Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One) (12 page)

Daksha had to admit there was, and he was probably pacing the frozen grounds cursing her name to the dark skies. She pulled her cloak tight and walked closer to Colby.,

“You are wise for one so young Mr. Shaw, I’m not sure why I came here, lately I’m surprising myself doing things I don’t understand..”

Colby understood, she looked confused and unsure, like a scared child. He took her pale hands and looked in her luminous eyes, I know you’re scared, I see it on your face. I don’t know why, but I do know you can’t live in fear. I saw it the other night and now I see it again. Daksha hugged him briefly, kissed his cheek and disappeared into the night.

when he finally arrived back to his room, Angus was standing outside the door with his arms folded and shaking his head.

“I see you had a wee bit too much ale again Shaw, what’s wrong with you boy? You’re never going to win Miss Andi’s heart like this, all tanked up most every night.”

“Yea, Yea, I know. I made a fool of myself at her window; well at least I thought it was. Her brother was none too happy with me.” Colby started laughing. “It was his window! “

Angus laughed with him. “Colby Shaw, you’re a corker alright.” He patted the young man on the back. “Get yourself some sleep. I need help in the morning with some inventory. Might as well put you to work, keep you out of trouble I’m thinking.”

Colby had to agree. “Yes, maybe so, and hey, thanks.”

Angus smiled, “think nothing of it. I am glad to help when I can.”

Zach awoke early and shielded his eyes as the glaring sun filtered into the room. He looked out the high window and saw Myloe and Moplie flitting around below in the courtyard. They stopped and started throwing berries at one another from a nearby bush., Zach could hear Faazen scolding them. Zach then tried to rouse his grandfather a few times to awaken him, but he wouldn’t get up, so he dressed quietly and tried not to disturb him.

“Good morning Zach.” Faazen was gathering oranges from the fragrant trees. He tossed one to Zach, who caught it neatly.

“I couldn’t wake granddad, he seemed to be out cold. His face was quite puffy and swollen. Did he get hurt or something?”

“Yes that’s true, my boy, there was an issue last night with Rianor’s dragon, Rore. Thomas was the unwitting victim and was dropped head first into the bushes. It was quite a fall. I picked some herbs earlier to apply to his wounds. Now I have them steeping in some liquid to make a paste. The salve will take away the swelling and heal the bruises nicely. I would think it best to allow your granddad to rest a bit to regain his strength. He will be feeling like himself again.”

“I’m concerned. Will he be ok?” Zach took a protective stance, his arms folded square against his chest.

“He’ll be fine after I give him this special mixture, which will promote healing. It has never failed, so you just have to trust me. I know how important your grandfather is to you.”

“Thanks for understanding;. He means a lot to me.”

“Let’s go and see your grandfather now. He should be about ready for breakfast.”

Zach patted his stomach. “I could eat too.”

“Bergouhy, ask Cook to have breakfast ready for us when we return. We’ll all eat together.”

Zach went first into the bedroom and found Thomas sitting on the bed. He was holding his head and moaning.

“I feel like a freight train has exploded in my brain. What happened last night? Oh, wait a minute its all coming back to me now.” He shook his head and smiled. “I am starving though. Did I miss the morning meal?”

“Hey that’s my line grandfather,” Zach said.

“I know it is, but now my stomach is growling.”

The wizard reached in his pocket and brought out the salve he had made earlier. “This should take some of the sting out of those bruises, fix you up right nicely I would say.” He tossed Thomas the jar. “We’ll let you finish dressing now. Breakfast will be ready when you come down, but please take your time.

Come on Zach, let’s give your grandfather some privacy. Cook may need our help choosing which fruit topping we would like for our waffles.”

Thomas applied the mixture to his bruised face and body. He opened the jar and sniffed deeply. It smelled of fresh herbs and aloes. quite soothing he said applying the mixture liberally.

