Neither dragon could get the upper hand. This giant black dragon was getting on Kazin’s nerves. It was wounded and enraged, and would not let him be. Kazin could not proceed with their mission with the dragon pestering him like this. The last pass when the black dragon clawed at his side was the last straw. Until now, when Kazin had been a dragon, he had always been in control of his emotions. But this time the bloodlust these creatures often experienced seeped into his veins. Without knowing the full consequences of his emotions, Kazin opened his mind to the experience. He immediately understood what Zylor went through whenever he allowed his bloodlust to take over.
“Hold on tight!” commanded Kazin to his passengers. His voice was felt rumbling within his body more than heard above the noise of battle around them. Sherman and Amelia did as instructed, sensing that Kazin was about to do something different.
The black dragon had maneuvered behind them again and was about to let loose with another blast of flame. As it spewed its fire, Kazin dove to the side so swiftly his passengers had to hold on for dear life. The flames missed them by mere inches. Kazin continued to do several more tight maneuvers and succeeded in throwing off the pursuit of the black dragon.
It took a few moments for the black dragon to relocate them, and once it spotted them, it swerved to resume its attack as Kazin had predicted. Amelia half rose to cast a spell but Kazin rumbled, “Stay down!” His voice was firm and uncompromising, so Amelia hunkered down again.
The two dragons circled to head straight for each other. By now the blood lust was surging through every pore in Kazin’s body. There would be no backing down this time. Closer and closer the dragons got, neither willing to give way. Kazin’s body tensed the nearer they got. Knowing Kazin had an opening in his shield directly in front of him, the black dragon let loose with a blast of fire that was sure to burn his enemy. But Kazin did not veer away. At the last possible second, just before the flame was about to engulf him, he let loose with what could only be described as a lightning bolt of epic proportions. The bolt was a bluish white in colour and was so hot it burned through the other dragon’s flames. Sherman and Amelia had to squeeze their eyes shut so as not to be blinded. The lightning bolt burned up the black dragon’s flames so they were consumed before they hit Kazin and his riders. The bolt did not stop, however. It continued straight into the open maw of the black dragon, sizzling right through its mouth, neck, body, and then out through its tail, leaving a gaping hole. Kazin did not stop spewing the bolt. It still emitted from his mouth like a sword that grew and grew. He would have collided with the black dragon, but the bolt that tore through its body was now so hot that it blew the black dragon into thousands of tiny fragments just before impact.
The explosion of the big black dragon was so deafening and blinding that all combatants on the battlefield and in the air took note of the incident. Even the dragons were startled by this incredible sight.
Kazin emerged from the glowing dragon fragments and swerved around. A green dragon ridden by a lizardmage turned to engage Kazin, the lizardmage thinking his energy had been expended. Unfortunately, the green dragon didn’t have time to let loose with a flame. Kazin blasted another lightning bolt at it. The bolt tore right through the green dragon’s neck, severing its head from its body. The lizardmage grabbed uselessly at the dragon’s body as it plunged downward like a rock. Cries of pain and fear were drowned out by the sound of the impacts as the great beast crashed down into a large contingent of orcs, its head doing as much damage as its body.
Kazin didn’t stop. He turned to engage a nearby red dragon, but it had seen enough. It veered off and did some swift maneuvers to get away from this fearsome dragon.
Seeing dragons veering away from him in fear, Kazin started to cool down, purging the blood lust from his veins and letting the night air cool his body. He now concentrated on finding the warlock and his dragon, knowing most of the other dragons would leave him alone for now.
Chapter 36
“He’s right there,” said Amelia, pointing. “Straight ahead.”
“I see him,” said Kazin. The warlock was casting his magic at some nearby wild dragons. His spells varied each time, and sent the wild dragons screaming away in pain. Some dragons were set aflame, others were damaged by ice bolts, and others were magically disabled so they fell to the ground like stones. Without the magical protection of a dragon rider, they were no match for the warlock.
