Chapter 10: An Encounter by the River
The planes was vast and stretched as far as the eye could see. The two dragons flew across the lush green landscape, following the winding river below them. Other than that river, the land was featureless, devoid of any distinctive landmarks save for the never-ending sand dunes of the Hadarac Desert stretching far to the east. The flight over the planes was generally uneventful. Lorenz, restless and bored, retreated into his mind and pondered their next moves once they reached the capital. As of now, they were still not in visual range of yet so there was no information about the layout or strength of the dragon rider forces stationed there. From the map, Lorenz could tell that the capital was largely in the middle of nowhere. They would need to fly for a few days at least in any direction before they reached any other settlement. The more he thought about it the more it felt like a death trap. Escape from the city, should they be discovered, seemed to be a feat of impossibility. This worried Lorenz greatly as he always wanted to have a backup plan in case anything went wrong. Lorenz never believed in chance and always wanted to make sure as little was left to it as possible. However, this time, he felt helpless that there was nothing he could do before hand to improve their odds.
You worry too much Lorenz! You must learn to let go once in a while and… go where the wind takes you! Gneisenau said, sensing his internal conflict.
We could be in grave danger here, Gneisenau! Taking chances is one thing but this… this is like gambling with our lives! Lorenz retorted.
I am not sure why but… I just have this sense, this feeling that everything will be alright! So as long as we are together there is nothing we cannot accomplish! His dragon said reassuringly. I think you call this… 'gut feeling' in your world.
Lorenz laughed a little at his dragon's remark. He could not deny that gut feeling had sometimes gotten him out of dangerous situations when he was in the Luftwaffe. However, as much as he could, he tried not to rely too much on it.
After about three days of flying, they approached a fork in the river and a small settlement near it. That must be the town of Bullridge. This indicated that they were half way to the capital. They had made great progress in the past few days and could very well reach Ilirea without stopping to resupply at Bullridge. The two dragons pressed onwards, cutting through a small patch of desert towards a small mountain range just beyond the winding river. If their estimates were correct, the capital should be just behind the mountain range.
After another two days flight, the dragons were past the foothills of the mountains and were circling round the western side of the mountain range heading southward. In the distance, they could see stone structures rising out of the desert plains. The capital was in sight. As the sun started to descend, the two riders made camp at the base of the mountains. Gneisenau was weary after a long day of flying and Kaldir offered to hunt for a meal for them both. The two riders started a fire and had their own meals while Gneisenau quickly dozed off from her fatigue.
After several hours, the silence was interrupted by faint roaring in the distance interlaced with cries. It sounded like that of a dragon, or a pair of dragons given the somewhat distinct roars.
"Did you hear that?" Lorenz asked Avirdaus while getting to his feet, hand on his sword's handle.
"Yes, I did! It sounds like dragons." Avirdaus replied with a bit of concern in his voice, he reached for his sword and strapped in on his waist. The roaring was coming from the south seemingly from the other side of the bend in the river. Kaldir had took off to the eastern portion and so was no where near there. Avirdaus confirmed that his dragon was not in danger.
"You and Gneisenau stay here! I will go and investigate!" Avirdaus said getting up.
"Wait! I can't let you go alone!" Lorenz responded getting up as well.
"No, Lorenz! It is too dangerous for an untrained rider like yourself. Let me handle this!" Avirdaus retorted. Lorenz was conflicted but eventually differed to the instructions of the older rider.
"Be careful out there! We don't know what lurks in the mountains!" Lorenz warned as Avirdaus set off in the direction of the sound.
"Don't worry! I know what to do." Avirdaus commented confidently, disappearing around the mountain.
After about ten minutes, Lorenz continued to hear the occasional roaring. Gneisenau was wide awake from the commotion and was on guard as well.
I don't like this at all! If there really are dragons there, Avirdaus could be in danger! More so since Kaldir was not even close. Lorenz thought to his dragon.
I agree. It was pretty silly of him to go wandering off on his own.
Lorenz sighed and got to his feet. Come, Gneisenau! Let's go! He said approaching his dragon who seemed confused but crouched down none the less to allow him to climb on board easily.
Where… Where are we going? Our instructions are to stay here. Gneisenau asked curiously.
Sometimes… certain orders are not meant to be followed. Lorenz supplied, reminding him of his dismissal from the Luftwaffe. He pushed the thoughts away, telling himself he did the right thing.
