DragonStone- Fatal Winds

by M A Bernier

  “Leave us you pathetic fool!” Koth shouted. A subtle nod from Jyn-Taa told Odien he must leave. Odien left closing the doors behind him and Koth turned to Jyn-Taa. “The master calls, stand ready to do his will.” Jyn-Taa watched as Koth walked to the center of the gateway circle and as before stood within the four small pillars. The hazy form of the shadow demon formed next to Koth followed by the four other insubstantial forms of Earth, Fire, Water and Wind. Jyn-Taa stood quietly as the group exchanged inaudible works with Koth. At the end of the conversation he saw Koth smile briefly as the five demons looked upon him. A wave of pain swept through his body and sent him falling to the floor and curling into a fetal position. He could have resisted, but that would have given his secret away. Instead he kept the thought of plunging the knife of the dead into Koth’s heart to remind him of what he must endure.

  “It is sufficient.” The Demon Wind’s voice spoke. “He must yet be kept alive for the task at hand.” Jyn-Taa stood as the pain subsided, Wind looked at him directly as he spoke. “Be warned Jyn-Taa, the alliances you make in open or in secret will not avail you or save you from our wrath. Stand within the circle it is time to call for the dragon’s heart.” He stood as commanded and walked to the center of the circle. Koth stepped aside his task for the moment was only to watch. Each demon placed their formless hand against his back. He stretched out his hand in front him with his palm facing the chamber his fingers spread wide. Within the chamber itself nothing appeared out of the ordinary, however within another realm unseen to mortal eyes he felt the demons, through him, weaving and passing through time and space. His body felt as if it were going to lose all substance. He felt very much the same as he had when circling the void. The emptiness of unseen realm they crossed threatened to carry Jyn-Taa with it. In moments, less than an arm's length away, a hazy form began to coalesce in the air in front of them. It blurred and then suddenly appeared crisp and clear. The figure robed in a red cloak and hood spun in the direction of those he sensed behind them. He appeared middle aged with curly red and gray hair and a short unkempt beard. He appeared about to speak and stopped suddenly as he looked at those behind Jyn-Taa, he looked back at Jyn-Taa and charged. An invisible wall slammed into him knocking him to the chamber floor.

  “Stand and be warned dragon, the one who stands before you is not the one you seek revenge against. Touch his heart and you will know his purpose.” The man in the robe moved closer. His face twisted in hatred as he stepped forward and placed his hand upon Jyn-Taa’s chest and quickly drew it back as if in surprise.

  “You know me then bodiless of the void?” The man in the red robe stepped back looking at the demons.

  “Fear not Zelyth, I am here to serve those you see before you now, and to seek revenge upon a common enemy.”

  “Why have you summoned me here? I am dragon in form no more.”

  “It does not matter.” Replied Koth.

  “And who is this wretched creature with the loud mouth? A servant judging by his small stature and bloated ego.” Koth was about to retort when the Demon Wind spoke.

  “SILENCE!” His voice reverberated through the chamber. The demon turned his face to Zelyth. “A dragon’s heart you still have, and through you we will reach another dragons heart to strike fear into our enemies. Be warned Zelyth, this attempt could take your life, and your time here is limited even if you should survive. You must be returned before the others sense you’re gone, agree now to serve us and in doing so serve your revenge. Or, deny us so that we may be rid of your worthless presence.”

  “I agree.” Zelyth never thought to hesitate. “I wish to see Eryyn dead, and in time I will. He and that accursed DragonStone made my brothers and sisters prisoners of these human forms. Any means that I have to seek revenge I would not hesitate to offer.”

  “Stand in front of Jyn-Taa, allow us to seek the path to a dragon’s heart through you.” Zelyth did as he was asked and stepped into the circle and turned his back to Jyn-Taa, he felt his hand placed flat upon his back.

  *** A change of hearts ***

  The noon day sun stood high in the sky. Helyn left the guest house with her pouch full of healing herbs of all varieties. At the end of the dirt path she saw to people in dark cloaks with robes covering the heads walking in her direction. She could not see their faces clearly because of the draping of the cloak hoods, but she could tell they were young men judging from the small amount of their mouth and chins. “You are strangers here?” She asked.

