Dimwater's Demons (19 page)

The cloud vanished and Kyra jumped with joy when she saw Leatherback’s grinning face. The dragon bent its head down and Kyra reached out and hugged his snout.

“I missed you, I was worried about you!” She pushed back from him and pointed at him. “Don’t do that ever again!”

“That’s my fault, Kyra,” Njar said. He pointed to his leg and then gently slid off the dragon’s back, wincing and stooping when he hit the ground. “I was wounded in the fight, and he had to carry me back to my home.”

“He carried you back to Viverandon?” Kyra asked. She turned to Leatherback and smiled. “Then, can he fly to the north?”

Njar shook his horned head. “No, Viverandon is only a couple hundred miles from here. To reach the next continent to the north, he would have to fly twenty times that distance, and he would have to do it without stopping for rest. That’s to say nothing of the mountains that surround this continent. His lungs likely aren’t developed enough to make that flight.”

“Why didn’t you send me a message?” Kyra asked.

“I barely was able to open a portal back to here,” Njar explained. “I think I fell before I could even walk through it.”

“I pulled him through,” Leatherback confirmed. “Njar was weak. I helped him. I was like Gorliad.”

Kyra smiled wide and nodded. “Why didn’t you fly back to tell me?” she asked.

“That’s also my fault,” Njar said. “I put him under a spell to help him sleep. The problem was, I lost consciousness shortly thereafter. Leatherback didn’t wake until the village healers had helped me. Then, we came here as fast as we could.”

“Why not use a portal?” Kyra asked.

Njar frowned. “I am still pretty weak,” he said. “I could likely open a portal big enough for me, but not for him. We had no choice but to fly. I couldn’t let him chance being seen either, so I went with him and created the cloud for cover.”

Kyra smiled and hugged Leatherback’s snout again.

“Did Headmaster Herion receive my letter?” Njar asked.

Kyra’s smile faded and she nodded. “He did, but…”

“Did he ever send anyone to help?” Njar pressed. “I was right about the trap, you know. The shade was there.”

Kyra looked at him curiously. “The shade was there?”

Njar nodded. “He attacked with three wraiths. I killed the wraiths, but I think I only managed to injure the shade. If we can find him soon, then we can strike him down before he recovers fully.”

Kyra shook her head. “First, I need to ask you something.”

Njar stood straight and nodded. “All right, what is it you wish to know?”

“Headmaster Herion said that he was there on Kelboa Island, summoned to a peace conference with you and your people. He said that you ambushed them with four hundred warriors and murdered the king.”

Njar’s face seemed to lengthen as the satyr frowned. His ears dropped and he closed his eyes and sighed. “No, that was not my doing,” he said. “I can explain, if you let me.”

Kyra nodded. “I need to know everything.”

Njar leaned heavily upon his staff. “In those days, King Jarek was keeping company with warlocks, shadowfiends, and necromancers in his court. I believed that he was being misled, and that the dark wizards deceived him. I called the summit, and invited the whole of his military and magic officers, so I could expose the evil deceivers. However, I was not the chief of my tribe then. I was only an elder. The chief agreed with my plan, and allowed me to take a few of my advisors. However, I did not know that he had his own plan. He waited until the meeting had only just begun, and then he and a group of powerful satyr wizards opened portals for the army to march through. They began slaughtering the humans without warning. I tried to stop it, but there was nothing I could do. King Jarek was slain early on, and from that point on neither side could be calmed.

“I fled with thirty others back to the ship we had arrived upon. All of the others died there in that hall, including our chief. After that day, I became the new chief of my tribe. I tried to send letters to King Mathias over the years, but they were never answered. I knew Herion would not accept my help, but I hoped he would at least heed my warning.”

Kyra smiled and nodded. “He sent others to Caspen Manor,” she said. “I don’t think you should count on reconciling any time soon, but for what it’s worth, I believe you.”

Njar bowed his head. “I will help restore balance any way I can. Unfortunately, even satyrs are not immune to greed and anger. Thus, I can only offer help from a distance, but I will always be there for you.” Kyra put out her hand. The satyr took it in his furry hand and shook it. Then he looked to Leatherback and smiled. “However, we do have something to announce, don’t we Leatherback?”

Leatherback grinned wide. “We found garunda beasts!”

Kyra’s eyes opened wide and her smile curled upward and made her cheeks flush red. “You did?!”

