The True Dragon

by Andy Holland

  Crystal could have screamed in despair, having wasted her best opportunity. She picked herself up and peered over the edge of the balcony, hoping against reason that perhaps part of the roof had fallen in and cracked the stone. It was a vain hope, and as her fireball lit the chamber beneath, she could see that the Dragonstone was as sturdy as ever. She had failed and would have to abandon her attempt and seek help from the Golden Dragons.

  Before she could even think about where to start looking, huge claws plunged through the hole that she had made in the roof, showering her with debris. It was fortunate that she wasn’t in her human form, or it would have killed her, but even as a dragon it was painful. She froze in fear, watching as the claws gripped the roof and then ripped the whole dome clean off the building. She came to her senses just in time to dodge the creature’s claws as it reached in to grab at her, and she slipped through the gap in the broken guard rail and dropped into the chamber below, landing next to the Dragonstone.

  High above her, an angry head loomed into view, the creature looking down at her vengefully. It would take a while for it to widen the hole enough to get through, but she was far from safe, and the creature had no intention of letting her escape alive. The last thing she saw before she turned and fled was the creature's jaws gaping wide and the bright red glow of fire at the back of its mouth as it prepared to try to incinerate her.

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  It’s over! Arion called to the last surviving members of the Extermination Group. Everyone, scatter! Don’t let them catch us all!

  Many dragons in the group had already come to the same conclusion, and many units were already flying away from the main group. The green True Dragon, however, was determined to stop anyone getting away and flew ahead of them, blocking the path to the north. There was the remote possibility that one or two could have slipped past if any were crazy enough to dash towards the vengeful creature, but it snuffed out that hope by flooding the air with its fire, a searing hot orange cloud that forced them all to turn back and group together once again. The black True Dragon rushed to meet them from the other side, eagerly closing the trap.

  I think this is it, Mark called to Jude, who like Mark was boxed in by other terrified Golden Dragons and unable to do anything other than fly in the same direction as the group. Any ideas?

  None, Jude replied, as if resigned to his fate. Goodbye, my old friend.

  Just as it looked like it could be the end, angry red flames burst from the side of a hill beneath them, catching everyone's attention. A single Golden Dragon flew just ahead of the fireball, narrowly escaping being caught in the inferno. Both True Dragons turned to face this new arrival, ignoring the dragons they had cornered. Beneath them in the shallow waters of the lake, the bronze True Dragon burst into life, writhing and screaming, and its body contorting into bizarre and disturbing shapes. It began to shrink, but not a graceful transformation like a Golden Dragon, but a painful, unnatural act that caused Mark to shudder. Scales fell off into the water, and the creature struggled to haul itself to dry land, still screaming and thrashing about. It was still twisting when the green True Dragon fell to the ground, landing with a sickening crunch. It too began to writhe and contort its body, but unlike the bronze True Dragon, it was unnervingly silent. The black True Dragon landed beside it, watching helplessly as its companion thrashed about.

  What's happening to them? Gabriel asked in amazement. Mark hadn't seen him flying next to him, transfixed on the scenes unfolding below.

  Looks like they're dying, another dragon replied. He looks as amazed as we do.

  He was referring to the black True Dragon, the only one so far unaffected. Smoke started pouring from the green True Dragon's nostrils, thick black smoke that rose quickly and formed a nasty cloud above them. Green scales began to drop to the ground, first just one or two at a time but then faster and faster until the green True Dragon disintegrated into a pile of scales. The bronze True Dragon had disappeared already, and now only the black True Dragon remained. It looked up at them accusingly and roared defiantly, but then smoke started to rise from all over its own body, grey smoke that came from every scale and engulfed its body. The creature roared one last time before bursting into flames, an immense fireball that set the nearby trees on fire. It burned brightly for a few seconds before vanishing completely, leaving nothing but ash. The True Dragons had been destroyed!

