Chronicles of Den'dra: A land on Fire

by Spencer Johnson

  “Is she strong? Can she provide for you if you are injured? Will she remain faithful to you? Can she bear you many small Torroths?”

  “I think your values in a mate are different than mine. She can cook and she is smart if that is what you are meaning. She says she loves me.”

  “The emotion that you call love is irrelevant. If she has the qualities you desire in a mate, then you should take her as your mate.”

  “Do you feel anything for your mate?”

  “You develop an affinity with the hatchling you raise, or so I am told.”

  “You aren’t mated yet are you. How old are you?”

  “I hatched more than one hundred seventy winters ago.” Iradaemi seemed indignant and embarrassed at the same time.

  “But you aren’t mated yet.”

  “No, I do not wish to speak of it.”

  “But you want to give me advice about marrying Anissa?”

  “Since finding Inadar, I have been frequenting the ever burning mountain. As of yet, I have not sensed anything special about any of the hatchlings.”

  “And that entitles you to giving me advice?” Torroth feared he may have pushed too far when Iradaemi reared up to loom ominously.

  “Listen young human. I have been watching humans longer than you have drawn air into your chest.”

  “But… but… this is my life we are talking about. I want to know that I am making the right choice with Anissa. Can you or can you not help me?”

  “Does it feel right to you? Will you want to be with her in twenty years? In seventy years? Sorry… Actually, I feel no remorse for having jested at your onwath. The custom of apologies is ambiguous.”

  “It does feel right and I can’t imagine not wanting to be with her for the rest of my life. However long that may be.” Torroth scowled and chose not to comment on the rest of Iradaemi’s comment.

  “I see no reason why not to join yourself to this female. Setur with be pleased to have small Torroths.”

  “Thank you.”

  “While I wait for Setur, I will permit you to return to the human dwellings and inform Anissa of your decision.”

  “Thank you again. I will do that at once.” Torroth made an extravagant bow and turned to leave. Apprehensively looking over his shoulder after hearing an alarming hissing sound, he saw Iradaemi curling up in preparation for the wait for Setur. Relived that she wasn’t intent on punishing him for his sarcasm, he pushed on towards the village. He made his way towards Encer and Mytera’s house on entering the village. No matter his resolutions, he paused when he saw Encer, Mytera, and Anissa standing outside the door expectantly.

  “Can I speak with Anissa? It is a little private.” Torroth fidgeted as the three of them silently regarded him.

  “Certainly. Come inside with me for a minute Mytera.”

  “Encer… I want to see this.”

  “He wants some privacy. Let him have it.”

  “You can be such a bore sometimes. Inside with you then.” Torroth waited until Encer made a show of closing the door that Mytera had left slightly ajar.

  “You know that they are both listening at the window don’t you?” Torroth made sure to speak loud enough to be heard inside. He was rewarded by the sound of a potted plant falling off the sill inside and some muffled lamenting from within the house.

  “I need to ask you something now that we have a little privacy.” Anissa focused on her hands as she spoke.

  “I need to ask you something also.”

  “You should go first.” Anissa was still busy with her hands and the condition of her cuticles.

  “All right. Here it goes. I was thinking about what we said last night and I want to… I want to… to… Will you…? I mean…”

  “Will you marry me before you leave?” Torroth got the impression that Anissa had finally worked up the courage to ask him and had not heard any of his awkward bumbling. It was out now and it didn’t matter that she had been the first to ask. He now knew that the feelings were mutual.

  “That is what I was trying to ask you. Of course I will. We just have to tell Encer so he can perform the ceremony.”

  “I suspect that they are still at the window; besides, I already asked him to do it for us. He wanted to make sure that you fully agreed first. I'm sorry for being the one to ask you. I know it isn’t proper, but I was afraid that you might not want to commit and…”

  “Shush. Iradaemi would endeavor to set you straight should you ask how proper it is for the woman to ask the man.” Torroth gathered Anissa in a hug and barely noticed that they were being addressed a moment later.

