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“A dragon,” they all chorused, their next words lost in the incoherent babble that ensued, disbelief echoed in ever-increasing volume making understanding impossible.
Kawuhl’s deep gravel tones finally prevailed. “You expect us to believe that there are dragons in Caregoron?”
Trying to contain the annoyance that he could feel building inside himself, Adam spoke calmly. “Not in Caregoron, at least not as far as I am aware, but there is certainly one that I know of in Mount Kaldshard. I met him when I was with Beorhtán; his name's Vorcan, although I'd have to say that he's not a very pleasant character.” He didn't sound very convincing and he knew it, in fact, he’d made his meeting with the dragon sound more like a pleasant social occasion rather than the confrontation he'd experienced.
Exploiting the atmosphere of almost open contempt that the revelation about dragons had suddenly created; his tone derisive, Kawuhl asked, “Met him have you, I suppose you had a quiet chat with him at the same time?”
His heart sank; he'd done it again. For Christ's sake, he thought, what the hell, do you expect if you go around telling the world that you're on talking terms with a bloody dragon? Floundering as he searched for something to say by way of reassurance, Adam knew that any credibility he might have gained had just evaporated. All it took was one hardened cynic amongst the credulous, and Kawuhl was proving himself more than worthy of the role. He'd expected a certain amount of disbelief, but the General was becoming openly hostile, which worsened things considerably. Perhaps he should have just summoned the dragon and had done with it.
Defensive now, he knew his words were inadequate, tinged with resignation. “Yes I met him, although I would hardly describe what followed as a quiet chat.”
As if scenting victory, the Jelvoan pressed on remorselessly, changing his approach, his voice now full of mock acceptance, “I see, well in that case I assume that you have already discussed with him how it is that you are going to ride this beast?”
“No, but if the Manifex says that I can ride the dragon, then I can.”
Although no one else had contributed to this verbal attack, neither had they done anything to prevent it. It was with some relief therefore that Adam felt the tension visibly ease at the mention of the magic crystal. All of those present knew of its legendary powers, and since the return of the young prince, they also knew Adam had command over it. For the moment, the conversation moved away from Kawuhl as the king's eldest son took the lead.
“If it lives so far away, how do you intend summoning it?” asked Feldric more reasonably.
“That's the easy part, apparently all I have to do is call its name.”
Obviously his words had sounded less than convincing, “You seem less than certain that such a simple action will prove effective,” observed the king.
“Well Your Majesty, I haven't actually tried it yet,” said Adam, trying hard to keep the sarcasm from his voice. Why did it have to be like this? he thought. What reason did they have for attacking him in this way? After all, he was the one who would be riding the damn thing, not them.
It was apparent from the remarks that followed that only Quilvar shared Adam's views on the matter, although he couldn't even be sure of that, since the elf remained silent. Caslan, on the other hand, excited by the possibilities, was prepared not to be too condemnatory. Finally, after what amounted to little more than a bout of good-humoured banter from the princes, liberally sprinkled with acidic comments from the soldier, the king brought matters to a close.
“Since you seem determined in what you say, I think we should at least allow you the opportunity to put the proposal to the test. When and where do you intend summoning this dragon?”
With the way that the talk had been progressing, Adam almost succumbed to the petulance he was feeling and summoned the dragon there and then. Fortunately, he still had sufficient control over his emotions to realize that it could only worsen the situation, and held his tongue.
“As soon as I have made certain preparations, your Highness. I need to talk with Quilvar before I leave, and I would ask for your help in obtaining a number of items that I'm going to need.”
“Whatever you require within reason, you shall have. Since you insist on travelling alone, Quilvar is welcome to stay here as my guest, or he may, if he so chooses, travel with us when we leave to find the queen.”
Exasperated that the king still hadn't grasped the enormity of the task, or was simply ignoring his advice, Adam again attempted to dissuade him. “Your Highness, I must ask you to reconsider. Nothing can be gained by setting out on such an expedition until I have located the queen and princess. Believe me it would be far better for you to remain here in Meriandor. If the Ghyyrox attacked you out in the open, you'd surely be killed. I beg you, wait here until I return. I'll be back with Ichabod in a few days, and together we'll find your wife and daughter.”
Something in this impassioned plea finally reached the king, who decided to grant him time to return with the sorcerer.
“How long will it take you to fetch the old man?” he queried.
