The Soul Sphere: Book 01 - The Shattered Sphere

by David Adams

  Lucien sniffed the meat. “Roasted wild boar,” he announced. If they had ignored their stomachs to that point, they could no longer do so, and they set to eating with a will. Between bites, Corson mused, “You think they cooked this over a fire or used their—”

  “Don’t say it,” Demetrius said. He eyed the meat he held in his fingers, shook his head, and then continued his meal. “Regardless, it tastes good.”

  No one argued the point.

  Rowan was just finishing when he saw Tala’s eyes suddenly grow large with panic. “What is it?” he asked, grabbing the hilt of his sword.

  She stayed his weapon hand. “The Sphere,” she said as calmly as possible. “It is gone.”

  Hearts sank all around the cave. Demetrius thought hard, holding up a finger while he did so. “Could you not lift it from the sea? If we can track it with a spell—”

  “I cannot find it without a reference piece. My powers are not strong enough to simply think of an object and find it.”

  “Then we’ve come all this way for nothing,” Alexis said softly.

  Rande started to ask a question, but Jazda hushed him, despite the fact that his own mind burned with curiosity. He took a bit more meat and motioned for the boy to come move away with him so as to leave the others alone for a time.

  Their appetites had fled at Tala’s pronouncement, and now the remainder of the boar sat untouched. Words refused to come, so they sat in a brooding silence.

  “The shard we’re currently searching for,” Rowan tried. “Any clues from your final finding spell?”

  “Over the sea and on land,” said Tala. “An island, perhaps. Not much to go on.”

  “Maybe enough for the dragons to help us,” said Demetrius. “We cannot hope to search the sea and find what is lost.”

  Their wait for their hosts was brief, a copper dragon appearing just beyond the mouth of the cave a few minutes later and announcing that Valya wished to see them, if they were ready.

  They followed the copper dragon, which moved lithely over the uneven, wooded terrain, its wings folded against its back. It was taller than a man when it walked and three times its own height in length, and its copper scales reflected the rays of the rising sun like dull mirrors.

  They came to a large clearing and were bid to wait, the dragon keeping himself and his charges near the edge of the tree line.

  A sound like a great gusting wind came, and the tips of the tall pines bent and swayed. The great golden dragon, Valya, appeared, larger and more impressive than any had remembered. He dwarfed the copper dragon, his body and wings casting a shadow that hid the early morning sun. Valya alighted gracefully, belying his weight, his landing soundless. His shoulder was twice Lucien’s height, and he was at least three times the length of the copper dragon. His visage was ancient beyond years, his eyes wise and all-seeing. He looked at each of the travelers in turn, receiving gentle nods from most, respectful fear from others. As large as the clearing was, there was little room for him to move his body, but his long, flexible neck allowed him to directly face whomever he chose. He leaned toward Tala and spoke. “How fairs your group?”

  “Those of us that remain do well, thanks to you and your kind,” she replied. “You have our gratitude, and anything else we have to offer, little as that might be.”

  The dragon seemed to smile at that, a small tendril of smoke curling up from his mouth and drifting away. “I know you speak no lies, but something extraordinary you have to offer. A great quest you have undertaken.”

  Tala paused. The dragon’s eyes beckoned her to speak. “We have,” she said, “but I fear the end of our quest is further away than ever. We have lost what we had gained.”

  “There you are wrong.” With a single claw Valya flicked a small tan sack which was strung about his neck, hanging like an amulet. “I have the Sphere here.”

  Tala gasped, covering her mouth quickly with her hand. “I am not sure what to say.”

  The dragon laughed, a low rumble that shook the ground. “You need not fear. I protect it for you. Your quest is one I would not undertake myself, but which Arkania needs if it wishes to survive. When the time comes, I intend to return it to you, with another gift as well.”

  “You would aid us?”

  “As far as I and the dragon-folk here can, yes. The shard you sought is not in my possession, but is held by those that attacked your ship.”