  “We are so proud of you two. Why couldn’t you be so romantic Encer?” Mytera burst through the door impatiently.

  “I thought I was. I gave you flowers.”

  “Broaching the subject over a bowl of porridge can’t be considered romantic no matter how many flowers you pick beforehand.” Mytera swatted Encer on the shoulder before giving Torroth a hug.

  “Wait…? Did I miss something?” Torroth extricated himself and inquired of Encer and Mytera.

  “It was shortly after the two of you left.”

  “It was a full double moon after they left.”

  “All right. A full double moon after you and Inadar left, we realized there was more between us than just Inadar.”

  “Oh hush, you make it sound so ordinary. After my first husband died leaving me a childless widow, I never thought that I could fall in love again, but here we are.” Mytera was nearly bubbling over with her jubilance at the prospect of grandchildren. She left little doubt that she would be a grandmother despite not sharing any blood with the two. Such minor things couldn’t be considered.

  “Can we do it quickly? Iradaemi wants to leave with me as soon as Setur gets back. In her eyes, stating that Anissa is my mate is enough. She won’t have any patience for a ceremony.”

  “Leaving! You just proposed to the poor girl. You can’t leave. Anissa, you have a stake in the matter now. Say something.” Mytera protested vehemently.

  “We already settled it. I will let him follow his principles this time, but he is never to leave me again.” Torroth couldn’t recall the specific conversation wherein this stipulation had been agreed upon, but he knew better than to start an argument where the conclusion was foregone. A silent nod in assent was all his acknowledgment.

  “Iradaemi is going with you to find Inadar?” Encer inquired as he stroked his beard. Torroth noticed that it was now even parts black and gray.

  “She thinks Setur will have a lead on her location. After that, she wants to go with two human warriors. I am supposed to be one, but I have no idea who the other is supposed to be.”

  “Interesting… Anyway, we should get started then. Mytera, do you have the supplies in stock?”

  “Why you old rat. To think that I haven’t any bread or wine in the house. What kind of wife would I be if I didn’t?” Mytera departed mumbling to herself as she went.

  “Torroth, do you want anyone else to witness this?” Encer asked as he withdrew a white cord from his pocket.

  “These villagers are my friends, but I think they will understand that the circumstances don’t allow for a big ceremony. I have no family other than you and Mytera. What about you Anissa?”

  “I was an orphan. I had a few friends, but they are far away now in a life that is no longer mine. I would be honored to have you and Mytera as my witnesses.”

  “Very well. This is an old ceremony. One of the responsibilities that has fallen upon myself for having founded this village. However, it is one of my favorite responsibilities that my office holds. Over the years I have performed seven of these ceremonies and from the way a few of the youth are acting, there will be a few more in the nearer future. Are you ready Mytera? All right. Torroth place your right hand in front of you palm up. All right. I bind this cord around your wrist to represent your vow to Anissa. Anissa place your left hand palm up on Torroth’s hand. All right. I now bind the same cord aroun
d your wrist to represent that Torroth’s vow also binds you. Your hearts are bound together and may you never wish to break that bond. Mytera, the bread now. Now both of you close your hands over it. Just like that. This bread is a blessing on your union. May you never hunger and may your house never experience want. The wine now Mytera. I pour this wine over your bond and the bread to bless your future together. May this vow between you bring happiness for the rest of your days. On a personal note, Mytera and I would also like to wish that your union be blessed with children. They are a blessing in disguise. When you are our age, you will agree. Before then, you might think we are cursing you. This isn’t finished yet so stop that blushing. All right. Now, Anissa and Torroth, to represent your commitment to this bond you now share, feed each other the bread and wine. That is good. Mytera and I were a little messier with the bread and wine, but we weren’t in a hurry either. All right, enough of that. I now beseech you to hold this bond that now joins you in the highest regard. No longer can you make decisions that will affect the one you are joined to as you would have if you only had yourself to consider. The future is yours. Cherish it and make it something you will be happy to remember in your old age.” Encer finished with a complaint that a piece of detritus had attained the remarkable feat of flying into both of his eyes without the presence of a wind. Mytera shed a few tears unashamedly and reproached Encer for his unnecessary stalwart behavior.

