by K. Dzr
Chapter Twenty-Two
I L T R E P I D O R E
Meelix felt an exhilaration like none he had ever experienced. Holding on to the makeshift harness, with his legs hugging Smokey’s muscular neck, Meelix was flying. The sun shone brightly and the wind ripped through his hair and clothes. Soaring just slightly above the trees, Meelix could occasionally see Destiny racing through the woods on Windsong. From his bird’s-eye view, he noticed how gracefully they maneuvered through the trees and brush, and how Destiny appeared to be one with the horse. He wondered if he looked as graceful riding the dragon as she did riding Windsong.
Smokey and Meelix landed on the shore ahead of Destiny. She reminded Smokey of the plan and the importance of this quest, but he was hardly paying attention. He stared wide-eyed at the immense body of water. As far as his acute eyes could see, there were only crashing waves.
“This is the Great Sea?” Smokey was shocked. “You expect me to fly across this?”
“That’s how we got here,” Meelix offered. “We crossed this very sea on the back of another dragon. He was bigger, but that’s what we did.”
“If one dragon can do it, this dragon can too.”
After a short rest, Meelix and Smokey took flight once again. Meelix looked back to see Destiny standing at the shore waving, and becoming smaller and smaller. Ahead there was only water.
Smokey felt as if he were flying into the end of the world. If not for his new friend and passenger, he would not have believed there was land out there. Once he’d gotten a look at the endlessness of it, the humans alone could not have convinced him. Sending the small one was very smart; without Meelix, Smokey might have turned back and abandoned his quest. Still, it made him nervous to know there was nowhere to land if he became tired or hungry.
Flying low, he could smell the salty water and feel an occasional mist. This added to his apprehension. For a while he didn’t see any life whatsoever in the water. But then, in the near distance, a spray shot straight up from the sea as if it defied gravity.
“Meelix, did you see that? What was it?”
“It was a whale. They are really big fish.”
“Should we try to ask it where the island is?”
“Let’s see if we can find some mers or dolphins, or maybe even some other dragons.”
“Alright. Keep you eyes open and let me know as soon as you see any.”
Smokey hoped they would soon spot the island, or a creature that would lead them to it. As far as he could tell, he was on a steady south, south-west course; but he lacked the confidence of an experienced traveler. What if he faltered? What if he was drifting slightly in either direction? Where would that lead them? He also didn’t know how long or how far he could fly without rest. Already he had flown farther and longer than he ever had before. At the moment he felt fine, but how long would that last? He wasn’t concerned only for himself; he had Meelix to worry about. He promised to take good care of him and get him to the island. But what if he failed? The simple task of flying over the sea was turning out to be the most stressful ordeal of his life. It not only tested his physical stamina, but challenged his courage, his mental endurance, and his loyalty and integrity. Smokey set aside his doubts and fears and pressed on. If there is an island populated by dragons out there, he would find it.
It’s been quite some time since they last seen the whale’s spray. Cradled by wind, sea and sky, Meelix swayed with the rhythm of Smokey’s wings. The whoosh of wind was like a lullaby. He resisted the urge to lay his head on Smokey’s neck and take a quick nap. If only there was something to hold his attention, to break the monotony of water and—“Look, Smokey! Dolphins!”
“I see them, what should I do?”
“Get closer!” Meelix shouted. “They should be able to tell us where the island is!”
Smokey altered his direction and descended. There were at least twelve of them jumping in and out of the water. When they noticed Smokey overhead, they grouped together and began making what Meelix thought of as calling noises.
“Are they saying something?” Meelix asked Smokey.
“I think they’re saying hello,” Smokey answered as he hovered above them.
“Ask them if they will take us to the island of dragons.”
“Will they understand me?”
“Of course. You’re a dragon. You can speak to anyone because you’re magic. Just talk like normal.”
“Okay, I’ll try it,” Smokey slowed and cleared his throat. “Um, excuse me, dolphins. Can you help us get to the dragon island?”
The dolphins made a series of squeaky giggling noises then quickly swam away.
“Oh! They know the way! Come along, Meelix!” Smokey shouted, as he swooped after the dolphins. They darted through the water and often leapt into the air, sometimes flipping and spinning as they did. Some jumped almost as high as Smokey flew, making their squeaky giggling noises and showering them with water.