  Tala brightened further. “They fled at your approach. Perhaps—”

  “They fled due to our numbers. But they are as numerous as we in total. And Belthros was not with them over the sea.”

  “Belthros?”

  “Their leader. King if you will. He holds the shard on his island.”

  “Is it near?”

  “A hundred miles south of here.”

  “If I may…where, exactly, is ‘here.’ ”

  “Your people call the place Misty Island. Belthros rules on Bone Island. Neither human nor elf has set foot here for centuries. He glanced at Lucien and added, “As for goblins, I believe you are the first.”

  “I hope you do not mind my questions,” Tala said.

  Valya shook his head. “Please, continue.”

  “You seem to know a great deal about what we are doing. Your arrival was most timely.”

  “There is something of magic about us dragons. And this is not my first encounter with the Sphere. Not long ago, I held it, to protect it and keep it safe. The wizards that forged it and bound the Dark One entrusted it to me. But I failed them and all of Arkania, and now through Solek evil has been loosed throughout the land. I hope to make amends.” The dragon looked away, studying the sky, lost in memories. “I mentioned magic. Are all of your party well?”

  “We lost five yesterday. One that travels with us now took an arrow to the leg. It heals, but slowly.”

  Valya drew back a bit and said, “The one so wounded should step forward.”

  Demetrius moved into the clearing. “My name is Demetrius.”

  “Come closer.”

  He stood directly in front of the massive beast. The thought flashed through his mind that if Valya wanted him dead at that moment, there was little he could do to prevent it. He felt suddenly naked and weak before the great beast.

  The dragon extended a claw and touched Demetrius’ injured leg.

  Demetrius felt a surge of warmth in the leg, and fought the urge to pull away. The sensation grew in intensity, almost to the point of being painful, then subsided. When Valya withdrew his touch, Demetrius flexed the leg and felt only strength there. “Thank you,” he said reverently.

  Valya nodded, then glanced at Rowan. “Much like a paladin’s power. The source is the same.”

  “The source of all that is good,” Rowan stated.

  “Indeed. Belthros cannot do such a thing. He excels in pain, death, and destruction. Now, to the matter of the Sphere, my gift to you, and magic. The bag in which the Sphere is now held is a bag of cloaking. It was given to me by the wizards to help guard the Sphere, and I will give it to you to aid you on your journey. It is too simple for Solek to know where the Sphere is and therefore to know where you are. But even his magic, far more formidable than mine, cannot penetrate the bag. You can be seen by Mists, spies, armies, or other eyes in his service, but his magic will not find you through finding the Sphere.”

  “We are humbled by your generosity,” Tala said with a formal bow.

  “Far less than I owe this world do I give, after I lost what was mine to protect. But there is the small matter of the shard Belthros holds.”

  “Does Belthros—”

  “Valya!” a bronze dragon called from above. It flapped its great wings and hovered over the clearing. “A dragon host approaches from the south.”

  “And Belthros?”

  “He leads them.”

  “Sound the call.” Valya turned to the copper dragon. “You may escort our guests to the edge of the woods by the sea, but keep them out of sight.”

  The
copper dragon gave a nod of understanding and watched as Valya launched himself into the sky, the air stirred by his wings swirling like a small tornado. Once Valya was out of sight, the dragon said, “Follow me, and be silent.”

  There was more urgency in the dragon’s step now, and it moved with surprising speed and grace through the trees. After traveling nearly a half-mile, the dragon and its charges reached the edge of the woods, the tree line stopping abruptly at a small cliff that overlooked a narrow, white-sand beach.

  Four bronze dragons made what appeared to be lazy circles in the sky, seeing and being seen. In the distance was a familiar sight to the survivors of the doomed ship—dragons approaching with a purpose. As the beasts neared, Demetrius tried to count them, but gave up as they continually dove into and out of formation. He estimated there were fifty of them. The question that burned to pass his lips—how many dragons were with Valya—he had to swallow unasked.

