The Hunt for the Dragon King, page 2
“‘Because the Arthurians have told me that there are trolls, goblins and other monsters that would kill me if they got the chance,’ answered Draco.
“‘And how long have you been coming here to talk with the Arthurians, Draco?’ asked the dragoness.
“‘Many days,’ replied Draco, ‘I have come here almost every day since I met Vinr in the Deeping Wood. His son, Zalinda, and I are now best friends.’
“The dragoness looked over the gathered Arthurians and demanded to know which one of them was Vinr. The Chieftain stepped forward and declared himself before the dragoness who growled and glared down at him.
“‘I am the ruler of this land,’ she rumbled. ‘Chieftain Vinr, you have not asked my permission to settle here. Therefore you and your people are trespassers.’
“‘Forgive us, O mighty dragoness,’ apologised Vinr as he bowed low, ‘My people and I will move away. Let us stay a little longer so that we can harvest our crops before we go.’
“‘You and your people can stay as long as you like, but you must adhere to these conditions,’ said the dragoness. ‘First, you must pay me a tax while you dwell here. A small portion of your harvest will do. Second, you must come to me with any news regarding goblins or other monsters. We share a common hatred of these creatures and I can be a strong ally at your side. Last of all, you must treat Draco as a prince with all the rights and privileges that that rank incurs. If any one of you harm him I will bring fire down upon his head! Will you agree to my conditions?’
“‘I agree on behalf of my people,’ answered Vinr. ‘Now, O mighty dragoness, I invite you and your son to join us this evening in a feast to honor our agreement.’
“‘We shall come,’ answered Draco.
“At twilight a great celebration was held for the dragoness and Draco. Large joints of meat were roasted over fires while mead and other drinks were served in vessels made from the horns of cattle. The Arthurians sang songs of their forefathers, their hallowed heroes and of Draco the mighty Dragon Prince. They sang a long verse about Draco, eventually hailing him as the Dragon King:
Mighty is the Dragon born
Mighty is the sky of yore
Bright does the fire burn
Valor and honor has the Dragon race earned
Yet a son of man is among the drakes
His is a mighty destiny to make
Draco!
Draco!
A son of man
A Dragon Prince
Draco!
Draco!
Dragon-son
Dragon-son
Great and mighty shall be his days
His foes and enemies with lives shall pay
Draco!
Draco!
Dragon-son
Dragon-son
Draco!
Draco!
Dragon Prince
Dragon Prince
Behold the sunrise in the north
Soon he shall prove his worth
Mighty is the Dragon born
Mighty is the sky of yore
Bright does the fire burn
Valor and honor has the Dragon race earned
Yet a son of man is among the drakes
His is a mighty destiny to make
Draco!
Draco!
Dragon Prince
Dragon Prince
Draco!
Draco!
Dragon King!
Dragon King!
Draco Rex
Draco Rex
Long may he reign!
Long may he reign!
“From that night on Draco became known as Draco Rex, the Dragon King. He became famous with that title and that is how we remember him today.”
“How old is this story, Mr. Goatmen?” asked Myra.
“O it is very old,” replied Mr. Goatmen. “At least 25,000 years. It was originally passed down from generation to generation by oral tradition.”
“What’s that?” asked Myra.
“Oral tradition means that somebody had to memorize the whole story without it being written down,” answered Mr. Goatmen.
Myra grimaced at hearing this.
“And I thought my homework was bad,” she said to herself.
“Well you had best keep that in mind the next time you complain about your assignments,” said Mr. Goatmen.
The old man looked down at the book and began reading the next chapter:
“Draco and Zalinda hunted and fished together and explored the furthest reaches of the Deeping Wood. When they became young men they made a pact of everlasting fellowship and loyalty to each other. They took a knife and cut their thumbs so that their blood would mingle together. In this way they became blood brothers.
“‘Now we are blood kin,’ said Zalinda after they had performed this act, ‘Let no one ever say that Zalinda Vinrson did not love Draco Dragonson like a brother!’
“‘And let no one ever say that Draco Dragonson did not return that devotion in full!’ replied Draco Rex.
“Zalinda was not the only Arthurian that Draco made friends with. He met LingTra of the Tribe of Wolves, a blond-haired and blue-eyed boy who was highly skilled in archery and tracking. Another companion was Karla of the Tribe of Bears. He was a large black-haired youth who was widely renowned for his strength and prowess with a bearded axe. The four boys became known as the young banner lords of the wood. They spent their days racing their horses along the woodland tracks and getting into all sorts of trouble. At night they feasted and sang about their past adventures and future endeavors.
“As the years swept by more Arthurians settled in the forests. The once small village that had been founded by Vinr became a mighty freehold. It was called Dragon’s Roost in honor of the dragoness on whose land it had been built.
“Draco learned from Vinr that humans, his kindred, lived in villages and walled towns beyond the borders of the forest.
“‘Why do my people not come into the woods?’ Draco asked Vinr.
“‘Because they have heard rumors that evil things make their homes under the trees,’ answered Vinr. ‘The sons of men have always been at odds with the sons of Arthuriea. We have not had contact with them for many years. I was surprised, Draco, when I met you for the first time. You are the first human we have met in years.’
