Begin the Expedition
Planets away into the darkness of space, past anomalies, comets, and dust in the middle of nowhere it seems, a shiny green planet circles a star. Two moons circle this planet. The people of this planet call the blue moon Navadra and the red moon Kathra. These moons hold a power over the people, for once every year a moon shines high and full in the sky. Navadra calms but Kathra angers. These people are of a simple medieval science and have no way of telling which moon will shine next. This is the tale of one of the inhabitants of the planet.
The young warrior Kiff. He is a young teenager and vaguely muscled and has shaggy shoulder length hair in various shades of brown, dressed in leather and fur clothing that he made himself and a metal pedant on a leather string hung from his neck. Up in the Nitory Mountains, where he has lived most of his life, Kiff the fourteen-year-old boy sat eating his kill peacefully when he heard a scream. Kiff had never heard a sound quite like this before. Curious he abandoned his food to investigate. Slinking over and between rocks he approached the location of the noise. Crouched down low he gazed over a ridge at four strange creatures. Three of them were sandy coloured with scales, their bodies were long from their dinosaur tails to their beak like heads, and were armed with knives. The fourth was soft looking, and had pinkish skin. It stood with its back to a rock wall and circled by the other three. Wanting a better look he crawled closer, careful to keep out of sight. Now to the side of the strange beings, he sniffed the air for clues. The pink one reeked of fear but aggression surrounded the others. Realization hit Kiff. They were attacking the pink one. In a rash decision, he leapt in front of the soft one and growled at the three attackers. The trio looked at each other in surprise. Then one spoke angrily in a language Kiff didn't understand. They glared at him, and then one leapt at him. Kiff acted quickly and flipped onto his back. Bringing his knees as close to his chest as possible. The thing landed on his feet, he smirked at the now alarmed creature, and he sprang his legs out catapulting the creature into a nearby boulder knocking it unconscious. Kiff flipped onto his feet in time to punch the second one that came at him in the face. The third looked wary to fight him after his two comrades failed; he then turned and ran leaving his two friends behind.
Kiff turned back to the pink one and took a good look at it. It was a strange creature with three eyes which stared at him with a shocked vaguely scared shine to them, a squared head topped with shaggy brown hair that went down to the shoulders, and it seamed very frail with only some sleek signs of muscle. No wonder it had been so scared. He stepped closer and sniffed at it. There was something familiar about its scent.
"Whaa!" yelped Kiff as the creature threw its arms around him.
"Yeill comata comata jeant te few" cried the creature in a soft voice.
Another strange language thought Kiff, annoyed. He removed the thing's arms from around his neck slowly and carefully. He stepped back and became nervous when all the thing did was stare at him. He realized what was familiar about the scent, it was feminine. It's a girl he thought unsurely. She spoke more soft words that sounded like a realization. She pointed to herself and said "Silana" Kiff supposed that was her name and should tell her his. He pointed to himself in the same manner and responded "Kiff". She looked confused by his name then shook her head and beckoned him to follow. He did so cautiously until it became clear she was leading him down the mountains. He stood still in consideration. Malick had told him he could only go down the mountains if he truly believed himself ready and to always return to the mountains at night. Kiff checked to see that his sword pendant was around his neck and the two healing potions sent to him from Oceania were in his pouch before he started climbing down after her. A long way below the lowest point Kiff had ever explored; Silana was on a ledge pointing to something further down. A small group of wooden buildings with light yellow roofs and a tall wooden wall around them all with square patches of plants growing at the back and front. Kiff was so overtaken by this new sight he nearly didn't notice Silana climbing away from him until she was twelve meters away and her foot accidentally kicked some stones free startling him into movement again. Kiff knew this village was their destination. He wondered if he had made the right decision after all.
Kiff stood ten feet from the huge wooden gates that led into the village his head leaned back so he could see the top.
"Ohnadda Voko" Silana called.
"Ignanas atah jemss" came a male voice from above.
"Ata manl larnt dn dj" she yelled back angrily. "Silana atah dv nhaxss ahov" called the voice accusingly "yzre co gothj" it shouted to someone inside the gate.
The huge doors creaked and started to open. Two tall warriors the same species as Silana armed with wooden staffs stood inside. Silana looked at him smiling then proceeded inside. The two guards looked at him strangely as he passed. Kiff followed her to a loud and smelly building. Inside there were lots of people like Silana with varying hairstyles, colours, sizes, and builds; drinking, talking, and laughing. A small group sat on a raised platform playing very dull music in Kiff's opinion. Everyone ignored them both. Silana tugged at one particularly large and loud mans shirt. The man looked down and instantaneously a large smile spread over his slightly more rounded face.
"Silana" the man beamed happily then lifted her up and hugged her before setting her down again. She started whispering in his ear. Kiff could have heard her but he decided not to intrude besides he didn't understand the language. Kiff was starting to get nervous, more and more people were beginning to notice him.
"Kiff" hearing his name called in this strange place startled him and he knocked someone's drink over. The man whose drink he had pushed over and spilled made an angry noise and shoved his chair back to stand but suddenly halted. Kiff turned to see what had hindered the man. The one Silana had been talking to, had his hand up and was shaking his head. The man that was holding Silana looked down at him. "You understand my words yes?" asked the man. Kiff nodded glad to be able to understand someone at last but still wary of its inhabitance.
"Good I am Bundar Sills leader of this village" Bundar informed him proudly.
"I'm Kiff" Kiff informed him nonchalantly.
Bundar laughed loudly. "So I've been told but what is an Enfon doing on a mountain I thought the Dragons got you all anyway?" he inquired, "I'm also curious as to why you have a Dragons name?" Bundar was smiling until he saw the enraged face of Kiff.
"I am not an Enfon. I am a Dragon raised and named by a Dragon. The Enfon were evil beings that received what they deserved." Kiff's sharp as a knife angry tone had silenced the room. "Alright lad your no Enfon. Which Dragon raised you may I ask?" Bundar tried to calm the room again.
"Malick" was Kiff's honest reply.
Glasses were dropped and a choir of gasps were heard. Kiff looked behind him at the gaping horrified faces.
"Do you mean to tell me that you were raised by the second demon Dragon Malick of fire and shadow storm" Questioned Bundar quite seriously.
Kiff's hand encircled his pendant sword before he nodded.
Those that understood the language looked at each other not knowing what to do.
"So how long have you been up that mountain?" Bundar was not a man to jump to conclusion.
"Twelve years" Kiff answered cautiously not feeling very safe in the eerie silence of the room and feeling everyone's eyes on him did not help.
"Hey Cobacky when did the night storm start?" he called across the room.
"About twelve years" answered a voice that Kiff couldn't see the source of.
"HAHAHAHA all those stupid superstitions about the night storm and all this time it was Malick coming to see his kid Ahhh HAHAHAHA" Bundar's laughter boomed across the room and pretty soon everyone was laughing including Kiff, though he had no idea why. When everyone was quiet again Bundar bought Kiff a drink.
"So what brings you down the mountain after twelve years"
"Curiosity and her" Kiff pointed at Silana who had been calm the entire time now scowled at the finger pointed at her.
"Tell him to stop pointing at me or Ill bite his finger off." Silana warned in her native language that Kiff did not understand.
"Best put your finger down lad before you lose it to her teeth" Bundar relayed the warning, amused.
Kiff didn't hesitate to lower his hand "I also came to explore"
"Explore huh?" he turned to Silana "rem lovej ca mykissh cae" whatever was said to her it started an intense conversation. When it was finished Bundar let out a huge sigh then turned back to Kiff.
"My Silana here is nuts about exploring and says if you take her with you shell help you find your way. The problem is you'll need a good translator." Bundar explained. Kiff thought about this, if he took her he wouldn't be wondering around aimlessly. The problem still remained of a translator. The darkening sky alerted Kiff of the coming night. He said his goodbyes to Bundar and Silana and promised to return in the morning. Climbing back up he thought about the adventured he was sure to have. On sighting Nitory Peak he looked up the purple sky, it wouldn't be long before Malick arrived. At the peak a small stone square slab was his place to wait for Malick, but tonight would be the last time in a long time at least that he would be waiting here. Once the sun had set dark clouds rolled in. thunder and lightening eagerly made the storms presence known. Fire flashed across the now black sky waving through the clouds. A dark blue eye followed by a red one appeared. Kiff knew deep in the storm Malick was arriving from the hell dimension. The thorny end of Malick's tail alerted Kiff that he was fully here. A welcome growl echoed around Kiff.
"I went down the mountain today" Kiff told his guardian unsure of what the reaction would be.
"And what did you find?" came the echo of an ancient and wise voice.
"I saw a village and a strange girl, well I saw the girl first then she led me to the village where I met her farther, the leader of the village. And well I said I wanted to explore and this girl has maps and information she also wants to explore but the problem is we need a translator so I promised to return tomorrow." Kiff explained fully to his adopting parent.