“I'm not sure, since I don't know how fast the dragon can travel, nor do I know where I will find Ichabod. I would hope to be back in a few days, but can't be more specific.”
“Very well. You have until this time four days hence. If you haven't returned by then, we will be gone.”
“But Your Highness, where will you go, the Ghyyrox has taken them far from Caregoron, they are held on an island across some distant sea?”
Thinking about it, Randufil knew he was beaten. He didn't know where to start looking, and sending an army out to search would be expensive and weaken the defence of the kingdom. Sighing heavily, he looked at Adam.
“You're right, but I find it hard to sit here doing nothing. I have to get them back.”
“I understand, but believe me we must prepare ourselves well if we're to get them back alive. I must have Ichabod's help to create the strong magic we are going to need.”
“Very well, we shall wait, but every minute's delay will be like an age. I know you will do your best, but I beg you, lose no time.”
“I won't, but before I depart, we must arrange for some protection for you and your sons. I'm sure Shegrimoth will not be satisfied until he has captured or killed all the members of the Royal Family.”
“But we have all the protection that we need,” protested the king, his gaze falling on the Jelvoan warrior.
“I appreciate that your Highness, but armies have little effect against the forces of magic. Were it not for his brave efforts, Prince Caslan would doubtless have been taken prisoner with his mother and sister. I will provide each of you with a token that will protect you in much the same way as the spell he used. I cannot guarantee that you will be safe, but with these tokens, you should be able to ward off most things.”
It amazed Adam even as he spoke of tokens that he had thought of them. Learning his new skills was sometimes an unnerving experience, as each day passed revealing more of his talents. He still lacked the spell casting abilities of a sorcerer, but hoped that with Ichabod's help he might come to learn them. The Manifex would provide him with the power; he just needed the words, or the means of finding them.
Thinking of the tokens, he realized that he needed some small object that he could give to the king and the two princes. It had to be something easily kept about their persons. Delving into the pouch to retrieve the Manifex for its guidance, his fingers touched something metallic. Withdrawing his hand, he found that he had hold of a gold piece. Puzzled by the coin, he turned it over in his fingers, as he tried to figure out how it came to be there.
Heavily embossed on both sides, one depicted a pair of crossed swords, the other, the unmistakable image of the giant Beorhtán. More confused than ever, he again put his hand inside the pouch only to find two more of the strange gold coins. These had to be the tokens, of that he was sure. Taking hold of the crystal, he got the clear message that the coins would protect whoever held them against black magic spells.
Giving one to each of the two princes, and the third to the king, he urged them to keep them with them at all times.
“Only if you have these tokens will you be safe, let no one take them from you, and never be parted from them. Now I have to find a way to help you defend the castle. I cannot do more for the city, and in the event of an attack beyond the castle walls, you will have to trust to the General and his men.” His next problem was going to prove more difficult to resolve since it involved Kawuhl, and he'd clearly demonstrated what little regard he had for Adam and his plans.
The Jelvoan's actions worried Adam. He had to get the General to accept him, and if they were to have any real chance of success in the rescue of the queen, he needed to know that he had his wholehearted support. He couldn't understand why Kawuhl was behaving as he was. After all, if Adam failed to live up to his claims, it could hardly matter to him. Going over in his mind the possible reasons for Kawuhl's reaction, it suddenly occurred to him where the problem lay. The Jelvoan was jealous, not so much of Adam as an individual, but of the fact that in his mind he had somehow supplanted him.
For years the Jelvoan had been responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the Caregoron Royal Family, yet only now found wanting, at the first time of being put to the test. Of course, it was all in his mind, since there was nothing more that he could have done to protect the queen and princess. To make matters worse, it was Adam who had returned with Prince Caslan, and it was he who was now taking charge of the protection of the king and his sons. Knowing the cause did nothing by way of providing an answer, but Adam knew he had to find a solution.
“General, providing some small measure of protection for the king and the princes against black magic is one thing, but I'm afraid that it will still fall to you and your men to provide the only real defence available.”
Not a flicker of response. Still unsure that such open flattery would work, he ploughed on.
“There are also certain precautions that I can take to help guard the castle. Since I cannot know what form any future attack might take, whatever defence I can provide will have to be of a general nature. I know that Ichabod defeated the imps using the mystic light, but in his absence, it would be impossible to invoke the same spell. All I can do is provide the magicians of the city with some help in preventing the castle from being overrun by Shegrimoth's creatures.”
