The Captive

by Paul Lauritsen

“We found them!” Sven shouted.

  Uthano landed heavily, head drooping. Sven practically fell out of his saddle as he scrambled to the ground. Behind the exhausted crimson dragon, Amang and Thela touched down as well, though with considerably more grace.

  “The silver dragon!” the northerner gasped, running up to Khollo. “In the Fells.”

  “Where?” Khollo asked sharply.

  “Map,” Sven said quickly, looking around. “Need a map.”

  “What happened?” Aralye interrupted, looking up from the fire with a frown. “Why are you and Uthano half dead and the others look fine?”

  “We split up to cover more ground,” Sven explained. “Uthano and I were attacked by the silver dragon during the night.”

  Khollo unrolled the map, weighing it down at the edges with thick branches from the firewood pile. “The silver dragon attacked you? I thought it would be hiding.”

  “Us too,” Sven agreed. “But it came screaming out of the night, roaring at us with its mind and its mouth, fire everywhere, scratching and clawing at Uthano . . . we only just got away.”

  “Are you hurt?”

  “No,” Sven replied shakily. “Just . . . need some time to recover . . . from the shock . . . ” the northerner slumped over the map, eyes half closed. “Fire everywhere,” he muttered, “The roars . . . ”

  “Where were you attacked?” Khollo pressed, pointing to the map. “Near the pass? Near Ishkabur?”

  Sven blinked, looking down at the parchment. He pointed vaguely to a region a little west of the pass, then sat back with a sigh. Halena and L’tel chose that moment to join the small group, both frowning worriedly.

  “Were either of you with him?” Khollo asked. “Did you see what happened?”

  Halena shook her head. “We met up with Sven and Uthano later that night, at a rendezvous we had planned previously. They were both shaken then, too. I can’t imagine how startling it must have been to have that beast come shrieking out of the night.”

  “Anger . . . ” Sven muttered. “Hatred . . . ”

  “Aralye,” Khollo said urgently, “Ask Ayrmi if she can speak to Uthano, see what he saw during the battle.”

  No need. I will do it.

  “Kanin!”

  Khollo spun around, racing to the emerald dragon’s side. It was the first time he had woken that day. How are you doing? Any better? Are you hungry?

  One question at a time, or you will wear me down again, Kanin warned. He shifted position, moving his clawed forelegs around beneath him, shuffling his wings. The pain is a remnant of what it once was, and my wings are nearly healed. My other wounds will take longer to fully recover from, but they will not hinder me as much in battle. My strength is returning, too. I feel like I could fly for a while if I needed too, though I am very hungry.

  Ayrmi can bring you something, Khollo said quickly. He started to relay the message, then blinked as the purple dragon vanished into the sky with a rush of translucent wings.

  She was already listening, Kanin observed, chuckling. Anyway, let me speak to Uthano. I will see what can be gleaned from his memories.

  Are you strong enough?

  Certainly.

  Kanin withdrew from Khollo slightly, directing his focus towards the crimson dragon. Uthano snorted and ducked his head, growling, then he stiffened, tail flicking back and forth, muscles trembling as though he longed to leap into action. After several minutes, the crimson dragon’s body relaxed, though he looked even more drained than before. It was only a moment before he was sprawled on the ground, belly down, head resting on the cold, hard earth.

  They fought the silver dragon, Kanin confirmed. And acquitted themselves well.

  Anything else?

  Yes, Kanin replied, rank upon rank of tents below the battle. They likely did not notice them in the confusion, but I did. There is an army of vertaga marching with the rogue dragon.

  As Relam suspected.

  Khollo turned back to the others. “Well, we know where the silver dragon was. And we know the vertaga army is with it.”

  “Vertaga army?” L’tel demanded incredulously. “Sven didn’t say anything about that.”

  “By the look of things, he and Uthano had enough to worry about fighting the silver dragon,” Khollo replied. “Anyway, it turns out the silver dragon has been in league with the vertaga all this time. Relam figured it out first – ”

  “Didn’t he try to kill you?” Halena interrupted.