"You will not be returning to the Nitory peak again, will you?" the wise voice asked knowing the answer. Fire and black smoke that crackled with electricity crept down from beneath Malick's eyes. Kiff's head tilted with curiosity, he knew better than to be afraid of anything that came from Malick. The smoke seeped down and around Kiff's left wrist. It spread over and around his forearm. Slowly it became solid metal. The metal was pale and smooth. As it solidified a symbol formed on the top of it. A dragon holding a sword and an orb of some kind. On the underside it reminded him of the soft scales behind Malick's ears. "This device is called a ginto it has many uses you might want to explore it as well as the lands here." Came the riddled explanation. Kiff studied the ginto intently. The great midnight blue head of the demon dragon came out from between the clouds and lowered to be in front of Kiff. Kiff was of course completely oblivious, too caught up on the possibilities of his new gift. Short amused laughter echoed. A huff of breath that nearly knocked him over finally caught his attention. He smiled at his parent then wrapped his arms around Malick's front horn. Thunder roared as the great dragons wings flapped. As he rose into the sky he flipped his head sending Kiff into the air. Kiff twirled and landed in the saddle at the back of Malick's neck. He held on tight as Malick took them down to a cave between the mountains. Inside the large cave down a steep passage Malick's fire breath lit thirty-two large fire rocks that were embedded in the walls close to the ceiling. He curled up in the middle on a huge pile of furs prepared to sleep. Kiff stretched and yawned then pulled a fur blanket from the floor. He curled up next to Malick's chest and was lulled to sleep by the pounding of the Dragons heart.
In the morning before Kiff woke, he lay still curled and slightly snoring Malick too was still deep in his slumber, but as the sun had risen his dark blue scales had added a red tinge to them. His long snout that ended in two fist sized nostrils hissed quietly with his breathing. His long mane, which sprouted from in front of his two horns, lay calm unlike the thrashing chaos the wind had turned it into the night before. Kiff when he had woken pulled out his chest of belongings. He removed his rucksack from its contents.
"You should take your good sandals as well as some food and water." Advised Malick.
Kiff looked at him and nodded his head. He packed some meat, eggs, herbs and fruit as well as warmer cloths and some healing plants. He tied his warmest fur blanket to the top. Inside his pouch he placed the Dragon flute Malick had given him; he also placed the gold wind feather an air-based dragon had given to him in return for helping it. Kiff carefully selected the amour he would wear, his usual knee and lower leg guards, his best sandals, and a clawed leather and chain mail glove. He was ready; turning to Malick he looked at his adopting parent this was his first adventure away from Malick. He suddenly felt so small so young especially in comparison to Malick. "Remember all you have been taught my child and that no matter where you go I will be able to find you. Here take this"
He handed a medium sized light brown leather bag to Kiff. He looked inside and found it full of gold coins and coloured gems. Kiff looked at his guardian curiously. Malick collected this stuff and he admitted it was nice looking but for what purpose he didn't know.
"What are these for"
"Many cultures use this as currency which you might need on your journey." He explained to him.
"Oh err thanks Malick." Kiff said uncertainly as he looked at his feet. Malick lowered his great head until one of his eyes were level with Kiff.
"Would you like a ride to the village?" Kiff lifted his head then made sure he had all his needed possessions. He slung the rucksack strap over his head and arm then turned back to Malick.
"Id enjoys that." He climbed into the large saddle that was strapped just above Malick's arm shoulders. Malick walked on all fours up the tunnel to the cave entrance. Kiff looked down at the amazing drop then smiled and held on to the saddle. Malick let himself fall forward down off the edge. They fell for what seamed like only seconds, with the air rushing up at them a weightless bliss washed over them both, six minutes of dropping the ground catapulting to meet them. Not a mile from the rocks below Malick opened his wings and let the air carry him up. He tilted his huge leather wings bending and flying around rock pillars. They cleared the rocks and flew into open air. Malick glided over the Nitory Mountains with ease. He manoeuvred over the air currents like a ship through a river. Kiff had his arms up and was enjoying the air flowing around him. His hair flapping around, his eyes wide and shining brightly he was a picture of joy. He stood up carefully and climbed out of the saddle. Slowly he crawled his way up Malick's long neck making sure to keep on the large amour scales but not hurt himself on the spines. He made his way till he as on top of Malick's head lying amongst the soft wire hairs that made up Malick's huge billowy mane. Malick's huge horns stuck up on either side of him. He was content to lie there the whole way down. Amongst Malick's soft hair, he splayed out his hands stroking his guardian's head. He felt the deep rumblings of Malick's purr and joined in sharing in the contentedness. "The object I gave you last night I will be able to keep a watch on you with it but only at night. We will not truly be far apart my child." Malick said trying to comfort Kiff when he felt his child's tears. Kiff did not say anything he just continued to lye there stroking Malick's hair though his tears had stopped. Down at the village Bundar was trying to calm his over excited child.
"Silana you're going on a tour around the country not around the world"
"I know that dad but I have to be prepared and you never know what you might need"
"Apparently." "Dad if your gonna just stand there and be a bother why don't you go and get Linta"
"Alright but remember whatever you take you carry." He told her as he walked out the door.
"Humph." She went back to packing.
Outside Bundar walked across the path to the small house opposite his and knocked on the door. A very small man opened the door and looked up at Bundar.
"Hello sir is there something I can do for you?" he asked cheerfully.
"Yes Linta you know my daughters going on her expedition with that heh dragon boy right"
Linta's face dropped from cheery to out right terrified.
"Oh no no no please master Bundar don't make me go." He pleaded. "But you're the only one in the village besides myself that can speak multiple languages besides I wouldn't be able to trust some stranger travelling wit h my daughter alone"
Linta looked like he was about to protest some more but when Bundar folded his arms he dropped his head helplessly.
Back in her room Silana had finely finished packing and was fastening ass the straps and buckles. "All right that should be everything. Now if that dumb Enfon would get here we could leave." She said impatiently. She lifted the huge backpack off the bed with surprising ease. Taking one last look around her map-covered room she picked up a scroll from her desk then sheathed it. She took off marching with determination. Outside she got half way down her path when laughter was heard. She turned to see group of children and teenagers laughing and pointing at her.
"You think I'm funny do ya well think that when I've seen dragons, fairies, the silver tiger when I've been to Awton, Ganary, and the old Enfon kingdom and all you'll a done is stay here and do nothing but farming the same field day after day." She sneered at them. They had stopped laughing and were sulking angrily when she had finished. She smirked at them and carried on her way. Bundar and Linta were waiting for her by the front gates.
"Do you think ya have enough stuff there Silana?" Linta asked.
"Yes and I hope you have packed the proper needed supplies too" she answered defensively.
"Well I" Linta stopped and stared at something in the sky. The others turned to look at what he was staring at and began staring themselves. "Dragon!" a villager yelled. Other villagers started screaming and panicking.
"Calm down!" Bundar's massive voice yelled to his people. "That is Malick he is bringing Kiff a friend of ours, he is not going to attack now calm yourselves!" he ordered and explained. The villagers stopped panicking and looked on in trepid silence as Malick flew nearer. Malick's size became more and more apparent as he came closer. Finely Malick's great horned head passed over them followed by his long snake like neck. Malick's hulking great arms and shoulders passed. With his hugely clawed fingers pulled up to his chest. His dark blue and splattered red-scaled belly even though shadowed it was an amazing sight. Malick's huge leather wings stretched forward and covered nearly the entire village in shadow. Bundar and the others stood watching with their heads tilted straight up. Bundar tried to follow the motion of Malick's wings but leaned too far back and ended up falling over. Linta and Silana turned around and continued to watch as Malick's legs and colossal tail went over. Bundar and the other villagers became relieved as Malick's bladed and thorned tail end passed over the far wall, all except for Silana and Linta who were confused. "Want Kiff supposed to be dropped off?" Silana asked.
"Err" Bundar replied.
"Sir! Bundar! That err Kiff boy is at the gate!" a soldier on the wall called down. "Ah there ya see. Okay let him in"
Please note that " " are speech made in Lanarin which Silana, Linta, Bundar, and the Lanarin speak and // \\ are speech made in Enfon which Kiff, Bundar, and Linta speak, thank you.
The doors were opened and Kiff marched inside. His shoulders were straight and his chin was lifted but the wetness of tear tracks was still evident on his cheeks.
//Kiff! Kiff! Over here m'boy\\ Bundar called.
"Well it's about time." Silana commented.
Kiff looked at her oddly then turned to Bundar.
//are we ready to go? Did the translator agree to come along? \\ Kiff asked him.
//well I didn't exactly agree but yeah I'm coming. Linta is my name\
"What are you talking about?" Silana asked impatiently.
"Just introductions Silana" Bundar answered.
"He wants to know if were ready to go?" Linta asked "Of courses we are now come here and let me show you our route that I've planned"
//Kiff come here, Silana has our travel route planned.\\ Linta called him over Kiff and Linta stood in front of Silana as she pulled out her map. She pointed out the path they were to take around the kingdoms of the country. Today she planned to head out of the Lanarin kingdom avoiding Pico an area that made all that enter it vanish and as curious as she was about it death was not something she wanted to chance. By night she hoped to camp in the lower part of the Sento forest near to where the great forest dragon was supposed to be. Kiff became excited at the dragon part. She wrapped up her map and put it away.
"Okay Kiff you dim witted Enfon lets go." She ordered.
//what did she say to me\
//basically lets go.\\ Linta said trying to keep peace.