Kazin growled as another wild dragon crashed into the ground below. This warlock was deliberately targeting wild dragons in order to destroy them. Many of them tried to retreat from him, but he pursued them mercilessly until they were injured or destroyed.
If the big black dragon hadn’t been such a threat to Kazin or his riders, he would have been content with just scaring it off. Most wild dragons were smart enough to preserve themselves if they encountered a more powerful foe. The black dragon Kazin had faced must have been a dominant one that didn’t deal well with defeat.
A sudden blast of flame struck Kazin’s left side, but his magical shield held firm and deflected the flames away. A lizardmage had seen him aiming for his leader and was attempting to draw him away.
Kazin swerved to intercept, but the lizardmage turned to flee instead of facing this fearsome dragon. But as Kazin turned back toward the warlock, the lizardmage turned back as well, sending more flames their way.
“He’s playing games,” commented Sherman, looking back when the flames had dispersed.
“We’ll have to take him out,” said Kazin. He turned to pursue the lizardmage again.
Then out of nowhere a wide shower of ice bolts fell from the sky. A white dragon zoomed into sight with a female mage on its back. She waved at them while pursuing the lizardmage along with Kazin.
“Hello!” she called over to Amelia and Sherman.
“Hi!” said Sherman. He was taken by the girl’s beauty. “You’re awfully young for a mage!”
“What’s so awful about it?” asked the mage.
“Not a thing,” called Sherman.
The white dragon suddenly surged ahead to blast at the retreating lizardmage. “You go after the warlock!” called the mage before she was out of earshot. “I’ve got this one!” Her dragon belched more of its ice breath at the lizardmage.
The lizardmage was not to be caught, and veered to the side to avoid the blast of ice bolts. Without warning, a sizeable fireball came from below and struck the lizardmage’s dragon squarely in the abdomen. With a shriek, the dragon plummeted downward. The white dragon pursued, joined by another dragon ridden by a young mage who smiled at the female on the white dragon.
“It looks like you’re too late for that one,” said Amelia to Sherman. “She’s already taken.”
“A few centuries too late,” said Sherman. He shook his head sadly. “I could have had fun in this century.”
Suddenly Amelia laughed.
“What?” asked Sherman.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” said Amelia. “I just got a glimpse of the future of those two young dragon riders. Apparently they’re Kazin’s ancestors.”
Kazin looked back at Amelia in surprise.
“They must have survived the dragon wars then,” said Sherman happily.
Kazin didn’t say anything. Instead, he resumed his pursuit of the warlock, who was now tangling with a group of much smaller opponents. Pegasi were fleeing the warlock’s wrath in every direction, with their riders hanging on for dear life.
“That’s not fair!” cried Amelia.
“Let’s teach him to pick on someone his own size!” snarled Kazin. His bloodlust was beginning to take hold again.
The warlock spotted Kazin well before the companions were within range. He turned his dragon to meet this new adversary.
“Be careful!” admonished Amelia. “He’s got strong magic!”
“Get ready to cast your ‘nullify magi
c’ spell,” said Kazin. “That should even the odds.”
“But we’ll be exposed to dragon flame!” objected Amelia.
“You’re right,” said Kazin with a rumble. “I don’t want you two to get hurt. Very well. Amelia, you cast whatever defensive spells you need to, and I’ll try to get us close enough for Sherman to slash at the warlock or his dragon with his sword.”
“He’ll likely have a magical shield,” said Amelia.
“We’ll have to find a way to breach it,” said Kazin.
There was no more chance to communicate as the warlock had his dragon fire its flames while he simultaneously cast a lightning bolt at Amelia. Both attacks did no damage as Amelia’s shield protected them effectively. Then Kazin blasted his lightning breath at the warlock and his mount. The warlock’s magic was more powerful and his shield held.
As the dragons flew past one another, the warlock quickly shot an ice bolt at Amelia. As it bounced off her shield, she grunted with the impact.