Smokey was so relieved to have an escort. No matter how much farther it was, he could—no, he would make it. Meelix also felt a renewed energy. He was wide awake and captivated by the natural grace of the dolphins riding the waves below. Just as he was thinking how much fun it would be to ride a dolphin, Smokey darted underneath one as it leapt through the air. Soon they made a game of weaving over and under each other as they traveled.
Smokey was so proud of himself when he finally landed on the island of the dragons. He accomplished so much this day. Being away from the control of the magicians made him realize how stifled he was with them. He never thought to explore the world or his full potential. Now he was free.
They were greeted by several dragons as well as a living tree.
“I trust the dolphins were able to guide you safely?” the dryad asked.
“Yes,” Meelix answered. “How did you know?”
“You need to return to Elysi, do you not? Nayani is waiting.”
“Oh! Excellent! She heard us after all?”
“Of course. The trees are always listening. I am guardian of this island and cannot leave, but Lyriel,” the dryad stretched his long, branched hand toward one of the awaiting dragons, has agreed to carry you the rest of the way.”
Meelix turned to see Smokey huddled up with several of the dragons, bombarding them with questions about the island and its inhabitants. The dragons answered as best they could, but were soon overwhelmed.
“You should speak with Darios the Black, one of the elders and our teacher. He is best suited and would be more than happy to provide answers,” one of the dragons explained.
Smokey’s excitement leapt at the word teacher. What he learned just within the past day triggered an awakening to the fact that he knew very little about who and what he was. He realized that he knew nothing of any other animals, humans, or dragons, or of the world, for that matter. His knowledge and experiences were confined to a peat bog and the lamented area surrounding it. Even more incredible was the fact that he’d never questioned this existence, never felt curious about what lay beyond the boundaries of his home. He was content to live in ignorance as an obedient pet of three confused magicians. Now, here he stood, on an island that he flew across the sea to reach, in the company of others of his kind. Here he could learn all that he’d been deprived of his entire life.
Meelix understood what an opportunity this was for Smokey. In their short time together they forged a strong friendship. He didn’t want to lose his new friend, but he didn’t want to dissuade Smokey from staying where he could learn about his life, either. Still, his charge was to get to Rhykell to find Demetrius and Alexander. He would have to go on without him.
“Go ahead Smokey. You should stay and talk to Darios. I can get to Rhykell from here.”
“Oh, I forgot that’s why we’re here,” Smokey said, remembering his promise to Tahir.
“No, no. It’s alright. You have fulfilled your promise. Tahir asked you to get me as far as this island. You are not obligated to accompany me any f
arther. Do as you please; stay here as long as you want. You know the way home if you ever decide to go back.”
“That’s right. He said to take you safely to the island in the sea.” Smokey hesitated. “But I wanted to complete the adventure with you.”
“You will have an adventure on your own, right here. If it wasn’t so important to get to Demetrius and Alexander, I would stay with you. But I must go on; so much depends on me.”
“Will you come here on your way back?”
“There is such urgency to this mission that I don’t know if there will be time. If it is at all possible, I will pay you a visit before returning to England, but I cannot promise you.”
Smokey thought about his options. He could stay behind to learn from the dragons and maybe risk losing his new friend; or he could continue on with Meelix and risk losing this opportunity to know his own kind. Of course, just like Meelix said, he could always return to England later.
“I will stay here. Come back for me if you can Meelix, and I will return to England with you. I feel so much a part of this adventure…I do want to see it through. Yet I am compelled to take advantage of this opportunity. Perhaps what I learn here will make me more useful as we continue the adventure.”
“That makes perfect sense. You owe it to yourself to learn the history and ways of the dragons. And what better place?” Meelix dreaded saying goodbye to his newly-found friend but it was time. “I guess I should be on my way,” Meelix said, and looked up at Lyriel.
The dragon turned to Smokey again. “If you want to talk to Darios, you will find him on the plateau of the highest mountain in the center of the main island. He and the other elders are most often there.”
The highest mountain in the center of the island was half hidden in a halo of clouds. Smokey flew directly toward the mist. Below him lie a lush jungle and a sparkling pool at the bottom of a ravine. Dragons of all shapes, sizes and colors flew, splashed, frolicked and sunbathed. He never could have imagined that a place so beautiful existed. But at the same time, it seemed so familiar; like a home he hadn’t known he missed.
