by J. K. Barber
“What did she do to you children?” the male voice spoke sadly, his voice resonating deeply.
Sirus glanced about nervously, as did his clutchmates, at the massive purple dragon before him and the dozens of other young drakes of various colors that were approaching with great curiosity. The adult dragon was still astonished, looking back and forth between the black-veined younglings, at their strikingly different features from the rest of the dragons present. The newcomers unconsciously began to back up, feeling crowded and not sure if the reaction their presence had roused was good or bad for their wellbeing. Tomas blinked a couple of times and realized the little dragons were getting close to the pale-scaled ones. His eyes narrowed. With a loud protective growl, the baby dragons scattered, going back to hunt, play, or nap in the warm tropical sun.
“Do you serve the Ice Queen willingly?” Tomas asked pointedly, raising his head to its full regal height. Sirus gulped, fear evident as he cowered before the giant. The adult dragon was as tall as some of the small peaks south of the Ice Palace he had seen on the Shadow Drake’s explorative morning flights. The great purple’s voice resonated deep from within his chest.
Tomas still waited for an answer. When none of his clutchmates answered the question, Sindai stepped forward bravely and said, “No.” The larger dragon relaxed, his head lowering again to peer at Sindai. The younger dragon was surprised that no pain racked his body for so bluntly renouncing the Empress of Ice. In fact, they couldn’t feel their mistress’ hex over them at all in this place. Sharing their thoughts, the Shadow Drakes exchanged fleeting looks with each other in surprise at the revelation.
“We are not free to do as we please, however,” Sirus quickly stated, breaking away from his previous fright. “Our mistress cast an enchantment on us when we were still in our eggs. We must obey her every command, and if we do not we are assaulted with overwhelming pain.”
“And yet you are here. I would not think she would allow you to travel here with peaceful intentions as you appear to have done,” the adult dragon said suspiciously.
“Our caregiver, Roane, has sent us to Snowhaven to rendezvous with our Mistress,” Isa said, her light purples eyes settling coolly on Tomas’ as he turned his head to regard her. “We took a detour,” she said mischievously, a quirky smile upon her scaly lips.
“I think I understand you,” Tomas said, smiling a toothy grin at their cunning. “I see that despite the Ice Queen’s taint upon you that you still possess the intelligence of our kind,” he said, his eyes unfocused for a moment as his thoughts turned inward. “Salamasca has no idea the magnitude of the feat she is trying to accomplish… to bend dragons to her will… to try to control a magical creature that she knows nothing about…foolish child…,” he spoke to himself. His eyes snapped back to the Shadow Drakes before him. “I am sorry, my mind wanders and my manners are lost. You may call me Tomas for now. My real name is not pronounceable in the human tongue in which we are speaking.”
“I am Sirus and these are my clutchmates,” the man-now-dragon said, inclining his head to each Shadow Drake in turn, “Walron, Misae, Niambe, Sindai, and Isa.”
“You speak the human tongue so clearly, one called Sirus,” Tomas said quizzically as he regarded the former woodsman. His eyes were penetrating. “May I?”
Sirus felt a presence on the edge of his subconscious like a guest politely knocking on the door of his home. He realized it was Tomas asking permission to view his thoughts even though Sirus knew the adult dragon could easily have “let himself in” so to speak. The other Shadow Drakes felt this as well and realized that this is how other dragons must also behave socially. Sirus smiled warmly, it was nice to actually be asked; his clutchmates had never asked to invade his thoughts in the beginning, and it was beyond overwhelming for the former human who had almost lost his sanity in the acclimation process. It was only his experience conversing with animals which had allowed him to comprehend what was going on and how to separate his thoughts from those of his brothers and sisters.