  Chapter 36: The End

  Perak lay motionless on the valley floor, staring up at the sky and dwelling on his complete failure. Who knows, the Golds might kill John, but he wouldn’t be able to take any credit for it. And he needed that badly. Something, anything that could raise his profile and give weight to his claim to lead. With the false leader Kanesh being the only other person who witnessed Zygar naming him as his successor, Perak would have always struggled to unite the army behind him. Killing John might have been enough, but with no body, that was as good as useless. But slaying the black True Dragon, the very creature that had destroyed the whole Blue Dragon army, that would have been an act that would have changed everything. Killing the first True Dragon should have been enough, but that legendary feat had been overshadowed by the defeat that had followed. No, this had been his last chance, and it was all over. Then again, maybe that didn’t matter, perhaps none of it did. Looking at the extent of his injuries, he might not recover anyway. He had seen dragons recover from terrible injuries, but none as badly damaged as he was. His left wing was merely broken, but his right was shredded and might never recover. Even if it could heal, it wouldn't be of any use any time soon and he would have to walk out of here and would be recaptured before he got very far. Not that that really mattered either, as walking was also out of the question. His whole right side was a mess, and both legs on the right were broken, horrifically so. His foreleg was very painful, but at least he could feel it. His right back leg, on the other hand, felt as if it was missing. He hadn’t tried moving yet, but something told him that it would be a very bad idea.

  He had always been good at stepping out of a situation, standing back and analysing things from an impartial position, as if it wasn’t his own personal state of affairs that was being assessed. He could switch off the pain, ignore it completely and focus rationally on what needed to be done and that was what he resolved to do now. He was bleeding, but not very quickly and from his extensive experience of seeing injured dragons, he knew that his wounds were unlikely to be fatal. Recovery would be long and painful, but survival was very likely. When the sun set, he would be obliged to transform, and his broken bones would be far more painful once he transformed, but he would have to do so eventually so it might be worth doing sooner rather than later. The skies had been silent for some time, but that didn't mean that a True Dragon might return at any moment, and seeing him lying on the floor might prove too tempting a snack for them. He couldn't move like this, but he probably could crawl away as a human.

  But where would he go? It would take days to just get out of the Circle, let alone to anywhere where he might find support. All of the dragons that accompanied him here had been captured, and those back home had no reason to come and look for him here. The task of getting out of this mess might just be beyond him.

  He pushed such negative thoughts out of his mind. He had no choice, he had to get up, transform and get out of here. Remaining here would lead to either his recapture by the Golden Dragons or death at the claws of the True Dragons. He gasped as he rolled onto his side, preparing to get up.

  Don't rise on my account, said a familiar voice.

  Perak's head swung around to face the new arrival, his toothy jaws wide open in complete disbelief.

  Kanesh! he said in horror. What are you doing here?

  Kanesh was accompanied by ten other Blue Dragons who had formed a circle around Perak. Not that that was really necessary. In Perak's current state, Kanesh would have had no trouble finishing him off on his own.

  I've come to see you, my old friend, Kanesh replie
d mockingly. The rules of the peace treaty don't prevent me from coming here, and I heard you were in the area. Thought I'd drop by to say hello.

  The Golden Dragons betrayed me, Perak muttered. So much for their fine ideals.

  No, no, Kanesh replied smoothly. Not the Golden Dragons, at least, not directly. In fact, you'll be pleased to hear that the Golden Dragons have done rather well. They've just killed the three True Dragons. No, the secret of your whereabouts was released by the Reds, or at least, one Red. I believe you know this young dragon, don't you?

  From behind Kanesh appeared a familiar Red Dragon, one that stared down at him in utter contempt. Surprised to see me, Perak? Jerome asked, pacing menacingly towards him.

  You! You betrayed me?

  Jerome laughed, although the emotion didn't register on his reptilian face. He stopped about ten metres away, his red lips pulled back in a snarl to reveal his sharp red teeth. Betrayed you? Very funny. Tell me, Perak, who was it that you had me kill all those years ago? You were quite happy to smirk about it earlier. Why not tell me now?