The General held his eye as he spoke, still not giving an inch. “I fail to see how I can alter that situation in any way.”
“Perhaps not in any magical sense, but a far more real danger at the moment comes from within the city. The Ghyyrox has already visited Meriandor once, and as the followers of the dark path increase in numbers and the beast gains strength so the dangers increase. You will need all your wits and the courage of all of your men if you are to prevent open revolt. Tell me I'm wrong; tell me that the signs haven't already become apparent.”
He didn't need telling; the looks on the faces of both Kawuhl and King Randufil were sufficient evidence.
“How can you know of this?” asked Randufil.
“Because it's the way of the beast. Unrest is fuelled by the followers of the dark path who incite dissatisfaction. I'll wager that there have already been meetings in which there have been calls for an uprising. Open revolt soon follows when people believe that they have just cause.”
The Jelvoan was now in a quandary. Unable to deny the worsening situation in the city, he was still not ready to concede to the stranger from another world, that he, Kawuhl, Commander in Chief of the Caregoron Army was unable to deal with it. Nor was he ready to accept his help. Faced with the dilemma, and before the three people he had sworn to protect, the Jelvoan struggled to make up his mind.
Clearly King Randufil felt prepared to accept at least part of what Adam had said. Yet Adam was only asking him to wait for his return, and perhaps believe that a gold coin would protect him from evil. If he, Kawuhl, was being asked to abrogate his responsibility for the defence of these lands, then he would have to deny the stranger.
“I cannot relinquish my duties to my king, or my obligations for the defence of this castle on the request of an outsider. If you will tell me what it is you want me to do, I will do my best to carry out your instructions, providing the king agrees, and that I feel it won't jeopardize the lives of his people.”
“Fair enough, I wouldn't have expected less from a warrior.” Then by way of offering further concession, he added, “After all it's not for me to assume command, I only want to help.” This brought a nod of agreement from both Randufil and Kawuhl, and in turn, a silent sigh of relief from Adam.
“What I propose to do is prepare a sort of barrier that can be created by the magicians of the city. They will have to work together to bring it about, but once the spell is cast it should hold off any attack, at least for a time. I cannot be sure how long it will last, but it should be sufficient for you to move people to safety.”
“Small comfort,” murmured Kawuhl.
“Still, better than nothing eh! General?” responded the king, trying to inject a lighter note, but having little effect on the sombre Jelvoan.
“Perhaps. So what is it you want me to do, neither my men nor for that matter myself will be much good when it comes to casting spells?”
“True, but I presume your men will obey orders, no matter how unusual?”
“Providing whoever gives the orders has the authority, then of course they will.”
“Good. However these orders will be most unusual, and will require that they be carried out to the letter if they are to succeed.”
“If you have some doubt about my ability to instruct my men, then perhaps you should write your orders down; that way there can be no misunderstanding.”
Although he realized that Kawuhl was just being sarcastic, and despite the advantages in such a move, Adam was reluctant to play into the General's hands. After all, any competent commander should be capable of ensuring that his men carried out his orders, regardless of the fact that they might be outside the normal run of things for the military mind.
Adam made no effort to disguise the returned sarcasm in his reply. “That won't be necessary General Kawuhl, I'm sure that with your guidance, your men will perform admirably.”
Recognizing that his bluff had been called, Kawuhl stalked from the room, leaving only Adam and Quilvar still seated. The others had already departed to go about whatever duties the day held for them, agreeing that they would all meet that evening to discuss Adam's plans for the defence of the castle, and his trip to retrieve Ichabod.
“You've been very quiet, Quilvar, is it because you too have no faith in me?”
“No Master, I believe that you will succeed.”
“Then what troubles you, you've hardly spoken since I mentioned the dragon, is that it, you don't believe Vorcan will come?”
“I don't know about the dragon, but if the Manifex has told you this is the way, then I cannot doubt it.”
“Then in heaven's name why so glum?”
The elf didn't reply, but remained seated, staring in to the distance. Cursing himself for being such a fool, Adam realized what it was that was troubling the little green fellow.
“How could I have been so stupid? I'm truly sorry my friend, I didn't think. We shall just have to find a way for you to ride with me when I leave to find Ichabod.”
“I'm sorry Master, I didn't want to cause you any trouble,” the elf apologised.
“Trouble, you cause me trouble. I should have realized sooner. It must be difficult for you being away from the surroundings that you have known so long, especially without knowing what is happening with Beorhtán. I also see the way men treat you.”