Bergouhy was spooning fresh blackberries on warm golden waffles as Thomas joined them at the table and Zach was having blackberries and cream in a small dish as he waited.

Faazen poured steaming dark coffee into earthen mugs. The steam rose from the cups as the wizard stopped and sprinkled something in the cups.

Thomas looked over the wizard’s shoulder. What’s that you’re doing he said?

Don’t worry I’m not poisoning you yet, maybe sometime later when you least expect it. The wizard said laughing .

Thanks I feel so much better now Thomas said reaching for his coffee.

It’s my own blend of spices, great addition to strong dark beverages the wizard added smiling.

Hmm I taste cinnamon and maybe vanilla Thomas inhaled and then sipped slowly.

Yes that and some other spices too.. Faazen said mysteriously.

Well it’s delicious and I’m starting to feel better already. As far as he was concerned everything about the wizard was unusual, what could a few otherworldly spices in his coffee do to him that hadn’t already been done.

Ten - Learning To Fly

“Well gentlemen I have some exciting news to share. What do you think about Zachary entering the Dragon Masters Competition? The race counsel has informed me that Zachary has been invited to compete. It is quite an honor; however, we must start his training immediately. “Are you up to the challenge Zach?”

“Training sounds cool. What dragon am I riding?” Zach’s interest piqued and his eyes lit up as his mind painted a picture of soaring in the clouds with the wind at his back.

The wizard looked up and pointed to the sky. “I think the best dragon for you will be Xandar-Sym. He is a battle dragon, but a skillful, sleek creature with a sharp mind. We will go and see him later after breakfast, first things first. We need to ask your grandfather’s permission.” All eyes looked at Thomas expectantly.

“You are both making plans I see, for something that sounds quite dangerous to me. Faazen what does Zach know of dragon riding? I mean really.” He was becoming a little agitated as he spoke.

“You are right he does not know how to ride, but I believe he has the Race Rider in his soul. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

The wizard had a twinkle in his eye.

“I will listen to you on this matter and allow Zach to compete. It does sound quite thrilling indeed. I know Faazen that you will ensure his safety and take precautions with his training.”

“You are correct Thomas. Zach has a challenge ahead of him and I think he has the character and fortitude needed to be successful. Now let us go and call our friend Xandar-Sym. He should be back from the hunting grounds soon. The old boy owes me a favor. Time to pay up I’d say.” The wizard added with a wink.

“I’ll have you know I was pretty good with a snowmobile back home. I could maneuver it around some tight turns. Some of the snow drifts were this high,” Zach said placing his hand at his chest level.

“You were confident that’s for sure” Thomas smiled, “except when you ran over that poor defenseless rabbit.”

“Oh I can’t forget that little guy. I stayed up with him half the night so he wouldn’t remove that bandage from his hind leg. He was good as new after a few weeks though.”

“You took good care of him right well Zach. So at least we know if you injure any dragons, you can nurse them back to health.” Thomas broke into laughter, as did Faazen and Zach. They were starting to share an easy camaraderie, that was becoming more so with each passing day.

The wizard paused and seemed to be listening to something. “Xandar-Sym is approaching, I know he’s here. Neither one of them heard the dragon; but they nodded and followed Faazen as he went further out into a clearing. Coming in for a landing was a sleek, armored dragon. He wore metal meshing on his face and legs. Zach could tell he was fierce and proud from his imposing stance.

Faazen brought forth a finely crafted saddle and handed it to Zach. “I’m going to show you how to prepare for your ride.” Zach climbed on Xandar’s back and Faazen helped him adjust his seating.

“Hang on young man, were heading out now “said the dragon to a wide-eyed Zachary. They took to the skies skimming past the trees and forests, and then soaring up toward the clouds. Xandar-Sym’s golden tail rings glistened in the azure skies as they dipped up and down.

Zach was anxious to try a few moves of his own and tried to nudge Xandar. He leaned forward and this did not work very well. Both almost came crashing down a few times.