  Chapter Seventeen: Rescue

  Word had gotten out through the morning about the new couple in the village and many had come by to both congratulate Torroth and to become acquainted with the new bride. Most had offered their congratulations before asking what news there was from the outside. Many congratulated themselves on their good fortune to be safely hidden in the mountains after hearing of the state of things in the Braebach. None wanted to be involved in the war. A war that they considered to be pointless. To them, one tyrant on the throne was as good as another. They refused to hear that Em’risi was any better than Reigns. Their opinions of the crown were marred by the memories of Verkal’s invasion. The memories of most would have been dim, but they had clear memories of how he had brutally threatened their children on the discovery that the village was existing within dragon held territories. Torroth became frustrated as the morning progressed without any sign of Setur. As much as he expected it, Torroth was shaken when he heard Iradaemi’s summons.

  “Why you sneaky rat! I thought you were just defending Torroth last night. I didn’t know you were agreeing with him. Put that sword away. At once! Encer!”

  “Mytera, you know as well as I that there aren’t any other warriors in the village.”

  “You aren’t a soldier any more. Put it away…”

  “Iradaemi needs two warriors.”

  “Why does she want two warriors? She is already getting Torroth. What more does she need?” Mytera burst through the door after Encer who carried his sword in one hand and his old battle harness bundled in the other.

  “Tell her Torroth. I may be graying, but I am not worthless in a fight.”

  “Why must you go?” Mytera shifted tactics from commanding to beseeching.

  “I go to find Inadar. If along the way I can do my part, then so be it. I came to this place to hide, but no longer am I permitted that privilege.”

  “Hiding! We are doing what the dragons require of us.”

  “And now they require my help.”

  “To the deep with the dragons.” Mytera had calmed to the point of an icy composure. “Get out now and there had better not be a scratch on your hide when you return. If you don’t return, then I will wait until I die before hunting you to the ends of whatever lies beyond.”

  “I will take care Mytera.”

  “I will keep an eye on him if it makes you feel any better.” Torroth tried to console Mytera but received an incriminating gaze for his effort.

  “Keep more than an eye on him. Bind and gag him in the nearest shed you can find. I will not be a widow again, you hear.”

  “Nor would I want you to be one. Red isn’t one of your most flattering color.”

  “Why you slimy snake. I should be done with you. Get out of here at once or I might do the deed before the dragons have a chance to.”

  “Come now Torroth. I think she means it.”

  “One moment. Torroth, remember that your actions also affect me now. You must be careful or Mytera won’t be the only one hunting someone in the afterlife.” Mytera gave Torroth a sweet smile before suddenly finding a need to escape. Torroth also no longer had a desire to be around people, but there was one thing he still needed to do. Catching Anissa’s wrist he drew her close and planted a kiss on her mouth that earned an indignant huff from Mytera. Releasing his hold on her, Anissa grabbed him in a tight hug. Leaning down Torroth whispered that he would be careful before taking a deep breath. He wanted to fix her scent in his memory. The subtle fragrances of the soap she had used in last night’s bath. The still present musk from days on the road. It would require another bath or two before that could be washed away. A strange pressure built behind his eyes. She was already crying and he knew that he had to leave before he joined her. Seeking escape, he turned abruptly and left the house behind. Encer followed close on his heels with hardly a glance at Mytera.

  “It took you far longer than it normally takes a human to walk this distance.” Iradaemi greeted them impatiently.

  “We were held up.” Torroth explained the nature of the women’s last words.

  “Dragons are fortunate to live as nihaksim. Such threats have no meaning to us. I see that Encer has joined us. One does not forget that he slew the one that hunted the hatchling’s shadow.”

