Dragon Hero

by C. L. Woodward

  I leaned back and tried to relax, “Yeah, he is the sort that will always watch your back.”

  Teltar shook his head, “Unless he tries some childish prank.”

  I smiled, “True.”

  I was too scared to fall asleep like Teltar did. He could just sleep at the drop of a hat without a care in the world. I, on the other hand, had way too much on my mind. I wondered how Talestria was doing. She must have been worried sick about me; I wished I still had the contact stone. I was not fond of the ideal of going into battle and facing Xum’gol again. There was also the drama with Ayjestus. I hoped she wasn’t upset with me.

  “Hey!” Jerak said loudly as he popped his head inside the wagon and caused me to jump.

  “Oh, man! That was funny!” Jerak laughed. He plopped a heavy sack of what sounded like metal. Jerak chuckled a bit and took out some chain mail, “Clagmir said we could help ourselves, so I brought a ton.”

  Teltar opens an eye, “I am fine, thank you.”

  Jerak pulled out some leather boots, “I think these might fit better.” I reached for them and tried them on. It was hard to tell since the wagon wasn’t tall enough to walk around in and I was too lazy to climb out of the wagon. Jerak handed me a flanged mace, “Now this is a weapon!”

  I put on the padded armor and the chain mail that went over it. He also brought a skullcap helmet that had some chain mail down the back and sides. Jerak took out a second helmet and put it on, “There is another one, Teltar.”

  Teltar grunted, “I am fine with what I have.”

  Jerak shrugged, “Maybe Bolam will wear it. He seems strong enough to wear armor.”

  I smiled, “I didn’t know mages wore armor.”

  Jerak took off his helmet, “I don’t see why not. Most mages I’ve seen are scrawny, but he is a big guy and could lug it around.”

  The chain mail was really heavy. I wouldn’t want to wear it all the time, but considering it all, I’d happily deal with it if it could prevent my demise. Bolam and Falstrid returned with the supplies. “You fellows should eat well!” Falstrid said cheerfully. Bolam tossed in a cheap sack of food for our travel which was more than we ever used for longer trips. There was also the smell of something barbequed which even perked Teltar up.

  After our meal, Falstrid discussed our plan. It was rather simple for something a master mage would have come up with. Clagmir and the rest of the forces were heading straight on toward the temple, while Falstrid and the rest of us would move in from the west side and do our damage. “We are small enough to get inside the temple grounds without bringing too much attention to ourselves” Falstrid explained.

  Jerak spoke with a mouthful of food, “So you want us to burn the place down?”

  Falstrid chuckled, “You can try, but it is rather hard for stone to burn.” Jerak swallowed his food and looked a bit disappointed.

  We moved the wagon toward the southern gate of the city. There were several other wagons and troops camping among us. There were easily a hundred men, which made me feel a whole lot better. Teltar was the first to let out a yawn which caused the rest of us to yawn. I moved my bed roll in the middle since I was a bit paranoid that the elves might sneak in. It took me only a few minutes to fall asleep.

  I woke up to the sound of a horn. We mumbled and stumbled a bit to see if it was to tell us to get ready to move out. I put my boots on and left the wagon long enough to make my business in some shrubs and went back to my bed in the wagon. Several minutes had passed then everyone started to head south. The sky was still dark which was reason enough for Teltar and me to continue sleeping.

  Once I had really woken up, I was a bit scared. Seeing all these guys marching closer and closer to battle made me feel rather uneasy. Knowing a small group of us was going to sneak into the enemy’s base made it even scarier. I didn’t know what we were getting into but I wondered if Falstrid was keeping us in the dark on the rest of the plan. Though I was a bit curious, at the same time I thought it might be best if I remained ignorant until the time came.

  We finally made a stop after a while. I had been drinking a lot of water and eating a bunch of dried fruit which finally got back at me. I really did miss toilets and toilet paper. Several elves in green robes rode up to the camp. I was much too far and isolated to see what is going on, but they appeared to be talking with Clagmir and Falstrid. I finished my business and walked over without fully thinking. By the time I realized how stupid that was, they had already spotted me.

