“I think I'll take a walk around the tower, check on the wall. I'll talk to you both later.”
Ana smiled at him while Kronk stared at him with a wise expression.
Can't put anything over on him, the wizard thought ruefully, and walked down the steps.
Simon climbed a ladder to the parapet and began to circle the tower along the inside of the wall. He ran into several earth elementals who were keeping watch. He greeted them with a smile and a thank you and each one bowed respectfully.
It's good to have eyes constantly on guard, he thought.
At the rear of the tower, he came to a spot that overlooked the lake, gleaming faintly in the darkness. The stars were hard gems hanging in the sky and the three-quarter moon lit up the night brightly enough that Simon could see the stone parapet under his feet.
He stopped and rested his forearms on the top of the wall. He stared at the calm waters of the lake and let out a deep breath.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
Aeris, who had been hovering above the wall and staring off into the night, nodded silently.
“I hope you understand why I couldn't wait,” he continued. “Liliana simply didn't have much time left. A few minutes later...”
He left it at that and watched the placid lake. A faint ripple and the sound of a splash broke the silence as a fish broke the surface.
“Yes, of course I understand,” Aeris finally answered, his voice subdued. “I'm not upset at you, my dear wizard. You did the right thing. I'm upset at myself.”
“You?” Simon turned to look at him. “Why?”
Aeris shook his head, still looking off into the distance.
“Frustrated, I suppose. I'm not of much use here, Simon. Yes, I do a few chores, complete some tasks. But an air elemental's first job is as a scout. We long to discover new lands, search out secrets, expose mysteries. I've become short-tempered and twitchy because I'm feeling...useless.”
He finally turned to face the wizard.
“I want you to know that that is not me, not really. This tower is my home now. You and Kronk and Ana are my family. But...”
He grimaced and shook his head before turning away again.
Simon looked at him for a long moment. He was relieved to know that Aeris wasn't angry, but he could understand his frustration. He wasn't made to be a live-in servant. He wanted the free air, the thrill of discovery. It made perfect sense.
But what can I do for him? How can I show him his own worth?
The air was getting a little chilly and he slipped his hands into his pockets. In one of them, his three lodestones bumped and slid together, feeling like a handful of small eggs. In the other...
An idea bumped into his mind with the force of a blow and he rubbed the back of his head as he thought it through.
It would be difficult and dangerous for Aeris, but it would certainly put his inborn talents to good use.
He looked once more at the glum-faced little figure bobbing in the light evening breeze and made his decision.
“You know, I think I might actually have a job for you,” he said casually.
The elemental turned to look at him.
“A job? Do you mean another chore? I will do it, of course.”
“No, I mean a real job. A scouting mission.”
Aeris' eyes lit up.
“Scouting? Really? What is it?”
Simon held up a cautionary hand.
“Before I tell you, I want you to know that you're free to say no, all right? We're partners here, not master and servant. And it may be more dangerous than the time you were scouting that wizard who turned out to be Heather. That almost got you killed.”
The small anticipatory smile on the elemental's face grew into a grin.
“Excellent! It sounds like fun.”
Simon sighed.
“Aeris...”
“Relax, my dear wizard. I've learned my lesson from that event. I'm much more cautious now than I've ever been. Now, what is the mission?” he asked, rubbing his hands together.
Simon pulled out the amulet he'd found and showed it to Aeris, who stared at it wide-eyed.
“We know that this amulet can locate primal dragons,” he told the little guy. “I also know that the primal white dragon prefers to live in arctic conditions. What I need to know is where. Once I have a reliable set of coordinates, I can use Magic Mirror to keep an eye on the monster until I have some plan of attack. Would you be willing to head to Moscow, use the amulet and follow its guidance to find the primal?”
Aeris reached out a trembling hand and Simon slowly gave him the amulet.
“That...is a very important mission to offer me, my dear wizard,” he said softly as he stared at the figure of the dragon in his hands.
“One of the most important that I can think of,” Simon assured him. “But if you don't feel up to it, or you think that the risk isn't worth the reward, just tell me now and we'll say no more about it.”
“Not worth the risk? You need this information going forward, don't you? Without it, there is no way to stop the white dragons continuing their attack on northern Europe, correct?”
“In the long-term, yes, you're absolutely right. We can and probably will have to fight the lesser dragons in the short-term but the only way to stop them completely is to kill their master.”
“Then I accept the mission, my dear wizard. With gratitude.”
Simon snorted.
“Don't thank me too soon. I hate sending friends into harm's way. And if there was an alternative, I'd use it. But short of scouring the entire arctic for the next century in the hopes of stumbling across the primal white, I can't think of any.”
“Neither can I. So, when did you want me to start?”
“That's your choice, Aeris. I will get in touch every evening, my time, and see how you're doing.”
“Then I'll leave at once.”
The wizard shook a stern finger at him.
“Don't take any unnecessary risks, okay? I want that information, but you are too important to me to lose you for this. Remember that.”
Aeris' grin turned to a rather embarrassed smile.
