The Dragon Guard: Fire and Shadow, page 8
“You over-extended your brain, but it was worse this time. I don’t know why your eyes are cloudy, but it must have something to do with the damage to your brain,” he replied sadly. “We will have to see if the cloudiness goes away with the pain. Eat your food and go back to sleep.”
Kyran slowly lifted his head to look at the prince. What are… you going to do?
A small smile crept across the prince’s face. “Find you some pain killers.”
Plans
A few hours later, Kangjoun found himself looking out over a large clearing. The sun was now high in the sky, with a strong wind. The high wind speeds had forced him to walk, making flying hazardous. He pulled his wings tighter against his body, and carefully climbed down the mountain. He observed the field from its edge, noting the stones emerging from the ground. This would be an excellent place to spend the day. The ground was covered with thick grass and wildflowers. When the wind calmed down for a moment, he could hear the sound of running water and went to investigate. A small river flowed from a cliff on the northern side of the clearing. It fell from the mountain in a graceful waterfall and made its way through the grass and rocks.
He went to the water and took a drink, before looking around and carefully crossed the stream. He had spent much of the morning searching for something that would numb Kyran’s pain and allow him the think clearly, or at least clearer. He had been looking for flowers or small plants, but after not finding anything he had remembered that some trees had medicinal properties. His search of the trees had led him to the place he now stood. He knew certain pine trees could be used, but he did not know what they could be used for. Not knowing what else to look for, he began to wonder if he should start looking for a shaman, but he did not want to turn themselves in. However, he could not let Kyran continue to suffer. He sighed and walked over to the waterfall where he sat down to think.
“You lost boy?”
Kangjoun jumped. He turned around to see a Mountain dragon standing fifty feet away from him. He took a step back, not sure what to do. Would this dragon turn him in? Did he know who he was, and what was happening at the Keep? Did he work for the council? These questions and more flew through his mind. The dragon— an adult male— took a slow step toward him. The prince raised his wings instinctively and took another step back. He could not go back to the Keep until he knew what was going on. “Who are you?”
The dragon had stopped and now stood, watching him. “You have no reason to fear me boy,” he replied. “You just looked like you could use some help.”
Kangjoun got the impression that he was quite old, and had no reason to do him harm. “I was looking for a strong pain killer. Do you know of any around?” he asked, studying the old dragon’s silvery hide. He had heard of silver dragons, but had never seen one before.
Concern crossed the old dragon’s face and he studied the youth from where he stood. “You hurt?”
“Not me, a friend. He has a severe headache.”
The silver dragon did not respond for several minutes. “Where is he?”
Kangjoun did not know if he could trust this dragon, so he left his answer vague. “South.” Well, he was more south west than south, but until he knew if this dragon could be trusted, he would keep that to himself. However, the old dragon could sense his hesitation and sighed. “If I can help you friend, I will. I can tell you don’t trust me. I don’t know why, but I really do want to help.”
“It’s not you,” the prince answered with a sigh. “It’s the recent news from the Keep.”
“Has something happened?” he asked alarmed.
Kangjoun nodded. “Someone attacked the king...” he answered sadly “…the queen is sick, and the prince disappeared. There’s no one left to lead the people. No one knows who to trust anymore.”
The shocked look on the old dragon’s face told the prince that he had no knowledge of these recent events. “Is there no one left who can lead the nation?”
Kangjoun shook his head, sitting back down. “The only ones left are the council and General Ishtoba. At least until the king and queen recover.” He had to try very hard to hold back the tears that threatened to spill down his face as his throat tightened.
The old dragon could sense the prince’s heartache and knew he was hiding from something. He walked over to him and sat down by his side. He extended his wing and embraced the youth. “Something bad must have happened indeed, for you to leave the safety of the Keep,” he said gently. He felt Kangjoun tense under his wing. “It’s alright. I won’t tell anyone your secret, but I would like to know what happened.”
Kangjoun looked up, tears brimming his eyes. He swallowed, and slowly told the old dragon what had happened earlier that week. He explained that in order to find out the truth, he had to do it himself. If Ishtoba went, no one would be left to lead the nation except for a corrupt council. If he went— with an adult to watch over him— then Ishtoba could take care of the Keep until one of his parents could take over. He also told him of how the council had unjustly arrested in innocent party for the attack, and had completely ignored the queen when she demanded his release.
The old one shook his head. “I realize it must have been a hard decision for you, but you were right in doing so.” He pulled his wing back and stood. The prince watched as he crossed the field to stand before a small white tree. He broke of several small branches then preceded to pull off several strips of the papery bark. Returning to the boy, he explained. “The leaves and twigs can make a decent pain killer. The bark can be used to make containers. It is also good for making a long lasting fire with clean smoke.” He walked over to the waterfall and suddenly disappeared.