“You may,” Sirus replied nervously, not knowing what to expect. He remembered the adult dragon nodding before his head exploded with the myriad colors of flowing thoughts and centuries of memories belonging to the larger dragon flashing before him. In contrast, Tomas flipped through his memory like it was a book, pausing here and there before skimming over the rest. Tomas’ precision was staggering. The other Shadow Drakes gasped along with Sirus, experiencing the whole process along with him. Scattered images of other adult dragons, stars, and strange worlds passed through their minds. An enormous elder dragon so old that his red scales had lost all their luster had stood before Tomas telling him he was to watch over the eggs placed in Aronshae…
“Horribly fascinating,” Tomas said, shuddering like his skin was crawling and finally retracting his presence to a more polite distance. “Your human mind was actually transposed with that of a dragon. Strange indeed,” the adult dragon pondered aloud, “and I need not wonder what happened to the dragon’s mind in your human body.” Sadness washed over Tomas’ features, causing the great creature to look far less imposing from their first impression. The Shadow Drakes shuffled their feet and swished their tails uncertainly. “So, young ones, why have you come here?” he finally asked, setting aside his grief.
Niambe spoke, her tone confused because of her continuing struggling with human speech, “Beckoned us… in dreams no? Purple eyes watch us… sand… waves…”
Walron interjected, “Tomas asks why we come... come because.…” The largest of the Shadow Drakes, Walron looked to his other sister, Misae, known to be the smartest of the clutch. He wished her to continue along his train of thought where he had failed to produce the words; his human speech was worse than Niambe’s. Sirus would have helped but he didn’t know what Walron was trying to convey.
“Can you free us?” Misae asked simply.
“I cannot. I am sorry,” Tomas replied, his eyes showing true regret.
“It’s as simple as that? You won’t even try?” Sirus asked, his voice suddenly hot with anger. His tail flicked back and forth more forcefully and his claws dug deeply into the sand.
“Peace, child,” Tomas chided, “I already did try while I was reading your thoughts. You are far from understanding your own capabilities, much less mine.”
Sirus looked abashed and backed down, embarrassment darkening the pale scales on his snout grey. More gently the adult dragon continued, “You are welcome to stay here and learn what I can teach you, but I know that you cannot due to the Ice Queen’s enchantment over you. As soon as your deadline to arrive passed, the pain would most likely kill you.”
“We never mentioned we had a time limit…,” Walron began before Tomas cut him off, tapping a single claw the size of a greatsword gently against Walron’s temple.
“Again, little one, I read your thoughts,” Tomas smiled. The expression faded quickly though with his next words. “No dragon can heal your affliction. That is one of the few things beyond our abilities. I am afraid you must return to your Mistress… at least for now. She will command you to do terrible things that may seem fun at the time. However, killing innocents that you overpower by so much is no game. Remember that…” he paused briefly, focusing on each Shadow Drake individually, driving his point home. “You found a loop-hole once in coming here. You are dragons. Your intelligence will dwarf that of any human in time. Bide your time. The Ice Queen will trip up and not be specific in her orders. When that time comes, you will be able to break free completely and be on your own. I am truly sorry that I cannot help you more directly.”
The Shadow Drakes all wore sorrowful expressions, weighed down by the Ice Queen’s command over them. Misae nodded, her draconian face lightening.
“Thank you, Tomas,” she said. “We know now what we must do.”
“You were once a purple like me. I hope to one day see the color returned to your scales. May you find peace, my brethren,” Tomas said solemnly. “Now go, before you ar
e missed.”
The Shadow Drakes took one last look around them at the serene scene of their kind frolicking happily on the beach. Then, they turned to re-enter the Ley Lines to travel to Snowhaven where their dark mistress awaited.
The Empress of Ice scanned the horizon as dusk settled upon the small mountain fortress that was Snowhaven. Captain Ra’thet breathed as quietly as he could beside her on the upper balcony of the Sorcerer Tower, knowing that the slightest shuffle of his feet or exhalation could send his Mistress over the edge of her already questionable sanity. Her mood was dark indeed; the Shadow Drakes had not yet arrived from the Ice Palace where Roane, the Ice Queen’s temporary regent, was raising them. Salamasca’s normally smooth face, matching her chilly title, was now creased in anger. She scowled at the setting sun, its yellow rays fading along with her hope for the successful assault on Illyander.
“I’ll skin that wiry tramp alive...,” the Ice Queen began before her breath caught. With a flash of light, half a dozen dragons burst forth from the massive crystal protruding from the tower’s roof, spiraling up into the sky before gliding down. The last and largest of them let forth a mighty roar that shook the balcony, his white scales flashing in the last rays of the sun. He followed the sun and his kin downwards to the settlement, as darkness settled over the land.