  “Yes and no.” The one closest to her said. He seemed to deliberately place himself between her and the other young man so that she could not get a better view of his face, not that she could anyhow with the sun in her eyes. “We are here to make amends for a wrong done to one many years ago.”

  “If you’re here to make trouble, I should warn you dragons are present.”

  “No, we are not here to cause discord, only set wrong to the right. We bid you good day mistress healer.” The two nodded to each other and seemed to have some inaudible conversation that did not include words or sounds and then resumed their walk towards town. She followed at a distance intent on seeing where they went. They seemed unconcerned while she watched as the two made their way into town, then turned right and headed down the dirt road that led to Eryyn and Alys’s home. She thought to herself that when she dropped off her herbs she would warn the town captain of the guard, but when she reached her destination she had forgotten all about the strangers. She did feel unusually tired as if she had been carrying twice her weight in herbs and thought it best to lie down and take a quick nap. ‘I must be getting old’ she muttered to herself as she dozed in her chair inside her shop.

  Miram and Sernik were preparing lunch for Cadan while Miram discussed at length with ten other apprentices about the books at the library. So far they had come up with nothing new to help Eryyn and the others.

  “Are you sure that is wise?” Sernik, Miram’s beloved husband, could be a bit overprotective at times. He looked up at the two dragons Rothyn and Gydin. Gydin had little Cadan in one large claw and their own son Resam in the other as he flew in circles. Each dragon was taking turns doing aerial tricks with the boys to keep them occupied. She heard the non-stop gleeful laughter go on for almost half an hour now. Sernik looked at Miram who was watching him silently with a smile on her face.

  “They are both in good hands my husband.” She patted Sernik lightly on the side of his face, then she heard the screaming of two young boys above her.

  Gydin held the boys tightly in each of his front claws, they were small enough that each clawed foot served as a secure enclosure. He was smiling at both boys when Cadan’s face turned from smiles to fear, Gydin turned to see what Cadan was looking at but was brutally rammed by his brother. He had barely recovered and almost lost both boys as he tried to dive and out maneuver him. His saw his brother’s eyes. Instead of the silted dragon’s eyes his were coal black. As Gydin tried to dodge, his brother’s flames scorched across the back of his body causing a great deal of pain. When dragon attacked dragon the pain could be severe.

  He had one chance and dove as fast as he could heading nearly straight for the ground. At the last second he spread his wings as far out as he could to break his speed and headed for Miram and Sernik, “Take them!” He shouted. He released the boys who flew into the waiting arms of Miram and Sernik. When Gydin looked back Rothyn was not following, instead he was intent it appeared upon attacking the two boys.

  Gydin folded his wings in completely and plummeted onto Rothyn driving him to the ground. Rothyn reacted by whipping his tail and shoving his head at Gydin to bite and stab him as often as he could.

  “Get them to safety Sernik!” Miram handed Cadan to Sernik. He headed straight for the dome which EverGreen had created. It was the only structure he hoped was safe but there was no way to know for sure.

  Miram waited a moment to see Sernik taking the boys into the evergreen dome then stand in the doorway with his sword and shield dra
wn, she turned to the other apprentices. “We must hold Rothyn until help arrives!”

  ”Miram, we are not strong enough. Not even if all of us were here these are a dragons!” A young man perhaps only sixteen pleaded with her.

  “We have to try. Gydin is hurt.” The others looked to see Gydin ram his dragon brother, Gydin fell unconscious. Rothyn moved to charge Miram and the others when multiple hands from the dirt grasped his limbs temporarily stopped his charge. He opened his mouth and flames intent on charring Miram and her group. He would have done so had it not been for Gydin managing to bring himself to consciousness enough to raise one wing and deflect the fire.

  A shield of dirt formed in front of Rothyn keeping the burst of flames from reaching them, but he was beginning to break loose.

  Miram was using all her power but even with the other apprentices Rothyn would shortly escape. He managed to push himself on all fours. His head now became visible when he suddenly collapse to the ground as if some invisible force pushed upon him. Miram took no chances and she and the apprentices strengthened their grip all the while not knowing what suddenly had forced Rothyn to the ground again.. She looked to her left and saw to figures in black cloaks. The hoods covered their faces. One of them held both hands out towards Rothyn as if he trying to hold him down. The other one ran and knelt only for a moment touching Gydin before running back and facing Rothyn while raising both his hands as well. Rothyn suddenly calmed.

