The Clash of Land and Sea_The Dragon Riders of Arvain

by Nicholas Clausen

  “Your navigation skills? What are you even talking about we were supposed to get to the island days ago.” Hayden replied to Draek.

  But we did make it to the island did we not? Draek leaned his head down and looked at Hayden with his giant silver eye.

  Hayden tried to think of a response to Draek but when nothing came to mind he walked away from Draek’s head. “Shut up.” Hayden mumbled under his breath. Draek laughed but didn’t add to his joke.

  “So where is my saddle?” Hayden asked as he made it to Draek’s back.

  I took it off near the lake. Draek said without further explanation, as if Hayden knew about the lake. Hayden was about to ask about the lake when another, more pressing question passed through Hayden’s mind.

  “How did you take the saddle off?” Hayden asked.

  “So that’s how you took it off.” Hayden said as he looked at the pile of torn leather and gear strung out around a tree that Draek had used to rip off the saddle.

  It was getting itchy after being wet. Draek said. Draek had flown Hayden to the small lake in the center of the island to find where Draek had been resting.

  Hayden dug through the piles and found that most of their gear was undamaged but the saddle and bags were destroyed.

  “How long have we been on the island?” Hayden asked as he tried to organize their gear.

  The storm is still out there but going away from the island so we have only been here for a few hours. Draek looked over the tree line to stare at the darkness that was tormenting the horizon.

  “So what’s the plan?” Hayden asked.

  Well we could fly around and try to find the Sea Serpents. Draek suggested.

  “Sounds good to me but I have one question. How do we find the Sea Serpents?” Hayden asked, not wanting to voice his concerns about them possibly being on the wrong island. “Plus with this saddle destroyed I won’t be riding with you anywhere.” Hayden had only ridden Draek a small ways but his legs had already begun to feel raw.

  Well then I can fly around the island and try to find them. Draek was about to take off into the air when Hayden stopped him.

  “I don’t think that is a good idea. A silver dragon flying around where a silver dragon is not supposed to be might bring the wrong Sea Serpents to us.” Hayden strapped on his bow and arrows and turned away from Draek. “Stay here at the lake and I will search around and see what I can find.”

  Be safe out there. Draek said as he lowered himself into the lake. Hayden felt bad about leaving Draek so quickly after finding him but they were in a hurry and Hayden couldn’t wait.

  Hayden made his way around the island, following the coast line and looking for any sign of the Sea Serpents, any sign of life. Any sign of anything.

  His search showed him nothing, just sand and water. Out on the horizon was nothing but open waters and the island turned out to be rather small. He was able to walk around the entire island in just a few hours. As Hayden made his way back to the lake in the center of the island, he found Draek lazily swimming around.

  Find anything? Draek asked as Hayden removed his bow and arrow.

  Nothing at all, it is a quiet little island. I am not sure how we are supposed to find the Sea Serpents or have them find us. Hayden said as he grabbed what was left of his dried meat and sat against a tree near Draek.

  Maybe I should fly around and let them see me; we could try what we did with the elves and pretend like we belong here. Draek suggested. It sounded like a better idea than anything Hayden was thinking of at the time but he wanted to hold off on revealing Draek as long as possible. He was unsure just what kind of attention that was going to bring.

  That’s not a bad idea but we should wait till we have no other option before we do that. Hayden jumped back as Draek exploded out of the water, showering Hayden where he sat. What? Hayden asked as he shook water off.

  We have a nation of elves depending on us; our friends are depending on us. Now is not when we should be taking our time. We need to find the Sea Serpents and bring them back with us. Draek stood over Hayden while water dropped off his shining scales.

  Hayden didn’t have to sit and think long to know that Draek was right. He was worried about his dragon but he should be more worried about what was riding on the success of his mission.

  You are right, let’s get up in the air and see what’s out there. Hayden got up and grabbed his bow and arrows again. He made his way to get onto Draek’s back but Draek did not lower himself so Hayden could climb on.

  Little help here. Hayden said as he tried to jump up onto Draek’s back.

  There is no need to look for the Sea Serpents. Draek said as he looked out over the tree line.

  Why is that? There is still plenty of day light out and the storm is long gone. Hayden looked up at the sky as he spoke.

  We don’t need to look for them because they are already here. Draek nodded through the trees. Hayden followed where Draek was looking and was able to make out a ship that was anchored just off the coast.

  Chapter 16

  Shane paced in front of his latest training group. Training the warriors had been his first task but now he was left training the younger elves that had been deemed too young before the faithful night when Kirin became queen.

  Kirin admitted that she hated training such young elves in the ways of battle but circumstances had changed and what she had once hated was now necessary. The upcoming battle was going to take everything they had to win. Knowing that, Kirin had asked Shane to begin training the younger elves in basic defense.

  Shane was trying to do that very thing but was starting to realize this was not going to be as easy as he had thought. The kids, Shane knew that some were almost teenagers but only a few, were struggling to fight with the swords for very long without complaining about being tired.