“They use the Ley Lines,” the tall, pale woman gasped quietly, placing a hand on her captain’s arm. “Interesting,” the Ice Queen mused.
“Bring more torches and hold them higher,” Captain Ra’thet called to his men. Night had enveloped the mountain town in darkness, but the training courtyard of the old Snowhaven Warrior School was bright with firelight. Orc and human soldiers alike watched with wondrous interest from side fences, all doubt in their Queen from the failed attack on the Illyander capital quickly fading at the sight of her latest additions.
The Empress of Ice ran her hands over Walron’s pale scales again, studying every detail of her new servant. He relished the attention, casting a glance to Sirus with clear meaning that this greater mistress than Roane was his this time. Sirus bowed his head, secretly overjoyed to not attract attention to himself; the Ice Queen knew his true mind and it would not be long before she confronted him. She touched each of the other dragons briefly, tracing the web of black veins visible through the scales and making particular mental notes where each of their scars lay. The dragons kneeled in a semi-circle before her with heads lowered in allegiance to their Mistress. The sorceress queen turned to Captain Ra’thet, standing nearby in the training yard. Beside him were five freshly-made Shadow Walkers with the same blank stares as their predecessors, wearing matching black, loose-fitting clothes in the style of the Eastern Kingdoms complete with turbans. Each wore a pair of long daggers in black leather belt sheathes, their smooth skull pommels glossy in the torchlight. Their presence was proof that the Ice Queen had not been idle while her army had dug in deep in Snowhaven and her dragons grew.
“They are magnificent, aren’t they?” Salamasca asked, but continued without waiting for a reply. “And to think they are just babies. They will easily grow to the size of houses, if not bigger.” She laughed merrily, very pleased indeed. Her inspection complete, she motioned to Ra’thet and the Shadow Walkers.
“Bring the saddles,” she snapped, snatching her staff from where she had stuck it in the dirt of the training yard. Sirus felt fear flare in his siblings around him, even from Walron. He tried his best to send back soothing thoughts. Be at peace. You know we must obey.
Six saddles were brought forth, Ra’thet with the last one in hand and headed towards Walron; then began the process of attaching them to the dragons with dozens of straps and reins. Some minor adjustments had to be made so as not to hinder the mount’s wings or for the saddles to sit too far forward on their necks. Salamasca hitched up her skirts, fastening hooks in the hem to loops on her belt. Light-colored leather riding pants could be seen underneath the skirt. She allowed her captain to help her into Walron’s saddle. The Shadow Walkers mounted the other five dragons who shivered at the touch of their undead riders.
“I mean not to question, my Queen, but I am concerned for your safety in your wish to participate in this first flight,” the raven-haired captain inquired. Salamasca slapped him across his bare jaw with such fierceness that he staggered backward. Walron’s head snaked on his muscular neck in Ra’thet’s direction, a protective low growl in his throat.
“You forget yourself, Captain,” she spat spitefully, but then a smile formed on her lips as she gestured for him to come close again. He complied quickly like a child to his mother. She gently cupped her hand on his jaw where she had struck him. The skin was an angry red that would most likely bruise. “You are just jealous. That is natural, my pet.” The Empress of Ice straightened in the saddle and looked to her troops watching the display. “I trust that you will keep them in line while I am away.” Her Captain kneeled in the dirt before her.
“Your every wish is my greatest desire, Empress,” he spoke, his head low in obedience.
“Good, we will return shortly. This is the first of many flights…,” she laughed before kicking at the flanks of her dragon. Walron may have not understood the physical command, but he felt his Queen’s desire to fly. He opened his wide wings and pumped them a few times before launching into the air with a great leap that almost sent his rider sprawling. She managed to keep her seat, however, and soon they were soaring through the air, the other dragons with their Shadow Walker riders close behind in a “V” formation. The Ice Queen laughed with pleasure at the air’s rush against her skin, blowing her hair and robes out behind her.