"Bye daddy luv you." She hugged her dad and he kissed her head. Kiff watched this interaction with mild curiosity. Silana and Bundar parted and the trio made their way out of the village. Kiff noticed that no one was saying a special goodbye to Linta. All the villagers by then had gathered and waved them off shouting their goodbyes and wishing them luck. Silana gave a final wave then turned forward with a determined march and smile she led the others. Linta waved to the villagers then began walking behind and to the right of Silana, a worried and uncertain look to his face. Kiff walked upright until they reached the grass again then went down on all fours, but after a while he growled and went back to twos.
"What's his problem?" Silana asked Linta irritated.
//hey Kiff what's the growling about\
//cant crawl the grounds too flat and were not moving fast enough so that I can run\
"He's just irritated that he can't crawl"
"I suppose it is different from being up on those rocky mountains tell him it'll get better when we reach the valleys"
//Silana says well reach some valleys you should be able to crawl then\
Kiff smiled at that and continued walking beside Linta to Silana's left, observing his surroundings. They walked between fields and over hills. Soon Silana was becoming annoyed again since Linta had to keep telling Kiff to keep up. He kept stopping to take in his surroundings.
"Hey Enfon do you wanna come with us or not!?" she yelled to Kiff.
Linta sighed and walked back to Kiff. //Kiff you need to keep up or you'll get left behind or lost\\ he said tenderly.
//sorry its just I've never seen so much grass or open rockless ground\\ he explained.
//I know, I understand it's all new to you.\\ Linta said.
//when are we going to reach the valleys? \\ //just a sec\\ "Silana how long to the valleys"
"grr. Not long okay"
//she says not long Kiff\\ he reassured.
//is she sure\
"are you sure"
"argh yes I'm sure now tell that dim witted Enfon to shut up and get moving"
//yep she's pretty sure Kiff\
//did she just call me an Enfon?\\ he asked seriously.
//err yeah\\ he answered nervously.
Kiff rushed forward in front of Silana and stood up to her face to face. Linta ran up to them and stood to the side greatly worried.
//I am not an Enfon girl I am a dragon\
"he says he's not an Enfon he's a dragon" Linta quickly translated.
"hmm well let's see, no wings, no tail, no horns." She teased //she says you cant be a dragon you don't have wings, horns, or a tail. \
//body and spirit are not the same thing\
"err he says body and spirit aren't the same thing.\\ he shrugged.
"if he's a dragon then I'm a pink and yellow tiger"
//she err doesn't believe you\
//I don't care if she doesn't believe me. I am not and ENFON\
"he says he's not an Enfon." "fine dragon boy whatever"
Kiff looked around he can still see the Nitory Mountains but he could see no valley.
//where are we?\\ he asked.
"Silana he would like to know where we are"
"were in the south west corner of the Lanarin Kingdom heading for Sento forest avoiding Pico"
"Oh."//she knows where we are, don't worry\
Kiff shrugged his shoulders and gazed at the Nitory mountains Silana walked past him then stopped.
"hey Kiff." She called smirking.
Kiff turned to look at her. She waved him to her and he moved to stand beside her. she pointed to a long line of rocks.
"you see that ridge of rocks that's the start of the valleys"
//she says he valleys start there Kiff\
he smiled brightly and began to run towards the valleys.
"hey you wait up!" Silana called as she and Linta ran after him. When he reached the ridge he climbed on top of a rock and looked down at the stone valley, grinning.
"there are you happy you grinning dog"
"heh heh, he looks happy Silana"
"ell lets not dwell, I want to reach the forest tonight." They climbed down to the bottom of the valley where a smoothed path lay. Kiff kept to the side crawling over rocks on his hands and feet. They had only walked a few miles when Kiff's ginto began to hum and the dragon shone blue. He raised his arm and a half sphere appeared above the symbol and a blue dotted light shone to the upper right side.
//hey Linta there's a dragon nearby. I'm gonna check it out, kay. \\ //sure but be careful. \
Kiff crawled up the left side of the valley. Silana looked back and noticed.
"hey you can't go there that's Pico. Kiff stop"
//Kiff wait\
//huh? Why\
"idiot that's Pico. Everyone that goes in there never comes out"
//Kiff Silana says you cant go its too dangerous\
//but the dragon.\\ Kiff near whined.
"Silana he says there's a dragon in there"
"do you think the dragon is friendly?" she asked thoughtfully.
//err Kiff do you think the dragons friendly\
//as long as we don't give him or her a reason not to be\
"he says the dragon wont attack unless we give it reason to"
"well I don't know, I suppose we could just go in and see this dragon then quickly leave"
Linta nodded his head then the two of them climbed up the side of valley joining Kiff who was becoming impatient.
//well are we going or not\
//yep together but only to see the dragon\\ Linta answered.
//but I wanted to talk as well\\ Kiff whined.
"Silana he err wants to talk to the dragon as well"
"don't be stupid dragons cant talk"
//Silana says dragons cant talk.\\ //then what am I doing blubbering coherently\
Linta snickered then turned to Silana. "he says dragons can talk when they chose to"
Silana looked at him skeptically. "well see when we find the dragon"
They climbed up to the top of the valley side and looked at Pico in amazement. The entire place could be seen. The land seemed to slant inwards and was almost entirely covered in a white mist. Dried up earth and a few dead trees led the way to the middle. With a terrified awe they passed from the valley into Pico. The air immediately became dry.
//the whole place seems sucked of water, but its a water dragon that lives here\\ Kiff thought aloud. //yeah? Maybe the dragon has something to do with the dryness\
"what are you two saying"
"that the dragon here is a water type and maybe has something to do with it being so dry"
Silana nodded her head "how far is the dragon"
//Kiff how far to the dragon\
//I don't know I just know the direction but if you want my guess Id say its smack in the middle of Pico\
//I was afraid you'd say that.\\ "he says the dragon is probably in the middle"
"greeeaaat." Silana replied sarcastically. As they approached the mist they began to realize it was moving back from them. when they were well into the fog it had them surrounded. Kiff lifted up his arm and checked the direction of the dragon. Using his ginto he led the other two through the mist. Silana let out a shriek when a skull and what appeared to be more bones were revealed by the mist.
"I guess that's what happened to the other explorers." Linta said shakily.
"but how did they die?" Silana wondered.
"maybe the dragon will know"
"maybe the dragon did it"
The fog soon became thinner till it was no more and the trio found themselves in front of a lake filled by the most beautiful waterfall.
"that water looks delicious." Silana moved to drink from the lake but Kiff's arm stopped her. He pointed to the top of the waterfall.
//the dragon she's watching us.\\ //I don't see her. And how do you know its a her?\\ Linta asked.
//female energy flows smoother than male, plus the long eyelashes are a give away\
//oh. I still don't see her.\\ "Silana the lady dragon is at the top of the waterfall"
"I don't see any dragon"
"me neither but he does"
//excuse us lady dragon of Pico if we are intruding.\\ Kiff called up to her.
Linta and Silana gasped as two glistening crystal blue eyes opened above the waterfall. Light, dark blue, and white scales slowly appeared. Her webbed and clawed front paws lay to the side of where the water fell and her long whiskers shone pale blue from the sides of her snout. She wasn't large but she was still bigger than all three of them. Her tail curled in and out of the falling water and ended in a fabric like fin.
//you are not intruding son of Malick\
Both Linta and Silana's eyes bulged and Kiff's jaw dropped.
//you know who I am\
//of course. I sensed it, the power of Malick in you\
Her voice was low and something in it made Kiff want to never trust her.
//why so far from other water dragons\
//because I am Twoterona the banished\
//I'm sorry. \
//don't be for out here I can practice the spell I was banished for. \
//the mist\
//clever boy\
"What's going on?" Silana asked in a hushed voice.
"She was banished from the ocean because of the mist spell"
"I knew it, she killed them didn't she"
"I don't know Ill ask. //lady Twoterona do you know what happened to the explorers that came here before us\
//yes. I used my spell to drain them dry and keep me young\
"that's a big yes on the killing." Linta told Silana.
"I knew it. Wait why isn't she killing us too then"
Linta shrugged his shoulders then leaned to whisper in Kiff's ear.
//why isn't she using her spell on us?\\ //because Malick isn't the sort of dragon I would like angry at me\\ she answered.
//didn't think you could hear me.\\ //these ears were meant to hear excellently under water, in open air well you get the idea. \\ she said smugly.
"Linta?" Silana asked impatiently.
"oh sorry. She doesn't want to anger Malick"
"who would. So how do we stop her"
"stop her"
"yeah we can't just let her continue"
//err lady Twoterona cannot let you continue your spell.\\ Linta said with so much fake bravado it was obvious.
Twoterona gave a short sigh then giggled actually giggled at him.
//you know you're very silly but quite cute for a Lanarin\
Kiff looked at him oddly //why do you want to stop her? Her spell is only used in her territory\
//because its wrong to kill.\\ Linta answered instantly.
//yuck what a gold heart.\\ Twoterona said disgusted.
//are all water dragons like you?\\ Linta asked her crossly.
//no, I'm unique.\\ she answered proudly.
//good.\\ he turned and walked up to Silana "which way now"
"right" she pulled out her compass and map. "lets see were in the middle of Pico so we should go south west. That way." She pointed.
//Kiff if your finished talking to her I think its best we left\
//oops I think I hurt his feelings.\\ "aren't we going to do anything about her?" Silana asked fiercely.