Finally the wise creature spoke. “Zachary you need to let me lead you! Do not be so anxious to do it all at once. Time will serve you well young man; you must learn to work with me.”

Below, outside the castle gates, Faazen was watching Zach’s progress. Thomas started making long furrows in the ground as he paced nervously. Every now and then, he would look up to the sky and scratch his forehead. Finally, he relaxed and a smile creased his face.

Soon they landed and Thomas ran over to his grandson laughing and out of breath from the excitement.

“Was it great fun? You seemed happy up there, I could tell from all the whoops and hollers.”

Zach was glowing,” it was incredible! “

The dragon spoke. “Farewell rider Zachary, good wizard and Sir Thomas. We shall meet again.” With a flourish of his wings, he climbed up over the mountains and disappeared behind the clouds.

Faazen was quick to speak. “Let us all go back to Dragmar. I need to assign some duties to Berge in preparation for the evening meal. We are having guests.”

They both looked at one another. “Who will be joining us for dinner Faazen?” Thomas asked.

“You many remember, I introduced you to them at Blackshire Village, it’s Andi and her brother Dredd.”

“Oh him, the girls seemed to like him though.” Zach had his hands in his pockets looking at the ground.” His sister was nice and pretty,” he added.

The wizard smiled. “Andi is lovely indeed and like a daughter to me. Dredd has many young ladies swooning over him. He is usually quite unaware of all the attention. He would rather be riding his dragon with the wind in his face, or in the forest reading a book. He is a bit of a loner, but has a kind heart. It’s good for you to know some lads near your age Zach. You will find him intelligent and at times even humorous. We’ll have a great evening.”

Zach shrugged his shoulders and mumbled to himself as he walked away.

Thomas was quick to interject.” I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Faazen motioned to Thomas.” I was rather hoping Dredd could help Zach with some riding techniques. He still has much to learn.” They both nodded.

“I think Zach would like to do well, but he can barely ride. Won’t the whole thing be quite amateur? I do not want my grandson to look foolish out there. It could be dangerous and embarrassing for him.”

“You’re right at that, danger is a concern. However many things are dangerous when you think about it. Rising in the morning has its pitfalls at times, especially at our age,” quipped a light-hearted Faazen.

“Indeed, you are correct with that statement.” Thomas had to chuckle.

“Don’t worry my friend; I’m certain that he will do well with his new task. I can see the determination in his eyes.”

Thomas found comfort in Faazen’s words and firmly clasped his hand. “You have been not only a gracious host, but a friend to us both. I believe our paths were meant to cross in our two very different worlds.”

The wizard slowly spoke; “your words are steeped in wisdom and born of a knowledge you have yet to define. You have a great understanding” He paused thoughtfully. “I have been to your world and it is a most amazing and wonderful place. You were very ill Thomas, and unable to leave your home. Fallicon brought you here so that you could live. There your life would have surely ended, and very soon.” Faazen put his finger to his lips. “Be careful of what you wish for”

Thomas’s face turned white and his eyes glistened. Trembling, he spoke. “I saw you Faazen, I thought it was a dream. You were at my window seat watching me sleep, wearing a velvet robe. The color was the deepest crimson and your eyes burned as fire. I had a very high fever and could not speak. I thought I would die that night. Soon after, I came here wanting to find out what happened to my son Philip and how he met such a tragic end.”

The wizard put his arm around Thomas.” I cannot divulge any more. I just wanted to ease your worried mind. Let us go and partake of some peach berry tea. I am parched my friend, and in need of refreshment.”

Dredd was not looking forward to having supper at Castle Dragmar. He was sulking around the farm. Andi was humming as she fastened a lace collar to her dress. Running a round brush through her shining hair, she pulled out a particularly lovely blue ribbon to match her outfit. “Come now Dredd or we’ll be late. I do so like when Faazen entertains. The meals are ever so scrumptious.”