by Aya Knight
They drifted across the lake without another word. Grand walls of rock bordered each side, leaving only a single path to the shore ahead. As they approached the sandy beach, Neelan was the first to see it—the shrouded figure which appeared from the gaping, dark cave.
Chapter 18: The Dragon War
The boat slid upon the powdery, white sand and Kale held his eyes upon the cloaked figure that stood in silence.
“Dibble…” Kale whispered as he curled his fingers into a tightened fist, unsure if the mysterious individual was a foe. “Do you know this person?”
Dibble nodded. “Indeed I do. This here is the Keeper.”
Kale took a step back in surprise and his eyes widened. He had not expected such a subtle entrance from someone of such importance. He anxiously awaited the moment to come, and yet now he was not prepared with words for their confrontation. His palms grew moist with perspiration and his palate felt incredibly dry.
“Z-Zasha … is that you?” Kale forced the words.
His friends stood behind him in silence, staring forward as the figure approached.
The Keeper stopped before Kale and lifted a hand to the lip of their hood. The cloth fell back, revealing spiraling red hair and twinkling golden eyes that Kale instantly recognized.
“Thank you for escorting them to me, Dibble,” the woman spoke.
“It is you!” Kale said as a flood of emotions surged through him.
“My little one, how I have so longed to see you before me once again.” Zasha extended her arms and pulled Kale into a tight embrace. A tear of joy rolled from her cheek as she gently rocked him, her head placed against his chest. “To feel your warmth, beyond what has been in dreams, is more than I could ever hope for.” She placed a hand upon his face and gazed lovingly into his eyes. “My Firehart—my son; I have missed you so …” Her eyes glazed over as she spoke and more tears showered her cheeks. “The last time I was by your side, you were no more than a hatchling.” Zasha looked to the side, dodging Kale’s glance. “Saying goodbye was the hardest moment of my life. I was unsure if I would ever see you again, my darling son. This I swear will never happen again as long as I shall breathe within the world.”
Kale took a small step back, at a loss for words. For so long he had not thought upon the reason his mother would have left him alone at such a young and helpless age. Mixed emotions tugged at his heart.
“Why?” Kale finally mustered the will to question his mother. “Why did you leave me alone to live a life of solitude and loneliness?”
“My sweet little one; I will explain all—but now we must continue on to the temple of Pan.” Zasha took Kale’s hand into hers.
“The temple of Pan?” Thomas stroked his beard. “Though I have read briefly on the place many years ago when Kale and I were first acquainted, I’ve always thought it to be fabled.” He began to chuckle. “You sure were a lot to handle back then—what a temper.” He shook his head in thought. “Now then, about the temple … and this place.” He motioned to their surroundings. “I’d go as far as to guess that we are no longer in Ravondore.”
Neelan quietly gasped and gripped onto Illadar’s arm.
“You truly are intelligent, Thomas,” Zasha replied. “I see that there isn’t much which slips past you.” She smiled and looked to Neelan. “As Thomas said before—you have not to worry about your connection to the Moroconi’s; or as you call them, the sand-people. This place is not Ravondore, nor is it even Revaxis. Where we are now is a different plane—a world within a world, you could say. Time and distance does not exist in the same way as it does upon Revaxis. Now, my dear, we must be on our way.” She gently tugged upon Kale’s hand.
Zasha led the group through a wet cave, dripping with strange orange liquid that formed puddles upon the floor. Long, green leaves grew from the walls and swayed slowly from side to side. The group huddled near the center of the path to avoid touching the mysterious plant.
“Do not be afraid,” Zasha spoke and held her fingers out to the leaves. “All life on this side of the lake will not harm you.”
The leaves gently wrapped around her hand as she smiled and delicately pulled away.
“This place is quite magnificent.” Thomas whispered in awe as he inspected the walls. “Is this truly the location spoke of in lore where the guardian dragons gathered to protect Revaxis?”
“It is. This is also the place where it was decided that I was to hide my Firehart—for his protection, and the protection of our kind …” She looked to the side and brought a hand over her heart. “My Firehart,” she paused to look deep into Kale’s eyes, “I need you to know that I never wanted to let you go—I had to do it. You are the one to reshape our world.”
Kale’s jaw tightened as he turned a cheek. “I’m growing tired of everyone planning my fate—I shape my own destiny. I am not some tool in an elaborate game.”
Zasha grew silent for a brief moment before gripping her belly as laughter escaped her lips. “You are so very much like your stubborn father.” She turned and continued through the tunnel.
“Wait a moment … my father? I have a father?” Kale questioned defensively while hurrying to keep pace with Zasha.
“Well, how did you think you were conceived, little one?” Zasha laughed even louder. “Dragon eggs don’t simply appear.”
Kale disregarded her comment and pressed for more information on his father.
“Your father is no longer with us …” Zasha spoke while continuing her pace. “But he was a very brave and noble warrior. He fought for all that is good in the world. He tried to see that even in the darkest of times, all is never lost as long as you keep fighting for what’s important.”
“How did he … ?”
“Leave our world?” Zasha answered for Kale. “He died fighting for what he felt was right until the very end. He fought for the future of human-kind, and to ensure the safety of you, my Firehart. He wanted to meet you so very badly.”