"no Pico his her domain." He said shaking his head.
Twoterona's eyes widened then turned back to normal. //you're not as stupid as I thought Linta.\\ she said seriously. Kiff turned and walked in the direction Silana pointed out. The three set off again.
//bye Twoterona and thanks for not draining us.\\ Linta yelled back.
//goodbye children come back any time\\ she yelled, a playfully evil intent in her words. Once they were out of the mist they all relaxed.
//I see what you meant by those eyelashes.\\ Kiff and Linta laughed at their shared joke.
"this is so perfect wit till I tell everyone I know the mystery of Pico. Ill be famous." Silana said to herself daydreaming.
Kiff cocked his head to the side confused.
//Silana has always had this dream of being the world's greatest explorer\\ Linta explained.
//oh. But I thought that everything was already explored on those maps\
//everything on the map is explored but there's more in the world that hasn't been mapped\
//then why are we going to mapped places instead of unmapped\
//because it's the law, any explorer that ants to go to the unknown must first travel around the four kingdoms first so that's what were doing\
//ah. I get it now\
when they finely reached the end of pica Silana started giggling and Kiff groaned. The valleys had ended and it as back to flat rock less grassy land. Linta patted Kiff's shoulder in sympathy.
"well at least you can see the forest from here." She pointed and Kiff grinned. From there the journey was quiet and determined. It was starting to get dark when they reached the tree line and their stomachs rumbled hungrily.
"well find a place to camp and settle for the night." She looked back to see if Linta and Kiff were okay but Kiff was gone.
"Kiff!!" she yelled becoming concerned.
//hey I found a place we can camp!\\ Kiff yelled from inside the forest.
"huh?" "he found somewhere to camp." Linta said smiling. Silana rolled her eyes and ventured into the forest. The two found the clearing easily but no Kiff.
"Kiff"
//yeah?\\ he answered from up a tree.
"there you are, get down here and help with the fire." she ordered.
//she would like to help with the fire\\ Linta translated.
//oh okay. \\ he climbed down and started collecting twigs and dead branches. When they had a decent pile in the middle Silana tossed on some wood shavings then pulled out a pair of flint stones. She kept banging the pieces together but though sparks did fly the shavings didn't light. Kiff watched her curiously then stopped her. He took in a deep breath then spat a small flame onto the shavings. They ignited immediately and soon there was a roaring fire.
"okay I still don't believe he's a dragon but that was awesome"
The two boys grinned and sat close to the fire. Kiff's stomach growled and he got up. he set his pack away from the fire.
//I'm gonna go hunt okay\
//sure but be careful.\\ "he's going hunting"
"I guess he didn't pack any food"
"err Silana"
"don't worry I packed food for you as well"
"thanks Silana"
She pulled out her pot and a small sack full of food. She poured some of her water into the pot and placed it right next to the fire. In the woods Kiff was crawling in a tree above a deer. Silently he passed from branch to branch lowering himself closer to his dinner. He pounced suddenly catching his prey off guard and snapping its neck. He lifted his head ands stared at a wooden eye. Soon the eye faded and Kiff carried the deer away. Back at the camp Kiff hung the deer from a branch above then skinned it. He placed a small jar under it. Blood from the deer dripped into the jar. Silana was thoroughly ignoring this by working on her stew. Linta though couldn't help but watch as Kiff used his knife to cut the muscle and organs off of the bones and place them on a metal plate. When he was finished he pulled a black pot similar to Silana's out of his pack. Kiff walked off into the woods with the pot. A while later he came back with three fist-sized stones and the pot filled with water. He placed the stones on the fire and set the pot on the ground. He stuck up two long branches in the ground and tied a third on top of them with some rope from his pouch. Then with a needle make out of bone he fastened the deerskin to the frame and scraped off the blood on it with the knife. Even Silana paid a vague attention to what he was doing. After he was done with the skin he used his gloved hand to pick up one of the rocks. He dumped it into the pot which began to bubble and boil in seconds.
//now that's clever.\\ Linta commented.
Kiff sprinkled some powder into the pot then began inserting the strips of meat he had cut earlier. When all the meat that could fit was in the pot he left it. He picked up another stone and ran it over the inside of the skin. It sizzled quietly. Soon Kiff abandoned the stone and went back to the hanging carcass. He cut out the skull, ribs, and the thighbones. He took out of his pouch a stone that was shaped like an axe head . he placed the sharp blade part on the think bone then bashed another stone on top of it, after a few hits the bone shattered. Kiff picked up a piece of marrow and ate it making enjoyment noises as he did. He offered the others some but they shook their heads and continued to stare at him. He did the same with the other thighbones. Once he as finished he left the thighbones and picked up the metal plate that still had plenty of meat on it and began eating.
"yuck!" Silana cried.
"I'd have to agree there"
Kiff looked at them confused.
//why don't you eat the meat your cooking?\\ Linta asked curiously.
//that's not cooking that's marinating in chisent powder so the met will stay fresh for nearly a week\
//oh. I get it.\\ by the time Silana's stew was finished Kiff had eaten all the meat and their appetites had returned. Silana served Linta a bowl full with a spoon then sat back with her own. While they ate Kiff pulled out his blanket and lay it down but the ground underneath was hard. He lifted up his blanket and piled some leaves onto the ground, he then tucked his blanket over them all like a mattress. He was careful not to be too close to the fire. Before lying down he used the last stone from the fire to repeat his earlier process.
//hey Kiff where did you get the water from?\\ Linta asked when he and Silana had finished. //there's a huge tree with big blue flowers on it. On its side is there's a gap that leads to an underground river\
//thanks\\ he got up slowly and took both his and Silana's bowls and spoons. "be back soon"
When Kiff and Silana ere alone Silana decided something.
"hey Kiff I'm going to teach you some basic Lanarin"
//I understood Kiff and Lanarin but nothing else you said was.\\ he said amused.
"first of all. Hello." She waved at him "rssy"
//oh I get it rssy hi.\\ he waved back.
"yes yes good now bye" she waved goodbye this time "sao"
//bye sao\
"no va"
//va\
"yes amj" she nodded her head.
//amj\\ he nodded also.
"good you're getting it. Now try this, come here." She waved over to her then patted the ground. "kate rmhm"
He crawled over to her //kate rmhm\
"good" she nodded her head and patted his "haag"
//haag either good or correct\\ he smiled.
"bad" she scowled and waved her finger like he had done something wrong "xog"
//I'm gonna go with bad on that one. Xog\
"go away" she pointed to his bed. "ha aloa"
Hawaiian music plays.
He got up and went back to his bed //ha aloa\
"okay lets try this, jump" she got up and jumped "pftz"
he jumped too and found his bed springy //pftz pftz pftz\
Silana burst out laughing.
"okay okay duck" she said when he had stopped. "gefkm" she ducked.
He ducked too //gefkm. \
"left right" sje moved one hand then the other "smnc haloc"
//right smnc left haloc\\ he mixed them up but she soon corrected him.
He kept repeating the words and actions till it was irritating Silana like crazy.
"stop!" she held up her hand "jcaz"
he stopped and Linta's laughter was heard close by.
"well done now all you need to teach him is heel and play dead"
"Ill teach him heal later and if I taught him play dead he wouldn't be playing for long"
Linta laughed more and handed her the bowls and spoons, now clean. She put them back in her bag and both Kiff and Silana took their pots off the fire. It was completely dark by then. The two Lanarin pulled out their sleeping bags and settled into them. It grew dark as each of them thought about home. Kiff stroked the soft underside of his ginto.
"did Malick give you that?" Silana asked. He looked at her of course not understanding. She pointed at the ginto "Malick?" he nodded his head.
She touched her heat and pointed in the way of the village. He pointed slightly to the side to the mountains. She nodded then lay down to sleep. Linta followed but his face looked sad. Kiff set his head down and his eyes slowly slid shut. Kiff was suddenly surrounded by dark blue smoke that felt soft and Malick's heartbeat sounded and felt close by. Kiff relaxed and let himself drift in this comfortable place. When Silana woke she found Kiff frying half a dozen eggs on the metal plate over the fire. The eggs were shared then they packed their stuff. Kiff wrapped up the meat he had cooked and took down the fur skin that was now dry and pack them too. Kiff led Silana to the river and got confused when she made a big fuss about washing alone. When she was finished Kiff and Linta washed up. Before long they were making their way south down the forest. Kiff was climbing around the branches occasionally swinging on vines.
//you know you remind me of someone. Could you just wail Ahhuhahh at the top of your lungs?\\ Linta requested.
//okay! AHHHUUHAAHH\
Silana stopped looked up at Kiff then slapped the back of Linta's head.
"don't teach him annoying habits"
Kiff was having fun in the trees he nearly missed the warning. The sword symbol on his ginto was shining green, its hum attracted Kiff's attention. He crawled down the trunk of a tree.
//um Linta I think were in trouble.\\ //why\
//because you know how the dragon lighted when we hot near Pico? Well now the swords lit up.\\ he explained.
//oh err\\ "Silana Kiff's ginto is warning about danger." Linta said alarmed.
"what could be so dangerous in the forest?" Silana asked still walking.
"I don't knowwwww!" Linta cried as his feet suddenly left the ground. All three of them were lifted high above ground by a net. Linta looked at Silana.
