “Better to stand together now than stand separately later.”

  “Well said,” Simon interjected approvingly.

  She smiled.

  “Thank you. I'm happy to see that you are all prepared.”

  She looked speculatively at the rafts rocking gently next to the shoreline and then glanced at Simon with a raised eyebrow.

  He chuckled at the look and explained his plan for the archers.

  Ethmira began nodding halfway through his explanation.

  “That is an excellent idea, Simon. If we anchor the rafts ten yards or so off of the island, it will give my archers, and yours of course, a splendid field of view. And, of course, if we are raked with dragon-fire, well, the river is there to jump into. Well done, my friend.”

  “Thanks,” Simon replied with a small surge of pride. “No guarantees that it will help, really, but I wanted to at least try to minimize casualties if possible.”

  He looked at the elf seriously.

  “If I fall, get your people out of there. I doubt if the dragon will follow them if they swim for it. At least not for too long anyway.”

  The crowd of elves standing behind Ethmira murmured at Simon's words and she frowned.

  “We do not desert our friends, Simon. Certainly not in the middle of battle.”