“But Master Adam...”
“No buts, Quilvar, it's been decided, we travel together or not at all.”
Whatever had transpired that morning, by the time the same six people re-joined one another in the evening, attitudes had changed considerably. It fell to King Randufil to explain.
“Since our meeting this morning, Kawuhl and I have been hearing some very troubling reports. It seems that there is a groundswell of opinion, no matter how ill informed, that favours a total change of rule here in Caregoron. Despite changes that I made recently to the government, the unrest continues to grow.”
“It distresses me to hear that sire, although I am not really surprised. Our enemies are by their nature insidious which makes their defeat more difficult. They prey on the gullible, the greedy and those who seek to dominate their fellow man. They work from within, careful to remain hidden amongst the masses until the time is ripe. Their power is directly influenced by the numbers of their following; the greater the number, the stronger they become. Beorhtán told me that once a certain point is reached, when Shegrimoth is no longer bound, reversing the pattern is all but impossible. From that moment, when evil rules, destruction of the world is almost certain.”
Speaking so openly, especially in front of the two young princes, went against his nature, but he knew he had to be brutally frank with these people if he was to have any chance of overcoming the beast. He didn't need telling that he had succeeded. Randufil, an intelligent and caring man sat unmoving, his face drained of all colour as he contemplated Adam's words.
He knew the truth of what had been said, it was as Ichabod had feared most, and was the very reason the old mage was at this moment trying to reach the magicians of Mandax and Antalek. Feldric too had lost his assured manner as the meaning of the words sank in, and even Kawuhl sat deep in thought. It fell to the youngest member of the group to break the sombre mood.
“So do we just sit here and let it happen? There has to be a chance we can defeat this beast or Adam would not have been sent to help us. How can we, who live in this world, allow this to happen? We've made fun of him, made him unwelcome, yet he remains, prepared to defend a world that is not his by birth. Do we deserve his help? Why if I were in his place I'd simply leave us to find our own answers.”
The king looked at his son, noting the earnest expression on his young face, the determined set of his jaw. “Well spoken Caslan, who are we indeed? We must fight this evil, and with Adam's help we will defeat it.” With the decision made, further effort spent dwelling on what had gone was time wasted. Now was the time for action.
“Tell us of your plans, Master Adam, and we shall see they are carried out.”
Passing over his instructions to Kawuhl, Adam waited whilst the Jelvoan read what he had written. Despite the change in circumstances, he didn't want any misunderstanding regarding what it was he wanted the warrior and his men to do so had decided to put his requirements on parchment.
“As you said Master Adam, unusual indeed, however, I'm sure we can comply with your instructions.”
“May I see?” asked the king.
Taking the pages from Kawuhl, Randufil quickly read through them.
“Will this prevent them gaining access to the castle?” he asked.
“For a time; I cannot be sure how long it will hold. Much depends on the magical powers of the attackers. I hope it will not be necessary for you to have to resort to such, but if finding Ichabod takes longer than expected, then at least you will have some small protection.”
“And what of yourself? With Quilvar remaining here, I am unhappy about your leaving alone.”
“I won't be your Highness; Quilvar is going to accompany me.”
“But I thought...” he started before Adam cut him off.
“We will find a way.”
“In that case when will you leave?”
“At first light. I will summon the dragon from beyond the city walls, and hope to make my departure before too many become aware of its presence.”
“Yes, I can see the advantage in that. The fewer who know of the dragon's existence the better.” Turning to the warrior, the king addressed him, “Kawuhl we must make preparations in the city; patrols will be doubled in strength, more lookouts must be posted, and a curfew imposed.”
Suddenly the whole atmosphere had changed from that bordering on despair to one of action and hope. Each contributed to the strategy, formulating plans, and making preparations. Long after the young Prince Caslan retired, the others remained, talking well into the night. It had taken time, but at last the king and his people were beginning to understand the nature of the forces being levelled against them. Armies would not be enough to defeat Shegrimoth; it would take powerful, white magic, and above all the desire for good to triumph over evil.
When finally they parted to retire for what remained of the night, Adam lay in his bed, beset by worries. Tossing and turning, he couldn't sleep as his mind wandered through the maze of doubts it had created. He couldn't be sure the dragon would respond to his call, although the crystal hadn't let him down this far. He didn't know where to find Ichabod, and worst of all, he feared what might happen whilst he was away from Meriandor. There was one other reason for his sleeplessness; he couldn't get Princess Esperia from his mind.