I will not stand by idly while a friend could be in danger! There is still some light left, we can circle the area from a distance and try to make out the situation. He won't even know we were there! Lorenz proposed.
Sounds like a plan! Gneisenau said, launching herself into the air and flying in a wide radius around the mountain bend to get a good view of the surroundings. It was not long before they saw the source of the commotion.
In the distance, at the base of the mountain range, there were two dragons and a small figure Lorenz assumed was Avirdaus. A crimson coloured dragon was lying on its side with its head facing the other, a deep blue dragon. The crimson dragon looked like it was injured although Lorenz could not pick out any visible wounds from this distance. The blue dragon was in an offensive stance, as though it wanted to strike. Avirdaus stood in between the two dragons with his sword drawn in his left hand and his right hand pointed towards the blue dragon.
Gneisenau growled at the sight but continued to maintain her distance and slowed her air speed so as to get a better look at what was happening. Avirdaus looked like he was conversing with the blue dragon who did not seem to be backing down. The crimson dragon struggled to its feet and stood behind Avirdaus. It was clearly in no condition to fight.
Avirdaus might be in trouble! If the blue dragon decides to attack, I think he will be hard pressed to defend himself! Gneisenau said worriedly. Lorenz agreed with his dragon's assessment. From the size of the blue dragon compared to the elf, it was clear it was about the same size as Kaldir. He knew that Gneisenau would not have much of a fighting chance against it on the ground. The two dragons on the ground did not have any saddles or harnesses on them, indicating they might very well be wild dragons. If what Kaldir had told Gneisenau about wild dragons was true, then the odds might be stacked even further against them. This was an unwinnable battle for Lorenz and Gneisenau, they will need Kaldir's help to even have a chance of standing against the blue dragon.
That dragon looks powerful, I don't think we can take it in a head on engagement. We need Kaldir's help! Lorenz thought. Where is the black dragon anyways? He wondered, trying to see if he could pick out any shapes approaching from the east. However, Kaldir's pitch-black scales made it almost impossible to spot him in the rapidly darkening sky.
I'm sure Avirdaus must have called out to his dragon once he sensed danger. If we can just delay him long enough it might buy Kaldir the time he needs to get back! Gneisenau proposed.
Just as they we finalising their plan, the blue dragon roared and breathed a jet of flame at Avirdaus. The crimson dragon backed away from the flames, shielding itself with its right wing. As the smoke slowly cleared, they could see that the elf was still standing, seemingly unharmed.
What an incredible display! Could this be the power of magic in combat? Lorenz thought to himself.
No time to think about fancy displays! We need to help him! Gneisenau roared, snapping Lorenz back to reality. She made a sharp turn and raced toward the intensifying battle.
As they neared, the sounds of battle grew more distinct. The blue dragon roared again and spun around to use his tail against Avirdaus. Just as its tail was about to impact the elf with bone shattering force, Avirdaus shouted something in an unfamiliar language and there was a bright flash of light between him and the blue dragon's tail.
The dragon growled in pain and took a step back, recoiling its tail. Avirdaus was panting heavily and dropped to one knee using his sword in his other hand to steady himself. Other than that, it seemed he managed to deflect the dragon's blow. The elf struggled a little but slowly got to his feet, raising his right hand towards the blue dragon once again. The blue dragon was more cautious this time pacing around the elf, waiting for a chance to strike.
Throwing a glance at the crimson dragon who was panting and struggling to get to its feet, Lorenz noticed numerous deep gashes on its chest, forelegs and sides. There were also some bite marks on its neck and back. Another interesting thing Lorenz noticed was that the dragon's belly was bulging, the dragon, or dragoness rather, was most likely pregnant. It was quite clear that the blue dragon has tried to kill her before Avirdaus intervened. Gneisenau growled at the realisation, redoubling her efforts and rushing toward the developing battle with stunning speed.
The blue dragon approached the elf once again and this time tried to swipe him with the back end of his fore paw. Avirdaus once again shouted something unintelligible but was cut off mid-sentence as the blue dragon's paw struck him. Avirdaus cried out in shock and pain as he was flung a solid fifteen feet before landing square on his back in the dirt. The elf groaned and tried to sit up to face the advancing dragon. The crimson dragoness moved in between the incapacitated elf and the blue dragon, hissing at their assailant. The blue dragon growled, a sadistic smile forming on his face.