Kale could see her eyes tearing as she turned to face away from the group.
“We’re nearly there.” She changed the subject and gestured forward.
Bright rays of light flooded in through an opening at the end of the tunnel.
Neelan, who had remained silent throughout their walk, slid her arm around Kale and pressed her body against his.
The nearby sound of rushing water could be heard; growing louder with each passing step.
They emerged into a courtyard with vibrant foliage in every direction. A picturesque blue sky was lit by the glow of two suns which radiated their surroundings. Ahead lay a red, brick path, lined by flowing fountains carved in the form of dragons.
Though the area was vast, Kale couldn’t help but wonder how a dragon, so large in size, could possibly have made their way to this point. He shrugged his bewilderment as Neelan tugged upon his arm.
She pointed ahead as a group of sizable butterflies fluttered toward them, passing overhead in a graceful swoop.
Kale inhaled and allowed the crisp, fresh air to fill his lungs. Their surroundings were tranquil and had a natural way of relaxing even the tensest nerves. For the first time in awhile, they felt safe.
Ahead, Kale could see many tall stone pillars which bordered a circular slate floor. A single, dark staircase descended below the surface.
“Let me guess … we’re goin’ in there?” Illadar finally spoke as he eyed the black hole.
“Indeed we are,” Dibble replied while shoving Illadar closer.
“For someone who only reaches my knees, you sure have a lotta’ nerve. I’m not sure whether to commend you, or shove my boot up your rear end and send you flyin’.”
The group laughed at Dibble and Illadar’s banter that continued on until they reached the stairs. Below, they could see a faint blue light.
&nb
sp; Zasha led them down to a large room with breathtaking carvings of dragons upon the walls.
“I know him!” Kale spoke as he hurried to the carving. He placed his palm against the cool stone and closed his eyes.
“The Emerald Prince, Zandol,” Zasha commented. “I’m glad you had the privilege to meet him—even if in spirit. The dragons you see here all fought in the Great War. Some survived, while others fell fighting for our future.”
Kale caught glimpse of a sizable dragon carving at the far side of the room. Ancient writing circled the figure. The dragon carving was twice the size of all others and looked eerily menacing. Its eyes scowled forward and its head bore many large spikes which ran down its back.
“Did he also fight in the Great War?” Kale questioned as he approached the wall.
“Yes, little one, but not amongst us. He was our greatest enemy—Garox, the Relentless Bane.”
Kale grasped his head. “My father … Garox … the Great War of dragons … I cannot believe I’ve only just found all this out. You were able to contact me in my dreams when you needed me. But where were you when it was I who needed someone? You left me all alone for so long, with no one. Had Thomas not discovered me, I’d be nothing more than a corpse at the wrath of Jedah’s army. You promised me answers—now, I go no further until they are received.” Kale glanced toward his comrades. “These are my true friends—the ones who have risked their lives for me, not cowered within another world.” Kale forced air between his gritted teeth, hissing in frustration.
“I did promise, and I suppose now is as good a time as any for you to learn the truth.” Zasha sat upon a stone cylinder, patting one to her right for Kale.
“I think we’ll head up and let you two catch up on lost time,” Illadar spoke, not wanting to interfere with their reunion.
“Nonsense. You may all stay—please, I insist.” She motioned them to additional stone seats. “I know how much you have gone through with my son, and it’s only fair for you to know what I am to say.”
They didn’t argue; partially because they did not wish to disrespect Zasha’s offer, but mostly due to their own curiosities.
“Now, little one,” Zasha placed a hand upon Kale’s knee. “I will tell you of events from our past which have led to this moment.” Her warm eyes locked with his. “There was a time, long ago, when dragon and human lived in harmony. We were not seen as beasts of destruction, but as creatures that belonged—it was a harmonious balance.
“Sadly, in a world with good, there will always be evils. While most humans were loving and compassionate, there were some who chose to fill their hearts with hatred—they feared that which was not like them. Most humans were far too timid to confront us in conflict. Soon however, those fueled by negativity banded together and devised a plan of attack. The target was a gentle dragon by the name of Vexa. She was radiant and always prepared to assist those in need—from carrying crops, to holding heavy loads upon her back from one town to the next. She stood for all that was good in this world and was beautiful both inside and out.
“After a long day, she slumbered in an open meadow—this is where they found her. The men struck her while she peacefully slept. Vexa fought, but to no avail; she died that evening—not only was she outnumbered, but I’m certain her kind-hearted desire to love those around her and make peace with human-kind, left her withholding her true strength in the battle. It pains me to think that even in her last hour, Vexa most likely held onto all hope that the humans would reconsider and withdraw their attack. She wanted not to harm a single living being, other than to feed.
“Garox arrived to her that night, only to find she had been slain by human weaponry. Her flesh had been torn beyond repair from any spell. On that very night—he changed. He chose to believe there was no good left within the hearts of humans. To him, they were nothing more than cruel creatures, awaiting betrayal upon us. Garox took it upon himself to abolish the village where those who gathered to slay Vexa dwelled. On the night of her death, he spread his mighty wings and flew to where they slept. In a fit of rage, and stricken with grief, he annihilated every living being within their village. He had no remorse for children, or the lives of the innocent who knew not of the attack on Vexa. His heart had blackened with hatred.