It seemed like an age before he drifted off, yet only a few minutes before he woke to find Quilvar waiting at his bedside. It was almost dark in the room, with dawn still some time away. Even the birds hadn't begun to greet the beginning of the new day. Despite his earlier misgivings, he felt rested and more confident than he probably had any right to feel. Dressing quickly, he followed when the elf beckoned to him, leading him to a room deep in the bowels of the castle, where they were obviously expected, although how Quilvar knew of its existence was a mystery to Adam.
Still puffing from their hurried dash down flights of stairs and along twisting passageways, what he found waiting them surprised him. It was obvious from the change in decor that they were no longer in the part of the castle occupied by the Royal Family, having found their way to what was presumably the servants' quarters. Entering a huge kitchen, full of the warmth and smells associated with food and its preparation, it was plain from the friendly greeting Quilvar's arrival prompted from the room's only occupant, that for the elf this was not his first visit. Introductions made, Ruanne the cook, for that is who she was, set them at a table, and scurrying around, quickly served them breakfast on a scale to match that provided by Beorhtán.
Ruanne was a short woman whose plump face beamed at them the whole time they were there, hovering at Quilvar's elbow and hanging on to his every word. Surprised by such unusual behaviour towards the elf, Adam wondered why it was that she treated Quilvar so well, when so many others had been barely tolerant of him. The only thing that sprang to mind was that because she too was of lowly station, it was not beneath her to be pleasant to the elf. The real reason had he but known it, could not have been further from his surmising.
Their meal finished; as the pair rose to thank the woman for her kindness and make their farewells, she suddenly threw her arms about the elf's neck, almost smothering the little man. It would have been almost comic were it not for the words that she spoke.
“Take care Quilvar, I owe you my life and now that I've found you, wouldn't want to lose you before I have chance to repay the debt.”
Clearly embarrassed yet reluctant to part from the woman, Quilvar stood back and looked at her.
“You owe me nothing Ruanne, that magnificent meal made up for any debt you may have had. Now we must be on our way, but we will be back for more of your cooking, you can be sure of that.”
As he led the way from the kitchen, something prompted him to explain about Ruanne.
“At first I didn't know that she worked here in the castle, but I heard some of the servant girls mention her name, so I asked a few questions. I haven't seen Ruanne since she was a tiny baby and she of course didn't know me, but word of my being here had already reached her, and she knew my name.”
“Yes but how did you come to know of her, even when she was a child?”
“It was many years ago, I was on one of the rare trips that I made for Lord Beorhtán. Occasionally he needed me to visit Ashtirian, the home of the elves, to obtain certain potions for him. It was when I was travelling back to Mount Kaldshard that I happened upon a band of goblins. They're wicked creatures, whose favourite pastime is stealing human babies, which was what they had been about when I found them. I hid from them when they left to raid a local village, leaving a couple of their number to guard the infant they had already stolen. It was a simple matter to sneak into their camp and retrieve the child.”
“So the baby you snatched from the goblins was your friend Ruanne, the cook.”
“Exactly. I carried her on to the next village, and left her where someone would be sure to find her. As you know, elves are not the most welcome of creatures where man is concerned, so I couldn't afford to wait to speak with anyone for fear of being blamed for the infant's abduction.”
“Well you're a dark horse, I must say.”
By now they had returned to the upper levels of the castle, when Prince Feldric spotted them.
“So there you are, we've had half the servants looking for you since we discovered your rooms empty. Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, all we need are a couple of horses to take us beyond the city limits, and someone reliable to come with us to return them.”
“You don't think you're going to just ride away like that do you? My father insists on seeing you off, and I know Caslan would never forgive you if you left without saying goodbye. Come, they're waiting for you now.”
Hurrying after the prince, he brought Adam and Quilvar before the small group that had gathered to witness their departure. They were waiting at one of the smaller castle gates, with horses for the pair, one bearing the imposing figure of Kawuhl, and a fourth.
As soon as they arrived, Feldric swung himself into the saddle of one of the waiting horses, indicating that Adam and the elf should do likewise.
“I wish you well, Adam, and look forward to your return with Master Ichabod. Take care of yourselves,” said the king in parting.
“You too, your Majesty. We'll not be longer than we have to be. Goodbye young Caslan, take heed of your father.”
“Good luck Adam.”