He flew higher and higher into the mist until he saw the plateau on the south side of the mountain. Several dragons stood overlooking the ravine. Their stature alone commanded respect, their power evident in the way they moved: deliberate, confident, strong and knowing. He could see the wisdom and age in their eyes as they watched him land. Their scales were weathered, battle scars covered their bodies, and yet they seemed surprisingly full of vigor and energy, as though still in their prime.
“Hello, Young One,” one of the majestic giants said, approaching the nervous Smokey. “What is it you seek?”
“H-hello,” Smokey replied. He stared at the intimidating dragons. He knew he was a dragon, and these were his people, but still…
“Well? Speak. Are we to know what it is you are thinking?” the dragon with one eye and three missing claws hissed. Smokey avoided eye contact with the annoyed dragon.
“I, I was told I should speak with Darios,” he stammered. The dragon turned his long head toward the back of the group where another giant moved forward with a deliberate gait.
“You seek Darios? I am he,” the dragon thundered proudly. “What matter do you wish to speak of?”
“I, um…”
“Stand up straight! And hold your head up when you speak,” Darios roared.
“Sorry…” Smokey quickly straightened himself.
“Do not apologize. And do not behave as frightened prey. Collect yourself and make your demands.”
“I want to learn about dragons, please,” Smokey said loudly, standing as straight as he could with his head held high.
“Better.” Darios snorted, looking over the trembling dragon before him. “What about ‘dragons’ do you wish to know?”
“Everything. I didn’t know what a dragon was until yesterday.”
“You know nothing of the Dracara?” Darios was taken aback.
“Dracara?”
The elders exchanged perplexed glances. Who was this youngster who knew nothing of his heritage or his people?
“Dragon is the name the humans give us; Dracara is the name we give ourselves. You have much to learn, Small One.” Darios stretched his mighty wings with a low grunt. “Come with me, then.”
He led Smokey away from the others and along an incline leading to a ledge above the ravine. Darios was large, with black scales and row upon row of claws and horns on his square face, chin, back and tail. His body was long and slender, while his legs were stocky and muscular. Smokey was practically forced to run to keep up with Darios’ long strides.
“What is your name, Small One?”
“Smokey.”
“Smokey?” Darios snorted, stopping short in his tracks with an expression of disgust. “Smokey is not a name for Dracara and a female Dracara at that. What is your real name?”
“That’s the only name I have…wait…female?”
“Yes.” Darios stared with disbelief.
“But…the magicians always call me a good boy.”
Darios shook his head and then continued walking.
“Well, Smokey,” he began, “long ago, before humans began destroying this planet, the Dracara ruled the earth, the skies and the waters. We were powerful wizards, ferocious hunters and wise leaders. We taught in some of the most prestigious schools in the world; over time the humans began learning from us, as did other creatures. There was one creature of particular interest, unlike any other on the planet. As the legends say, he was a greedy, powerful and hateful creature. He started many wars and used a new dark magic unlike any other the world has seen. It seemed as though his power had no limits, nor did his evil. Fortunately, he was defeated by another powerful and equally unique being. But he was only trapped, not destroyed, and he had followers. They were powerful as well, but did not surface until many years after their dark master’s defeat. They posed almost as big a threat as he.
“Now, Dracara do not multiply as humans and most other animals do, so although our numbers were few in comparison, we were powerful and, collectively—with some aid from the humans—we were able to defeat his followers and lock them away. But at a price: The magic of the Dracara has been the only force holding them in their prison for thousands of years. Because of this, much of our power has been depleted. We used to be the most powerful wizards, but we sacrificed it all to protect the world from this absolute evil. Across the ages, humans forgot our sacrifice. They became more powerful and more abundant, overpopulating the lands. They began to hunt us, shun us, or fear us.
“Now, all is not as bad as it seems. There are a few powerful and wise wizards who have not forgotten. We work together for the better of the planet and to promote good magic. Some Dracara, typically wyverns, are hardly better than crocodiles, and cause us shame by terrorizing the humans and giving them reasons to fear and hate us. But mostly, we keep to ourselves on this island and islands like it.”
“There are other islands like this one?”
“Yes, many. This island is but one in a string of islands we call Iltrepidore. There are others throughout the world; you will learn where they are later.”