  “Right,” Khollo muttered. “I keep forgetting how much has changed since you last checked in. Anyway, I met with Relam two days ago. That’s when I found out about the vertaga army. He requested our help and apologized for the ambush in Etares.”

  “As he should,” L’tel growled.

  “And he has promised to fight alongside us once more,” Khollo finished. “He’s expecting us to be at the West Bank the day after tomorrow, or sooner.”

  “Why there?”

  “That’s where his army is gathering,” Khollo replied. “And we think it’s where the vertaga will strike next. The West Bank is the last major Sthan settlement in the area.”

  “We flew over some of the villages,” Halena murmured. “There wasn’t much left.”

  Khollo nodded gravely. “Which is why we have to fight, and stop the vertaga and their dragon before they do any more damage. Without us, the Sthan will be badly outnumbered. With us, there might be a chance.”

  “Might?”

  “Kanin’s still wounded,” Khollo reminded them, “You are all relatively inexperienced, as are your dragons. This will not be an easy victory. This isn’t training anymore; it’s a real war with all of the pain, destruction, and death that comes along with it. But it’s part of our responsibility as Keepers.”

  “Then we’ll do it,” L’tel murmured. “We stand with you Khollo.”

  “We’re ready,” Halena promised. “We won’t let you down.”

  “Good,” Khollo replied. “Grab what gear and supplies you need. We leave within the hour.”

  Chapter 44:

  The Gathering

  In reality, it took a quite a bit more than an hour for the Keepers to pack up and move out.

  Sven and Uthano were still in poor condition, and needed a little extra time to recover. Then L’tel discovered a fraying strap on his saddle that needed to be fixed. While Khollo assisted him with the repair, Aralye and Halena broke down the rest of the camp as fast as they could, but it still ended up being nearly two hours before all of the Keepers were ready to fly once more.

  When that time came, Khollo climbed gingerly onto Kanin’s back, doing his best not to hurt his friend. When he had settled himself in the saddle, he looked around at the faces of the other Keepers, who were all looking back at him grimly. They had come so far in such a short time. And now he was asking them to risk everything, to fly into a full-fledged battle and fight a rogue dragon. They weren’t remotely ready for that. Their dragons were still small compared to Kanin, Aralye hadn’t had much practice shooting from dragonback, Sven was rattled from his fight with the silver dragon, and Halena had barely any skill with her staff.

  They are ready enough, Kanin said quietly, interrupting Khollo’s thoughts. We have done all we can for now.

  The young Keeper took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I wish we’d had longer.

  Me too, Kanin agreed. But time is a luxury which cannot be bought, no matter how hard we try. We have a relatively set amount of it, and the only say we have in the matter is what to do with that time. Would you have used that time differently, knowing what was coming?

  No, Khollo said confidently. We did what we could. We have four new Keepers, and a good team.

  Yes, Kanin agreed. A good team. And now comes the time to put this team to the test.

  Khollo nodded, his mouth suddenly dry. Not trusting himself to speak, he pumped his right arm in the air beside him once, the signal to ascend. Kanin leapt for the sky, closely followed by the other dragons. They strai
ned their wings, gaining altitude, the ground falling away rapidly below them. When they had reached a sufficient height, Kanin leveled out and the other dragons fell into formation around him, just as they had during drills on Ethgalin. Khollo automatically checked the position of every dragon, but they were all properly spaced.

  A little south, Kanin, Khollo said quietly, correcting their course. How are you feeling?

  Flying is not as effortless as it usually is, the emerald dragon grunted. But it is not so difficult that I will be stopped. I can make the West Bank easily.

  And still be able to fight?

  Maybe. Or maybe the others will have to lend their speed and strength while I plan the attack.

  Khollo nodded thoughtfully. Your experience may be more valuable than your strength, speed, or size in this fight. The others should be able to handle the silver dragon, four against one.

  They may not have the fire power.

  But you can lend that easily enough, Khollo observed. Just get us to the West Bank, Kanin. We’ll see what the situation is when we arrive and go from there.