Gneisenau landed nearby and Lorenz quickly dismounted drawing the long sword. He knew the thin blade of the ceremonial sword would do little in penetrating a dragon's thick hide. They were now close enough to hear the blue dragon's words.
Hmph! What a pitiful display! I will greatly enjoy squeezing the life out of you and these 'dragon riders' you seem to hold in such high regard! The blue dragon gloated, broadcasting his thoughts in a menacing, rumbling voice.
"You will do NO such thing!" Lorenz shouted attempting to draw the blue dragon's attention away from the downed elf and wounded dragoness. "Turn and face us you coward!" Lorenz continued, hoping to turn the dragon's own pride against himself.
The blue dragon growled and turned around slowly, eyeing Lorenz and Gneisenau before smiling again in the same evil way.
Yet another one of you meddling dragon riders! Do you have a death wish, little boy! The blue dragon threatened.
Lorenz… what are you… I told you to stay away! Lorenz heard Avirdaus speak to him mentally.
No time for that! Where is Kaldir, we need his help in this fight! Lorenz enquired.
He is on his way as we speak! Avirdaus said plainly.
Well tell him to fly double time! We will delay this dragon for as long as we can! Lorenz responded quickly before returning his attention to the blue dragon in front of them.
You sorry excuse for a dragon! You would strike down a defenceless mother and her unborn children! Have you no honour? Gneisenau spoke up next.
Don't you dare speak to me of honour, bonded weakling! It is dragons like you who are weakening our race and delivering it into the hands of these… humans and elves! You listen to their orders like a common house pet! You are nothing more than a pack animal! The blue dragon roared.
Lorenz could hear faint but rapid wing beats in the distance, he just needed to keep the dragon occupied and distracted for a little while longer. Lorenz laughed, lowering his sword and putting up a confident front.
I fail to see what is so amusing, little boy! The blue dragon growled.
"Your ignorance has blinded you, dragon! You think of the dragon riders as a 'master slave' relationship but you couldn't be more wrong!" Lorenz confidently said. The blue dragon growled and stopped his advance towards Lorenz.
Sensing that he got the dragon's attention, he quickly continued. "The dragon riders are a partnership, a union of two great races into something even greater than either! What the dragon riders have accomplished is far greater than what either race could have done so on their own!"
Lorenz paused for awhile to let it sink in before continuing again. "You talk about 'weakening the dragon race' without realising that it is your kind of elitist, backward, primitive, isolationist mindset that is truly weakening your race!" Lorenz said with gusto, emphasizing each word to give it greater impact.
The blue dragon roared in fury. I have had enough of this nonsense! Time for you to meet your end, little boy!
The blue dragon charged towards Lorenz. Lorenz took several steps back as Gneisenau rammed into the blue dragon's side with her shoulder, knocking him down and onto his side. He quickly rolled back onto his feet, turning his attention to the amethyst dragoness. The blue dragon released a jet of flame at Gneisenau who nimbly jumped away using her wings to generate a strong gust of wind that kept the flames back enough for her to get out of its deadly path.
The two dragons circled each other slowly. Gneisenau tried to keep the blue dragon at range so that she had more time to react to his attacks.
Even a fool like you should have to realise that you stand no chance of defeating me! The blue dragon taunted. I will greatly enjoy sinking my teeth into you and hearing you beg for mercy!
Gneisenau growled and focused on telegraphing his next move, ignoring his taunts. She knew that she just needed to buy time and prolong the fight. Whenever the blue dragon advanced, she would retreat to maintain the distance between them.
What's the matter, hatchling? Finally regretting your decision to fight me? The blue dragon arrogantly gloated.
Why not you pick on somebody your own size! Came a booming voice as a large black dragon landed heavily in the battlefield positioning himself between his rider and the blue dragon. The blue dragon was now sandwiched between Kaldir and Gneisenau.
Shocked and taken by surprise by the sudden appearance of the larger dragon, one that might actually pose a threat to him, the blue dragon spun around quickly to defend himself from any oncoming attack, completely forgetting about the purple dragoness he was facing earlier. Sensing her opportunity, Gneisenau lunged forward, lashing out with her deadly claws. She managed to catch the blue dragon on his flank, carving three deep gashes into his hide. The blue dragon roared in pain and spun back around attempting to strike at the purple dragoness.
