Convergence (The Dragon Within Saga Book 1)

by Roberto Vecchi

  Though all races and cultures in Avendia had myths involving Dragons, and likely all had their stories tied to the foundational dragon, Lacorion, it was also just as likely that the only race to have them all assembled in a single location was the Elves. If there existed a way, and he hoped and needed there to be one, to stand before Lacorion and gain access to his wisdom, he would need to speak with King Rendunial.

  He paused just before the door to his bedchamber, having not been fully aware of the path he traversed to get there. Allowing his hand to rest in midair, only inches away from touching the doorknob symbolizing the solidification of his rising awareness through the curing of actions, he paused and considered. Was he, Intellos Saa'ik Saa'ir, The Grand Wizard of the High Council of Wizards and Grand Master of the University of Knowledge actually considering riding across the whole of Avendia to speak with the High King of the Elves for an in depth discussion about fairy tales and children's stories? Was he about to gather his supplies and mount his horse, Ethdios, and make the long journey across deserts, and though less than hospitable lands based not upon knowledge, but rather, something else; something he had no proof of except that which may or may not be hidden in a language he could not read? Was he, he who had copies of the most ancient of books well known for their vast and marvelous containment of knowledge spanning nearly all knowable areas of research, actually considering consulting and drawing direction from children’s books? Yes. Admittedly so, yes, he was. With a chuckle betraying the gravity he felt pressing upon his substance, he admitted it was enough to change him and his fundamental understanding of need and purpose. One encounter with this newly found awareness was enough. Such was its vastness and its overwhelming completeness. He was beginning to understand that as knowledge faded, something else began.

  Ethdios. The name of his horse, his latest horse; for having lived as long as he has, one finds oneself riding many, many horses throughout life and travel. He had always felt a particularly different attachment to each of his horses, but with Ethdios, his attachment was yet more different than the rest. Perhaps because of his many years of life and study of knowledge giving him a deeper appreciation for all things living, or perhaps because the beast reminded him of his very first horse, Nrudri; but whatever the reason behind his deeper attachment to Ethdios, he had to admit that he was more fond of this one than any of its predecessors. Pausing to stroke the beast beginning on the side of its head and progressing down the length of its neck, he considered the wonderment of what it meant to blindly obey without cause or conscience.

  Ethdios did as his master bid. He ran when he was instructed to run, walked when instructed to walk, trotted when instructed to trot, and jumped when instructed to jump. He followed the direction of his master and did not waiver from it until given instruction to do so. His life was defined by the blind obedience to his master. In truth though, Ethdios possessed the ability to choose to disobey the instructions he was being given as he was being ridden, but by operating on blind obedience, while the infinite amount of choices were constantly being presented to the horse, they all converged into one path defined by his master's will. He no longer needed to choose, he simply needed to follow. And in that following, if horses were able to worry and toil over their choices, they need not spend their energy pondering the infinite "what ifs" that seemed to plague the life of the aging wizard and mortality in general.

  His life was truly free. But what is freedom if not involving the condition of choice? Or was choice simply an illusion of freedom that actually held us bound to the infinite possibilities of our lives? These were but a few questions the wizard thought as he was packing Ethdios for the long and arduous journey they were about to embark upon. As he mounted his longtime friend, once again pausing to stroke the beast’s muscular neck one final time, Intellos was interrupted by an interesting thought. Was he becoming a horse? Were the infinite possibilities of choice presented to him now, in this moment of his life, all converging into this one path leading to his blind obedience? And if so, to what did he owe his obedience? He chuckled again to himself, uttered a single word to Ethdios, and in an instant they were off. Horse and master streaking over the road leading away from the confines of the University of Knowledge and into their convergence of purpose as they both exercised their obedience unto that which was greater.

  Being the Grand Wizard of the High Council of Wizards and the Grand Master of the University of Knowledge had many privileges, not the least of which was his unconditional acceptance into the royal courts of each race of Avendians. And on this particular evening, it was paramount to be considered as such by the Elves, because during the Iglandonin and certainly the Indri Primos, none apart from Elves were allowed admittance, let alone an audience with the King. But even his status did not warrant a pardon if he were to interrupt this ceremony. After all, it is not every year that the King's daughter was inducted into Elven adulthood and maturity.

  Intellos arrived at just the hour to allow him to see the full Indri Primos for the first time. His life's journey had granted him the knowledge of what the Indri Primos was, and the mechanics of its progression, but not until today had he been fortunate enough to witness all the splendor and importance contained within its traditions. Conducted in their Sanctuary of the Stars, it was illuminated by only the light they gathered from their gods above. Intellos could see the magical "traps" cast by the Elven mages meant to capture and magnify the light of the stars. This created a glow of divine whiteness and paleness from the floating starlight traps muting the vibrant colors streaming the walls. It was indeed a mystical sight, one only the elves with their superior and closely guarded knowledge of the stars, were able to create. It was unlike anything he had seen before and was likely not to see again, especially if he was unable to stem the growing gravity and doom he felt was taking root in Avendia.