  Perak stared back at his old protégé, recalling the terrible memory of the young boy stabbing that young lady in front of the Blue Dragon court. Malick, as Jerome had been called then, had believed that he was a Blue Dragon and was being honoured in being asked to kill an enemy prisoner. After all, she was guilty of killing not only children but babies. He had not hesitated in taking that long black knife and plunging it into her stomach. He had enjoyed watching her die and had had no idea who she was, or who he was for that matter. Did he really know who she was now?

  Why don't you tell me, Jerome? Perak asked calmly. You obviously think you know.

  Jerome nodded. Yes, I know. I've always suspected, ever since I realised I wasn't a Blue Dragon.

  Perak doubted that. Would he really have done all that he had done had he known? Either way, he had been a fool to mock Jerome about it. He glanced briefly at Kanesh and the other Blue Dragons before turning back to Jerome. Do you really expect him to keep your secrets? Kanesh, the politician? He knows who you are. Are you really going to put your trust in him instead of me?

  Jerome didn't look away, holding Perak in his cold gaze. He never made me kill my own mother. He never threatened to reveal who I was to the Reds. How can you talk to me about trust?

  That was Zygar who chose your mother's fate, Perak replied. I was just a boy as well. I didn't know who she was. Perak regretted the lie as soon as he said it. He knew how weak it sounded. Jerome didn't even bother acknowledging it.

  You were never just a boy, Jerome replied. Even then you were a monster.

  Perak looked away from him, turning to Kanesh. Why are we still talking, Kanesh? I'm sure that's not why you are here. Are you going to do it yourself, or have one of your dragons do it? I bet you'd be afraid to do so if I wasn't so badly injured.

  Kanesh shook his scaly head and rolled his eyes, a human gesture that looked out of place on a dragon. You forget. I was in the Army of the Interior. My training focussed on how to fight other Blue Dragons and mainly on the ground. You may have been able to beat me on two legs, but as a dragon, I never had reason to fear you. I would have relished the chance to fight you if it were a proper contest. But like this, well, what's the point?

  Easy to say now, Perak replied. I see you brought your guards to keep you safe. Not that any of that matters now, just get it over with.

  Kanesh nodded. The pleasure won't be mine, Perak. We had a deal, you see, and I keep my word.

  It took a second for Perak to understand. He turned back to Jerome, who was still standing watching him.

  Really? You're going to let a filthy Red Dragon do it? Is that who you are now, Kanesh? You really are their puppet. You should be ashamed of yourself.

  But Perak didn't have a chance to hear Kanesh's answer. Jerome lunged forwards, jaws agape. Even though Jerome was a Red Dragon, larger and stronger than him, Perak wouldn't have feared facing him if he were fit and injured. But he was injured and not capable of putting up a fight, or even rising to face him. He struggled to raise his broken right foreleg to defend himself, but could barely lift it. The last thing Perak saw was the flicker of flame at the back of Jerome's throat just before the bright red jaws clamped down on his neck and ripped him apart.

  Chapter 37: Alive

  There was silence for a few seconds after the Black True Dragon burst into flames as if no one could believe what they were seeing. Then the dragons in the air erupted into jubilant squawks and cries as they realised that their enemy was dead, and they’d been saved from what appeared to be certain death.

  But how? Mark asked Jude, who was still staring intensely at the ground. We didn’t do anything.

  Ask her, Jude replied still staring at the ground.

  Ask who? Mark asked, but when Jude didn't reply he noticed a single Golden Dragon circling below them, searching the ground where the black and green True Dragons had died. Was it the one that had appeared ahead of those flames?

  Mark flew down to join it as it landed.

  What are you looking for? Mark asked.

  The Golden Dragon didn't even look at him before replying. Your brother.