His clumsy reaction and slow response time allowed Gneisenau to jump out of his strike zone well before he was able to mount an attack. In attempting his failed counterattack, he left his side exposed to Kaldir who charged at him with his neck extended, aiming for the blue dragon's throat. The blue dragon's response was faster this time and he quickly turned his body, moving his neck out of the way. Kaldir instead bit down on the blue dragon's shoulder drawing a loud cry of agony. In his desperate frenzy to break free, the blue dragon hit Kaldir across the side of his head with his right paw, disorientating the black dragon and causing him to release his death grip on the blue dragon.
The blue dragon quickly backed away from the pair of dragons, panting and moaning from the pain of his injuries. A small trickle of blood dripped from his shoulder wound down his left fore leg and onto the desert sand below.
Let's finish him! Kaldir said confidently. Gneisenau growled her agreement and the pair advanced on the wounded blue dragon.
The blue dragon loosed another jet of flame at the pair of dragons as a distraction before quickly turning tail and taking off into the night's sky. Gneisenau quickly rolled onto her side and out of the way of the flames while Kaldir reared up on his hind legs and dissipated the flames with two flaps of his massive wings. By the time the two dragons regained their bearings, the blue dragon was no where to be seen and with the light almost completely gone, it would be near impossible to locate him now.
Expertly done, Gneisenau! Lorenz said, running up to his dragon. Are you hurt? Lorenz continued, looking for any wounds.
Nope! But that despicable dragon sure is! Gneisenau said happily, nuzzling her rider as he approached. In the meantime, Kaldir had gone over to his rider and helped him to his feet. Avirdaus was winded but otherwise unharmed.
They then turned their attention to the crimson dragoness who had recovered enough to be standing on all fours. The bleeding from her wounds had mostly stopped but still looked very painful. Now that she was standing up properly, they could see that she was actually quite large, almost the same size as Kaldir and the blue dragon that had attacked them.
Thank you, great dragon riders! I owe you my life! The crimson dragoness gratefully said between pants, bowing her head slowly.
"All in a day's work, great dragon!" Lorenz cheerfully replied. "How badly are you hurt? The city of Ilirea is not far from here. Once we get there we can get you proper medical attention."
I'm afraid that will not be possible. The dragoness said sadly, raising her left wing to reveal several long gashes that tore the wing membranes apart. She would not be able to fly like this.
"Mind if I take a look?" Avirdaus said stepping forward.
Not at all! The crimson dragoness said weakly, sitting down to allow Avirdaus to get a better look at her wounds.
Avirdaus inspected her wing first followed by her other injuries before shaking his head slowly, remorsefully expression forming on his face. "I'm sorry, great dragon. I do not possess the strength to heal your injuries. That battle… took a great toll on me."
I understand. The crimson dragoness said, her head drooping a little. My sincerest gratitude for your assistance once again! My name is Vervada, daughter of Ralmanor and Avurae, mate of Iormúngr, dragon emissary to the dragon riders! Vervada proudly declared.
Greetings, great Vervada! I am Kaldir, son of Faramoth and Iovaulen, Avirdaus is my rider! Kaldir introduced himself as Avirdaus dipped his head a little in respect.
And I am Gneisenau, my rider is Lorenz! It is an honour to meet you! Gneisenau said as Lorenz stepped forward and bowed.
"Ilirea is not more than two day's flight away." Avirdaus estimated. "I should be able to heal your wings tomorrow after I get a good night's rest."
That will be great, thank you. My other wounds are not severe. I will just need some rest to recover my strength. She replied.
It would appear that magic could accelerate the healing of wounds as well. Lorenz wondered how that would work. Based on the laws of energy conservation, perhaps the magic would simply take the energy expended throughout the entire normal duration of the healing process and speed it up to a few seconds. If that is the case, could fatal injuries be healed with magic? Lorenz pondered about that point for a moment.
That could be possible. His dragon interjected his thoughts. A wound is fatal because it saps more energy that the body can produce, there by killing the creature before it's body can heal the wound normally. If someone else were to assist via magic, then the energy will be expended by another person thereby sparing the creature. Gneisenau helpfully supplied.