"okay I was wrong. I'm not a guy I can admit a mistake, I can also learn from it." She said smugly. Linta shook his head and moved Kiff's elbow from his back. Small dark green creatures came out of the forest. A load of them dragged a cage, open at the top, under them. A snickering creature above them smiled and pulled a rope end that stuck out of a huge knot. The rope raced around the branches then the net and the trio dropped into the cage.
//goblins.\\ Linta said scared.
Kiff snarled at the goblins but they ignored him. The cage was quickly wheeled through the forest. They entered a cave that went down into deep tunnels filled with goblins. A few huge pits were passed, and colossal beings with long heads and three tails that ended in round bulbs covered in spikes walked around inside them. The cage was pulled into a chamber. Cubes with no fronts lined the walls, two other cages lay empty inside one of these cubes. Their cage was backed up into a cube and all the goblins left.
"well this is a fine thing isn't it?" Linta sighed and Kiff looked at her. "xog" she said to him and he nodded his head.
End of chapter one In the next episode: will they escape the goblins? Why did the Enfon and dragons fight? Why was there no one to say goodbye to Linta? Will they find the forest dragon? Can they make it to the Awton kingdom in tact?
"Yeill comata comata jeant te few" cried the creature in a soft voice.
Another strange language thought Kiff, annoyed. He removed the thing's arms from around his neck slowly and carefully. He stepped back and became nervous when all the thing did was stare at him. He realized what was familiar about the scent, it was feminine. It's a girl he thought unsurely. She spoke more soft words that sounded like a realization. She pointed to herself and said "Silana" Kiff supposed that was her name and should tell her his. He pointed to himself in the same manner and responded "Kiff". She looked confused by his name then shook her head and beckoned him to follow. He did so cautiously until it became clear she was leading him down the mountains. He stood still in consideration. Malick had told him he could only go down the mountains if he truly believed himself ready and to always return to the mountains at night. Kiff checked to see that his sword pendant was around his neck and the two healing potions sent to him from Oceania were in his pouch before he started climbing down after her. A long way below the lowest point Kiff had ever explored; Silana was on a ledge pointing to something further down. A small group of wooden buildings with light yellow roofs and a tall wooden wall around them all with square patches of plants growing at the back and front. Kiff was so overtaken by this new sight he nearly didn't notice Silana climbing away from him until she was twelve meters away and her foot accidentally kicked some stones free startling him into movement again. Kiff knew this village was their destination. He wondered if he had made the right decision after all.
Kiff stood ten feet from the huge wooden gates that led into the village his head leaned back so he could see the top.
"Ohnadda Voko" Silana called.
"Ignanas atah jemss" came a male voice from above.
"Ata manl larnt dn dj" she yelled back angrily. "Silana atah dv nhaxss ahov" called the voice accusingly "yzre co gothj" it shouted to someone inside the gate.
The huge doors creaked and started to open. Two tall warriors the same species as Silana armed with wooden staffs stood inside. Silana looked at him smiling then proceeded inside. The two guards looked at him strangely as he passed. Kiff followed her to a loud and smelly building. Inside there were lots of people like Silana with varying hairstyles, colours, sizes, and builds; drinking, talking, and laughing. A small group sat on a raised platform playing very dull music in Kiff's opinion. Everyone ignored them both. Silana tugged at one particularly large and loud mans shirt. The man looked down and instantaneously a large smile spread over his slightly more rounded face.
"Silana" the man beamed happily then lifted her up and hugged her before setting her down again. She started whispering in his ear. Kiff could have heard her but he decided not to intrude besides he didn't understand the language. Kiff was starting to get nervous, more and more people were beginning to notice him.
"Kiff" hearing his name called in this strange place startled him and he knocked someone's drink over. The man whose drink he had pushed over and spilled made an angry noise and shoved his chair back to stand but suddenly halted. Kiff turned to see what had hindered the man. The one Silana had been talking to, had his hand up and was shaking his head. The man that was holding Silana looked down at him. "You understand my words yes?" asked the man. Kiff nodded glad to be able to understand someone at last but still wary of its inhabitance.
"Good I am Bundar Sills leader of this village" Bundar informed him proudly.
"I'm Kiff" Kiff informed him nonchalantly.
Bundar laughed loudly. "So I've been told but what is an Enfon doing on a mountain I thought the Dragons got you all anyway?" he inquired, "I'm also curious as to why you have a Dragons name?" Bundar was smiling until he saw the enraged face of Kiff.
"I am not an Enfon. I am a Dragon raised and named by a Dragon. The Enfon were evil beings that received what they deserved." Kiff's sharp as a knife angry tone had silenced the room. "Alright lad your no Enfon. Which Dragon raised you may I ask?" Bundar tried to calm the room again.
"Malick" was Kiff's honest reply.
Glasses were dropped and a choir of gasps were heard. Kiff looked behind him at the gaping horrified faces.
"Do you mean to tell me that you were raised by the second demon Dragon Malick of fire and shadow storm" Questioned Bundar quite seriously.
Kiff's hand encircled his pendant sword before he nodded.
Those that understood the language looked at each other not knowing what to do.
"So how long have you been up that mountain?" Bundar was not a man to jump to conclusion.
"Twelve years" Kiff answered cautiously not feeling very safe in the eerie silence of the room and feeling everyone's eyes on him did not help.
"Hey Cobacky when did the night storm start?" he called across the room.
"About twelve years" answered a voice that Kiff couldn't see the source of.
"HAHAHAHA all those stupid superstitions about the night storm and all this time it was Malick coming to see his kid Ahhh HAHAHAHA" Bundar's laughter boomed across the room and pretty soon everyone was laughing including Kiff, though he had no idea why. When everyone was quiet again Bundar bought Kiff a drink.
"So what brings you down the mountain after twelve years"
"Curiosity and her" Kiff pointed at Silana who had been calm the entire time now scowled at the finger pointed at her.
"Tell him to stop pointing at me or Ill bite his finger off." Silana warned in her native language that Kiff did not understand.
"Best put your finger down lad before you lose it to her teeth" Bundar relayed the warning, amused.
Kiff didn't hesitate to lower his hand "I also came to explore"
"Explore huh?" he turned to Silana "rem lovej ca mykissh cae" whatever was said to her it started an intense conversation. When it was finished Bundar let out a huge sigh then turned back to Kiff.
"My Silana here is nuts about exploring and says if you take her with you shell help you find your way. The problem is you'll need a good translator." Bundar explained. Kiff thought about this, if he took her he wouldn't be wondering around aimlessly. The problem still remained of a translator. The darkening sky alerted Kiff of the coming night. He said his goodbyes to Bundar and Silana and promised to return in the morning. Climbing back up he thought about the adventured he was sure to have. On sighting Nitory Peak he looked up the purple sky, it wouldn't be long before Malick arrived. At the peak a small stone square slab was his place to wait for Malick, but tonight would be the last time in a long time at least that he would be waiting here. Once the sun had set dark clouds rolled in. thunder and lightening eagerly made the storms presence known. Fire flashed across the now black sky waving through the clouds. A dark blue eye followed by a red one appeared. Kiff knew deep in the storm Malick was arriving from the hell dimension. The thorny end of Malick's tail alerted Kiff that he was fully here. A welcome growl echoed around Kiff.
"I went down the mountain today" Kiff told his guardian unsure of what the reaction would be.
"And what did you find?" came the echo of an ancient and wise voice.
"I saw a village and a strange girl, well I saw the girl first then she led me to the village where I met her farther, the leader of the village. And well I said I wanted to explore and this girl has maps and information she also wants to explore but the problem is we need a translator so I promised to return tomorrow." Kiff explained fully to his adopting parent.
"You will not be returning to the Nitory peak again, will you?" the wise voice asked knowing the answer. Fire and black smoke that crackled with electricity crept down from beneath Malick's eyes. Kiff's head tilted with curiosity, he knew better than to be afraid of anything that came from Malick. The smoke seeped down and around Kiff's left wrist. It spread over and around his forearm. Slowly it became solid metal. The metal was pale and smooth. As it solidified a symbol formed on the top of it. A dragon holding a sword and an orb of some kind. On the underside it reminded him of the soft scales behind Malick's ears. "This device is called a ginto it has many uses you might want to explore it as well as the lands here." Came the riddled explanation. Kiff studied the ginto intently. The great midnight blue head of the demon dragon came out from between the clouds and lowered to be in front of Kiff. Kiff was of course completely oblivious, too caught up on the possibilities of his new gift. Short amused laughter echoed. A huff of breath that nearly knocked him over finally caught his attention. He smiled at his parent then wrapped his arms around Malick's front horn. Thunder roared as the great dragons wings flapped. As he rose into the sky he flipped his head sending Kiff into the air. Kiff twirled and landed in the saddle at the back of Malick's neck. He held on tight as Malick took them down to a cave between the mountains. Inside the large cave down a steep passage Malick's fire breath lit thirty-two large fire rocks that were embedded in the walls close to the ceiling. He curled up in the middle on a huge pile of furs prepared to sleep. Kiff stretched and yawned then pulled a fur blanket from the floor. He curled up next to Malick's chest and was lulled to sleep by the pounding of the Dragons heart.