“Draco thought about his people for a long time after his talk with Vinr. He considered leaving the forest to search for his kindred but fear of the unknown and of becoming lost kept him from acting. Draco remained in the woods with the faint hope of finding his people someday.
“Zalinda saw the change in Draco’s mood and wondered what was troubling him. Draco told Zalinda that he desired to meet his own kin. Zalinda, along with LingTra and Karla, said that they would accompany him if he ever left the woods.
“‘I am honored that you would join me but I cannot ask you to leave your families and homes,’ Draco said to them.
“‘Ha! It’s a good thing that you don’t have to ask,’ boomed Karla as he thumped his broad barrelled chest.
“‘We will follow your lead until the world ends,’ said LingTra.
“‘My friends,’ cried Draco, ‘I am pleased by your loyalty. Since we have all decided to go we must now get permission from Vinr and my dragon mother.’
“Draco and his friends went to Dragon’s Roost and found Vinr and the dragoness in council. The youths told them what they intended to do.
“The dragoness told Draco that she had foreseen his desire to meet his own people. In anticipation of this she had useful gifts created for him.
“The dragoness gave Draco a mail shirt made of polished steel rings and a sword that had been tempered in her own blood. The most important gift that the dragoness gave to Draco was a little golden whistle. It was enchanted with a powerful spell.
“‘You merely have to blow it and I will hear you,’ the dragoness said to Draco. ‘Take it with you wherever you go and I will always be with you.’”
“So it sort of worked like a doggy whistle,” asked Myra.
“Well you are somewhat correct Myra,” replied Mr. Goatmen. “Although I am certain that the dragoness wouldn’t appreciate you comparing her to a dog.”
Myra giggled as Mr. Goatmen continued reading:
“Draco thanked his dragoness mother for the gifts and then bid her farewell.
“‘I promise I shall return before the end of the year,’ Draco said to both the dragoness and Vinr. ‘We will bring back many stories to share with you.’
“‘Beware, Draco,’ Vinr warned him. ‘Beware of the hearts of mankind. You have never been mistreated or abused while you dwelt here in the forests. Beyond its borders you will find that there is wickedness and evil in man and elf alike. Many are kind and good like you and will not hurt you. But there are those who will cheat you. Beware Draco. May you suffer no peril on the road!’
“Vinr turned to Zalinda and said, ‘You are my only son. Keep yourself safe and return quickly to me. Since you are the eldest it is your task to lead and protect Draco and your kinsmen. Remember to do nothing that will bring dishonor to yourself or our family. Keep me proud!’
“And so the four youths mounted their steeds and made their way to the forest’s edge. Once they left the woods they traveled aimlessly for days until they came across a dirt road. Draco grew excited at the prospect of seeing members of his own kind. He spurred his horse to a full gallop leaving his friends behind. Zalinda, LingTra and Karla were hard pressed to keep up with Draco. In the distance Draco saw the homes of men.
“The first settlement that they came across was a farmstead called Einn which means ‘Alone’ in old-tongue. It was called that because it was the only village that had been built close to the border of the forests. The people who dwelt in Einn were a hardworking folk who raised wheat and pigs. They kept themselves far away from the shadows of the trees since they, like all the races of men, had heard the rumors of dark and dangerous things lurking in the forests. They lived in constant fear of raids by bandits and looters. Their homes were often plundered and the people were frequently killed. The men were working in the fields when they saw Draco and his companions riding towards them. The farmers saw that they were all garbed in mail shirts and were armed with steel weapons. They mistook the four as raiders and fled back to their homes to hide their wives and children and to arm themselves.
“Draco galloped through the golden waves of grain and looked around, wondering why the men had run away before he could say hello to them. He slowed his horse and trotted towards the barns and silos that stood beyond the fields. This gave Zalinda and the others a chance to catch up to him. The four then rode into the centre of the settlement but saw no one.
“‘Why did they flee?’ Draco asked disappointedly.
“‘I do not know,’ answered Zalinda. ‘Let’s go somewhere else. I don’t think they want to meet us.’
“Just as Zalinda finished speaking they heard a sound come from inside one of the houses. They turned and saw that a man had rushed out and was armed with nothing but a rake. He had the fire of battle in his eye and he roared and charged towards Draco who fell to the ground after his horse reared up with fright. Several more men burst from the buildings and were armed only with rakes, hoes and shovels. They roared and howled like berserk warriors and terrified the travelers’ horses. The animals bucked and kicked uncontrollably and Zalinda and the other two Arthurians could do nothing but hold on.
“Draco leapt to his feet and was immediately attacked by the man who had first assailed him. He fended off his enemy’s blows with his gauntlets but it was not enough. The man had murder and bloodlust burning in his eyes and had every intention of killing Draco. Fearing for his life Draco knocked the man’s rake out of his hands and drew his long bladed sword and pressed the deadly point against the man’s chest.
“‘Why have you attacked me?’ Draco demanded. ‘What have my companions or I done to warrant such a hostile reception?’