  The voice was unmistakable, but how could she be a Golden Dragon? Crystal? Is that you? What do you mean, my brother?

  Even though she was communicating telepathically, her voice sounded shaky, as if she was crying. The bronze one was John. This was meant to bring him back. Instead, it killed them all.

  She was staring at the pile of ash that had been the black True Dragon. Mark still didn't understand what she was saying. What was meant to bring him back? What did you do?

  Crystal turned to look at him. Mark didn't think he'd ever seen a dragon look as desperately sad as she did. She held his gaze for a second before staring down at the floor again.

  There were three black Dragonstones hidden underground. The Worm Dragons made them centuries ago. John touched one, and it turned him into the bronze True Dragon. I thought if I destroyed the stones it would turn them all back, but it killed them all. I'm so sorry. I thought it would work, I really did.

  The bronze True Dragon? Mark couldn't believe it, it just didn't make sense. But he can't have been. The bronze one killed Daisy. John would never harm her.

  Daisy is fine, Crystal replied. He just took her somewhere where he could talk to her. He brought her back the next day. I saw her this morning. Don't you see? He's done nothing but try to protect us all, as he always has done.

  Jude landed beside him, looking at the pile of ashes. He paid little attention to Crystal, who was staring morosely at the ground.

  It's Crystal, Mark told him numbly, still reeling from her revelation.

  Yes, I know, Jude replied. I was listening to what she told you. Everything she told you.

  Mark nodded, not sure what to say. Crystal had never been any good at controlling her thoughts, and everyone above them had probably heard what she had just told him. At least he wouldn't have to explain to them that they had all been trying to kill his brother.

  Come, follow me, Jude said, taking off. Stop staring at that.

  Crystal looked up at him but said nothing and remained where she was. Can you give us a minute? Mark asked. Jude was a pragmatic person, never prone to sentimentality, but surely even he could understand how upset they both were.

  No, Jude replied. This won't wait.

  He was flying quite quickly towards the lake, clearly impatient to show them something. Mark looked back at Crystal. Come on, don't look at it. It's not John anyway. That was the black one.

  "Mark, Crystal, come here!" Jude shouted. He must have transformed. Mark prodded Crystal with his nose before taking off and flying towards Jude. He was crouched down beside the lake next to what looked like a body. Mark landed and transformed.

  "He's still alive," Jude said quietly. "He's cold and unconscious, but he is alive. Have you any spare clothes? I have none other than the ones I am wearing."

  Jude st
ood aside, revealing a naked man lying on his side in the long grass. Even though he was facing the other way, Mark instantly recognised his brother.

  "John!" he shouted, dropping to his knees beside him. "John, can you hear me?"

  His skin felt cold and wet, and there was pondweed in his hair, but he was breathing.

  "He's unconscious," Jude told him. "We need to warm him up. Have you got any clothes or not?"

  As Mark pulled some clothes from his bag, Gabriel landed in front of them and transformed into a Rock Dragon, before breathing a stream of fire on a pile of rocks until they started to glow red. He then arranged them around John before transforming himself. "That'll help warm him up. This is your brother?"

  Mark nodded, before remembering Crystal. He turned to where he had left her. "Crystal, come quickly, it's John! He's not dead!"

  Seconds later she was in the air and rushing towards them. To Mark’s surprise, it looked as if she wasn't too bad at flying as a Golden Dragon. She landed in front of them and stared down at John, but didn't transform.

  "Why doesn't she transform?" Gabriel asked. "I take it that they are friends?"

  "She's not carrying any clothes," Jude remarked, pointing at her chest. Mark hadn't noticed before, but she wasn't carrying a bag under her body. Jude waved his arms to signal to one of the dragons in the air. "Ana! Come here!"

  One of Jude's dragons landed and transformed, a young lady who Mark couldn't recall having seen before.

  "Ana, Crystal hasn't got any clothes. I think she's about your size. Can you help her out?"