“So, we Dracara’s don’t have magic anymore?”
“Dracari is the word for many, Small One. We may no longer be able to cast powerful spells, take other forms, or manipulate minds, but we are still magic. A few Dracari can still perform some magic, but they are very old. Their parents fought in the Great Battle.”
“When was this battle?”
“Oh, thousands of years ago.”
“Thousands?”
“At least.”
“How are they still alive?”
“As I mentioned before, Dracara do not populate like most creatures, but our magic gives us what humans consider ‘unnatural’ life spans. We typically live until we are killed, either by humans, in accidents, or, on occasion, in a fight with another Dracara.
“That is incredible. Guess I
am a baby, still, right?’
“That is true,” Darios agreed with a chuckle.
“So how are we still magic?”
“This concept is often difficult to grasp. You see, magic flows through everyone and everything, though some have more than others. With some creatures, magic was introduced into their bloodlines, creating powerful wizards and magical beings. As a result of these lengthy battles, the Dracara have lost much of our magic. Many human communities abolished the practice of magic, destroyed schools and banned it outright, deeming it too dangerous. Magic has been all but forgotten by many creatures, and the bloodline weakened in others. This is why there are varying amounts of magic in creatures and humans. This is also why, even though you may not have magic, the essence of magic still flows in you—which may or may not give you special strengths or abilities. Do you understand?”
“I think I do.”
“Good.” Darios smiled down at Smokey, and then turned to the view from the ledge they had reached. “Look, Small One. From here you can see many of the Islands of Iltrepidore and beyond. We Dracara are a strong, powerful and proud race. If you ever find yourself forgetting that, remember this air, remember this view, remember this feeling of standing on the highest peak and looking over your land, your water, your sky. This is how the earth once looked, when we were its rulers. Do not forget this.”
The two Dracari stood in silence. Smokey was exhilarated and proud to be standing next to such a wise and powerful dragon on the dragon island. No. On her island: on Iltrepidore.
Darios wanted to give his young pupil a few moments to take in all that he told her, before continuing. He did not know where this small one had come from, or how she had been lost for so long, but she was changing right before Darios’ eyes. In the mere time they spent speaking together, she was standing straighter and speaking with confidence. Darios noticed her trying to mimic the majestic stride and mannerisms that he himself learned from his father centuries ago. This young stranger indeed impressed him, but she still had much to learn.
“Come, Small One. I want to show you some things.” Darios took flight and Smokey followed eagerly. They soared above the trees but below the mist. Darios pointed out all the areas of interest and described the different types of Dracara, occasionally landing to make introductions and speak with some of the inhabitants. Eventually, Darios asked the obvious questions about Smokey’s past.
Smokey told her story, admitting she was ashamed it took her so long to find her way.
“There is one more thing I would like to show you,” Darios said as they continued their tour of the island and headed out to the sea.
“There are many types of Dracara, as I mentioned before: land, sea and sky. You have met the pixies, the giant lizards, or Terracara as we call them, both the feathered and scaled d'Aviasae, and myself: the Great Horned Dracara. There is also the Dracara d'Osceana: Sea Serpents, or Leviathan as humans call them. They are usually the largest of all Dracara. However, there are many types of Leviathan, just as there are many different types of the other Dracara. Some are small with short legs and live in rivers and lakes. The humans call them ‘crocodiles.’ They have all but forgotten their past, and live exclusively to hunt and bask. Others are massive, far larger than I, with smooth scales and hardly any claws. Instead of feet, they have flippers and are wingless. They are confined to the sea, and are rarely seen by humans. I do not believe they have a name for them, but we call them Orcara.”
“There are also Leviathans that look more like me.” Darios continued gliding over the waters’ surface. “They have more narrow bodies though, and webbed feet. They are equally comfortable in air, sea or on land. Their size depends more on their environment and age; Dracara typically grow their entire lives, you know.”
Smokey looked down at her feet. They were webbed. She could see she had fins on either side of her head in her reflection below. She’d seen them before in reflections in pools at home, but had no idea of their purpose. Now she was curious.
“Am I Leviathan, Darios?” she asked.
“You are,” Darios answered with a knowing smile.
“So I can swim too?”
“More than just swim, Small One, you are able to breathe the water as though it were air.”
Smokey spun in the air with excitement.