What his dragon said was plausible, however Lorenz still had some doubts. He was unsure about how exactly magic performs healing. Until he found an expert on the topic, it will be difficult to figure it out on his own.
"So… Vervada. Why was that dragon attacking you in the first place?" Avirdaus' question snapped Lorenz out of his thoughts and he refocused his attention onto the present.
Well, I'm sure you know, not all wild dragons are supportive of the dragon riders. There is a group who believes that the dragon riders are dooming the future of dragon kind and openly oppose any dragon, bonded or wild, who thinks otherwise. Vervada explained.
At first these dragons simply scorned or looked down on those supportive of the riders. But now… Vervada paused and composed herself. They have gained enough traction to begin open physical attacks on those they deem enemies. Several wild dragons have been found dead in their home caves already. We also received word of several riders and their dragons being assailed by these rogue elements.
We wild dragons attempted to contain the situation ourselves but unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful in our attempts. These rogue murderers are more elusive that we had anticipated.
I guess this is where I come in. Vervada said thoughtfully. You see… my mate, Iormúngr, is a bonded dragon and a member of the rider's Council. Through him and various other experiences, I have gotten a good knowledge of the rider's customs and rules. I was therefore appointed as the dragon emissary, the wild dragons' ambassador to the dragon riders.
I am on a diplomatic mission to Ilirea to meet with several members of the rider's Council to request their involvement and assistance in tackling the threat these rogue dragons pose to both the riders and wild dragons alike. Vervada paused for a while. That was probably why I was attacked…
"We are sorry to hear that, great Vervada. You are tired, get some rest. Gneisenau and I will keep watch for the night while your three sleep." Lorenz offered as Gneisenau nodded her head in agreement.
Thank you, young ones! Vervada said gratefully as she placed her head on the floor and drifted off to sleep.
"What you did back there Lorenz… was very brave and selfless. You not only saved Vervada's life, but mine as well. Thank you, Lorenz!" Avirdaus said gratefully to Lorenz.
"Don't mention it! We are both riders! And riders look out for each other, right?" Lorenz replied laughing.
Avirdaus laughed as well. "Indeed! What we could accomplish if we had more riders like you and dragons like Gneisenau!" In the meantime, Kaldir also extended his gratitude.
You may be young and small, Gneisenau. But… you are one of the most courageous dragons I have seen! You and Lorenz's actions today saved my rider! I will not forget that, young one! Kaldir said to Gneisenau as he moved up and nuzzled her cheek.
Gneisenau hummed at Kaldir's show of gratitude. I did what I felt was right, Kaldir! Any dragon in my position would have done the same thing!
You are humble as you are brave, young one! Unfortunately… I'm afraid not many dragons or riders would have had the courage or the will to do what you did. That alone… make you special, Gneisenau! Kaldir responded. Gneisenau nudged Kaldir's neck playfully in response.
Avirdaus and Kaldir soon settled down to sleep leaving Lorenz and his amethyst dragoness to their own devices.
Did you know your parents, little one? Gneisenau enquired after several moments of silence.
Yes, I lived with my family when I was younger. My father's name is Tedrick Von Clausewitz, I took my surname from him. He was a hero and veteran of the First World War. My mother's name is Helena, Helena Von Schröder. I was studying abroad in England during my youth and did not get to know my mother very well. Lorenz said, with a slight hint of regret in his voice.
Well at least you knew your parents, I don't even know mine. Gneisenau said sadly.
It hadn't occurred to Lorenz that his dragon never knew who her parents were. Although it was understandable given the circumstances of her birth, he felt that it was not right. When he arrived at Ilirea, perhaps there are some archives he can visit to hopefully find out for his dragon. However, Lorenz will have to be cautious since digging too much might compromise their cover.
I found your egg in The Spine after it was dropped by an elf. I'm afraid I have no idea who your parents were either. Lorenz responded sadly. Regardless, when we reach Ilirea, I will try to see if I can get more information. If I can find this elf, I'm sure he will be able to tell us who your parents were.
Gneisenau purred at the thought. I'm sure your parents must be noble and powerful dragons to sire a dragoness as beautiful as you! Lorenz said petting his dragon's shoulder. Gneisenau nuzzled her rider's head at the compliment.
I noticed names in your world like to use the word 'Von'. What does that mean? She asked.