“Come, we'd better be off if we are to get clear before the light of day finds us still in the city,” this from the ever practical Jelvoan.
The ride through the city in the early light of dawn was a strange experience for Adam, denying him once again the chance to see Meriandor. They rode quickly, and soon reached the gates to the east of the city, still firmly closed because of the early hour. Bringing his mount to a halt as the guards tumbled from their room, Kawuhl wasted no time in having the gates opened, and they sped on, away from the city.
As soon as they were out of sight, Adam pulled the crystal from its pouch and gripping it tightly in one hand, whilst the other clung to the reins of the still speeding horse, he uttered the name of the dragon. He didn't know how long it would take for the creature to respond but wanted to minimize any delay.
As they rode on putting more distance between them and Meriandor, Adam began searching the sky, looking for the dragon. It was Quilvar who first spotted the beast, far in the distance, a black speck in the still gloomy sky. In no time the speck had grown until the shape of the dragon was clearly visible, as its mighty wings drove it forward.
Reining his horse to a stop, Adam dismounted as did Quilvar. Feldric and Kawuhl remained seated, taking the reins of the other two horses, as Adam and his elf companion walked forward to separate themselves from the others. They didn't want to frighten the horses, or risk the prince, should Vorcan not respond to Adam's commands.
Within minutes, the huge creature was circling the air above where they stood, its wings raising clouds of dust as they beat the air. Gradually it settled to the ground not ten feet in front of Adam, and regarded him and the elf with its golden eyes.
“So we meet again,” it growled.
“So it would seem, although I trust you are in better mood than when last we met. How is the tail?”
“Still hurts and flying makes it worse.”
“Then you should be more careful before you attack someone. Perhaps it has taught you a lesson; I certainly hope so.”
By way of reply, the dragon growled deep in its belly, covering Adam with a shower of sparks, that Quilvar barely managed to avoid.
“As you can see, your fires threaten me not, although my friend is not so immune. Take care Vorcan or I may douse those fires for all time.”
“Why have you called me, I'm not used to this freedom, my wings already ache from such strenuous use? Too long have I dwelt below Kaldshard, I will be of little use to you.”
“Well we'll just have to see about that, but I suggest that you get used to your new found freedom, I have a feeling that you are going to be doing quite a bit of travelling in the future.”
Vorcan twitched his tail uneasily, as he hung his great head to one side to look hard at the puny creature before him. One blow from his wing, one kick with a foot and this nuisance would exist no more, yet he knew it to be futile. Although not native to Falgorin, he was the last of the mighty dragon race that had once lived in great numbers here. Charged with the task of providing the Guardian of the Crystal with whatever help that he could, the Creator had promised Vorcan that for his services, he would return him to his true world to be amongst his own kind.
Turning his head away, in a gesture of defiance he roared out his annoyance. Flames yards long, leapt from his giant maw, touching trees and grass and turning them to ash. Fortunately, he had chosen to vent his rage in the opposite direction to the one where Feldric and Kawuhl waited. Adam let him perform his little act as he would a child, before he called a halt.
“Enough Vorcan, let's not waste time. We have to be on our way to find a friend, who, this minute travels east to Mandax.”
Ceasing his display, the dragon lowered his head until his mighty chin rested on the ground in front of Adam.
“You'd better climb up then.”
Wondering how he was going to achieve that, he grasped the scales of the dragon's neck, and finding them quite loose was able to get both hand and foot hold enough to make the climb. Hauling himself upward and back towards the creature's massive shoulders, it shook him as his hand was suddenly taken in a firm grip, and he found himself being hauled upward. Quilvar had chosen the more expedient method of elven magic to make his way on to the back of the dragon. Once there, they soon found that there was more than enough room for the pair of them and perhaps two more. The problem was going to be hanging on.
No sooner had the two of them reached the mid-point between the gigantic expanse of each wing, when the dragon lurched sideways, as his head came up, and he launched himself from the ground. With dizzying speed the creature hurled skyward, the muscles driving the beating wings causing a rhythmic rippling beneath where Adam and Quilvar sat. As Vorcan gained height and gradually levelled out, they could see the ground far below, Feldric and Kawuhl no more than dots against the grassy background.
As the dragon lifted from the ground and wheeled away from them, Feldric turned in his saddle to face the Jelvoan.
“It would seem there is little reason to cast aspersions now my friend.”