  “Come on you guys, faster. You need to take this serious. If you were in a real battle would you let your weapon drop to the ground after every swing?” Shane shouted over the cracking sound of the practice swords hitting together.

  “Rider Shane we‘re tired, we have been practicing all morning! We need a break.” One of the younger elves complained, others around him mumbling their agreement.

  “Your right, and when you get tired fighting the enemy you should just ask them for a quick break, I am sure they will let you catch your breath.” Shane shouted. If any of the elves thought that they were going to get a break their hope was quickly shattered.

  Shane continued to pace throughout the ranks of the elves, stopping and correcting almost every group. He finally had to take a step back to clear his head and try to figure things out.

  Rilora, how are things going with you? Shane asked. He knew that Rilora was helping train the green dragons in Draek’s absence.

  Great, they might have caught Draek but they have no hope of catching me. Rilora’s voice was strong and sure.

  Good, things are not going so great over here with the young elves. Shane was about to ask Rilora for help or ask if she had any ideas but she interrupted him.

  Great, now because of you they caught me. I need to focus on this so stop interrupting me. Rilora’s last words echoed in Shane’s mind. Shane was used to Rilora’s competitiveness and it never upset him, instead she motivated him.

  For all her faults, Rilora was dedicated and wanted to win at everything. Her drive to win and to be the best drove Shane to meet the standards of his dragon. If she wanted to be the best dragon then he wanted to be the best rider.

  “Enough take a break.” Shane finally said. All the elves vocalized their appreciation and threw down their weapons. They cleared off the training field and made their way to the tree lines to take their break in shade. Just as Shane was about to walk away from the field he heard the familiar sound of a dragon landing.

  Shane turned around to see the Shaylin land gracefully of the field. Even though he had been getting frustrated with how poorly training had been going, seeing his friend made his day a little
better.

  Shane made his way back onto the field as Cass gracefully slid down the side of Shaylin.

  “What brings you here?” Shane asked as he got closer to Cass.

  “To see how things were going with the young recruits.” Cass said as she walked to Shane and looked around at all the exhausted elves that were coming back onto the field to see Shaylin.

  “I would like to say good but to be honest I am having a harder time then I had planned with training.” Shane said.

  “I can see they all look exhausted.” Cass said, trying to be helpful.

  “I just don’t think it’s a good idea to use children in a fight.” Shane said.

  “No one wants to use them in a fight but we might not have a choice. If the metallic army gets past us they will try to push through these kids whether or not they are trained. They have the best chance to survive if they know how to fight if it comes to that.” Cass looked around at the smaller children and could not help feeling bad for what they were having to do.

  “You’re right.” Shane said.

  “Are you having them train with these?” Cass asked as she picked up one of the fallen practice swords. Even in her hands the sword was too big.

  “Well yes that’s what all the other groups have been training with.” Shane said as he took the blade from Cass. It was a thin steel blade that seemed like a toy to Shane compared to his copper broadsword.

  “Yes but the other groups were adults who could wield these blades. These are kids they need to have daggers or something easier.” Shane gave the practice sword a few swings, cutting down invisible enemies.

  Shane was about to agree with Cass for the second time since she had landed when another idea struck him.

  “Everyone come over here. Gather in, quickly.” Shane shouted. All the elves lowered their heads as they made their way to Shane, thinking that they were about to start training again.

  Shane picked the smallest elf he could find, a young girl who looked to be twelve.

  “You.” Shane pointed at the young girl. “Is today the first time you have ever used a sword?” Shane asked.

  The girl did not speak but instead she nodded. Shane moved on to the next smallest child, and the next; each time getting the same answer as before.

  “Has anyone ever used a dagger before, or even a short sword?” Shane shouted to all the elves. Again no one said that they had.

  “How many of you have ever used a bow before?” Shane asked. Immediately all the elves raised their hands and lifted their gaze to meet Shane.

  Shane pointed to the youngest elf again. “How good are you with a bow?” Shane asked.

  “I have been hunting on my own for almost two years now.” She answered shyly.

  Shane turned to face Cass, who was already guessing at what Shane had discovered. “Instead of training them to fight with blades, something they have no experience with, why not let them use what they have been using for years?” Shane asked.

  “I agree with you, and luckily we have more than enough bows and arrows.” Cass smiled when she saw the expressions of the young elves all around her change into smiles. Cass climbed back onto Shaylin and began strapping herself in.

  “Where are you going?” Shane asked as they all backed up to give Shaylin room to take off.

  “To the armory, to get you bows and arrows of course.” Cass signaled to Shaylin and within a heartbeat they were flying back towards Out Post.

  “So what do we do now Rider Shane?” The young girl asked.

  “Now we clear this field and set up targets, it’s time for archery practice.” Shane said as the kids cheered around him, happy to be doing anything other than training with swords.

  Hayden carefully made his way through the trees, doing his best to remain hidden for as long as possible. He wanted to see what the ship and its crew were up to before he revealed himself.

  Well, what are they doing? Draek asked as Hayden inched his way behind the last bushes before the sand started.