  “He was a shadow hunter.” Torroth was not in a pleasant mood at the moment and didn’t care to go through the semantics of the human language.

  “Same meaning with different order of words.”

  “I presume that Setur is here?” Encer chose to change the topic to something more relevant to their mission.

  “He draws near, unless he chose to sate his hunger.”

  “So why did you call for us?” Torroth wasn’t over being grumpy.

  “To ensure that you got here in time. Setur should be here at any time.”

  “What are we supposed to do while we wait?” Encer was the one that was irritated now.

  “It seems I made an error. You may return to your mates now.” Iradaemi looked down with something akin to amusement.

  “Actually, as nice as that sounds, I don’t think that would be a good idea. They would probably kill us rather than let us try leaving a second time.”

  “That would be unfortunate. I can’t spare the time to find another two warriors.”

  “Your concern is genuinely touching. I am going to wait over by those trees.” Torroth stormed off and dropped his pack at the base of a massive cedar.

  “His lack of cooperation is concerning.” Iradaemi eyed Torroth suspiciously.

  “Give him some slack. He did just leave his new wife to help you.”

  “Your words would suggest that he is tethered to me in some fashion. To slack a leash is a human saying is it not? I see no tether.”

  “In a sense he is leashed to you. He feels responsible for Inadar being in the situation that she is in.”

  “How does that that tether him to me?”

  “You are the only hope he has of helping her.”

  “Ah, I see. He has the good sense to rely on a dragon.”

  “Hmm. That is one way of putting it.”

  “Is there another way of saying it?”

  “There is, but it isn’t relevant at the moment.” Encer’s response got cut off as Iradaemi reared up and looked up at the ridge. It was nearly a minute before he heard the soft whooshing of air under a dragon’s wings.

  “It isn’t Setur. The wing beat is too slow. A larger dragon.” Iradaemi’s prediction was confirmed when a large golden dragon appeared over the ridge.

  “Onwier.” The lo
athing was evident in the one word Iradaemi uttered.

  “Yarin. Iradaemi plans a journey among the humans. Is one Encer also journeying?”

  “One Encer and one Torroth.” Iradaemi seemed annoyed at Onwier’s presence.

  “You are waiting. Do you wait for Setur?”

  “Yes.” Iradaemi hissed.

  “This elcarion might prove interesting. I will also join you.” Onwier’s announcement caused Iradaemi’s eyes to narrow ominously.

  “Very well. Stay out of the way.”

  “Hsss. If you wishhh it thissss way.” Onwier took Iradaemi’s advice and moved out of the way towards the trees where Torroth was waiting.

  “What is his problem?” Encer inquired as he tried to puzzle out Iradaemi’s behavior.

  “His problem is that of any male dragon not raised by his mate.”

  “I don’t understand. What is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means Torroth kept his oath. It should mean nothing to you.”

  “Silence. Another dov nears.” Onwier tilted his head towards the northern end of the valley.

  “Setur is expected.” Iradaemi glared over at Onwier. It was clear from her expression that she considered his order for silence to be aggravating. It also indicated that she would rather that he had reached the stand of trees before hearing Setur. It was another minute before the blue dragon settled into the clearing.

  “You sent the yearling for me? He was unable to fly with me on the return. Perhaps next time you should select one with more than a single cycle of seasons behind his wings.” Setur stalked over towards Iradaemi with only a glance at Onwier.

  “Our lim is bearing result.” Iradaemi ignored the small talk and went straight to the point.

  “I see one Torroth. Inadar is not present?” Setur eyed Torroth with what might be described as disappointment.

  “No, I was unable to bring her back.”

  “Unfortunate. Was the other portion of our lim successful?”

  “Why are the two of you being so cryptic?” Encer caught both dragon’s attention and elicited a rumbling guffaw from Onwier. It had more of the sound of an enormous boulder tumbling down a rock slide rather than amusement.