In the morning before Kiff woke, he lay still curled and slightly snoring Malick too was still deep in his slumber, but as the sun had risen his dark blue scales had added a red tinge to them. His long snout that ended in two fist sized nostrils hissed quietly with his breathing. His long mane, which sprouted from in front of his two horns, lay calm unlike the thrashing chaos the wind had turned it into the night before. Kiff when he had woken pulled out his chest of belongings. He removed his rucksack from its contents.
"You should take your good sandals as well as some food and water." Advised Malick.
Kiff looked at him and nodded his head. He packed some meat, eggs, herbs and fruit as well as warmer cloths and some healing plants. He tied his warmest fur blanket to the top. Inside his pouch he placed the Dragon flute Malick had given him; he also placed the gold wind feather an air-based dragon had given to him in return for helping it. Kiff carefully selected the amour he would wear, his usual knee and lower leg guards, his best sandals, and a clawed leather and chain mail glove. He was ready; turning to Malick he looked at his adopting parent this was his first adventure away from Malick. He suddenly felt so small so young especially in comparison to Malick. "Remember all you have been taught my child and that no matter where you go I will be able to find you. Here take this"
He handed a medium sized light brown leather bag to Kiff. He looked inside and found it full of gold coins and coloured gems. Kiff looked at his guardian curiously. Malick collected this stuff and he admitted it was nice looking but for what purpose he didn't know.
"What are these for"
"Many cultures use this as currency which you might need on your journey." He explained to him.
"Oh err thanks Malick." Kiff said uncertainly as he looked at his feet. Malick lowered his great head until one of his eyes were level with Kiff.
"Would you like a ride to the village?" Kiff lifted his head then made sure he had all his needed possessions. He slung the rucksack strap over his head and arm then turned back to Malick.
"Id enjoys that." He climbed into the large saddle that was strapped just above Malick's arm shoulders. Malick walked on all fours up the tunnel to the cave entrance. Kiff looked down at the amazing drop then smiled and held on to the saddle. Malick let himself fall forward down off the edge. They fell for what seamed like only seconds, with the air rushing up at them a weightless bliss washed over them both, six minutes of dropping the ground catapulting to meet them. Not a mile from the rocks below Malick opened his wings and let the air carry him up. He tilted his huge leather wings bending and flying around rock pillars. They cleared the rocks and flew into open air. Malick glided over the Nitory Mountains with ease. He manoeuvred over the air currents like a ship through a river. Kiff had his arms up and was enjoying the air flowing around him. His hair flapping around, his eyes wide and shining brightly he was a picture of joy. He stood up carefully and climbed out of the saddle. Slowly he crawled his way up Malick's long neck making sure to keep on the large amour scales but not hurt himself on the spines. He made his way till he as on top of Malick's head lying amongst the soft wire hairs that made up Malick's huge billowy mane. Malick's huge horns stuck up on either side of him. He was content to lie there the whole way down. Amongst Malick's soft hair, he splayed out his hands stroking his guardian's head. He felt the deep rumblings of Malick's purr and joined in sharing in the contentedness. "The object I gave you last night I will be able to keep a watch on you with it but only at night. We will not truly be far apart my child." Malick said trying to comfort Kiff when he felt his child's tears. Kiff did not say anything he just continued to lye there stroking Malick's hair though his tears had stopped. Down at the village Bundar was trying to calm his over excited child.
"Silana you're going on a tour around the country not around the world"
"I know that dad but I have to be prepared and you never know what you might need"
"Apparently." "Dad if your gonna just stand there and be a bother why don't you go and get Linta"
"Alright but remember whatever you take you carry." He told her as he walked out the door.
"Humph." She went back to packing.
Outside Bundar walked across the path to the small house opposite his and knocked on the door. A very small man opened the door and looked up at Bundar.
"Hello sir is there something I can do for you?" he asked cheerfully.
"Yes Linta you know my daughters going on her expedition with that heh dragon boy right"
Linta's face dropped from cheery to out right terrified.
"Oh no no no please master Bundar don't make me go." He pleaded. "But you're the only one in the village besides myself that can speak multiple languages besides I wouldn't be able to trust some stranger travelling wit h my daughter alone"
Linta looked like he was about to protest some more but when Bundar folded his arms he dropped his head helplessly.
Back in her room Silana had finely finished packing and was fastening ass the straps and buckles. "All right that should be everything. Now if that dumb Enfon would get here we could leave." She said impatiently. She lifted the huge backpack off the bed with surprising ease. Taking one last look around her map-covered room she picked up a scroll from her desk then sheathed it. She took off marching with determination. Outside she got half way down her path when laughter was heard. She turned to see group of children and teenagers laughing and pointing at her.
"You think I'm funny do ya well think that when I've seen dragons, fairies, the silver tiger when I've been to Awton, Ganary, and the old Enfon kingdom and all you'll a done is stay here and do nothing but farming the same field day after day." She sneered at them. They had stopped laughing and were sulking angrily when she had finished. She smirked at them and carried on her way. Bundar and Linta were waiting for her by the front gates.
"Do you think ya have enough stuff there Silana?" Linta asked.
"Yes and I hope you have packed the proper needed supplies too" she answered defensively.
"Well I" Linta stopped and stared at something in the sky. The others turned to look at what he was staring at and began staring themselves. "Dragon!" a villager yelled. Other villagers started screaming and panicking.
"Calm down!" Bundar's massive voice yelled to his people. "That is Malick he is bringing Kiff a friend of ours, he is not going to attack now calm yourselves!" he ordered and explained. The villagers stopped panicking and looked on in trepid silence as Malick flew nearer. Malick's size became more and more apparent as he came closer. Finely Malick's great horned head passed over them followed by his long snake like neck. Malick's hulking great arms and shoulders passed. With his hugely clawed fingers pulled up to his chest. His dark blue and splattered red-scaled belly even though shadowed it was an amazing sight. Malick's huge leather wings stretched forward and covered nearly the entire village in shadow. Bundar and the others stood watching with their heads tilted straight up. Bundar tried to follow the motion of Malick's wings but leaned too far back and ended up falling over. Linta and Silana turned around and continued to watch as Malick's legs and colossal tail went over. Bundar and the other villagers became relieved as Malick's bladed and thorned tail end passed over the far wall, all except for Silana and Linta who were confused. "Want Kiff supposed to be dropped off?" Silana asked.
"Err" Bundar replied.
"Sir! Bundar! That err Kiff boy is at the gate!" a soldier on the wall called down. "Ah there ya see. Okay let him in"
Please note that " " are speech made in Lanarin which Silana, Linta, Bundar, and the Lanarin speak and // \\ are speech made in Enfon which Kiff, Bundar, and Linta speak, thank you.
The doors were opened and Kiff marched inside. His shoulders were straight and his chin was lifted but the wetness of tear tracks was still evident on his cheeks.
//Kiff! Kiff! Over here m'boy\\ Bundar called.
"Well it's about time." Silana commented.
Kiff looked at her oddly then turned to Bundar.
//are we ready to go? Did the translator agree to come along? \\ Kiff asked him.
//well I didn't exactly agree but yeah I'm coming. Linta is my name\
"What are you talking about?" Silana asked impatiently.
"Just introductions Silana" Bundar answered.
"He wants to know if were ready to go?" Linta asked "Of courses we are now come here and let me show you our route that I've planned"
//Kiff come here, Silana has our travel route planned.\\ Linta called him over Kiff and Linta stood in front of Silana as she pulled out her map. She pointed out the path they were to take around the kingdoms of the country. Today she planned to head out of the Lanarin kingdom avoiding Pico an area that made all that enter it vanish and as curious as she was about it death was not something she wanted to chance. By night she hoped to camp in the lower part of the Sento forest near to where the great forest dragon was supposed to be. Kiff became excited at the dragon part. She wrapped up her map and put it away.
"Okay Kiff you dim witted Enfon lets go." She ordered.
//what did she say to me\
//basically lets go.\\ Linta said trying to keep peace.
"Bye daddy luv you." She hugged her dad and he kissed her head. Kiff watched this interaction with mild curiosity. Silana and Bundar parted and the trio made their way out of the village. Kiff noticed that no one was saying a special goodbye to Linta. All the villagers by then had gathered and waved them off shouting their goodbyes and wishing them luck. Silana gave a final wave then turned forward with a determined march and smile she led the others. Linta waved to the villagers then began walking behind and to the right of Silana, a worried and uncertain look to his face. Kiff walked upright until they reached the grass again then went down on all fours, but after a while he growled and went back to twos.
"What's his problem?" Silana asked Linta irritated.
//hey Kiff what's the growling about\
//cant crawl the grounds too flat and were not moving fast enough so that I can run\
"He's just irritated that he can't crawl"
"I suppose it is different from being up on those rocky mountains tell him it'll get better when we reach the valleys"
//Silana says well reach some valleys you should be able to crawl then\
Kiff smiled at that and continued walking beside Linta to Silana's left, observing his surroundings. They walked between fields and over hills. Soon Silana was becoming annoyed again since Linta had to keep telling Kiff to keep up. He kept stopping to take in his surroundings.
"Hey Enfon do you wanna come with us or not!?" she yelled to Kiff.
Linta sighed and walked back to Kiff. //Kiff you need to keep up or you'll get left behind or lost\\ he said tenderly.