Kangjoun stood and went to where he had vanished. To his surprise, he found a cave hidden behind the wall of water. The entrance was not large, and blended in with the shadows. The interior of the den was almost completely barren, but had at one point been someone’s home. “I found this cave years ago, and now use it when I travel. You see, I live on the western end of the Namori Mountains, and it’s a long flight to the Keep, or anywhere else I might want to go. I use this place as a resting stop.” He walked to a chamber at the back, and stacked a pile of wood under a fissure in the ceiling before lighting the fire. He added most of the birch bark before returning to the outer cavern. Once there, the youth watched as he took a stone bowl and filled it with water, which he placed at the edge of the fire. Turning around, he said, “Let’s go get your friend. The water should be ready when we get back.” Kangjoun agreed.
He was glad the wind had died down; he did not like the idea of leaving Kyran alone for long. If he was found, he would have no chance. He sighed. The smaller breed was exactly where he had left him. The deer had been reduced to a pile of bones and he pulled them out of the small cave. Kyran? Kyran, can you hear me? The Forest dragon groaned and cracked open his eyes. His headache had not improved much, and the fading sunlight made it worse. He pulled in a shaky breath and draped a forepaw over his face. “Do you think you can get out of there? You look stuck.”
The mystery dragon cocked his head. “Your friend is in a cave?”
Kangjoun turned back to him. “The cave helps block out the light. It only makes his head worse.” He laid down in front of the opening and pushed the bush back. Kyran was looking out the entrance, but the cloudiness in his eyes blocked the direction he was looking in. “Do you need help getting out?”
Kyran raised his head and tried to focus on the prince. He slowly rose to a crouched position and crawled out from under the rocks. He did not get far before laying back down and covering his face again. Did you find… anything? He asked weakly.
“Yes. The medicine is being prepared. Do you think you can make it there?” Kyran moved his claws slightly so he could see. He shot the prince a confused look. Kangjoun looked back at the silver dragon and answered the question. “We kind of left it in a better resting place. We won’t have to leave until you’re ready.”
Kyran nodded and stood. He stumbled as dizziness consumed him. A steady paw on his shoulders kept him from falling. He realized the paw was larger than Kangjoun’s, and looked to see who had him. He balked when he saw the stranger, nearly falling down again, but the dragon held him firmly. The prince quickly told him about meeting the old dragon, and he believed he could be trusted. “Why don’t we get you to the cave?” the silver dragon asked. Then chuckling a little, he said, “You can call me Py.”
It took them almost two hours to get Kyran to the clearing with the waterfall. They slowly led him to the back of the cave, and while the prince had him lay down again, Py checked on the water. It had boiled out, leaving an empty stone. He retrieved more water in a different container; the stone hissed as he carefully refilled the bowl. It did not take long for the water to boil. Once it had, he pulled the stone away from the fired, and dropped several of the birch leaves into the hot liquid, which he stirred with one of the twigs taken from the tree. Once it had cooled enough to drink, he used the stick to remove the leaves and gave it to Kyran. He drank it without comment and was soon back asleep.
Py led the prince out to the front chamber. “He’ll be alright. He’ll need a couple weeks for the neuro distress to mend. He may be able to continue your journey in a couple of days, or it could take the whole week.”
Kangjoun stared at him. “Neuro distress?”
Py nodded. “It comes from staying invisible too long.”
“How’d you… you know about that?” the youth asked confused.
“I know someone who was testing their ability. They stayed hidden too long and passed out from it. It took a week for the cloudy eyes to return to normal and another before they were well enough to go about a normal life. Given the option of repeating that day, I think they would risk the distress. It ended up saving her life.”
Kangjoun nodded. “He can’t stay invisible for more than a half hour, but lately it’s been harder for him to hide that long.”
“What was he hiding from?”
The prince sighed. “Warriors from the Keep. They were working for the council.”
“I see. Unfortunately, because this ability is new to everyone, there is no known way to treat the effects of over-extensions and neuro distress, other than pain killers, an extra meal or two, and a lot of sleep.”
Kangjoun nodded, understanding his point. “Do you know where the Fire dragon might be?” he asked, trying to think of their next move.
Py was quite for a minute before answering. “To my knowledge, Fire dragons live in the northern reaches of the desert. They live in the volcanos that make up the northern mountain range. Finding the volcanoes is easy. It’s finding the specific volcano that will be the hard part, other than finding the female.”
Kangjoun nodded. He had not thought of the possibility that Dai was not being held where the Fire dragon was. “How do we find him?”
“I would suggest,” he began slowly, “that you speak to the king of the Northern Kingdom. He may be able to help you.”
“I have thought of that, but we don’t have any real proof to show him. I can’t expect him to believe me if I have nothing to show him.”
The old dragon turned kind eyes toward the youth. “Your friend in there is all the proof you need. One look at his injuries by any of his shaman and he will believe anything you say. The only beings in the three kingdoms that can make marks like that are Fire and Ice dragons, and Ice dragons only attack when threatened. They are probably the most docile breed out there, even more so than Forest dragons.”
The prince looked up at him a little confused. “You know a lot about the other breeds,” he commented.
Py laughed. “I have been around a long time, and have visited the other nations on more than one occasion.” His smile faded as he grew serious. “If you want to reach the Northern Kingdom without being found, there may be a way. I know of a path through the mountains that most don’t know. This pass, has a problem, rock slides are frequent, but it can be navigated. No one would choose that path if they had a choice, but I believe the hazards of this route would see you through to the Northern Kingdom.”