“That’s a powerful spell!” she exclaimed. “I could hardly maintain my shield against it!”
“I’ll bet he sensed that,” rumbled Kazin. “He’s sure to try it again next time, only with more magical force.”
“I hope not,” said Amelia.
“He was only testing us on this round,” said Kazin. “He’s clever.”
Kazin circled around and saw the warlock do the same. “I’ll cast a shield at the last moment if this trick fails.”
“What trick?” asked Sherman.
“Just duck down until I give the word,” said Kazin. “Then make an attack with your sword and slash at anything you can. Most likely you’ll hit the dragon, but that can’t be helped.”
“Ok,” said Sherman. He held on with one hand while holding his sword ready. His side still hurt, but he used the pain to remain alert.
“Amelia, if I maintain your shield, can you give Sherman magical support? Strength or speed would be helpful.”
“Sure,” said Amelia.
“Ok,” said Kazin. “Hold on.” They were still a short way from the warlock but Kazin began his lightning breath anyway.
The warlock didn’t veer off, his magical shield easily deflecting Kazin’s attack. He waited patiently for Kazin’s breath to fade out before making his own attack. But Kazin’s lightning breath didn’t fade. It grew stronger and hotter the closer he got. The lightning bolt got so hot and bright the warlock had to shield his eyes as the bolt was deflected away to all sides. The heat intensified and his shield wavered. Did this dragon have no end to its lightning breath? He didn’t see it until it was too late. The lightning breathing dragon crashed through the weakened shield and cried, “Now!”
An angry warrior with a glowing sword appeared like an apparition and made a blind slash at the warlock’s dragon. The warlock cast an ice bolt in the warrior’s direction, but his dragon lurched to the side in agony when the spirit blade bit into its neck. The ice bolt went astray and the warlock was forced to hang on while his dragon plummeted toward the ground. No amount of coaxing could get the dragon to return to the fight. Its lifeblood gushed from its wound and its strength was fading fast. In order to save himself from being smashed into the ground with the dragon, the warlock cast a spell on his dragon to give it the strength to land safely. To his surprise, the spell worked reasonably well. The dragon had just enough strength to glide horizontally along the ground before crashing. It slid like a ship on rough seas, leaving a rough swath of earth in its wake. The dragon finally came to rest against a large boulder, sending its rider flying head over heels. The warlock rolled for some time before coming to a stop in a cloud of dust.
Hidden behind some trees, Paul, the artist, had watched the spectacle with interest. He had seen the dragon crash to the ground and was about to draw what he had witnessed, but decided to wait instead. He had no idea the things he would see next would be even more incredible. Those things would leave a permanent impression in his mind, and he would have his work cut out for him in the days and months ahead.
In a daze, the warlock rose to his feet and brushed the dust off his cape. He looked back at his dragon and knew it was dead. He now had to evaluate his options. The battle raged on in the distance while dragons and pegasi with their elf riders battled in the air. Spell casters cast wide varieties of magic and lit up the battlefield along with the flame creatures. Cries of death and agony permeated the air. The ground shook with an endless quake as though the world itself was taking part in the war.
“I think the time has come for you to leave,” said a voice behind him.
The warlock turned to face the speaker. It was the warrior who had been riding the dragon who penetrated his shield.
“You have one impressive dragon,” said the warlock. He eyed Sherman’s sword warily, knowing the damage that blade had inflicted on his own dragon.
“He’s the best,” said Sherman.
“Maybe,” said the warlock, “but now we’re on the ground and he can’t help you.” He cast a fireball at the warrior, but it was deflected by an invisible shield.
A blue robed, red-haired female mage stepped forward. “You’ll have to do better than that.”
The warlock smiled. “Of course! I almost forgot. You’re the one with the magic. But you have no idea how powerful my magic is!” With that he raised his arm and made a flicking motion with his hand. A powerful wind materialized and blasted into the two individuals before him. Everything around them was sent backward in a cloud of dust, but they stood unharmed. Not even their clothing was affected. The warlock looked surprised. “But - how?”