//sorry its just I've never seen so much grass or open rockless ground\\ he explained.
//I know, I understand it's all new to you.\\ Linta said.
//when are we going to reach the valleys? \\ //just a sec\\ "Silana how long to the valleys"
"grr. Not long okay"
//she says not long Kiff\\ he reassured.
//is she sure\
"are you sure"
"argh yes I'm sure now tell that dim witted Enfon to shut up and get moving"
//yep she's pretty sure Kiff\
//did she just call me an Enfon?\\ he asked seriously.
//err yeah\\ he answered nervously.
Kiff rushed forward in front of Silana and stood up to her face to face. Linta ran up to them and stood to the side greatly worried.
//I am not an Enfon girl I am a dragon\
"he says he's not an Enfon he's a dragon" Linta quickly translated.
"hmm well let's see, no wings, no tail, no horns." She teased //she says you cant be a dragon you don't have wings, horns, or a tail. \
//body and spirit are not the same thing\
"err he says body and spirit aren't the same thing.\\ he shrugged.
"if he's a dragon then I'm a pink and yellow tiger"
//she err doesn't believe you\
//I don't care if she doesn't believe me. I am not and ENFON\
"he says he's not an Enfon." "fine dragon boy whatever"
Kiff looked around he can still see the Nitory Mountains but he could see no valley.
//where are we?\\ he asked.
"Silana he would like to know where we are"
"were in the south west corner of the Lanarin Kingdom heading for Sento forest avoiding Pico"
"Oh."//she knows where we are, don't worry\
Kiff shrugged his shoulders and gazed at the Nitory mountains Silana walked past him then stopped.
"hey Kiff." She called smirking.
Kiff turned to look at her. She waved him to her and he moved to stand beside her. she pointed to a long line of rocks.
"you see that ridge of rocks that's the start of the valleys"
//she says he valleys start there Kiff\
he smiled brightly and began to run towards the valleys.
"hey you wait up!" Silana called as she and Linta ran after him. When he reached the ridge he climbed on top of a rock and looked down at the stone valley, grinning.
"there are you happy you grinning dog"
"heh heh, he looks happy Silana"
"ell lets not dwell, I want to reach the forest tonight." They climbed down to the bottom of the valley where a smoothed path lay. Kiff kept to the side crawling over rocks on his hands and feet. They had only walked a few miles when Kiff's ginto began to hum and the dragon shone blue. He raised his arm and a half sphere appeared above the symbol and a blue dotted light shone to the upper right side.
//hey Linta there's a dragon nearby. I'm gonna check it out, kay. \\ //sure but be careful. \
Kiff crawled up the left side of the valley. Silana looked back and noticed.
"hey you can't go there that's Pico. Kiff stop"
//Kiff wait\
//huh? Why\
"idiot that's Pico. Everyone that goes in there never comes out"
//Kiff Silana says you cant go its too dangerous\
//but the dragon.\\ Kiff near whined.
"Silana he says there's a dragon in there"
"do you think the dragon is friendly?" she asked thoughtfully.
//err Kiff do you think the dragons friendly\
//as long as we don't give him or her a reason not to be\
"he says the dragon wont attack unless we give it reason to"
"well I don't know, I suppose we could just go in and see this dragon then quickly leave"
Linta nodded his head then the two of them climbed up the side of valley joining Kiff who was becoming impatient.
//well are we going or not\
//yep together but only to see the dragon\\ Linta answered.
//but I wanted to talk as well\\ Kiff whined.
"Silana he err wants to talk to the dragon as well"
"don't be stupid dragons cant talk"
//Silana says dragons cant talk.\\ //then what am I doing blubbering coherently\
Linta snickered then turned to Silana. "he says dragons can talk when they chose to"
Silana looked at him skeptically. "well see when we find the dragon"
They climbed up to the top of the valley side and looked at Pico in amazement. The entire place could be seen. The land seemed to slant inwards and was almost entirely covered in a white mist. Dried up earth and a few dead trees led the way to the middle. With a terrified awe they passed from the valley into Pico. The air immediately became dry.
//the whole place seems sucked of water, but its a water dragon that lives here\\ Kiff thought aloud. //yeah? Maybe the dragon has something to do with the dryness\
"what are you two saying"
"that the dragon here is a water type and maybe has something to do with it being so dry"
Silana nodded her head "how far is the dragon"
//Kiff how far to the dragon\
//I don't know I just know the direction but if you want my guess Id say its smack in the middle of Pico\
//I was afraid you'd say that.\\ "he says the dragon is probably in the middle"
"greeeaaat." Silana replied sarcastically. As they approached the mist they began to realize it was moving back from them. when they were well into the fog it had them surrounded. Kiff lifted up his arm and checked the direction of the dragon. Using his ginto he led the other two through the mist. Silana let out a shriek when a skull and what appeared to be more bones were revealed by the mist.
"I guess that's what happened to the other explorers." Linta said shakily.
"but how did they die?" Silana wondered.
"maybe the dragon will know"
"maybe the dragon did it"
The fog soon became thinner till it was no more and the trio found themselves in front of a lake filled by the most beautiful waterfall.
"that water looks delicious." Silana moved to drink from the lake but Kiff's arm stopped her. He pointed to the top of the waterfall.
//the dragon she's watching us.\\ //I don't see her. And how do you know its a her?\\ Linta asked.
//female energy flows smoother than male, plus the long eyelashes are a give away\
//oh. I still don't see her.\\ "Silana the lady dragon is at the top of the waterfall"
"I don't see any dragon"
"me neither but he does"
//excuse us lady dragon of Pico if we are intruding.\\ Kiff called up to her.
Linta and Silana gasped as two glistening crystal blue eyes opened above the waterfall. Light, dark blue, and white scales slowly appeared. Her webbed and clawed front paws lay to the side of where the water fell and her long whiskers shone pale blue from the sides of her snout. She wasn't large but she was still bigger than all three of them. Her tail curled in and out of the falling water and ended in a fabric like fin.
//you are not intruding son of Malick\
Both Linta and Silana's eyes bulged and Kiff's jaw dropped.
//you know who I am\
//of course. I sensed it, the power of Malick in you\
Her voice was low and something in it made Kiff want to never trust her.
//why so far from other water dragons\
//because I am Twoterona the banished\
//I'm sorry. \
//don't be for out here I can practice the spell I was banished for. \
//the mist\
//clever boy\
"What's going on?" Silana asked in a hushed voice.
"She was banished from the ocean because of the mist spell"
"I knew it, she killed them didn't she"
"I don't know Ill ask. //lady Twoterona do you know what happened to the explorers that came here before us\
//yes. I used my spell to drain them dry and keep me young\
"that's a big yes on the killing." Linta told Silana.
"I knew it. Wait why isn't she killing us too then"
Linta shrugged his shoulders then leaned to whisper in Kiff's ear.
//why isn't she using her spell on us?\\ //because Malick isn't the sort of dragon I would like angry at me\\ she answered.
//didn't think you could hear me.\\ //these ears were meant to hear excellently under water, in open air well you get the idea. \\ she said smugly.
"Linta?" Silana asked impatiently.
"oh sorry. She doesn't want to anger Malick"
"who would. So how do we stop her"
"stop her"
"yeah we can't just let her continue"
//err lady Twoterona cannot let you continue your spell.\\ Linta said with so much fake bravado it was obvious.
Twoterona gave a short sigh then giggled actually giggled at him.
//you know you're very silly but quite cute for a Lanarin\
Kiff looked at him oddly //why do you want to stop her? Her spell is only used in her territory\
//because its wrong to kill.\\ Linta answered instantly.
//yuck what a gold heart.\\ Twoterona said disgusted.
//are all water dragons like you?\\ Linta asked her crossly.
//no, I'm unique.\\ she answered proudly.
//good.\\ he turned and walked up to Silana "which way now"
"right" she pulled out her compass and map. "lets see were in the middle of Pico so we should go south west. That way." She pointed.
//Kiff if your finished talking to her I think its best we left\
//oops I think I hurt his feelings.\\ "aren't we going to do anything about her?" Silana asked fiercely.
"no Pico his her domain." He said shaking his head.
Twoterona's eyes widened then turned back to normal. //you're not as stupid as I thought Linta.\\ she said seriously. Kiff turned and walked in the direction Silana pointed out. The three set off again.
//bye Twoterona and thanks for not draining us.\\ Linta yelled back.
//goodbye children come back any time\\ she yelled, a playfully evil intent in her words. Once they were out of the mist they all relaxed.
//I see what you meant by those eyelashes.\\ Kiff and Linta laughed at their shared joke.
"this is so perfect wit till I tell everyone I know the mystery of Pico. Ill be famous." Silana said to herself daydreaming.
Kiff cocked his head to the side confused.
//Silana has always had this dream of being the world's greatest explorer\\ Linta explained.
//oh. But I thought that everything was already explored on those maps\
//everything on the map is explored but there's more in the world that hasn't been mapped\
//then why are we going to mapped places instead of unmapped\
//because it's the law, any explorer that ants to go to the unknown must first travel around the four kingdoms first so that's what were doing\
//ah. I get it now\
when they finely reached the end of pica Silana started giggling and Kiff groaned. The valleys had ended and it as back to flat rock less grassy land. Linta patted Kiff's shoulder in sympathy.
