“If we don’t bring ours there won’t be a war to win!” Shane broke free and continued to run through the smoke and embers that filled the woods.
Rilora get ready! Shane shouted in his mind with all his might as he jumped over a burning log. Another burning projectile came flying overhead and exploded into a tree just a few feet in front of Shane.
Shane yelled and crouched under his shield as flaming splinters showered all around him. He heard Cass yell and he looked behind him to see Cass’s shield propped up just as his was.
“Are you ok?” Shane shouted over the sounds of the woods burning around him.
Cass rose up out of the ashes, a smoldering golden phoenix, and nodded to Shane. He would have been in awe of her if he wasn’t so determined to get to Rilora.
Shane quickly got to his feet and continued running.
Rilora where are you? Shane asked as he made it to the field that they were supposed to meet at. The field had been hit by one of the projectiles and was now engulfed in flames.
Here. Rilora roared as she flew past the opening in the trees where Shane and Cass were waiting. Shaylin close behind her.
Is there anywhere near here for you to land? Shane asked.
Not that I can see, the forest is burning. Rilora said.
“There is nowhere for them to land.” Shane said. He could hear the sounds of battle being raged and he knew that they had to hurry.
“What do we do now; we can’t go back the fire is out of control!” Cass shouted. Her golden armor had been dimmed by smoke and soot and Shane could only guess that he looked the same or possibly worse.
“I don’t know.” Shane said, looking around for an answer. “I don’t know.” All around him fire and smoke raged, the air growing hotter and hotter as they looked for a way out.
“Look out!” Cass shouted as she kicked Shane in the middle of the back, knocking him down face first into the dirt. Shane looked up in time to see Cass jump out of the way of another flaming projectile that crashed through the burning trees and dug itself into the ground.
Shane coughed up dirt as he stood up and looked at the fresh damage that the projectile had caused. A large tree had almost completely fallen over and was being held up by the branches of the trees around it, making a burning ladder to the tree tops.
“Run!” Shane shouted as he jumped over the roots of the burning tree and ran up the side of the tree. Cass followed close behind but as they neared the tops of the trees Cass shouted out.
“Another one’s coming!” Shane did not have to ask what she was talking about as a projectile smashed into the tree, launching Shane and Cass high into the air.
Hayden was ridding Draek above the line of ships being pulled by dragons through the river. The ships were going faster than they had ever gone by wind alone but Hayden was not sure if it was going to be enough.
We need to go faster. Hayden said, smacking his hand against his saddle.
I know but we are going as fast as we can. Draek reassured him.
Can you see any sign of them? Hayden asked, changing the question. Hayden had told Rimney that they were going to fly around just to make sure they hadn’t been seriously injured but Hayden was hoping that Draek was going to be able to spot the two fleeing silver dragons. So far they had had no such luck.
Still nothing Hayden. Draek was getting irritated at Hayden for asking the same question over and over again but he gave no voice to his feelings.
We need to land for a while. Draek stated and began angling down towards the ships.
Why, are you hurting? Hayden asked, worried that he had pushed his silver dragon too far.
No but we could both use some rest and you need to find yourself a new sword. Draek said as he neared the water.
Draek’s words hurt Hayden just as much as being kicked off the Light House had. His sword was missing.
Hayden had lost it and they had not been able to find it on the landing pad after Sebastian and Giles had fled. He had taken off his sheath because he couldn’t find a reason to have an empty sheath on his back.
Draek landed in the center of The Misty Maiden without another word. Hayden undid the straps holding him in the saddle and slid off his dragon’s back.
Draek nudged his head against Hayden’s chest and when the deck hands had removed Draek’s saddle he jumped into the water and swam away.
“Is all well?” Rimney walked down from the upper deck to meet with Hayden.
“Yes there is no major damage to either of us, we are both ready to go.” Hayden said.
“Good I am glad to hear that, at this rate we should get to the battle grounds by morning.” Rimney said. Hayden thought that the news would lift his spirits but he still had the over powering question of would it be in time.
“I need a sword.” Hayden said abruptly.
“I had noticed that you are without one. I believe one of the ships with us now has a blacksmith on board. They may have a sword or two on board that you could use.” Rimney said.
Hayden thought about it for a few seconds and reluctantly agreed. He hated the idea of replacing his sword but he did not have a choice.
“I will send word to him to fly over here and bring some of his finer weapons. There will, of course, be a finder’s fee.” Rimney smiled at Hayden. Hayden was unsure is she was kidding or not but he decided laughter was the best answer.
“Haha.” Hayden did his best pretend laugh.
“I don’t understand what’s so funny.” Rimney replied.
Hayden turned around and walked into the cabin, leaving Rimney standing behind him.
Hayden laid out his armor and began oiling and cleaning the armor. Rust had not yet eaten its way in between the metal links that held the scales together. Hayden didn’t want to give it a chance too.
Hayden meticulously worked to get oil in every nook and crevasse in his armor. When he had finished his armor glowed.
As Hayden started to put his armor up Rimney entered the cabin with a man that Hayden knew instantly was the blacksmith.