“I will. And thank you, Simon. Thank you for giving me purpose again. I will not fail you.”
“I know that. Take care.”
The elemental nodded, waved and disappeared with a quiet pop, leaving Simon to stare out at the lake again and wonder if he'd just made a terrible mistake.
Kronk and Ana responded quite differently when they heard that Aeris was gone the following morning.
Simon sat on the front steps with his tea in the cool early sunlight and explained what he'd done and why and then he waited to see their reactions.
“I think that was a very kind thing to do, sir wizard,” Ana said with a smile. “Aeris' talents were being wasted here. He is meant to scout and explore, as are all of his people. It was probably the best thing for him.”
“Hmm. Thanks. Kronk?”
The earthen took his time answering. He sat one step below Simon and rubbed the top of his head thoughtfully.
“I'm not sure, master. I agree that he was feeling, I don't know, confined. And he was becoming increasingly short-tempered. But what you have sent him to do is incredibly dangerous. A primal dragon has powers that we still do not understand, and each one is different. It is quite possible that if Aeris finds the primal white dragon that it will sense him and attack. Or perhaps the dragon's servants will discover him before he ever reaches their master. I just don't know.”
The little guy's voice was thick with concern and Simon nodded in sympathy.
“I know you're worried, my friend. So am I. And I gave Aeris the chance to say no, believe me. I just think, no, I hope that sending him on a mission was the best thing. Not for me or for our cause, but for him.”
The wizard finished his tea and stood up.
“But if anything happens to him, it's on me and I'll be the one that has to live with it.”
He turned and went inside thinking heavily about his decision.
A week passed and Simon decided that he needed a break from practice, a change of scenery. So he announced to Kronk and Ana that they were going on a trip.
“A trip?” the water elemental asked in surprise. “Where to?”
“Nottinghill. I haven't seen Clara for a while now and you've never been there. We need to do some socializing.”
He grinned at Kronk.
“And you, my friend, like feeling useful so I'd like you to examine the town's wall and drawbridge, see how they're holding up.”
The earthen had been looking a bit glum since Aeris had left but now he cheered up quickly.
“Ah, master, that's a very good idea. It has been months since I checked on the condition of the fortifications. When do we leave?”
“Give me an hour or so. I'll be riding Chief and we're taking the girls along with us.”
“Girls?” Ana asked, puzzled. “What girls?”
“The mares,” Kronk spoke up. “They need some exercise, don't they, master?”
“Exactly. Sunshine is starting to get a bit of a gut. And no, I'm not blaming you,” he added quickly as he saw Kronk's expression change. “But running along the lake isn't enough, I guess. Besides, they'd probably like to get out and about too.”
About an hour later, the little procession left the tower bound for Nottinghill. Simon was in the lead on Chief. The big stallion was bouncing from one hoof to another in delight and his horns flashed wickedly in the sunlight. He nickered and chortled to himself as they went and the wizard couldn't help but grin at the big horse's antics.
Behind them, the two mares Tammy and Sunshine followed placidly. Neither was on a lead; Simon trusted them to stay close to Chief on the trip.
He had packed his saddlebags with a few essentials and slung his staff over his shoulder, but Simon didn't anticipate being away for more than a day or so. He'd told the guarding elementals to keep the place locked up tight.
Kronk would normally travel underground and meet the wizard at his destination. But the earthen was very protective of the horses, so he rode with Simon, sitting on the saddle in front of him.
Ana was traveling across the ground somewhere near them, unseen. Amazingly, when she traveled, the elemental collapsed into a pool of water and flowed along the earth like an animate puddle. It was one of the oddest things that Simon had ever seen.
The forest air was cool and most of the new leaves hadn't emerged yet, but the wizard was happy anyway. A few small, yellow spring flowers had bloomed here and there in the undergrowth, adding a splash of color that made Simon smile each time he saw one.
The air was thick with song, birds flitting here and there frantically building their nests and searching for food. Kronk's little head jerked from side to side as he watched them with delight and the wizard was reminded yet again why he felt so much affection for the child-like little guy.
The path between the trees was still clear and easy to follow. A few branches had fallen across it over the winter and Chief leapt over them with ease, his energy boundless.
It took over an hour to reach Nottinghill, even though their pace had been brisk. As the group emerged from the forest to come to a halt atop the small hill that overlooked the town, Simon took a moment to enjoy the view.
He noticed small changes to the layout of the place. A few more houses had been built and he peered across the rooftops at an oddly-shaped building at the far end of the village. It was six-sided, like an octagon, and was open to the sky. It had high walls and nasty-looking spikes sprouting from the top of them.
“What the heck is that for?” he wondered out loud and pointed at the strange structure.
Kronk stood up and craned his neck to see over Chief's large head.
“No idea, master,” he said as he stared. “I have never seen a building like it before.”
“Me neither. I guess we'll find out when we get down there.”
Simon looked around.
“Ana?” he called. “Are you here?”
“Over here, sir wizard,” she answered and Simon looked quickly to the right to see the elemental rise from the thick grass, smiling up at him.