Njar nodded with a smile. “There is one that prowls alone in the south. As far as I can tell by what I saw in the Pools of Fate, it is not with the shade at this time. Rather, it is hunting in the mountains.”

“What does it seek?” Kyra asked.

Njar frowned. “It is near the cavern where your mother was held. It is possible that it is a remnant from before, or it could be that the shade has sent it to scout the lair. According to the Pools of Fate, if we wait for two days, it will be on its way out of the lair. We can surprise it then, and overpower it.

Kyra smiled and nodded. “I will need to tell Lepkin,” she said. “He will be happy to hear of this.” She almost told Njar about the werewolf, but decided it was better not to worry the satyr more than necessary.

Kathair stoked the fire as Dengar and the other dragon slayers finished plating their meals. The men were busy talking about how they would kill whatever beast it was that was terrorizing the countryside. Kathair listened for a while, trying not to smile too much as he recalled how he and Kyra had actually taken down the werewolf, and how Kyra had told him she and her dragon had destroyed the Wylkins. Two second year apprentices were managing the work of dragon slayers as a bit of summer entertainment. His thoughts soon drifted back to Kyra and her dragon. He knew what the dragon slayers had been teaching him in the months since he had been assigned to work with them, but he couldn’t help thinking that Kyra was right about her dragon. Now that Leatherback was helping her hunt down the strange beasts that were infesting the nearby lands, Kathair was more convinced than ever that the creature would never harm anyone, other than perhaps taking a sheep or two for himself, but even Kathair had to agree that was fair payment for his services.

“Have any of you ever heard of a dragon that could escape Nagar’s Blight?” Kathair called out when it seemed there was a lull in their conversation. “I mean, I know that we have to hunt the dangerous ones, but are they all dangerous? Is the curse really so powerful?”

“It is here,” Dengar said. “There is no dragon in the Middle Kingdom that can ever escape the curse forever. Sure, the stronger ones take longer to turn, but they all fall in the end. That’s why we hunt them.”

Kathair nodded. “What about other lands? Are dragons all over Terramyr affected by the curse? Surely there have to be some that are friendly somewhere.”

“Dragons are a terrible lot,” Britner spat. “Even in other lands they cause problems.”

“Tell him about Alerik,” Dengar put in. “That’s a good campfire tale anyway, and he needs to learn that dragons can’t be trusted.”

Britner nodded and put his plate of beans to the side. “Do you know where Almandoor is?”

Kathair nodded. “It is in the country to the north, beyond the mountains and the sea.”

Britner nodded and took a swig from his canteen. “Right, it’s up in the area we call Landale. It’s far enough away that the curse never touched it, but this story will show the terrible reality of dragons.”

The man stood up and moved close to the fire so that the flames played upon his face and cast great shadows over him. “In Almandoor there was thirty years of peace since fang and fire were quenched from the skies above the fertile plains. Ne’er a dragon was heard, nor sign found of the volatile beasts that once plagued the land. Yet there was always rumor, suspicion, and superstition. The king commissioned patrols and warriors to protect his lands and people from all threats. For decades, men rode atop valiant steeds with no enemy to face, and no threat to quell. The people rejoiced and prospered, and the king spent his days relaxing in his court and seeing to trivial affairs of trade and commerce.”

Dengar slapped his knee and then elbowed Foman in the side. “I love it when he gets in his story-telling mode.”

Britner glanced back at them, and then continued to stare at Kathair while he spoke. “Yet, every king knows, there is no such thing as an everlasting peace in the world of mortals. As the king waxed old and his brow grew heavy with age, his nightmares returned to plague him once more.

“A dragon, or perhaps some other fiendish beast, had found its way to the mountains along the kingdom’s borders to the east. Farmers reported missing sheep, and fields smothered in smoldering ash and bubbling blood. So, one night, the king called forth his patrols and commissioned a party of men to hunt down the dragon.

“As the men filtered into the court, the king eyed each of them carefully. The shining armor, the sharp swords, and the grim faces were almost enough to rekindle the king’s hope. But he knew better than to put his confidence in men when faced with such a beast. As the last of the men entered the chamber and knelt, the king sighed heavily. ‘There are only eighty-five of you,’ the king said.”

Dengar stood up and marched up beside Britner. ‘“We are more than a match for any dragon!’ claimed Captain Terrelius as he stood and waved an arm toward his men.”