  And then he was struck by a rather odd sight. In the midst of everything Elven, the lighting, the music, the decoration, the mysticism all centered upon focusing all attention to the dais, there stood a man in stark contrast to all things Elven. What could be the connection of this man to the Elves that would grant him the honor of being named Drahin to Princess Glinovia; yet, what is more, what would allow the King to grant him the opportunity to speak at her Indri Primos? Regardless of his differing appearance to the gathered masses, listening to him speak was pleasing. He spoke with empathy, directness, courage and truth. When he concluded his well delivered speech and began walking away from the altar, Intellos noticed the lithe grace of a warrior. He walked with a confidence of gait suggesting his lethal ability. Inspecting the man's attire, he saw, hung at his waist, a sword unique in its description and knew the warrior belonging to it could be only Eriboth.

  The wizard's and warrior's paths had crossed on only one occasion prior to tonight, and as would be expected, it was a memorable one. Many years ago, in The Battle of Perdition between the Trolls and Men, Intellos found himself sitting at the War table with his second, Bengrako, and the entire tribal council of Lord Srendi. They were in the middle of outlining their battle plans to defend their cities when they were interrupted by a lieutenant who announced to them that Eriboth was here to treat on behalf of the Trolls. Into their tent walked a man whose will and lethal intent was plainly visible in his subtle and lithe movements.

  As he sat, he looked at each member of the gathering and smiled slightly when he reached the two wizards. "Well, this hardly seems fair. Trolls against Wizards? Tell me, how many of them are at your disposal today?"

  Bengrako looked to Intellos and back to Eriboth. "As many as we deem necessary to dispatch this unlawful gathering of Trolls set to destroy this city with the goal of occupying it and the lands beyond. You would do well to vacate while you still have your health, warrior," he said the last word as an intended insult.

  "Are we not all warriors here, my dear wizard, as we are all in the business of war simply by our collective presence at this table?" he challenged Bengra
ko.

  "If you mean are we not all engaged in the planning of battle, then yes, we are all warriors, yet if you mean to imply we," he inclined his head toward Intellos," would sink to the employ of using barbaric weapons to impose our will, then no, we are not all warriors. Again, you would do well to vacate this field of battle before it begins. If not, you will quickly find your weapon is of no use here."

  Eriboth smiled at the completion of Bengrako's warning. In an instant, and quicker than lightning itself, Eriboth drew his sword and held the tip of it just barely against the wizard's neck. As the other members sitting at the table began calling for the guards and readied weapons of their own, it was Intellos who spoke up and halted the alarm, "What are you playing at, Eriboth? Why draw your weapon here and threaten us now, when no bloodshed is permitted. Or did you not intend to spill the blood of my dear friend, Bengrako?"

  "Reach and speed, Wizard," he looked at Bengrako and continued. "It is my reach and speed that would render your magic useless on this battle ground," he used his free hand to denote their current surroundings. "But it is also because of reach and speed that I will go back to my current employer and let him know he will not win this battle on this day. No doubt, the Trolls will attack anyway, but they will not do so with my involvement. I will collect my usual small fee for offering my evaluation of the likelihood of their victory, and seeing that it is very small, I will walk away; but not because of your words, Wizard. Because of reach and speed," he paused for the briefest of moments and sheathed his sword in exactly the opposite manner in which he had drawn it. He offered a slight bow of his head, turned, and exited the tent.

  On another visit, one meant for the normal social graces congruent with this current festival, he would have desired to sit with Eriboth and discuss many things. But that discussion would have to wait, although he did make a mental point to approach the warrior at some undefined time, hopefully soon in the future. As he relented that while magical skill and power could sway the battle, even cement its result, it was always, always won by the soldiers who dared carry weapons to face a foe daring to do the same. And if his inclination was correct, and it usually was having been based upon his experience, there was going to be a battle, perhaps many battles, perhaps even a war.

  But the degree of pressure from his current endeavor was such that all other considerations for the bonding of time to action kept him bond to only one. He needed to speak with King Rendunial and obtain his permission to enter into the hallowed collection of all writings in Avendia - The Library of Light.

  Arriving in Meckthenial at this time was both profoundly fortunate because of the Indri Primos he was able to observe, and utterly frustrating because of the duties attributed to the King and his Royal Family as a result of the hallowed ceremony. He had anticipated being allowed an audience with the King soon following the completion of the princess's induction into the Greater Consciousness; however, this was not the case. There passed a large amount of sand through the hourglass of expectation before the King was freed from his bonds of social responsibilities.

  Greeting him more warmly than Elves were given to express, The King gave the Wizard a warm embrace as he spoke, "Intellos, Friend, Brother, thank you with all sincerity for your presence at my daughter's Indri Primos! Though my brother Eriboth is her favorite, she does indeed favor you as well!"

  Embracing the King in response, Intellos returned the greeting, "Thank you King Rendunial. It is with great pleasure that I was able to watch your Daughter recite in the beautiful Elven language. I was not, however, aware that Eriboth was your brother. He is not Elf."