  As the dragons drew closer, all but one broke off, but the one that continued on would cause any man or beast to tremble. It was jet black from head to tail and claw to wing, its features difficult to distinguish except for its white teeth and blazing red eyes. He passed before the sun, blotting it out like a great storm cloud. If Valya was huge, Belthros was gigantic.

  “Valya!” he called in challenge, his voice thunder. “You have something I want.”

  Valya, who had been waiting on the beach, launched himself skyward, arcing around Belthros. “And you something I want.”

  Belthros allowed Valya to circle behind him without turning his head, as if the golden dragon was a mere insect, not worth the effort to watch. “I won’t waste your time trying to convince you to join us, although in the end you will all do that or die. But we might both agree dragon-kind need not engage in battle over the trifles of men.”

  “If the Sphere shard is a ‘trifle,’ yield it to me.”

  “Solek desires it.”

  “You answer to him?”

  The black dragon’s eyes flared. “I answer when it serves my purpose. Solek is a shell for one who holds unimaginable power. By his side will I rule.”

  “So he has told you. I serve one who is greater still.”

  Belthros laughed, the sound cruel and sharp. “Of course. I’m sure this god of yours will return any day now to save you and Arkania. Maybe I should just wipe you and your mutated metallic brethren out for good, to show just how limited his power is.”

  “You do not see us fleeing, do you? If it is battle you want, we stand prepared to give it.”

  Belthros watched Valya out of the corner of his eye while he turned another lazy circle in the sky. “That you do. Dragons we all are, in heart if not in mind. But let us end this quickly, and leave our kin out of it.”

  “Single combat?”

  From Alexis’ left she heard a quick “No!” escaping from a dragon in a low hiss. A silver head was barely visible in the trees some thirty yards away. If Valya heard the comment, he did feel the need to answer it.

  “Come now,” said Belthros. “A chance to redeem yourself. To take a part of the Sphere back from the one who took it from you. Surely you know if we go to war many will die, and sooner or later you and I will meet. Let us end it now.”

  Valya rose up higher with two strong flaps of his wings. “I accept, of course. You have the shard?”

  Belthros yanked a small crystal orb from the chain around his neck. He tossed it to Valya as they passed.

  Valya crushed the container in his mighty claw, removed the shard inside, then drew the Sphere from the cloaking bag. Even from a distance all could see the magic glow as the pieces melded together.

  As Valya put the Sphere back in the bag, Belthros said, “Funny how I can show trust where such ability is lacking in you.”

  “Trust is earned.”

  “So is death.”

  Belthros shot upward, then turned in a slow, graceful arc. Valya did the same. Although the dragons were always moving, there came an instant where they seemed to hang motionless, the calm before the storm. Then with lightning quickness, the battle was joined.

  The dragons raced toward one another, a suicidal charge. Just before contact, they both spewed forth their special attacks, golden flame jetting from Valya’s mouth, a vile black liquid from Belthros’. Each fired and dodged at the same time, throwing off their aim. The flame flashed through the empty air and dissipated, the fluid fell into the ocean below. The two beasts, unharmed, wheeled about for another pass like jousting knights.

  The other dragons watched the battle unfold at a respectful distance. Rowan stood by Alexis, and felt her shoulder brush his. He glanced at her, saw she was enraptured in the battle, and turned his gaze skyward once more. He said a quick prayer, all he could do at the moment, hoping it might aid Valya. It did nothing to loosen the knot in his stomach. He knew there was a great deal more to their quest if Valya won, but if Belthros was victorious he felt certain that Arkania’s doom was sealed.

  The second pass started much the same as the first, but as the dragons approached one another Valya slowed slightly. Belthros spit the black fluid again, the stream much smaller and weaker than the first time. Valya spun aside to avoid it, then twirled further and passed upside-down under Belthros, raking the black dragon’s underside with his claws. Belthros let out a roar of surprise and pain as they separated.

  The bigger dragon cut short his turn, racing back at Valya while the golden dragon took the same slow arc as before. Belthros was detected before they collided, but not soon enough for Valya to avoid him. The two grappled together, holding, clawing, and snapping at one another. For a moment they hung weightless, then together they plummeted toward the sea. Neither would release the other as they fell, and as one they plunged into the water, continuing their battle for a time unseen, under the surface.