"well at least you can see the forest from here." She pointed and Kiff grinned. From there the journey was quiet and determined. It was starting to get dark when they reached the tree line and their stomachs rumbled hungrily.
"well find a place to camp and settle for the night." She looked back to see if Linta and Kiff were okay but Kiff was gone.
"Kiff!!" she yelled becoming concerned.
//hey I found a place we can camp!\\ Kiff yelled from inside the forest.
"huh?" "he found somewhere to camp." Linta said smiling. Silana rolled her eyes and ventured into the forest. The two found the clearing easily but no Kiff.
"Kiff"
//yeah?\\ he answered from up a tree.
"there you are, get down here and help with the fire." she ordered.
//she would like to help with the fire\\ Linta translated.
//oh okay. \\ he climbed down and started collecting twigs and dead branches. When they had a decent pile in the middle Silana tossed on some wood shavings then pulled out a pair of flint stones. She kept banging the pieces together but though sparks did fly the shavings didn't light. Kiff watched her curiously then stopped her. He took in a deep breath then spat a small flame onto the shavings. They ignited immediately and soon there was a roaring fire.
"okay I still don't believe he's a dragon but that was awesome"
The two boys grinned and sat close to the fire. Kiff's stomach growled and he got up. he set his pack away from the fire.
//I'm gonna go hunt okay\
//sure but be careful.\\ "he's going hunting"
"I guess he didn't pack any food"
"err Silana"
"don't worry I packed food for you as well"
"thanks Silana"
She pulled out her pot and a small sack full of food. She poured some of her water into the pot and placed it right next to the fire. In the woods Kiff was crawling in a tree above a deer. Silently he passed from branch to branch lowering himself closer to his dinner. He pounced suddenly catching his prey off guard and snapping its neck. He lifted his head ands stared at a wooden eye. Soon the eye faded and Kiff carried the deer away. Back at the camp Kiff hung the deer from a branch above then skinned it. He placed a small jar under it. Blood from the deer dripped into the jar. Silana was thoroughly ignoring this by working on her stew. Linta though couldn't help but watch as Kiff used his knife to cut the muscle and organs off of the bones and place them on a metal plate. When he was finished he pulled a black pot similar to Silana's out of his pack. Kiff walked off into the woods with the pot. A while later he came back with three fist-sized stones and the pot filled with water. He placed the stones on the fire and set the pot on the ground. He stuck up two long branches in the ground and tied a third on top of them with some rope from his pouch. Then with a needle make out of bone he fastened the deerskin to the frame and scraped off the blood on it with the knife. Even Silana paid a vague attention to what he was doing. After he was done with the skin he used his gloved hand to pick up one of the rocks. He dumped it into the pot which began to bubble and boil in seconds.
//now that's clever.\\ Linta commented.
Kiff sprinkled some powder into the pot then began inserting the strips of meat he had cut earlier. When all the meat that could fit was in the pot he left it. He picked up another stone and ran it over the inside of the skin. It sizzled quietly. Soon Kiff abandoned the stone and went back to the hanging carcass. He cut out the skull, ribs, and the thighbones. He took out of his pouch a stone that was shaped like an axe head . he placed the sharp blade part on the think bone then bashed another stone on top of it, after a few hits the bone shattered. Kiff picked up a piece of marrow and ate it making enjoyment noises as he did. He offered the others some but they shook their heads and continued to stare at him. He did the same with the other thighbones. Once he as finished he left the thighbones and picked up the metal plate that still had plenty of meat on it and began eating.
"yuck!" Silana cried.
"I'd have to agree there"
Kiff looked at them confused.
//why don't you eat the meat your cooking?\\ Linta asked curiously.
//that's not cooking that's marinating in chisent powder so the met will stay fresh for nearly a week\
//oh. I get it.\\ by the time Silana's stew was finished Kiff had eaten all the meat and their appetites had returned. Silana served Linta a bowl full with a spoon then sat back with her own. While they ate Kiff pulled out his blanket and lay it down but the ground underneath was hard. He lifted up his blanket and piled some leaves onto the ground, he then tucked his blanket over them all like a mattress. He was careful not to be too close to the fire. Before lying down he used the last stone from the fire to repeat his earlier process.
//hey Kiff where did you get the water from?\\ Linta asked when he and Silana had finished. //there's a huge tree with big blue flowers on it. On its side is there's a gap that leads to an underground river\
//thanks\\ he got up slowly and took both his and Silana's bowls and spoons. "be back soon"
When Kiff and Silana ere alone Silana decided something.
"hey Kiff I'm going to teach you some basic Lanarin"
//I understood Kiff and Lanarin but nothing else you said was.\\ he said amused.
"first of all. Hello." She waved at him "rssy"
//oh I get it rssy hi.\\ he waved back.
"yes yes good now bye" she waved goodbye this time "sao"
//bye sao\
"no va"
//va\
"yes amj" she nodded her head.
//amj\\ he nodded also.
"good you're getting it. Now try this, come here." She waved over to her then patted the ground. "kate rmhm"
He crawled over to her //kate rmhm\
"good" she nodded her head and patted his "haag"
//haag either good or correct\\ he smiled.
"bad" she scowled and waved her finger like he had done something wrong "xog"
//I'm gonna go with bad on that one. Xog\
"go away" she pointed to his bed. "ha aloa"
Hawaiian music plays.
He got up and went back to his bed //ha aloa\
"okay lets try this, jump" she got up and jumped "pftz"
he jumped too and found his bed springy //pftz pftz pftz\
Silana burst out laughing.
"okay okay duck" she said when he had stopped. "gefkm" she ducked.
He ducked too //gefkm. \
"left right" sje moved one hand then the other "smnc haloc"
//right smnc left haloc\\ he mixed them up but she soon corrected him.
He kept repeating the words and actions till it was irritating Silana like crazy.
"stop!" she held up her hand "jcaz"
he stopped and Linta's laughter was heard close by.
"well done now all you need to teach him is heel and play dead"
"Ill teach him heal later and if I taught him play dead he wouldn't be playing for long"
Linta laughed more and handed her the bowls and spoons, now clean. She put them back in her bag and both Kiff and Silana took their pots off the fire. It was completely dark by then. The two Lanarin pulled out their sleeping bags and settled into them. It grew dark as each of them thought about home. Kiff stroked the soft underside of his ginto.
"did Malick give you that?" Silana asked. He looked at her of course not understanding. She pointed at the ginto "Malick?" he nodded his head.
She touched her heat and pointed in the way of the village. He pointed slightly to the side to the mountains. She nodded then lay down to sleep. Linta followed but his face looked sad. Kiff set his head down and his eyes slowly slid shut. Kiff was suddenly surrounded by dark blue smoke that felt soft and Malick's heartbeat sounded and felt close by. Kiff relaxed and let himself drift in this comfortable place. When Silana woke she found Kiff frying half a dozen eggs on the metal plate over the fire. The eggs were shared then they packed their stuff. Kiff wrapped up the meat he had cooked and took down the fur skin that was now dry and pack them too. Kiff led Silana to the river and got confused when she made a big fuss about washing alone. When she was finished Kiff and Linta washed up. Before long they were making their way south down the forest. Kiff was climbing around the branches occasionally swinging on vines.
//you know you remind me of someone. Could you just wail Ahhuhahh at the top of your lungs?\\ Linta requested.
//okay! AHHHUUHAAHH\
Silana stopped looked up at Kiff then slapped the back of Linta's head.
"don't teach him annoying habits"
Kiff was having fun in the trees he nearly missed the warning. The sword symbol on his ginto was shining green, its hum attracted Kiff's attention. He crawled down the trunk of a tree.
//um Linta I think were in trouble.\\ //why\
//because you know how the dragon lighted when we hot near Pico? Well now the swords lit up.\\ he explained.
//oh err\\ "Silana Kiff's ginto is warning about danger." Linta said alarmed.
"what could be so dangerous in the forest?" Silana asked still walking.
"I don't knowwwww!" Linta cried as his feet suddenly left the ground. All three of them were lifted high above ground by a net. Linta looked at Silana.
"okay I was wrong. I'm not a guy I can admit a mistake, I can also learn from it." She said smugly. Linta shook his head and moved Kiff's elbow from his back. Small dark green creatures came out of the forest. A load of them dragged a cage, open at the top, under them. A snickering creature above them smiled and pulled a rope end that stuck out of a huge knot. The rope raced around the branches then the net and the trio dropped into the cage.
//goblins.\\ Linta said scared.
Kiff snarled at the goblins but they ignored him. The cage was quickly wheeled through the forest. They entered a cave that went down into deep tunnels filled with goblins. A few huge pits were passed, and colossal beings with long heads and three tails that ended in round bulbs covered in spikes walked around inside them. The cage was pulled into a chamber. Cubes with no fronts lined the walls, two other cages lay empty inside one of these cubes. Their cage was backed up into a cube and all the goblins left.
"well this is a fine thing isn't it?" Linta sighed and Kiff looked at her. "xog" she said to him and he nodded his head.
End of chapter one In the next episode: will they escape the goblins? Why did the Enfon and dragons fight? Why was there no one to say goodbye to Linta? Will they find the forest dragon? Can they make it to the Awton kingdom in tact?