“Garox flew across Revaxis, manipulating dragons to believe that humans would soon turn on them as well; that no dragon was safe as long as we shared the same soil. Though many refused to give up hope on human-kind, there was a significant group who joined ranks with him. Their goal was simple—to destroy all humans, and all who stood in their way. It was during this time that the dragons were divided in two, fighting against one another in what became the Great War.”
“I don’t understand … how did Garox have so much influence on those who joined him? I understand that the humans killed his beloved, but were the others truly prepared to war against an entire species because of it?” Kale questioned.
“There was more to the situation, little one. Garox was larger than any other living dragon; he was easily the strongest, and no single dragon would have stood a chance against his fury. Some willingly joined ranks with him—opening up to their own suppressed desire to kill humans. Others were merely afraid of what would happen by resisting. Just as with humans, not all dragons were good at heart. Garox soon had his army of destruction.
“He, like you, was a black dragon. His skin was stronger than stone, and he had the distinct marking of a grey strip along his back. His eyes were a fiery red and his claws, massive enough to tear through a dozen men with one swipe.” Zasha cleared her throat.
“Why in Pan’s name did such a dragon require the aid of more if he was so powerful?” Kale wrinkled his forehead in confusion.
“The humans, Garox could handle—it was his own brethren he feared would overthrow his goals.” Zasha paused before gently squeezing Kale’s hand. “Does it bother you to know that you once had much in common with him?”
Kale pushed Zasha’s hand to the side in disgust of her words. “I have never been so cruel! How could you possibly compare us?!” He stood and turned his back to Zasha. “I was alone, and lonely. I’ll admit, I had doubts about the unknown—but never would I ruthlessly seek to kill the innocent. Though you are my mother, you do not know me at all.”
The words struck Zasha’s heart as she looked down painfully. “I did not mean it as such. My apologies, little one. I was intending to open your eyes to how much you’ve grown. Unlike Garox, you have never allowed your hate to consume you. You were able to open your heart to love.” She smiled at Neelan who flushed red with embarrassment.
“Pardon my interruption,” Illadar sat at the edge of the stone seat, “but what happened to Garox?”
Thomas glanced at him with a silent look of warning for the interruption.
“Yes, old man? I am human—I have a right to know about the dragon that nearly annihilated us all.”
“Yes, of course,” Zasha replied. “Word spread quickly amongst dragons of Garox’s plan. Those of us who still saw good in the world knew the time had come to make a stand. We made the decision to fight for the humans and intended to confront Garox before he could begin his reign of destruction and strike fear in the world. We knew he had grown so cold inside, that his lust for destruction would not stop after destroying humans. He would seek revenge upon the entire world for his loss. In his mind, anger suppressed the pain. Reasoning with him was no longer an option, so we formed a group in preparation for the battle we knew was soon to come. This group was soon named The Guardians.
“Your father was our leader. He was brave and noble and knew that together, we could overcome anything.”
Kale’s eyes lit up. “Show him to me … please.” He panned the many carvings curiously.
Zasha stood and approached the wall to her side. She paused a moment before lifting her fi
nger and tracing along the indentations in the stone that formed a grand dragon.
Kale’s breath was shaken as he stared forward. The dragon stood tall and proud; his eyes gentle, yet determined. Though it was only a carving, he could see the kindness and will to protect in his father’s expression. Upon the dragon’s head were three webbed ridges which gave him a look distinct from the others.
Zasha explained that he was known as Morrow, Sovereign of the Sky. He could fly faster than any of the other dragons. I only wish you could have met him little one. He loved you very much.”
Kale looked to the side in thought. “Yes … that reminds me; you said you’d tell me why it is I was abandoned.” He grew even more agitated knowing he had a father that he never had the opportunity to meet. His heart thumped within his chest while thinking back on all of the decisions that had been made for him. From his life as a hatchling, forced to grow up alone and fend for himself, to the moment he became a human—no one had ever taken the time to consider what would make him most happy.
“You’re right.” Zasha looked at Kale. “Just before the Great War began, your father’s dear friend, a human sorcerer named Oran, devoted his powerful skill in magic to our cause and became a member of The Guardians. Other humans who knew of the situation asked to join, but your father and Oran instructed them to remain within their towns to ensure the safety of their friends and families. We strived to keep the war oblivious to most humans and instructed those who knew to uphold a pact of secrecy. Having a mass of panic spread across the world would only fuel Garox’s plan.
“Sorcerers from across Revaxis came together to plan barriers of protection upon kingdoms. We knew that if authority were to fall, the world would have collapsed into chaos.
“We trained hard, and soon, the Great War was upon us. The Guardians fought ruthlessly and defeated Garox’s many minions. Many fell—only the strongest of our group remained to face Garox. If we were to fail, we knew it would undeniably be the end of mankind. Even Oran was powerless against him. Garox had a unique and incredibly beneficial ability—he was able to absorb magic. No spell, regardless of its strength could work against him.”