Chapter 6
Harsh sunlight assaulted Jared’s eyes as he opened the door and stepped out onto the deck of the Peregrine for a breath of fresh air. He had slept longer than he had intended and it was well past breakfast already. He was hungry and had a horrible taste in his mouth as he made his way to the ship’s railing. He was bumped several times as he padded barefoot across the worn planks of the deck. The Peregrine had almost arrived at Valshet and the schooner’s crew had no time for pleasantries as they were preparing to dock. Jared hurried his steps to get to the railing and out of the sailors’ way. Through squinting eyes he saw a robed figure standing at the rail and altered his path to meet her.
Katya was looking at the city around them, her shoulders adorned with a pair of matching black crows. One of the birds turned its head to regard Jared for a moment and then leaned in closer to the side of Katya’s head, its beak opening and closing slightly. The sorceress stood a little straighter and turned to watch the woodsman as he approached, dodging between running sailors until he could join her.
“Morning, Jared,” Katya said, her voice pleasant, her face smiling. “Did you sleep well?” The pair of black birds took no further notice of the hunter, preferring to look at Valshet instead.
Jared passed his hand over his face, running it from his temples over his tired eyes, and down to his darkly stubbled chin before letting out a heavy sigh. “Still no,” he said, weariness evident in his voice and the set of his shoulders. “I just can’t get used to sleeping on a ship. It moves too much under me.” The woodsman rubbed his stomach and cast a longing eye over to the door opposite the one he had come out where the galley was. “But I finally have my appetite back. What are the chances that there’s any breakfast left?” Jared knew even as he asked the question, what the answer probably was.
“None, I’m afraid,” Katya answered and Jared’s spirits dropped further. “The men saw to that this morning. I was barely able to sneak away some scraps for these two.” Katya indicated the pair of crows that sat her shoulders with a quick motion of her head. Both birds turned towards Jared, one of them hopping a little in a familiar way. Even though it was probably just a trick of the light, the hunter was certain that the lively crow was grinning at him.
“Good morning, Niko,” Jared said to the bouncing bird. “Good morning, Chyla,” he said to the other Nhyme
. Both birds nodded their heads once and then went back to looking at the seaport city. “Do you know where Sasha is?” Jared asked, addressing the raven-haired sorceress again.
The woodsman thought he saw Katya’s smile falter a bit as she replied. “My sister is in the captain’s cabin with Mistress Mala. They’re trying to figure out the logistics of transporting us, sixty soldiers and all their gear as discreetly as possible.” Katya’s mouth turned a bit up on one side in a mischievous and not all together unattractive smirk. “I wasn’t in the least bit interested.”
Jared chuckled. “I can’t say that I blame you.” Jared thought for a moment and then looked over to the sailors as they were tossing the mooring ropes down to their counterparts on the docks. “How much longer are they going to be, you think?” Jared asked.
“They’ve been discussing the matter since right after breakfast, but I can ask if you would like.” Katya half turned towards the door to the captain’s cabin, but Jared stopped her by taking hold of her arm. Looking down to his hand and then back up at the hunter, Katya’s face wore an expression of confusion.
“I don’t want to interrupt them,” he said. “But I wanted to pick up a few things while we were in Valshet and hoped I would have the time.”
“Well, the rest of the soldiers from Aeirsga aren’t due to arrive until tomorrow, so I would think you would have the rest of the day at least,” Katya replied.
“Good, good,” Jared said, looking back up at the sun and figuring out how many hours of daylight he would have. Captain Veldrun had said it would take him the better part of two days to select the small contingent of men from the King’s Army and get them equipped for their journey across the Frozen March. Then he had to quietly sail them down the Lion’s Charge into Valshet to meet up with Mistress Mala and the others. Once there, the men would come under the command of the swordmistress, while Veldrun stayed in the capital readying himself for his journey north overland with King Morgan, Talas and Branden. Jared still couldn’t help but be impressed by Veldrun’s efficiency. The woodsman would have bet a handful of gold crowns that it would have taken most of a week to organize and equip so many men as well as get them on the move stealthily. However, the Captain of the King’s Guard was confident that he would have sixty men quietly travelling on three different ships and on their way to Valshet only a day behind the Peregrine.