Britner turned and his face grew sour. “Oi! Are you telling it, or am I?”

Dengar sniggered and returned to his seat, forking a bite of beans into his mouth as he continued to laugh at himself.

Britner shook his head. “As I was about to say, a great man named Captain Terrelius stood and answered the king saying, ‘We are more than a match for any dragon that might be foolish enough to return to these parts.’

“But the king shook his head and explained that decades before, when the first dragon appeared, there were more than twice their number, and all but one of them died. Captain Terrelius claimed that his men had better training and equipment, but the king was not convinced. The king held up his old, leathery hand and shook his head, asking if there were any additional warriors to be found.

“Captain Terrelius folded his arms and shook his head. There were no others to call on such short notice. Even if they summoned the men from the nearby villages, they would not have the same training that Captain Terrelius and his men had. Captain Terrelius said, ‘Fear not, we are prepared for this.’ His men all echoed his response to their king.

“Still the king was not convinced. ‘Have you ever seen a dragon?’ the king asked. He rose from his golden throne and pointed to the group, staring at each of the men with his icy blue eyes.” Britner pointed across the flames at Kathair and glared at him, as though he were the king. Kathair couldn’t help but notice Dengar behind Britner, laughing quietly while Foman tried to shush the man. Britner continued despite Dengar’s mocking. “The king pressed the question again. ‘Have any of you ever seen a dragon?’ But, no one answered him. His questions were met with silence. Not even Captain Terrelius spoke. The king knew that the men would need help from someone who had not only seen a dragon, but fought one and lived to tell the tale. He told the men to go and find Alerik.

“The king, knowing that Alerik was not located in or near the capitol city, explained that he had given Alerik a bastion in the woods after he returned from the first dragon’s nest those many years ago. He also said that Alerik now commanded a mighty cohort of men as well.

“Captain Terrelius nodded dutifully and turned to his men, informing them they would leave at once. Waves of clanking armor and boots filled the court, echoing off the granite walls and marble pillars. After the men had all exited, save for Captain Terrelius, the king cleared his throat and beckoned for Terrelius to come closer to him.

“The king said, ‘Our kingdom has grown rich in these years of peace. Perhaps it is the gold that brings the new serpent near, I do not know. Or perhaps it is our flocks and herds that whet its beastly appetite. Either way, I promised to grant five hundred thousand gold pieces to all survivors of the first army that faced the dragon. I offer the same reward now. Send word of the reward and see if we might gain additional recruits.”

Kathair nodded. “So, even without the curse you are saying they would terrorize humans for gold and food?”

“The gold calls to them,” Dengar said, the levity gone from his voice. “And, once they have grown to their full size, hunting shepherds’ flocks is easier than tracking herds of elk or deer.”

Kathair nodded.

Britner cleared his throat, calling Kathair’s attention back to him. “Captain Terrelius nodded and left the court without another word. When he reached the courtyard in front of the palace he saw his men waiting for him. With a simple whirl of his hand in the air, all of the men fell into line. Some sat atop horses while others formed marching ranks. Captain Terrelius mounted his horse and led the men out from the city and to the north east, to the Gray Wood.

“They travelled for three days and two nights before arriving at the edge of the wood. Even though they were still several days west of the mountains, they occasionally heard the unmistakable shriek of a dragon coming from the horizon. They never saw it, but that didn’t stop the men from nervously looking over their shoulders or to the skies.

“Captain Terrelius pushed on through the overgrown road in the Gray Wood, showing no sign of fear to his men. He stopped only when the road opened up into a large field of grass and poppy flowers. In the middle of the field stood a tall, crenelated wall of black stone. Beyond the wall rose a great bastion, round in construction and easily twice as tall as the wall, granting a vantage over the tree tops. A golden flag flapped in the breeze from the top of the sturdy tower.

“They had arrived at Alerik’s Bastion, a veritable fortress in the middle of the Gray Wood. Captain Terrelius advanced toward the gate and had no sooner come within twenty yards of the portcullis than the iron barrier was lifted and out came an old man on horseback. He wore brown trousers tucked into black, knee-high leather riding boots, a tunic of forest green hemmed with golden embroidery and a tan cloak that lazily flittered in the wind behind him as he trotted his horse out to greet them. A thick, gray and copper beard covered his face, and a mat of neatly brushed, sand colored hair sat atop his head. The man smiled and waved a gloved hand at Captain Terrelius.