  It looks like they have lowered a small boat and are coming towards the beach. Hayden said as he watched the smaller boat cast off from the ship and make its way towards the beach.

  I don’t like being left behind I am coming with you. Draek was getting agitated waiting at the lake.

  No not yet I think there is only five people in the boat, they won’t be a problem. Hayden notched an arrow and slowly stepped out of hiding as the boat landed on the beach.

  “Ah so you was right, there is a scavenger here. Look, he’s got himself a little bow and arrow.” A large man spoke as he got out of the boat and pulled it further up onto the beach. He spoke to another man on the boat and when they made it ashore the speaker handed the other man a silver coin from his pocket.

  “Well little man, today is your lucky day. We are here to rescue you from this island.” The large man walked closer to Hayden. “Now be a good lad and put your toys down, wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”

  “Thank you for the offer but no thank you, I am waiting on someone.” Hayden said as he pulled back on his bow and pointed it at the man.

  Even with an arrow pointed at his chest the man continued to walk to Hayden. “Ah you misunderstood me lad, you are coming with us.” The man was only ten feet away from Hayden when Hayden released the first arrow in between his feet.

  The man stopped walking and looked down at the arrow. It only took a second for the man to look up but by the time he did Hayden already had another arrow notched and pulled back.

  “Alright lad you made your point.” The man raised his hands but did not move from where he stood. “I understand you don’t want to come with us but you don’t have a choice. I promise you though if you come peacefully I will try to find a good ship for you to work on, one that doesn’t beat their slaves to much.”

  Hayden looked at the man as he spoke and he saw the iron shackles hanging from his belt. Slavers. Hayden thought to himself as he pulled his arrow back and took aim. The man made no move to avoid the arrow.

  Hayden was about to release the arrow when something caught his attention. In between the shore and the ship something was happening in the water. The water began to toss and turn sporadically as something started coming up out of the water. Something big.

  Hayden fired an arrow but his aim was off so it flew harmlessly over the slaver. Hayden was about to turn and run back to Draek. He didn’t care if they had to flee and leave all their gear, that didn’t matter. Surviving mattered and there could be only one thing coming up from under the water like that. A blue dragon.

  Just as Hayden realized that the slaver sprinted at Hayden and yanked the bow out of his hands. The slaver reached behind him and grabbed one of the shackles and put it on Hayden’s wrist. The slaver moved so fast that Hayden had not realized what was happening until the first shackle was on his wrist.

  “Like I said lad, you are coming with us.” The slaver smiled and Hayden could see more gold teeth then regular ones. The slaver grabbed Hayden’s other wrist and went to put the shackle on but Hayden regained control over his body and went on the attack.

  Hayden yanked his wrist free of the slaver’s grasp and kicked his knee, bringing the man down. The slaver let go of the shackles that he had put around Hayden’s other wrist as he grabbed his injured knee. The shackles were held together by a foot long chain which Hayden used as a whip.

  Hayden swung the shackle and brought the other end down on the man’s head, knocking him out. Hayden recovered from his short fight to see what the other slavers were doing. The other four slavers, one female the other three male, had all gotten out of the boat and were slowly making their way up the shore to Hayden.

  Having watched Hayden fight, the other slavers were taking their time getting up to him. They were not going to underestimate Hayden.

  Hayden started backing up into the tree line just when the ocean exploded in a violent downpour. He watched as a blue dragon shot out of the water and looked towards the beach.


  “DRAEK!” Hayden yelled out loud and in his mind. As the blue dragon roared, a strange high pitched sound, the slavers cheered and started to run at Hayden. They stopped just a few feet after they had started running because of a sound coming from behind Hayden.

  Draek let loose his flame as he lunged over the trees. The blue dragon looked at the inferno that was rushing towards it and let out another high pitched roar. Draek bellowed his roar in response and quickly silenced the blue dragon.

  Although the blue dragon was just as long as Draek was, the blue dragon was hardly wider than a horse at its thickest part. The dragon was thin and had a long neck and long and equally long tail that had fins on the end.

  Hayden watched as Draek hovered over Hayden and roared at anyone that moved. Hayden quickly grabbed a metal key that was hanging off the unconscious slavers belt and undid his shackles. He grabbed his bow and arrows and notched another arrow.

  “Draek, we need to get out of here.” Hayden said as he aimed at the other slavers. Hayden had expected Draek to be fighting the blue dragon but instead both dragons hovered in front of each other.

  “Draek what are you doing?” Hayden asked. Draek remained silent but the female slaver raised her hands and slowly walked towards Hayden. Hayden pulled back on his bow string and aimed in the middle of the slaver’s throat.

  “Not another step.” Hayden said. Draek what are you doing? We need to get out of here. Hayden shouted with his mind but Draek made not attempts to answer him. Draek just continued hovering and kept his silver eyes locked on the blue dragon.

  “Ok rider, but you are coming with us.” The slaver spoke but stopped walking.

  “We are not going anywhere with you.” Hayden replied.

  “Then why are you waiting on this island if not waiting for us?” The slaver asked. Hayden released some of the tension on his bow but he did not lower his aim.