  The dragon fell silent, focusing on flying, and Khollo withdrew so he would not be a disturbance with his constant worrying. At least he knew now that they would beat the vertaga army to the West Bank. That had been his chief concern since they had met with Relam. Based on the position of the camp, if they left after the battle between Uthano and the silver dragon, the vertaga would arrive the next day at best, maybe the day after. At their current speed, Khollo and the Keepers would reach the West Bank with hours to spare, maybe a full day.

  The sun passed overhead slowly, tracing its usual arc from the east to the west, its weak light doing little to warm the frigid air. Below, snow-covered lands rolled past, hills, small forests, plains, and frozen rivers and lakes whose names Khollo didn’t know.

  Day turned to night and still the Keepers flew. They passed by Ardia, the city a forest of glittering lights to the north, and continued on their way, striving for the West Bank.

  The contours of the land started to become familiar, landmarks Khollo had learned during his days as a cadet rolling past beneath them, barely visible in the snow. By these occasional sightings he was able to judge their progress, and the young Keeper estimated they would reach the West Bank just a little after dawn at their current pace. That was all for the better, as it would not do to surprise Relam and his army in the night.

  Several more hours passed, with only the moon and stars for company. The dragons flew in silence save for the beating of their wings, and the Keepers were similarly mute throughout the journey. Khollo left them to their own thoughts, hoping it would allow them to dwell on something less stressful and frightening than the coming battle. But the vertaga army and silver dragon were the only things he could think of, as he planned schemes for bringing down the rogue dragon and shattering the vertaga for good.

  The first rays of dawn began slanting out of the east, turning the cold black night to a barely discernible gray, then to a soft golden sky over the horizon. When the sun’s pale orb finally rose into sight, light spreading over all the land, it revealed a place Khollo had not seen in a long, long time. The West Bank. His old home.

  The fortress stood upon its steep hill, proud and sturdy, protected by its position more than its walls. A single, narrow causeway with a sheer drop to either side wound up to the front gate at the top of the hill. In the northern face of the cliffs was the rear gate, letting out into an enclosed farmland surrounded by a shorter, five-meter wall. The snowy fields were not being used for crops now, but for the army. Rows and rows of green, white, and gray canvas tents had sprung up in the sheltered area, spilling over into the flatlands north of the stronghold.

  As Khollo and the Keepers approached, a horn rang out from the tallest structure, the central keep. The brazen welcome stirred the fortress to life in an instant, soldiers emerging from every doorway to gaze up at the morning sky.

  Land in the courtyard, Kanin instructed the others. Assuming there is space.

  The emerald dragon went into a shallow dive, lazily circling down towards the fortress, the others following suit. Below, Khollo saw figures emerging from the keep, including a cluster of royal guards and a lean youth with a crown and a sword. King Relam raised a hand in greeting and Khollo responded in kind, grinning as Kanin swooped low over the battlements and flared his wings to land. He dropped to the ground carefully, folding his wings immediately so the others could land. Khollo dismounted and waited for the others.

  The courtyard was not quite large enough to land five dragons, so they ended up hopping and jumping awkwardly around the confined space to make room for each other to land. When at last all were on the ground and the Keepers had dismounted, Khollo turned towards the keep and marched towards the small group gathered there, waiting for them.

  As he did, a tall spare figure shoved through the crowd, nearly stumbling over Relam. It was an older man, with a hard, lean look to him. He was closely followed by a stockier figure, who had a battle axe clutched in one large hand. Khollo recognized them instantly and felt a foolish smile spreading across his face.

  “Janis! Ondus!” he shouted, moving to embrace his uncle and shake the hand of his second in command. “It’s good to be back.”

  “And it’s good to have you here,” Janis replied, eyes dancing. “You are always welcome, Khollo, despite the strange things that have been happening, all the rumors . . . ”

  “Has Relam not set you straight on those?” Khollo asked, glancing at the young king, who was quietly listening in.

  “He has,” Ondus assured the young Keeper. “But it’s been a rough few months, lad.”