“The man was Alerik, and he welcomed the party in and offered to feed them and house them. Captain Terrelius refused, saying they were not come as guests, but on a mission from the king. Alerik nodded and smiled wider, a furry brow arching up over his green eyes. He explained that he knew why they had come, but insisted they could not fight a dragon without a full night’s rest and food in their stomachs. Alerik looked up to the sky and said, ‘The sun will descend in the west long before you can exit the Gray Wood again. It is best if you stay with me now, and then depart in the morning.’

“Captain Terrelius nodded and trotted his horse up to Alerik. ‘We have come to ask for your support,’ he said frankly, but Alerik shook his head and explained that he was beyond his sixtieth year and not one able to fight dragons anymore. He then said that whatever he had to offer, he would do so freely and gladly.”

“Captain Terrelius didn’t let Alerik off easily, though. He explained that the king had ordered Alerik’s compliance and then said, ‘We need your wisdom, and the strength of your company.’ Alerik smirked and brought a hand up to stroke his beard. Finally, he agreed to help by giving his wisdom, but he cautioned Captain Terrelius that his house was lacking in strength. ‘I have only a handful of servants in my home of fighting age. Most of the rest are far beyond their prime,’ Alerik explained.

‘“What of the men who built your bastion?’ Captain Terrelius probed. ‘I heard there were hundreds of workers who came to you throughout the years, and that none of them ever returned. Where did they go?’

“Alerik looked to the ground and the twinkle in his eye vanished, replaced by a grim longing and a rigid frown. ‘The Gray Wood was not always the safe place it is now,’ Alerik said. ‘Many died trying to clear the forest of scamps and savage beasts brought by the dragon’s presence. Many more died erecting the great defense you see before you now. It seems even the land of this forest fought against us. Those who lived remain with me still.’ Alerik took in a deep breath and put his smile back on his face, albeit not as large as the one before, and then he beckoned them to come inside the bastion.

“Captain Terrelius signaled for his men to advance, and the troop followed into the keep through the portcullis. The Captain noted only a handful of guards along the walls. Most of them looked to be well into their forties, if not in their fifties. Gray hair and wrinkled faces seemed to be as common as swords among Alerik’s guards. Disturbed by this, Captain Terrelius called out to Alerik, saying, ‘The king said you had a mighty host at your command.’

‘“Mighty in valor and honor, yes,’ Alerik replied swiftly. ‘We rely more on tactics and strategy than upon our numbers.’ Alerik showed the guests into the main hall of his bastion, allowing them to rest their legs and remove their armor. Many sat along the fur rugs lining the walls, while others went immediately to the several long tables in the middle that had already been set with food enough for a king’s feast. Three hearths glowed brightly with lively fires that spread warmth throughout the hall. A few maidens continued to bring out bread and cakes to set before all of the men while Alerik invited everyone to the table to feast upon duck and roast pig. ‘I have only one rule,’ Alerik said as he sat at the table and beckoned for Captain Terrelius to sit at his right. ‘No one leaves the bastion at night.’ Captain Terrelius turned a quizzical gaze at Alerik. ‘The Gray Wood may be safer now than before, but it is still not the place one should go traipsing around after dark. There are creatures out there that are unpredictable, and I am not talking about the great serpent that plagues the eastern mountains.’

Britner turned from the fire then and reached down for his canteen. He took a long drink before continuing with the story. “Captain Terrelius agreed to the rule and insisted that they would leave at first light. Alerik nodded, seeming to agree with the idea, and. then he signaled for his piper and fifer to play music for them as the men all ate their fill. It was not long before the hall echoed with laughter and loud, merry conversation. As the night wore on and the food was picked clean from the table, one of the men finished his fourth cup of wine and stood to address Alerik.

“The man demanded to hear the story of Alerik slaying the first dragon. Many of the warriors rapped their knuckles on the table and voiced their agreement. Captain Terrelius watched as Alerik’s jovial expression again melted away and became distant and melancholy. Alerik the Dragonslayer rose up from his wooden chair and shook his head. He said, ‘That is not a tale I enjoy telling.’ His raucous guests were quick to boo and jeer him, but he remained steadfast. ‘I lost many friends, and all of my brothers,’ he continued. ‘But if you must hear it, then I will send my bard out to tell the tale. I shall retire for the night.’