The smith stood as tall as Hayden but his arms were as thick as tree trunks and his chest truly was the size of a barrel.
“Hayden this is Toren, the blacksmith and weapons master on the ship The Setting Sun.” Toren nodded his head at Hayden and Hayden returned the gesture. Before Rimney could say anymore Toren walked over to Hayden’s armor and began examining it like an artist looking at someone else’s painting.
“This is truly a master piece.” Toren said as he looked over the scales and metal links.
“Thank you.” Hayden replied, feeling awkward about someone else touching his armor.
“I had seen Metallic Rider’s armor before but never this close. There appears not to be any major weak points.” Toren continued his inspection until his hands fell about Hayden’s eagle helmet.
“Where did this come from?” He asked. Most Metallic Riders wore a plane helmet fashioned in the color or their dragon.
“I had earned it during the Festival of Games back in Celestial City.” Hayden answered.
“This is truly remarkable. I have never seen work like this from anyone other than the dwarves. Your smiths are truly talented.” Toren gently placed the helmet back down on the bed.
“Thank you for allowing me to inspect your armor.” Toren said formally.
“You’re welcome.” Hayden said. Not like you even asked. Hayden thought to himself.
Play nice, he is giving you a sword after all. Draek replied, causing Hayden to jump slightly.
“Now to business, Captain Rimney has said that you are in need of a sword.” Toren grabbed a large canvas sack that they had set down on the other side of the door and started pulling blades out of it.
“I know that on dragon back you need to have a sword with some reach.” Toren pulled out a giant broadsword and handed it to Hayden. The sword was even bigger than Shane’s blade and it felt heavy in Hayden’s hand.
“I am sorry but I do not think thi
s one will work.” Hayden said as he handed it back.
“No need to apologize Rider, a sword should be an extension of your arm and should move just as easily as you do.” Toren discarded the blade on the floor and continued to dig through the bag.
Before showing Hayden a new blade he added three more blades to the discard pile, complaining that they would never work for Hayden.
Finally he brought out a short sword, which was significantly lighter and smaller than his old blade. Hayden took it in his hand and felt like he was carrying a child’s sword around. The sword seemed to be closer to a dagger then a real sword.
“No not this one either.” Hayden said and handed the blade back.
“That’s fine, that’s fine we have plenty other blades to see.” Toren pulled the edges of the bag back to get a better view of what weapons he had brought with him. Hayden saw nearly a dozen more sword hilts sticking up out of the bag but one blade caught his eye.
Hayden reached his hand into the bag and pulled the blade out without asking permission. It was the silver dragon rider’s blade that he had seen with Rimney a few days before.
“Ah, you are right. A rider should have a rider’s blade, it is only right.” Toren said while Hayden took a few quick practice swings with the blade. It felt lighter than his old blade and it was shorter. It seemed to be a designed to use with a silver shield rather than on its own.
Hayden inspected the blade and while it had been cleaned and sharpened there were scratches and nicks all along the blade.
“This blade has seen battle.” Hayden stated as he held the blade closer to the light.
“A good eye you have rider, this blade has been in many battles and has rained terror and blood down upon its enemies.” Toren said.
Hayden grabbed his scabbard from his old blade and placed the new one in. The blade fit but seemed to be a little small. The blade is smaller than my old one was. Hayden thought as he looked the blade over again while Toren was saying what a perfect fit.
But can you use it? Draek asked. Hayden pulled the blade out quickly as if he was being attacked before he answered Draek’s question.
Yes I can. Hayden put the blade back in his scabbard and laid the blade down with his armor.
“I believe I have found my new blade, thank you Toren for your service.” Hayden thanked him while Toren began to pack up the discarded blades.
“Thank you Rider.” Toren held out his hand to Hayden.
Hayden looked at his open hand with confusion. “I don’t understand your customs, I am sorry.” He admitted.
“Ah let me explain it you then. You have to pay for the blade.” Toren said with all seriousness, forcing Rimney to cover her mouth to hide her laugh.
Hayden was about to complain but he remembered a time back in Celestial City when he had spoken with a blacksmith. The man had complained about how dragon riders took whatever they wanted without paying for it.
Hayden went through his bags till he found what little coin he had and gave it to Toren.
Toren counted the coins but shook his head. “This will buy you one of the lesser blades but not a rider’s blade. Do you know what goes into making a dragon rider’s sword?” Toren asked. Hayden just stared at him until he realized what he had asked.
“Well of course you know what goes into these blades so you know they are worth more than this.” Toren held out the money to show Hayden.
“This is all I have.” Hayden said.
“I am sorry Rider then I must have the blade back.” Toren grabbed the blade off the bed and pulled it out of the sheath. Toren then put the coins Hayden had given him in his pocket.
“If you are not selling me a blade why are you taking my money?” Hayden asked. He felt his heart start to quicken as his anger flared up.
“Let’s call it a payment for wasting my time.” Toren turned to Rimney. “Next time make sure the person can afford my weapons.” Toren turned to leave but Hayden grabbed his shoulder and held him in place.
“Do you know who I am boy?” Toren growled.