  I took a few steps toward the wagon but heard my name being called. “Blake, come over here!” Clagmir shouted. I lowered my head and walked over there like a child being punished. Clagmir and Falstrid stood there by the elves. I bit my lower lip and still managed to walk toward them. The elves just stared at me with a dirty looks. This couldn’t be good!

  “I doubt that he was controlled by the Dragon Spirit to perform such crimes!” one of the elves protested. Falstrid lifted up my shirt to display the green stone on my chest. They didn’t appear to be convinced. I opened my mouth wide and show them my sharp teeth.

  Apparently Clagmir didn’t know about that and leaned back in shock. “When did those happen?” Clagmir gasped.

  I sighed, “Back at the lumber camp… it was when I first met the Dragon Spirit.”

  The elves stared at me and then talked among themselves. Clagmir put his hand on my shoulder. Finally, one of the elves spoke to us, “Master Falstrid, Clagmir… I know you are friends with this young man but he has committed a serious crime against our people…” The elf exhaled a long, drawn-out sigh, “We are aware that he is from another world and possesses strange properties…”

  Another elf chimed in, “We are not sure if he was under the influence of the Dragon deity.”

  Clagmir added, “He also revealed a traitor among your people who was trying to cause a war between your people and the dwarves. Surely that means something.”

  One of the elves nodded, “Yes, it is good to know of Deshra’s ill agenda. It still does not reverse the crime of murdering our kind.”

  Falstrid steps in, “I do require him for any hope of defeating Xum’gol.”

  My jaw dropped, “Wait… what?”

  Falstrid looked at me and then back at the elves, “Xum’gol is a threat to all of us. This young man’s remarkable resistance will offer an advantage in our fight. He also was chosen to bear the cursed Dragon Armor, which is very likely within the temple grounds. You and I know what powers one has when equipped with such a powerful relic.”

  The elves nodded and one spoke, “How can you be sure he will not use this armor against us?”

  I felt the burden that was just dumped on me and could only sigh. I stared at the elf, “The Dragon Spirit wants me to collect the pieces so he can free himself. There is no way he will just let me use it for long.”

  The elves discussed this among themselves a bit more. Falstrid turned to me, “I am sorry for not telling you the full intention of my plan. I was afraid it might scare you and keep you from helping us.”

  I smiled, “I am scared, but I have to get the armor anyway. At least you will help me.” I glanced at Clagmir, “Besides if Xum’gol is really that scary, it would be selfish to not help stop him.”

  Clagmir smiled, “It is fine to be scared, as long it doesn’t stop you from doing what is right. A brave man will keep going. A fearless man is foolish enough to not be aware of the dangers. You are doing the right thing.” His words gave me some courage, but I was still scared. The elves had finished talking among themselves. One stepped in, “His acts against the Shadens and Xum’gol will not go unnoticed, considering it all. The Elfin Consul would suggest that he remain exiled from our lands and any allied cities for the safety of our people!”

  I wasn’t surprised to get at least that. I was thankful that they didn’t want to string me up and use me for target practice with their arrows. Falstrid and Clagmir turned to me and I could only give them a nod. Falstrid sighed, “That is quite fair. Now
you told me that you have men scouting the area?”

  The elf nodded, “There is a force of Shadens and other sorts massing to the north and a small handful of patrols on the flanks.”

  Clagmir rubbed his chin, “I am sure Xum’gol is preparing for us. He won’t wait idly by once the fighting starts.” Falstrid removed and wiped his glasses, “He is going to amass as much energy he can and begin his summoning once he knows we are near.”

  “What is he trying to summon, anyway?” I asked.

  Falstrid scratched his brow, “I do believe he is trying to conjor up a demon from the underworld.”

  Clagmir shook his head, “Demons can’t exist in this realm.”

  Falstrid nodded, “I know, but I think Xum’gol has something planned for it.”

  Goose bumps covered my body, “Wait-a demon?! Seriously?”

  Clagmir nodded, “Yes, demons, though they wield great power… they are bound to the underworld. Demons are created to punish and guard the evil and vile spirits.”

  I scratched my head, “So if they can’t exist here, then why summon one?”