Oh, that is a German word. 'Von' means 'from' or 'of', depending on context, and is normally used by long standing family names, although it is being used more widely now. Lorenz explained. So, my name for instance, Lorenz Von Clausewitz, means that my name is 'Lorenz' of the family name 'Clausewitz'. Same thing applies for my father and his father before him.
Ah I see! It does have a certain ring to it! Gneisenau added.
Indeed, it does! Other countries have they own name prefixes like in France where they use 'de' which also means 'of' and the Dutch who use the word 'Van'. Lorenz elaborated.
Throughout the remainder of the night, Lorenz honed his sword fighting skills and started practice swings with the heavier long sword to get the hang of using it. He found that he suffered from the same problem as Valen and the young rider he saw in Gil'ead. His strokes were clumsy and there was a lot of downtime between the strokes because the sheer weight of the blade meant that he had to exert large amounts of energy to overcome its inertia. Gneisenau was restless for the majority of the night and spent her time watching and admiring the night sky.
The night was, thankfully, uneventful and the morning finally came. Avirdaus, well rested after a good night's sleep, moved over the Vervada to inspect her torn wing membranes. Lorenz moved nearer as well to observe the healing magic in action.
With the morning light, it was now easier to access the damage. The primary gash was in the middle of her wing that ran from her wing arm all the way to the edge. Several other gashes were present at other areas as well that cut through about half of the wing's surface.
Avirdaus started with the primary cut first, positioning the two ends of the wing membranes together before raising his right hand and uttering several words in the same unfamiliar language as before. As he spoke, a bright light emanated from his palm and the wing membranes started mending together on their own accord. Avirdaus moved his hand from the wing arm all the way to the edge as the wound stitched itself together.
Once he was done, he let out a deep breath and inspected his handiwork. The main gash was no more but a faint scar was still present on closer inspection. The elf repeated the practice with the remaining gashes taking sometime between healing to catch his breath. Eventually he was done healing all the gashes on Vervada's wing and slumped onto the floor leaning on his black dragon for support, panting heavily.
"That… should do it!" The elf said between pants.
My thanks to you Avirdaus! Vervada said happily as she stood up and tested her wing's motion. She flapped her wings experimentally and was confident she could make the remaining flight to Ilirea.
"That was… incredible, Avirdaus!" Lorenz said hoping he will be able to perform such magic someday.
"Oh, not at all! That was just a simple healing spell! I think it is one of the first spells you will learn!" Avirdaus responded slowly.
Their conversation was interrupted by the steady, rhythmic flapping of a dragon's wings. They immediately looked to the skies and saw a huge, rapidly approaching dragon flying in from the north. It was difficult to estimate the exact size of this dragon, but Lorenz could tell it was huge, much larger than any they have encountered before. Lorenz and Avirdaus quickly climbed onto their dragons and were all ready to make a hasty retreat over the mountains.
Vervada, however, stood her ground and even stepped forward towards the approaching dragon to get a better view.
Wait! That dragon looks familiar… I think I know… Vervada said to the riders before gasping in shock, cutting herself off mid-sentence.
The massive dragon slowed its flying speed and landed a good distance away from Vervada and the riders who have since turned to face the newcomer. The dragon had deep green scales that each resembled an aventurine quartz gemstone. The green dragon stood proudly with its head held high for a few tense seconds before stepping forward slowly. The dragon walked with an air of grace and authority although it did not seem like it was immediately hostile. On its head were several well-formed horns and, strangely, what looked like a golden circlet. Lorenz squinted to ensure his eyes were not playing tricks on him. As the dragon got nearer, it became clear that there was a large golden crown sitting on the dragon's head between its two largest horns. The crown had flowing and curved features indicating it was probably of elvish make. The crown's curvature and shape perfectly fit the dragon's head and looked like it was securely fixed in place between its horns to ensure it would not fall off even in the most extreme flying or fighting conditions. There were several huge gemstones of various colours set into its sides.
The dragon eyed Vervada and nodded slightly before turning its attention to the two young riders. It then spoke to them in a booming and authoritative yet strangely calm voice that seemed to echo in their minds from the sheer power of the dragon's words.
I mean you no harm, young riders! I am Eridor, Son of the great Vanilor and Feraulae, Lord of the Dragon Lands and King of the Wild Dragons!