“Boy?” Hayden asked. “I believe you are the person who is trying to rob me.” Hayden leaned in closer as he spoke.
Before Toren could respond Hayden reached out and pulled the riders blade from Toren’s grasp, cutting into his fingers as the blade slid free.
Toren fell back onto the floor and howled with pain and anger as he looked as his cut hands.
“What have you done?” He yelled.
“Let’s call it a payment for wasting my time.” Hayden answered. “Now take your money and your swords and get off the ship. And if you ever try to pull something like this on me again it will be more than your fingers that get cut.”
Toren looked at the blade in Hayden’s hand and sat for a second before he gently grabbed up the bag of blades and disappeared out of the cabin.
Hayden put his new blade back in the sheath and laid it on the bed. Rimney watched Toren run out of the cabin and walked over to get a better look at Hayden’s new blade.
“Well?” Hayden asked, expecting Rimney to have something to say about the way he had acted.
“Meh.” She said as she looked over the blade. “I think you over paid.”
Chapter 29
“AAHHHH!” Shane yelled as he flipped in the air. Smoke and ash filled his lungs as he was thrown over the burning woods. Shane was sure he was about to die when he slammed into something and had the wind knocked out of him.
Shane gasped for air as he tried to catch his breath. His helmet had gotten knocked aside so he was blind to what was going on around him but he was sure that he was flying. Shane pawed at his helmet until he finally fixed it and regained his sight.
Rilora. Shane thought as he looked up at his copper dragon. She had caught him midair and was flying above the trees with him to get out of the range of the galiants. Shane looked behind him in time to see Shaylin swoop down and catch Cass in her talons.
We need to land somewhere so I can get in the saddle. Shane thought as he began looking around for a safe place to land.
We don’t have time for that. Rilora said as she flew up higher into the air. Shaylin stayed close behind and began making the aerial climb with her.
What are you doing? Shane asked.
Something that I have seen Hayden and Draek do. Rilora said as she leveled out high above the tree line. Shane was about to ask what she meant when he realized the answer before he asked the question.
No, no way we can’t do that. Shane started to yell in his mind when Rilora spun upside down and threw Shane into the air. While he was in the air Rilora flipped back around and Shane smacked into Rilora’s back.
He narrowly missed one of her back spikes and was able to grab hold of one of the saddle straps. Shane climbed into the saddle and quickly attached the safety straps.
Cass is on Shaylin and they are ready to go. Rilora told Shane.
Good then we are ready. Shane checked the straps one more time, just to make sure they were tight.
Ready for what? What’s our plan? Rilora asked.
Shane was about to answer when he realized that he hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. He thought about what they needed to do while they flew over the burning forest and made their way closer to the battle field.
Rilora and Shaylin kept close to the tree tops to remain hidden by the smoke. As they neared the fighting Shane watched as one of the catapults launched its projectile into the middle of a group of elves trying to defend themselves against the cavalry.
We need to destroy those war machines. Shane said. The catapults were going to be easy to cripple but the galiants had giant crossbows mounted on their sides to kill dragons and their riders who were foolish enough to try to destroy them.
This will be no easy task. Rilora said without doubt in her voice.
I know. Shane said as he tucked down lower to her body so that he would create less wind resistance.
Rilora let out a defiant roar as she soared over the tr
ee line and lowered herself until she was gliding just a few feet off of the ground.
The elves shouted and cheered at the sight of them but their enemies continued to press forward and continued their attack as if nothing had changed.
As Rilora flew above their troops she released her flames upon the men. Screams of pain and the smell of smoke and burning flesh trailed behind Rilora as soared past the men and headed straight for the galiants.
They will think better than to ignore you. Shane said as he tried to stay as close as he could to Rilora’s body.
They will never think again. Rilora shot straight at the closest galiant but was quickly turned away by its giant mounted crossbows. The soldiers would fire them one at a time so that they could give the shooters time to reload.
Rilora roared her frustration but continued looking for ways to get close enough to attack.
Shaylin and her rider want us to focus on the left side while they will stay on the right. Shane was about to ask why when he saw Cass and Shaylin dive to the right of the galiant and forced the crossbow to fire at them. Giving Shane and Rilora a longer gap between shots then they had been getting.
Do it Rilora. Shane shouted. Rilora dove in right after Shaylin had but the soldiers were still able to fire off two shots to push them back. After Rilora passed Shaylin dove down a second time and the crossbowmen fired both their rounds at her.
Rilora quickly flipped in midair and landed on top of the galiant. Shane saw the soldiers smiling at each other as they waited for someone to shoot her but they quickly realized that none of them had had a chance to reload yet.
Rilora lit the galiant beneath her with a long steady flame that burned through all the ropes and timbers as if they had been doused in tar.
You did it. Shane said, a small victory was still a victory.
No, we did it. Rilora said as Cass and Shaylin landed beside the burning galiant.
“What’s next?” Shane asked as Rilora stepped off the burning rubble.
“There are still a few more of these things still standing.” Cass shouted with a smile. Rilora and Shane both roared as they took off into the air to find their next victim.
The Clash of Land and Sea_The Dragon Riders of Arvain Page 28