“Go ahead, give it a try,” Darios encouraged.
The two hovered above the surface. Smokey was a little afraid. She was familiar in the rivers at home, and she actually enjoyed splashing about, but she never tried to dive beneath the water, let alone breathe it. She was also concerned about what creatures lay hidden beneath these deep waters.
“Smokey!” Darios thundered, looking sternly at her. “You are d'Osceana Atara: Master of land, sea and air. The Dracara are proud and powerful. We do not succumb to fear,” he sighed and his expression changed to one of gentle understanding. “It will be as natural to you as breathing air. This, I promise.”
Smokey took a deep breath, let go of her inhibitions and dove into the water. She used her wings as she did in air to propel herself deeper. With her eyes tightly closed, she held her breath while she descended deeper into the void.
I am Atara, master of land, sea and air, she repeated over and over in her mind. Finally she exhaled and took in a deep breath of ocean water. Remarkably, she could breathe. The water bypassed her lungs and exited through the gills on the sides of her head. She giggled to herself as she swam deeper to explore her new surroundings and abilities. Smokey felt reborn. She noticed fish of various sizes, shapes and colors. Some were curious and others fled. Rather than try to make contact, she simply observed them, as well as the other sea creatures that swam, hunted, frolicked or simply existed. She wanted to stay longer, but Darios’ roar beckoned her to return. With a splash, Smokey burst from the water and flew straight into the air.
“Well?” Darios asked as Smokey approached, spraying water with each flap of her wings.
“I am master of land, sea and air!” Smokey smiled ecstatically.
“Well done. Let us return to the island.”
Darios led Smokey to a beautiful grotto located on the south side of the island. There she was met by many Dracara, mers and dolphins. Darios perched himself on a high ledge over looking the large pool that fed into the ocean waters. He looked majestic.
“Smokey, you have learned who you are. You are no longer man’s pet. That is not to say that you cannot befriend man, but you are superior to humans. Dracara are the most evolved creatures on Earth. Think for yourself. Decide your own destiny. Live where you want to live and go where you want to go. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I think so. But how do I know what my destiny is? How shall I begin to figure out what I am supposed to do? I know so little.”
“You must first forget your old ways of thinking. You will no longer be called Smokey. You are Dracara, inferior to nothing. Magic flows strongly through you. From hence forth, you will be ‘Ellic.’ In Dracarae, it means something important that was once lost, but is now found. Abandon the pet name Smokey.”
“Ellic.” the young Dracara repeated softly. “I like it. It sounds important. But a name doesn’t determine who you are, does it?”
“You are right. It does not determine who you are, but it can define what you are. Smokey is a name given to you by humans who took advantage of your innocence and kept you ignorant and isolated from your origin and family in order to create an obedient slave, capable of doing their bidding and nothing more. That is not what you are. Ellic is a Dracarae name, bestowed upon you by a most respected and wise elder of your own kind. It defines what you are, not what you are to become. You now have an origin. Even though you do not know your parents, you come from a long line of proud, powerful and intelligent species. Decide what to do with your life now that you know who you are. Dracara d’Osceana Atara: Master of land, sea and air.”
“I am proud to take the name Ellic. Thank you, Darios.”
Darios smile
d proudly at Ellic. He saw great things in this young Dracara.
“Darios, I came to Iltrepidore as part of a mission. I was asked to bring a small gnome here to meet another dragon, er, Dracara, that would take him to a place called Elysi. We have become friends. Should I continue the journey with him?”
“As I have said, you make your own choices. You are free to have friends that are not Dracara. What is the purpose of this gnome in Elysi?”
“He is to deliver an important message to someone named Demitriusenalesander. I do not know if he is a human or not.”
“Hmm. Do you know what the message is?”
“No, it has something to do with a great evil being released and saving the world.”
“So it has begun. Ellic, exactly who sent you on this mission?”
Ellic told Darios everything that happened leading up to her journey to Iltrepidore. She explained that though she didn’t know their names, the small group that found her and the magicians that raised her seemed determined to stop the evil from being released.
“I must speak with Demetrius and Alexander myself.”
“Meelix didn’t say he was bringing them here. He only said that he would try to return after delivering the message.”
“Good, the two wizards will be accompanying him.”
“Wizards?”
“Ellic, I believe your destiny has been chosen for you.”