“If this route is so hazardous, why risk it?”
“Because of the hazards, no one would think to look for you there. They would think that you would take a safer path; being the future king they would believe you would make sure of your own safety.”
Kangjoun looked down, sadness colored his voice as he said, “I was supposed to be the future king. Now, I am nothing.”
Py looked down at him, sitting there with his wings loose, his head down, and his tail wrapped around his legs. He could tell the prince thought he would not become king. “The truth will be found my prince, remember that. You have left to defend your kingdom from a threat that may be within the walls of the Keep, and they cannot dispute that. The point that you are willing to sacrifice yourself for your nation speaks volumes that cannot be ignored.”
Kangjoun looked up at him, and pulled his wings tighter to his body. “You really think so?”
“I do,” he replied with a smile. “And I think we should figure out how to find that Fire dragon, and how to get you there.” He stood and walked over to the waterfall, where he scooped up a large pile of sand. He spread the sand out over the ground and drew a map of the mountains with a talon. Using it, he showed the youth how to navigate the path through the mountains, and how to reach the Northern Kingdom from there. He pointed to a place on the map. “When you reach this valley, turn north east. You should have a clear shot to the dessert from there.”
“What’s after that valley?”
“This valley, is right after that dangerous pass. It’s also well hidden. Being long and narrow, it’s hard to see from the air, and has no known resources. Hunting might be harder, but it should see you through to the boundary without having to hide from warriors.” He turned to face the prince. “It would also give Kyran a chance to recover.” When Kangjoun nodded, he continued, “Stay here as long as you need to. If you need more medicine, take what you need from the white birch I showed you.”
He turned and walked back into the other chamber. Getting the feeling he was going to leave, Kangjoun looked up at him and asked, “What are you going to do?”
“First, I’m going to make a case for the medicine you’ll need to take with you.” A smile slipped across his face. “Then, I’m going to go spy on the council, and if I can help your parents keep them under control, I will.”
Pain
He pulled in a ragged breath and opened his eyes, trying to understand the images they were sending to his brain. The picture was fuzzy, and distorted. Pain wracked his body as he pulled in another breath, and his vision dimmed. He could feel something next to him, but he had no idea what it was. His head hurt, but it was a mere echo of the pain in his side. What happened? He asked himself. He blinked a few times, trying to get his pain fogged mind to work. He slowly realized it was not just pain that dulled his senses, but it was as if he were drugged. He blinked again, and shook his head slightly, trying to clear it.
Something bumped into him and he felt a light pressure on his left shoulder. “You’re awake,” a soft voice said from his left. He turned his head and looked into the gentle— yet tired eyes— of his mate. He struggled to move; a soft whimper escaped him as pain raced up his leg. “Shh,” she said, gently touching his face. “I know it’s hard, but try not to move.”
He laid his head down on one of her forepaws. Why… can’t I think straight? His mental voice came in a pained rasp.
She stroked his cheek with a claw. “I’m sorry. They kept you sedated. They were afraid the pain would be too much.” She sighed. “They don’t want you really awake until the burns heal.” Burns? he wondered. The memory hit him like a rock. Fire, pain, someone knocking him down. He cringed from the strength of the pain and fear he felt. Shaking away memory, he tried to stand. “Kaeldon? What are you doing?” He could hear the unease in her voice as he pulled his feet beneath him, but the unease quickly turned to fear as he stumbled and fell, landing on his chest. “Kaeldon!” Jeseena cried.
Shaman Cora ran into the chamber as he attempted to sit up. “Easy my Lord, just relax,” she instructed. “You’ve been out for a while.” He grunted, already knowing why that was. “Let me get you some medicine.”
He pulled his forelegs under his chest. Supporting his weight with his left, he pushed himself up. “No,” he growled through clenched teeth.
“Sire?” Cora asked, surprised.
“No… medicine,” he declared.
“Sire, you need medicine. You won’t recover without it.”
He knew she was only doing her job, but he was done sleeping. There were things he needed to do. He also knew she was right; he needed medicine, something to numb the pain that threatened to overwhelm his senses, and anti-biotics to keep infection down. He pulled his right foreleg to his body and sucked in another long ragged breath. He looked at Cora, and she could see determination in is pain clouded eyes. He stared at her for a long moment before slowly sliding back to the ground. Finally, he spoke. “No… sedatives.”
She finally understood what he wanted. Pain killers, yes, anti-biotics, yes, but he wanted to think as clearly as he could, and he could not do that under the influence of certain drugs. She slowly nodded. “No sedatives, just something for the pain, and some food?” He nodded, he would consent to that.
As she left to get the medication, Jeseena laid down next to him. He realized that she must have been sleeping next to him when he woke up. “What are doing?” she asked. “You need to sleep. You need to get better.”
There was something in her voice that made him lift his head and look at her. What’s wrong? he asked. She looked down, her eyes revealed several emotions: fear, unease, sadness. Taking her head in his left forepaw, he gently turned it so she was facing him. What happened?