  Falstrid put his glasses back on and gave a shrug, “I don’t know but with Xum’gol, it can never be good.”

  It was time for the army to resume their march. I discussed the plan with the guys but left out the demon-summoning bit. “So what happened with the elves?” Bolam asked.

  I closed my eyes and sighed, “I am exiled from their lands and most of the cities.”

  Jerak dug around in his ear, “So you are not allowed in any city?”

  Bolam shook his head, “I think he isn’t allowed entry in any dwelling that the elves live in.”

  Teltar cleared his throat and spoke, “Well, he is still welcome in the dwarven kingdom.”

  Jerak smiled, “Yeah, and my village wouldn’t really care, either!”

  I grinned, “Thanks guys.”

  The rest of the day, we prepared all of our supplies and made sure everything was good. I kind of wondered if I was the only one who was scared. Jerak was excited; he thought this would give him a ton of fame and his long-desired hero status. Bolam knew all this and his studies of the Dragon Armor would grant him a higher rank within the mages. Teltar didn’t even seem fazed but he did say that since King Wotmire wasn’t able to help that he might as well take his place. I, on the other hand, was nervous.

  Nightfall came sooner than I had hoped. The army had made a good-sized camp. Clagmir was giving a speech to most of the men while Falstrid and Bolam were discussing things with the scouts. So it was just Jerak, Teltar and me. Teltar was already sleeping, so it was really just Jerak and me. “I can’t believe that tomorrow is the day we will become heroes!” Jerak said in a very excited tone. I took several deep breaths and just gave him a nod. Jerak tilted his head slightly, “You’re not scared, are you?”

  I chuckled but then sighed, “Yeah…”

  Jerak put a hand on my shoulder, “Ah, don’t stress over it! It is not like we are going straight in. Hey, remember that spirit temple?”

  I nodded, “Yeah…”

  Jerak smiled, “It will be like that! Those guys can’t fight! Though we won’t have Clagmir to help us… oh! But we will have that old mage and Bolam and Teltar!” I smiled. It was true we would have a good team going in. I was sure Falstrid was quite a powerful ally and would make things a whole lot easier for us. Jerak chuckled, “Besides, when we get that armor of yours, it is going to be neat!”

  I laughed, “Yeah…”

  The night was long and I spent a good portion of it stressing. The sky was rather cloudy but I wondered if this area was always a little cloudy. The next day, I was going to fight. I had been in more battles any normal person in my own time and world. Most of them just happened, but this time I knew I was going to be fighting. The thought of getting my armor did make me excited but the thought of facing Xum’gol… really scary. I stared out at the night sky and one of the two moons that was partially covered in the clouds. I started to think about Talestria. I missed her. Somehow, I felt more concerned about the feelings she was going through now more than my own well-being…

  Morning rose, and our small group was the first to head out. I would have gone back to sleep but my stomach felt like there was a stone in it. The realization of what the day would bring seeped in. Bolam made his trip to gather any updates on the plan. Jerak and I put on our armor and got everything ready. Teltar was just relaxing without a care in the world. I swear, it could be his last day alive and he wouldn’t treat it any differently. Bolam poked his head into the wagon, “Alright, the elven scouts said there should no trouble with our current plans, so just follow Falstrid closely.” Jerak gave him a nod and a smile and hopped into the front of the wagon.

  Jerak was so excited it made me question his sanity. Teltar stretched a bit and let out a bit yawn, “So, are you two ready?”

  Jerak chuckled, “Of course!”

  Teltar scratched his back, “You sound a bit too eager for battle. Just don’t do anything stupid.”

  Jerak frowned, “I don’t! This is the day we become heroes!”

  Teltar shook his head, “Don’t hype it too much, just make it your goal to survive.”

  Jerak spit away from the wagon, “Hey, at least I am not afraid.”

  Teltar chuckled, “You are just too foolish to be aware of the danger.” Teltar causally put his boots on, “Blake is sensible enough to be aware of things.”

  Jerak chuckled, “Being scared isn’t brave.”

  Teltar put on his second boot, “Being scared and still going forward is very brave. Otherwise you’re a coward or a fool.”