  "No, indeed he is not. But that story will have to wait as I believe the Princess glimpsed your figure while speaking and has been looking for you throughout our grounds since."

  "Yes, My King. There is nothing more I would like to do than to offer my congratulations to Princess Glinovia; however, it is not under that singular endeavor I am here today."

  "What else would see you brought to the City of Light?"

  "I find myself in need of answering some questions I lack the answers too, My King. Answers that, I feel, will only be pieced together in the annals of The Library of Light."

  "Intellos, what question could possibly need answers that cannot be found within the books contained in the University of Knowledge? While it is true that ours is a Library complete, yours cannot be ascent of that which you seek?"

  "On this particular matter, I fear that it is. Indeed, I know it is. Which is why I am here today, to ask you for entrance into your library."

  "You do know it is not without the approval of the Council of Light that I am able to grant your request? We Elves are very particular when it comes to guarding what we possess in regards to Elvendom."

  "Yes, I am aware of the Council of Light. But I am also aware that you are King, and while this decision falls to the decree of the Council, yours is the authority to grant special privileges, upon your discretion," said the Wizard even though he was sure the King had a full grasp of his authority.

  "To do so, I will need knowledge of the information you choose to research. There are several books in our library which, upon hearing of my decision to share them outside of the Elven Race, could challenge my very right to rule. Though I still cannot imagine one to your benefit that would not be contained in the limitless volumes of your library," said King Rendunial as he slowly turned and walked down the pathway leading to his garden.

  Intellos had hoped to avoid disclosing the intent of his research no less in part because he felt somewhat embarrassed by its topic; however, deep within him, he knew the need to inform the king would eventually arise much the same as one knows that life will present an unavoidable trial inevitably set upon one's path. He paused for several moments and began in an unfamiliar stammer, "Well, you see King Rendunial, I cannot be certain, but I have this growing suspicion that things we thought, at first, were untrue, my very well be."

  "My dear Intellos, why do you hesitate so? Have we not, through the long years of our knowing, passed beyond the unknowing distrust and into a much more complete understanding? Come now, I am running behind for my duties today and need to be away. What topic can I assist your growth in knowledge?"

  A single word, without reservation or apology, emerged from the Wizard's lips containing none of his previous apprehension, "Dragons."

  "What?"

  "Dragons I said. Now can you help me gain entrance into your Library of Light or not?"

  All but laughing, King Rendunial answered the question, "I am quite sure no one, not even the Lorekeeper will object to your desire to research and uncover all the truths contained in the children's myths. But what is the reason? Did you finally find yourself the father of a mysterious child who came knocking at your door, and out of a paternal instinct do you want to give him or her a proper childhood?"

  Hearing the jest, Intellos stared at him flatly while the King stood there, silently smiling. When the wizard began to speak again, he did so with a staggered emphasis on the first few words of his retort, "My Good King, it would take much more than a child of mine to cause me to mount Ethdios with all the supplies required to successfully make the journey from the University of Knowledge, all the way across Avendia, to your realm. And might I add, it will take more than your poor jests to dissuade my interest, which, as I am sure you can deduce, would not have been peaked had it not been for the most profound evidence."

  "Quite right you are, my good friend. I had forgotten how much wizards of your skill had lost their ability to find humor where humor is present," he said as he genuinely smiled. "Of course you can gain entrance to our Library of Light. If you would not mind seeing my personal scribe, he will draft you the proper documents."

  "Thank you King Rendunial. I hope I will not need the information contained within your library, but I fear there is a doom upon Avendia. A doom we will all share soon enough."

  The two larger than life figures, each
years long past the normal lives of men and elf alike, exchanged a foreboding glance then turned to fulfill their separate endeavors. The king to enjoy the coming merriment, void of such concerns presented by the wizard, and the wizard, to his studies, void of all the merriment of the festival.

  Intellos had always respected the elves for their adherence to ritual and tradition; however, at this particular time, it presented as a nuisance. The king's scribe had made a mistake upon drafting the papers of passage and inadvertently wrote the incorrect day upon it rendering it useless in the eyes of the Lorekeeper, who took his position with all severity. Had Intellos not been in such a favorable position with the elves, he undoubtedly would have followed through with his initial inclination and turned the scribe into one of several forms of insects as punishment for his untimely error. But as it was, he acquiesced to the Lorekeeper's request that the scribe correct his error and draft an entirely new writ of passage with the correct dates.

  Quite fortunately for the wizard, the formal aspects (and there were always many where elves were concerned) of the celebration of the Indri Primos were over and most of the attention was focused upon the dance floor. Normally, the King would have been all but consumed with his hosting duties; however, with the two dancers currently dominating the attentions of the party goers, including the King himself, he was both easy to locate and easy to engage in the wizard's second request. As Intellos turned to leave the reception area, he noticed that the male partner was none other than Eriboth himself. The warrior was currently completely absorbed within the limits of his partner’s eyes, a sun-blonde beauty who was as graceful as he matching his steps perfectly.