  Belthros emerged first , water and blood trailing off him. His right foreleg he held protectively against his chest. Valya followed, wounded as well, trying to catch his younger foe from behind. Belthros skimmed along the surface of the water, heading toward shore. Valya gained on him, then swooped down, claws extended toward the black dragon’s back.

  For a split-second all believed Belthros was unaware of Valya’s approach. Perhaps even Valya believed it, extending further than he should, giving up some balance to strike more quickly. But when Belthros changed direction, it was obvious he knew just were Valya was.

  The black dragon jerked left at the last instant, then shot up and back down, slamming into Valya from above. His claws tore into Valya’s left wing as he drove the golden dragon back into the water.

  The sea flashed black and gold as the dragons wrestled. But Belthros had the advantage, and stayed on the offensive. When they parted Belthros flew like an arrow skyward, bellowing a triumphant roar, while Valya dragged himself onto the beach. His left wing was a wreck, and blood from his wounds stained the white sand a dark rust color. His trembling legs gave way and he slumped to the ground. He struggled to keep his eyes open. Finally he laid his head down, as if to sleep.

  Belthros alighted on the beach fifty feet from his fallen foe, then stalked forward.

  Lucien could bear it no longer. He started forward as if he planned to leap off the cliff and onto the beach, but was held back by the tail of their escort. “You must not interfere,” the dragon said firmly.

  “But if Valya dies…”

  Tala took his arm and gently pulled him back. “We must let this play out as it will.”

  Lucien turned away, yielding against his will.

  On the beach Belthros reached Valya’s prostrate form. Drops of blood dripped from the black dragon’s fresh wounds, but these did not hinder the erect, strutting way in which he moved, except for a slight limp caused by an injury to his right foreleg. Even so, he used his injured limb to beat playfully at the bag of cloaking around Valya’s neck. “Such a small thing to die for. You should have yielded it to me.”

  Valya did not respond.

  Belth
ros drew his head back and opened his mouth. His neck muscles tightened and then his head darted forward, spitting the black liquid toward Valya’s exposed midsection.

  Just as the fluid was exiting Belthros’ mouth, Valya’s eyes snapped open and his head jerked upward. Golden flame shot from his mouth and engulfed Belthros’ head, entering his open mouth and eyes. The black dragon tried to scream but found no voice in his ruined throat. In a blind rage he tried to lift off, to fly away from his pain and his tormentor, but Valya had latched onto him and held him close, even as the black liquid slid across his scales like a living, thinking thing, finding open wounds and slipping inside his body.

  The two monstrous beasts thrashed as one again, but now one was lost in a haze of unspeakable agony. Valya waited for the right moment, simply clinging to his younger but stronger opponent as Belthros flailed in a desperate attempt to escape. As the black dragon’s neck arched and thrashed, his scales flexed at times to expose open wounds, and into one of these Valya drove his teeth, striking like a snake. He worked his jaws, driving his teeth deeper, ignoring the pain from the black fluid and Belthros’ scrabbling claws.

  Finally Belthros convulsed twice and the fight went out of him as his spirit fled. Valya released him and he slumped to the ground, dead.

  A cacophony of voices sounded, howls of triumph and anger, of hope and despair. Belthros’ host turned and departed, leaving their leader alone where he fell. Valya himself let out a scream of mingled joy and pain, but did not have the energy to sustain it. He dragged himself away from his defeated enemy, then lay down on the sand.

  Several dragons raced to Valya. Some arrived more swiftly than the silver one, but when she moved near they withdrew. She looked at Valya for a moment with silent longing, then knelt beside him.

  “I had to,” he said.

  “I know,” she replied.

  “Have the strangers brought to me. Quickly. There is not much time.”

  At a swift gesture from the silver dragon a bronze beast lifted off and flew to the visitors’ guardian. “Bring them to Valya immediately.”