“Your magic isn’t as powerful as you think,” said another voice. A young, blond-haired mage holding a staff with an orb appeared a short distance away. “You might want to try facing an opponent who has a little bit of magic at his disposal.”
“But you’re just a young, inexperienced mage!” said the warlock with a wicked smile. “You just need to be put into your place!” He cast an ice bolt in the mage’s direction while casting a spell to nullify any magical shields the mage may have been counting on. The ice bolt passed through the spot where the mage had been, but Kazin stood a few feet left of the spot.
“You missed,” said Kazin. He smiled.
The warlock growled. “You’re clever, I’ll give you that.” He cast another ice bolt as well as a fireball just to its left in case Kazin tried to do the same trick. He also negated any shields Kazin may have intended to use.
Kazin responded by deflecting the ice bolt and fireball with individual lightning bolts while sending an ice bolt back at the warlock at the same time.
The warlock instinctively batted Kazin’s ice bolt aside and regarded Kazin curiously. “You have a good grasp of magic for a boy. Only arch mages have the ability to cast three spells simultaneously.” He didn’t wait for an answer as he sent an ice bolt at Kazin, along with a fireball that was wide enough to encompass the area he was standing in should he teleport out of the way again. He also negated any shield spell again.
Kazin responded by knocking the ice bolt out of the way with a lightning bolt while teleporting far enough away to avoid the fireball. At the same time, he cast an ice bolt and a fireball at the warlock.
The warlock barely got his shield up in time to avoid Kazin’s projectiles. “That’s enough!” he growled. He held his arms in the air and a dark, foreboding cloud emerged from his eyes and mouth. The cloud had eerie red eyes high up in its form. The cloud grew to an amazing size and didn’t stop growing for about thirty seconds. When it stopped, the warlock’s body crumpled to the ground.
“You shall die by giving your body to me!” said a voice from within the cloud. With a sudden surge, it moved toward Kazin.
Amelia screamed, but before it got too close, Kazin gave a single command and his staff lit up. Tyris appeared above the orb and flared with an intense orange light.
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“Aieee!” screamed the cloud. It swerved away from Kazin and hovered in the air nearby.
Tyris materialized in her full body and moved to stand beside Kazin. “You will not steal his body! Begone, wraith!”
“You cannot destroy me!” moaned the wraith. “I’ll simply find another body to control, and if that one fails, I’ll take another one!”
Amelia cast her ‘dispel undead’ spell but nothing happened.
“Mere mortal magic cannot hurt me!” cried the wraith. “I am not just a wraith. I am a dark wraith!”
Amelia gasped. Dark wraiths were far more powerful than ordinary ones. No wonder her spell didn’t work. Only the strongest magic could defeat them.
“What about this?” snarled a voice nearby. Sherman leapt out of the darkness and slashed at the wraith with his sword, but it rose quickly beyond his reach.
“You are right,” laughed the wraith. “That spirit blade has the power to reduce me to a weaker state, but it will not completely destroy me.”
“Then there is only one solution,” said Kazin. He removed his ring of youth, the master ring he had used to bring the other companions back to him previously, and his magical pouch. Handing them to Amelia, he resumed his original form as an old mage. With no metallic objects in his possession, his magic could have maximum effect. The mage looked at Amelia with his wrinkled face, long white beard, and bright blue eyes. “I can’t have these on me for this spell to work.” Then he began to chant a spell.
After the first few syllables, Tyris turned to him in surprise. “You know this spell?”
Kazin didn’t respond as he continued the spell.
“This spell will invoke all of the elementals!” warned Tyris. “Do you know what will happen when all of the elementals walk this plane of existence at the same time?”
Spirit Blade: Book III of the Dragon Mage Trilogy Page 40