  There was a moment of silence until Jerak turned his head, “Hey! I am not a fool!”

  A couple of hours had passed and finally Falstrid’s wagon came to a stop. I could feel the goosebumps cover me as soon as ours stopped. Teltar patted me on the back as he passed me out of the wagon. I took several deep breaths and walked out as well. The chain mail was pretty heavy, but I’d rather deal with it than remove it. We left our packs and supplies inside and tied the horses to the nearest tree. The area around us was damp and lush with trees and ferns growing all over the place. “Now, let’s keep quiet,” Falstrid whispered. He signaled us to come closer. Past a few plants, we could see a small valley below. There was Xum’gol’s temple!

  Chapter 15

  The temple below had a massive courtyard with fallen walls and collapsed buildings. There was one large building in the center that was mostly intact except for a few fallen pillars. Several smaller buildings surrounded the area outside the main temple but were either too long fallen or too small to be of use to someone like Xum’gol. Falstrid looked around and thought for a moment. He eventually whispered, “Xum’gol will most likely be in the central structure … though it might be wise to see if the armor resides elsewhere.”

  I peered down at the temple grounds. It was a bit too far to make out any people. I did see some movement in the open spaces and light from a few camp fires toward the north. “I sure hope Xum’gol doesn’t have it with him” I whispered.

  Falstrid took a deep breath, “He would be much too busy with his main agenda. I believe if he wanted the full suit he would have sought it out ages ago.”

  Bolam leaned over and whispered, “I wonder why Deshra bothered taking it if Xum’gol had no use for it?”

  Falstrid answered, “Oh, I am sure he can find a use for it. He just might not have a use for it now. There is a chance we may find it elsewhere since he doesn’t like underlings around him when he is busy.”

  Jerak whispered, “You know a lot about him, do you?”

  Falstrid sighed, “We have been trying to rid of him for as long as I can remember.” A few minutes passed, then we heard a horn in the distance from the north.

  Falstrid whispered, “Well, it is time to go.”

  The five of us quickly made our way down the hill to the nearest wall. The stone was covered in moss and ivy. Everything felt damp. Falstri
d was the last to reach the wall. He peeked over and then gestured for us to get down. Several figures started to run northward from the other side of the wall. It sounded like a fair number of people running past us. Jerak whispered, “Shouldn’t we ambush them?” Falstrid put his finger to his mouth and soon we heard some really heavy footsteps. It sounded even heavier than Torkuhl. I caught a glimpse of it from the top of the wall. The thing would make Torkuhl look short! It appeared to be the skeleton of something massive with smaller bones wrapped around it to make it appear even larger. The head was the smallest part. It seemed to consist of the skull of what I think was an ogre with a horn artificially attached to it. Jerak must have seen it, as well, when it ran past us, because he raised his eyebrows in surprise.

  A few more normal-sized figures ran past us and then another large skeleton. Then there was silence. Falstrid let out a sigh, “I should have known Xum’gol had obtained knowledge of the bone constructs.”

  Jerak peeked over, “Didn’t Clagmir mention those before?”

  Falstrid slowly got up, “Yes, but let’s move quickly and pray we never encounter any.” The main temple stood across from us as we stood up, as if it was mocking us. Falstrid tapped me with his staff, “Let us head south, first.”

  It was tiring to move along in the chain mail and having to hide at any hint of someone nearby. We hid behind our fourth wall while catching our breath. “So when do we do some damage to the enemy?” Jerak whispered to Falstrid. Falstrid pointed straight ahead at a stone structure. The building was mostly held up by a few pillars and one wall that remained standing. Inside, there was plenty of light from torches and other means. I could see signs of some people inside but no indication of any of those massive bone constructs.

  We moved out from our cover and dashed toward the lit structure. I could hear my chain mail sloshing around as we moved and hoped that no one else heard it. Once we arrived at the ruined structure, we saw several men in black robes. I counted ten. They were standing around by an old stone altar, chanting out loud. It wasn’t long before one of them spotted us. Teltar, Jerak and I rushed in first. Falstrid and Bolam stood in the back and began their chanting.