  As the second figure raised his hands Sernik ordered the curious boys to remain hidden. “Uncle Sernik they’re here to help.” Cadan desperately spoke. Rothyn cannot help it something has taken control of him. Sernik knew of Cadan’s insight but, now was not the time to ask him questions. Rothyn for a few moments had been calmed but he was beginning again to fight back. He burst upright breaking his bonds, arched his head and released a column of flame at them.

  Gydin lay helpless. He knew his brother was not of his own mind but could not stop him. One of the young men touched his mind only to see if he needed healing and then he turned to Rothyn. Gydin watched as the two used whatever powers at their command to assist Miram and the apprentices. Rothyn soon broke free and exhaled a column of flame which was stopped by a flame even hotter from the air above. Gydin saw his grandfather, Ahm-Roth, plummet from the sky releasing a flame of his own that stopped and then engulfed his brother. The flame did not burn but instead weakened him so he could barely move.

  Ahm-Roth released the flame of his power. It engulfed his grandson to weaken him and stop him from attacking. He had sensed the darkness of his mind the moment it had been invaded and flew to the aid of the others faster than he thought possible. He stepped closer to Rothyn starring into his barely open coal black eyes and pushed his thoughts into them to drive the darkness away. Rothyn convulsed, screamed and raged against the power of his grandfather's mind as the darkness tried to take hold and fight back.

  Miram watched as Ahm-Roth, Lord of the Dragons, confronted his son. Rothyn screamed and convulsed for a few seconds before collapsing into apparent unconsciousness. Ahm-Roth saw his other grandson and breathed a soft flame across his body and his wounds disappeared almost instantly. “Rest my grandson, your brother also will recover.” He turned to the two figures in black cloaks, one was supporting the other. “I thank you. In your hearts I see a path you have taken. I will speak on your behalf.” Ahm-Roth walked to Miram and Sernik followed by the two young men.

  “What happened?” She asked Ahm-Roth and then looked the two young men. “I don’t know how to thank you both for your help.”

  “We only wish to make amends for the wrongs of the past.” Said one.

  “We are grateful for your thanks and ask for your forgiveness.” The other who had been leaning on the first young man now stood on his own though still appeared weak and unsteady. Ahm-Roth stepped closer to Miram. She was sure the voices sounded familiar but could not place them.

  “Do not judge them too harshly Miram. The walk a path other than the one they began on, they are not who you remember to be anymore.”

  ”I don’t understand…” Miram was about to say more when the two young men removed their hoods and her face grew angry. She raised one hand and it began to glow with the Whitefire of the Rootsource. Ahm-Roth placed his clawed foot in between them and her. “Zandyr and Stephaun tried to kill Eryyn, they tried to take his soul and his power!” Sernik too stood with his sword at the ready.

  “And they are prepared to face whatever punishment you and the others see fit to impose.” Replied Ahm-Roth. “Let time heal those wounds Miram and pronounce judgment. For now I speak on their behalf.” Ahm-Roth turned to Sernik. “Stay your anger and your sword Sernik.” Ahm-Roth said as he looked into Sernik’s eyes. Miram lowered her hand, the Whitefire fading as she did. Sernik lowered his shield and sheathed his sword.

  “Don’t let them out of your site.” Miram said as she looked the apprentices, most knew of the vile betrayal of these two. Stephaun and Zelyth had conspired together to take Eryyn’s power for their own. Eryyn had shown them the true nature of their secrets by stripping all barriers between them. “You have much to answer for!” She then turned and saw Cadan with Resam, the two seemed no longer shaken by recent events.

  “It’s true Aunty Miram.” Replied Cadan. “They have had a change of heart.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The Diary

  The Smiling Sun continued to sail slowly for three weeks in a south-westerly direction. The weather, thanks to EverGreen, continued to be pleasant and the wind at their backs. Syl was receiving a momentary visit from the mother of the kittens below. Once a day while her kittens slept below the made her way up on deck and curled for a short while on the back of Syl’s warm neck and basked in the sunlight. It had become an informal ritual between the two. Syl would return near noon to report no unusual sightings indicating where the entrance to the lost city might be. No islands or dormant volcanoes, nothing out of the ordinary. On the deck the mother cat sat patiently until Syl completed her report and lowered her body onto the deck. Ardant was standing beside Syl as he looked out at the ocean.