  “I understand,” Khollo murmured. “But, hopefully things are taking a turn for the better. As you can see, the Keepers stand ready to assist you.”

  “I see that,” Relam agreed, joining them. “Let’s see, Aralye, yes?” he asked, extending a hand to the huntress.

  “That’s right,” Aralye agreed, shaking his hand.

  “Excellent. And who are all of you?” Relam asked, moving on to the other Keepers.

  While the rest of the Keepers introduced themselves, Khollo studied his uncle critically. Janis seemed worn down, defeated even. The intervening months since Khollo had last visited had taken more of a toll than he’d realized. He wanted to say something, to reassure his uncle that all would be well, but Ondus drew the group’s attention first.

  “Oh, and there’s someone else who’s been waiting to meet you,” he added, grinning.

  A short man with a long white beard stumbled forward, peering around the group. “Halena?” he asked uncertainly. “Let’s see, they said you’d be here somewhere.”

  “Grandfather!”

  Halena rushed forward and enveloped the old man in a tight embrace, nearly crushing him. Khollo smiled as he watched the reunion, pleased the old man had been doing well at the West Bank. He noted with some interest that there was a sword at the man’s hip, despite the fact his strength and coordination seemed to have fled as he aged.

  “Halena,” the old man murmured. “It’s good to have you back. And on a dragon, no less! If only your parents could see you now. They’d be so very proud.”

  Halena sniffed, dabbing at her eyes. “I know. But how have you been, grandfather? Have you been comfortable here? Do you like it?”

  “Of course,” the old man replied, glancing back at Janis. “Lord Kurkan has been an excellent host, and the rough and ready atmosphere of this fortress . . . well, it reminds me of the best years of my life, the ones that were full of excitement.”

  Janis nodded. “Erlan has settled in well here, Halena. He still has experience and knowledge, even if he can’t fight as much as he would like anymore. Our cadets have found his expertise invaluable.”

  “That’s wonderful,” the girl said, beaming with pride.

  “Yes, yes,” Erlan said dismissively. “But, I hear there’s a battle coming? What’s that all about?”


  Halena rolled her eyes and turned to the other Keepers. “Some things never change,” she observed drily.

  “To the council room!” Khollo said, grinning. “That’s something else that will never change.”

  Ondus laughed. “You’re right, lad. Come along, everyone, plenty of room for all of us.”

  Janis and Ondus led the Keepers and Erlan, along with Relam and his guards, up to the top level of the keep. There, they entered the nearly circular council room, with its wide windows that looked out in every direction save the north. Khollo took a deep breath, and let it out in a contented sigh. He remembered this place, countless hours of work and meetings with Janis and Ondus, councils of war . . . had it only been a year since he had last visited? It felt like a lifetime.

  The passage of time often surprises us, Kanin mused from where he sat in the courtyard. A year has passed. Everything feels the same, yet different. It is an odd sensation.

  Khollo moved around the table to his usual place, at Janis’ left. Ondus took the seat on Janis’ right, with Relam on his other side. The Keepers filled the rest of the seats on Khollo’s side of the table. Relam’s guards were the last to file in, but two younger figures shoved their way through the others and made their way to the table, grinning eagerly.

  “Sermas?” Khollo asked, stunned. “Hern?”

  “Surprise,” Sermas said, grinning. “What do you think? Full palace guards, fresh out of training!”

  “How . . . you . . . ”

  Sermas turned to Hern, a quizzical look on his face. “Does that mean he didn’t think we were actually good enough to be palace guards?”

  “I’m not sure,” Hern replied, grinning. “Maybe he’s just stunned that, of all the soldiers the king could have picked, he chose us to come south with him.”

  “Or maybe he’s wondering what happened to make me taller than you now.”

  “Hey!”

  Khollo grinned. Now that Sermas and Hern were here, the gathering was truly complete. “It’s good to see you,” he told them.

  “It’s good to be back,” Hern replied. “So, what’s the plan for the battle? Are we trying the dragon dangle again?”