Chapter 12

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“Squawk, squawk.” Sorrilth and Kalon strained their colorful necks upward toward the meat Saphira held out.

“Cute lil lizards, aren’t they?” asked Ian scratching the green one’s head.

“That’s Kalon, Ian, and he’s a dragon, not a lizard,” Ator corrected. Turning he looked at Elspeth and Ian. “So, what you are telling me is we are moving to the Wesladus Veil and you want me to assemble my dragons to move as well?”

“Yes, we need all of you in this fight against these new monsters. Damn bunch of Kearal if you ask me. I’m goin’ tae have a hard-enough time gettin’ Ocrul, Crimson Keepers, and Crixior tae work together, let alone fightin’ against these Kearal bastards. Pick your best dragons Ator, the more the better, but nae any lackeys.”

“My dragons have just chosen new mates. They will move with them. I will not leave Saphira behind again.” He rubbed his neck down Saphira’s in affection. “I can persuade some from your cliffs. There are some that have stayed behind to protect the females and your family.”

“Nae, leave them. They are needed there. The ones here will do. How many do you think you have?”

“Fifty to fifty-five. They are my strongest and make up 100 in strength and cunning. I will assemble them today and inform them of the move. You can go with me Ian. Saphira I will leave you now, will you be okay while I’m gone?”

“Please Ator, go.” She snorted a little laugh. “You are driving me crazy. You have left my side only when hunting. We have more meat and berries than we need. Please, go and help Ian. I will visit with Elspeth. It will give us both a break.” She rubbed up and down his neck and he wrapped his neck around hers.

“That must be a dragon hug,” he whispered to Elspeth.

Ator turned. “It’s a might better than what you were thinking about the day you were fried.”

Elspeth laughed. His face turned red. Elspeth laughed harder. As did the dragons.

“Uhhh…”

“Cat got your tongue?”

“Hush Els…” he frowned. Then Ian grabbed her around the waist and hugged her close. “I’ll be back soon,” he whispered.

“Well I’m off,” said Ator as he strode toward the cave entrance. “Come, Ian.”

He hesitated, not sure if he wanted to take another dragon ride. If I fall it will only be broken bones, he thought. I’ll heal. Bullocks, he followed Ator to the opening. Ator extended his massive wing for Ian to climb on.

“You’re much bigger than Saphira. Will I fit up there? Because, if not, I can wait here.”

Ator snorted. “Get used to it. I’m sure it won’t be the only time you will need to ride.”

Ian climbed aboard and Ator walked to the ledge just left from behind the waterfall. He spread his wings and dove from the cliff. Ian screamed. “You did that aperpouse, you large hunk a meat!”

Ator snorted and spread out his wings to a great span, and began to raise and lower them, the wind around Ian growing with each long stroke through the air. He rose toward the sky and out over the valley. In a large clearing, he landed smoothly. After letting Ian down, Ator raised his head and roared, then roared again.

As he watched, dragons of every color came flying from the face of the cliffs. One by one they landed in front of Ator. The sight of so many large and glorious dragons in one place, left him feeling awestruck.

Ator stood taller and rose above them all, clearly the largest dragon there. Although Ator didn’t speak out loud his voice boomed non-the-less.

“I know I have asked you all to move here with me and you followed. I am here to ask yet more from you. Creatures, new creatures are being created every day. The Kearal, as Ian has called them, are mighty, and pure evil. Now both the outer and inner earth and every creature that inhabits it is in danger.

“We have watched over Ian and his family for years for a reason. He stands with me today and I stand here only because he saved my life.”

He heard many voices in his head as the dragons all mumbled in shock. He stayed silent and waited on Ator to continue.

“Yes, he is marked. It’s been thousands of years since we’ve had a marked one. There are two. Ian’s mate saved mine, Saphira from Darlath who was well known to you. We will all protect Ian and his. The pressing matters we face now are the new creatures that are upon us.

“We have been asked by the Plelin, Akuphis, and by Merlin himself for an army of dragons to fight and live with a newly formed group called the Myraid Army. This army will be led by Ian and his brothers. It’s not only they who need us, under these drastic circumstances and for our own wellbeing, we need them. Together we will defeat this new threat.”

A green shimmery dragon moved to the front. “Where are we moving to?”

“Good question, Falkor. You have always been my best. Step forward.” Falkor moved out front. “We are going to the Wesladus Veil and moving inside the Veater Cliffs above Pendragon castle.”

Falkor stood still for a moment. “Isn’t Wesladus the outer Veil, outside inner and outer earth?”

“Yes, it’s the safest place for us to train and prepare for battle. You may bring your mates. Who will go with me? For all who wish to stay may do so but remember we are all in danger. Those who do not wish to go may now leave.”

He and Ator stood quietly. No one left. “Good,” said Ator.” Falkor stand beside me.” Ator waited until Falkor was beside him before continuing. “Falkor is my chosen. You will take orders from him as you would me. If by chance I die, he will lead, until such time as my son is old enough to take over. Any questions?”

“When do we leave?” asked a red dragon.

“We leave tomorrow, Kemoth. Spend the rest of the day with your mates and prepare for tomorrow. Thank you all for your support and for being my long-time friends. You may go.”

In a flurry of color, the dragons lifted toward the sky. Wind from their wings blew hair across his face. Pushing his hands back through his hair he turned to Ator. “What majestic creatures!”

“Aren’t they though.” Ator’s chest puffed up and he turned. “Ready?”

Ator leaned down and he climbed aboard, no longer afraid of dragons, or flying. He felt good. He smiled thinking about Elspeth, and what may or may not lay ahead for them, hoping for quick results so he could settle happily with her.