  “It seems you have a little sister now.” He said as he patted the purring mother cat once or twice.

  “How is Eryyn doing?” She asked. It had been a full week before he finally woke from his unconscious state.

  “He is as close to normal again, his muscles seem to have healed well, the bruises are gone but he still is a bit stiff when he wakes up in the morning.” Ardant grew quiet for a few moments and sighed then looked directly at Syl, which was not too hard to do since petting the mother cat on her neck placed him within a hand's breath of her massive dragon head. “Syl, what do your people believe about the beginning?”

  “The beginning of what?” She asked turning her head slightly to him so as not to disturb the comfort of the purring cat.

  “The beginning.” Ardant took a few steps so the two could look each other directly.

  “Oh.” She said. Her eyes became distant for a moment, as if she were looking through Ardant and into the past. “We have been taught….” She stopped suddenly turning her head slightly to look past Ardant. The mother cat also sat up suddenly, meowed once and then jumped down, ran to the stairs and disappeared to the decks below. “Get the others.” Ardant did not have to go far. He took two steps when he saw Eryyn, Jaymee and Alys coming from below. He did not realize it until after seeing them that at the same time Syl asked him to get the others his staff began to feel warmer than normal.

  It was not with her eyes that Syl felt something in the distance, but with other senses. Ardant did not even have to get the others. Syl was not surprised as the rest of them joined her. “It’s close by, I can feel it.” She said to Eryyn as she looked just a bit more towards the West. The boat seemed to follow her gaze as the wind suddenly shifted causing the boat to head straight to what she sensed.

  “Might you get a better view from the air?” Jaymee asked Syl. She lifted her head and cont
inued to stare intently at the ocean ahead.

  “No.” She replied. “We need to stay together.” Eryyn and the others walked to the front third of the ship and climbed the short set of stairs to the bridge where the helmsman stood at the wheel. Syl merely had to stand on all fours and raise her head so that she could watch with the others. It seemed like an eternity even though only minutes had passed when she first saw it. “It see it.” The captain moved closer to her.

  “How large is the island?” He asked trying to squint to see what she saw.

  “It’s not an island captain.” She looked at Eryyn and the others. Several more minutes passed when the lookout shouted to the crew below.

  “Water funnel!!! Turn the ship!!” The captain reached for the wheel of the ship but Eryyn restrained his hand.

  “Captain.” Eryyn said softly and shook his head no. “This is where we must go.”

  “You cannot be serious?” He said as he looked at Eryyn. “No ship can survive a water funnel we’ll be crushed. There has to be another way.”

  “There is not captain.” Replied Syl. “That is the entrance, I suggest you have everyone tie themselves down if they wish, though I do not believe that will be necessary.”

  “How, how do you know this?” Syl simply gazed at him for several moments in silence. The captain ordered everyone to secure their stations and grab on to something tight, just in case. As he turned back to Eryyn he could begin to hear the roar of the water funnel. The sails lowered in record time. Every crew member found the most secure post or object and either grabbed a hold of it with every ounce of strength or tied themselves down, everyone except Eryyn and the others. The water funnel was nearly deafening as they approached. The ship felt drawn in by some invisible force. Everyone waited for the moment this ship would begin to rock, sway and be torn apart, but it never happened. As the ship entered the outer ring of the funnel, almost a thousand feet in diameter, everyone felt a slight surge as if being yanked forward to a greater speed. The ship slowly began to sway to the left as if tipping over as it cleared the outer current but, no one felt like falling even as they saw only sky on their right and the blackness of the tunnel depths to their left. Once the inner current of water funnel caught the ship it lurched forward once more. It took several rotations before the ship reached the narrow part of the funnel, once it did the downward speed increased beyond what any of them expected. Within moments everyone on the upper deck could see the end of the funnel approaching quickly, just beyond they could see what looked like land, but not like any they had seen before. The spray of the mist from the sea water made it difficult to see clearly what was beyond the funnel aperture. Eryyn could see two things, there was light, and there was ground, but the ground appeared distance from the exit point.