“Oh, there you are. Would you join us up here, please? I want the guards to see all of us approaching the gates. They may be a little twitchy.”
“Of course,” she said calmly and flowed up one of Chief's legs to stand behind Simon on the horse's back.
The stallion snorted and reared a bit at the obviously strange sensation of the elemental moving over his body. Simon patted his neck reassuringly and he settled down with a disapproving snort.
A last glance reassured the wizard that the mares were still following them closely and then he chirped at Chief and they began to move down the hill.
When they reached the main gate of the town, Simon found that the drawbridge was down and the gates were open. A single guard stood just outside the entrance and waved when he spotted the wizard.
“Good morning!” he said loudly and motioned them forward.
The horses' hooves rang on the wooden drawbridge as they ambled across and Simon pulled up Chief when they reached the guard.
“Morning,” he said with a smile. He vaguely recognized the man's face, but couldn't think of his name. “How are you today?”
“Fine, thanks. Lovely day, isn't it?”
“Gorgeous.” Simon gestured at the open gates. “Things are calm these days, I'm assuming?”
“Oh absolutely. We haven't had any incidents lately.”
The guard's face darkened slightly.
“Well, none from outside of the village, that is.”
“Meaning?” Simon asked, puzzled.
“Uh, I'll let Clara tell you about it.” The man glanced up at the sky. “She should be in the town hall right now, having lunch. Go ahead up.”
“Thanks a lot. Enjoy the day.”
With a nod, Simon urged Chief through the gates and into the town.
Villagers were moving around, everyone looking healthy and busy. The wizard exchanged greetings with several of them and noticed how fascinated they seemed to be by the sight of the stallion and the mares. He reminded himself that his were the only horses that they had seen since the fall of the old world.
Ana also got her fair share of intent looks but took no notice. She was looking around with interest and appeared very pleased by what she saw.
“These people seem to be doing very well, sir wizard,” she commented as they passed a row of small, neat houses.
“They are, Ana. The human race is resilient, even if we are all Changed. The dragons will learn that to their sorrow one day,” he added grimly.
“No doubt they will,” she said absently, staring at a woman carrying an infant in her arms.
Simon grinned at the young mother and she smiled back warmly.
A few minutes later, they reached the large log building that was the town hall. There was a post with a metal ring in it next to the door that Simon knew had been installed just for him and the horses. He dismounted, tied Chief to the post and urged the mares to stand next to him.
He patted and stroked all three, praising them until all of them were nickering contentedly.
“You keep an eye on the ladies,” he told the stallion with a smile, and Chief brushed his big head across the wizard's chest, sending him staggering.
With a laugh, Simon found his balance and gestured for the elementals to follow him inside.
The main portion of the hall was empty; rows of benches sat facing the center where a fire pit had been dug and lined with stone. A pyramid of logs was set there, ready for future use. Above it, a smoke hole opened to the bright sky and lit the room, leaving sharp shadows in the corners.
The wizard strode across the room to the back of the building and a small door that led to the cleric's quarters. He glanced down at Kronk and Ana and then knocked twice.
“Come in,” Clara cal
led out and he opened the door and stepped inside, followed by the elementals.
The young woman was sitting at the table she used for meals and small gatherings, reading by the light of several candles. Two windows, one to the north, the other on the opposite wall, let in bright sunlight but the center of the room was dim enough that she needed the extra light.
As usual, the cleric was wearing a simple blue robe and had her dark brown hair pulled back in a braid.
Clara looked up from a book she was reading intently and put it down as she realized who her visitors were.
“Simon! How lovely to see you.”
She got up and hurried over to shake his hand warmly.
“Welcome, welcome. I didn't know you were going to drop by.” She looked down at the elementals with a warm smile.
“It's good to see you again, Kronk,” she said and the earthen bowed.
“Thank you, lady,” he said cheerfully.
“And this must be Ana,” she said. “I'm so happy to finally meet you in person.”
The water elemental copied Kronk's bow.
“The pleasure is mine, lady cleric,” she said graciously.
Clara invited them to have a seat and then left the room, returning shortly with a tall pitcher and two glasses.
“Apple juice,” she said as she set them down. “Made from last year's crop of apples. It's quite good actually.”
Simon accepted a glass gratefully and tried it. Tart and sweet at the same time, it was delicious.
“Ah, very nice,” he said as Clara sat down again. “I wonder that your vintner hasn't thought of making cider yet.”
The cleric chuckled and sipped her own juice.
“Oh, he has, believe me. But the trees haven't matured enough yet to produce the amount of apples needed. Another year or two should do it. By the way, thank you for the saplings. We were never able to grow them ourselves, but now they are flourishing.”
“Don't thank me,” Simon told her and nodded at Kronk. The little guy was standing on the table watching them, Ana beside him.
“Kronk has the green thumb. He can literally grow anything.”
“Then thank you, my friend,” Clara said to him, raising her glass in a salute.
The Dragons of Ice and Snow Page 21