“‘It is not what you have done but what you will do,’ replied the man. ‘We have been raided by bandits for too long. We, men of Einn, will no longer stand idly by and watch our homes being plundered and loved ones molested. We would rather die fighting to defend what’s ours! Now slay me, you villain, and be done with it!’
“Draco was shocked. He looked down at the kneeling man and saw that his sword point had pricked his chest and that he was bleeding. Draco threw his sword away because he felt ashamed that he had drawn blood from the first man that he had ever met.
“‘Stand up, you brave man!’ Draco cried as he offered him his outstretched hand. ‘I have not come to raid you but to meet you! I have lived all my life in the forests and have never met any other of my kindred before this day. I mean no harm.’
“The men of Einn, realizing their dreadful mistake, apologised profusely to Draco and his companions. In order to make amends they invited the four youths to stay with them for a while. Draco and his friends agreed.
“As evening fell a feast was prepared in honor of the travellers. While Draco and his companions enjoyed the hospitality the men of Einn explained to them why they were so fearful. They were often attacked by raiders (as previously mentioned) but now a new threat had reared its ugly head. The good king and queen of the nearby city of Stoneberg had recently died mysteriously and the realm was in mourning. This sad time was made worse because the rightful heir had not been allowed to succeed them.
“The good king’s older brother, Koschei the Warlock, returned unexpectedly from exile to claim the throne for himself. Long ago he had been cast out of the land because of his cruel, wicked heart and his use of foul witchcraft and unnatural black magic. When he returned he had brought an army of foreign fighting men with him to strengthen his position. He now ruled with an iron fist. This false king did not care about his people and as a result he allowed the roving bands of raiders to ransack any village within the kingdom.
“‘What happened to the rightful heir?’ Draco asked the men of Einn.
“‘It is thought that he had kept her locked away in a tower,’ they answered. ‘The Princess Celeste is dearly loved by us common folk. We would be devastated if any harm befell her!’”
“Ooh, a princess in distress!” said Myra with a smile. “I think I can tell where this is going.”
“Hush, Myra!” huffed Mr. Goatmen.
“Draco listened to the people of Einn and when they had finished their tale he made up his mind to help them.
“‘Even though I have not been tested in battles I promise you, good people, that I will do everything I can to set this princess on her rightful throne!’ Draco declared before all those gathered around him.
“Draco and his friends left Einn and made their way to the walled city of Stoneberg. They concealed their armor and swords under their cloaks so as not to arouse suspicion. On the road they met other men who told them tales of the false king’s cruelty: whole villages were put to the sword if so much as one person spoke out against Koschei’s injustices. Men who refused to take up arms had their sword-hands hacked off. Maidens were forced to marry the foreign fighting men. Parents who could not pay the high taxes were made to watch as their children were sold into slavery. Never before had Draco felt rage or hate but the more he learned of this wicked false king the more his heart burned like fire.
“A week later the travelers finally saw the city. From a high grassy hill they could see the tall stone walls that surrounded the castle. The lofty towers soared up into the blue sky and cast long shadows over the earth. The royal banners and flags were caught up in the morning breeze that swept in from the north. In that direction lay the glimmering Sea of Tyrocse.
“‘So that is the place that men call Stoneberg,’ said Draco in amazement. ‘It must certainly be the greatest of all mankind’s dwellings!’
“‘These people are mighty craftsmen and stonecutters,’ said Zalinda. ‘If we Arthurians ever set out to build such a stronghold as this we would be foolish to not ask them for help.’
“‘Yes it is an impressive pile of stones,’ said Karla as he fidgeted with his axe. ‘But how are we going to breach its walls? I see no way in except through the front gate!’
“‘If we were to do that there would be a bloodbath,’ said LingTra.
“‘In that case, these men will learn to fear Karla, son of Ajax!’
“‘I do not want any bloodshed!’ Draco growled at his large friend. ‘I have only just met my people. I do not want to kill any of them, even if some deserve it.’”
“‘In that case I suggest stealth and cunning,’ said LingTra. ‘We enter the city under the cover of night and then scale the castle’s walls. Once inside we will search for Princess Celeste and escape with her.’
“‘What? You would have us break into that stronghold like a thief in the night?’ scoffed Karla. ‘You may be content to do this but I say that it is cowardly!’
“‘Enough!’ Draco growled angrily at his large friend. ‘We will do as LingTra suggests. We will not take any lives unless we are left with no other option.’
“‘Very well,’ grumbled Karla, ‘but when we are discovered, and we will be discovered, mark my words, I promise you that I will not withhold my axe. Karla, son of Ajax, will win glory this night!’
“The sun dipped below the rim of the world and darkness fell. There was no moonlight because clouds covered its silver face. Draco and his friends crept towards the imposing outer walls and looked for a way to scale them. The stones that made up the ramparts were old and cracked in many places and vines had taken root in these fissures. The four youths climbed up these creepers and soon found themselves atop the walls. All was going well for Draco and his friends until the full moon appeared from behind the clouds. In an instant they were bathed in pale silvery light.