“Indeed your Highness, and none feels it more than I. Perhaps I may be given the opportunity to make my peace with Master Adam on his return. I'll not doubt his bravery or his word again.”
“Perhaps so, and we would all do well to think on the elf Quilvar's part in things, for he has shown himself to be selfless, and deserving of better than we have accorded this far.”
As the prince and his companion returned to Meriandor, the intrepid aviators were just beginning to come to terms with their situation. Despite the rush of wind across the dragon's back, they found they needed neither support nor handhold, being held firmly in place without either. It had to be the work of the Manifex. Peering sideways they could see the ground rushing past at alarming speed, everything blurring into obscurity as they flashed by.
Wondering if Vorcan knew where he was heading, Adam tried to shout a question to the dragon.
“How will you find Ichabod?” he called, but their passage through the air simply threw his voice back in his face. Suddenly he had an idea that perhaps might work. Clearing his mind of other thoughts, he concentrated on the question.
“There's no need to shout,” came the riposte, “I'm not deaf. As to finding the mage, that's for you to do.”
Not realizing it was possible to shout telepathically; Adam was suitable chastened. He supposed he had been giving the question a rather “loud” thinking.
“Well have you decided in which direction I am to fly?” came Vorcan's silent enquiry.
“No..., at least not yet, I need time to think.”
“Well be quick about it or we'll be across Mandax before you've made up your mind.”
He appreciated that whilst the dragon was exaggerating somewhat, at the speed they were travelling, it would be possible for them to travel too far. How could he find the magician? Pondering his next move, Quilvar surprised him when he ventured a question, though not by its content, more by the nature of its asking. He too could speak with his mind.
“Master, why don't you use the crystal, after all it's guided you in the past?”
“Of course, why didn't I think of that? Quilvar you're a genius.” And in a moment they knew which way to go. He'd stopped giving the dragon directions after the first few, when Vorcan snapped testily that if Adam would place the Manifex where he could see it he wouldn't need telling. Setting the spinning crystal to hover ahead of the creature, he was able to turn his attention elsewhere, sure that the Manifex would come to no harm.
As they flew higher, passing over hills and valleys, Vorcan's wings keeping up their rhythmic beat, Adam relaxed, and thought over the events of the last weeks. Glancing at his wristwatch, he could see that back on his own world, only a fraction of the time that had passed here, had advanced there. It didn't seem possible that here he was, the product of a world of high technology, undertaking a mission born of legend in a world of fantasy. It was almost too much to believe, yet he knew that this was real, that it was no dream, and he felt stronger and better than he had ever felt before in his life. He was doing something with meaning, something worthwhile.
They had no way of knowing how far or fast they travelled, but as the sun rose above them they knew they had been airborne for some hours. Although the dragon obeyed Adam's command, he was not above a certain amount of spite, so that when he finally spotted Ichabod and Zolf ahead in the distance, he abruptly folded his wings, and without any warning went into a steep dive. Despite there being no danger to either of his unwelcome passengers, he took perverse delight in the panic his action provoked. Losing height at an incredible rate, he waited until he was scant feet above the ground before he spread his wings again, and checked his downward rush.
For Adam the movement was reminiscent of the effect of an aircraft caught in a massive pocket of clear air turbulence, as they dropped from the sky. Quilvar closed his eyes and could be seen visibly shaking as they hurtled ground ward.
For the two men below, the effect was no less harrowing, as a gigantic shadow fell across them, to be followed moments later by the slipstream created by the flying monstrosity, as the dragon touched down a few metres ahead of them. Both horses shied at the sight of the creature, Zolf's rearing and bucking, until the poor servant fell to the ground. Ichabod fared little better as his horse bolted; charging across the field the way they had just come, with the magician clinging to its reins for grim death.
The moment the dragon had come to rest, Adam was off its back, and summoning the crystal to his hand, threw it after the receding figure. Gaining speed as it flew; it soon caught up with Ichabod, and in a trice had lifted him from the saddle in a blaze of white light; before it gently lowered him to the ground. The horse, relieved of its rider ran on for a short distance before it slowed and finally halted, lowering its head to crop the grass.
Annoyed with the dragon, Adam felt like punishing the creature, but realized there was little he could do. Remonstrating with it, he warned Vorcan against any further display of bad temper, threatening to banish him to Kaldshard in shame if he didn't behave.
“How am I going to explain this shambles to Ichabod?” He asked himself as he hurried to help the magician and his servant.
