Legends of Belariath
Salina Kyle
The Dragon's Daughter
Clouds flowed across the sky in white billows and puffs. The grass grew tall, and thick for miles around. A strong wind moved the tall stalks like waves in the sea. Truly a breath taking view from the ledge of their home. Susan could sit for hours and watch the quiet beauty of the meadow. As she watched the butterflies dancing on the spring flowers, a bright flash of sunlight drew her attention. In a few moments, she saw them. The party of five adventurers moved the lair with all the signs of trouble. They could mean nothing but trouble. Slowly, Susan stood to brush dust from her emerald robes.
Mother, we've got company coming, she sent in a worried tone.
Thank you, Susan, she replied, Please go to the safe chamber.
As you wish, mother. The girl glanced at the warriors one last time. Why did humans have to attack dragons' lairs? With a heavy heart, she hurried into her home.
That evening, Susan sat at the black marble dinner table. Her golden fork pushed the food around on her plate, but little reached her mouth. In human form, her mother looked up from across the great table.
”Does the food not satisfy you, my daughter?” she asked, using Dracoian.
”It is fine,” the girl replied, then switched to human, “Mother, why do they want to kill you?”
”Humans?” she asked, switching to human.
”Yes,” her daughter said, “Do humans have to hate dragons?” The human shaped dragon sighed stretching her lean white form.
”I don't think the humans hate me, dear,” she said, “Dragons and humans both love of anything shiny. If it has value, they want it all the more. My treasure is to be envied. If it weren't for my age, I would have to worry with other dragons.” Her beloved mother took a sip from the silver wineglass. Her glowing eyes went to the troubled blue eyes of her human daughter. Susan dropped her gaze to her porcelain plate.
”Its' time, isn't it?” the dragon sighed, that brought the teen's eyes up.
”Time, mother?” Another sigh and a sad smile came from the elder wyrm.
”I knew there would be a day when you would need to find out about humans,” her mother said, “You should know where you come from. I found you in the meadow ten years ago. You were a little babe of four or five years. I never found your parents, and I raised you as my own. Still, I am a dragon. You, my precious one, are human. Growing up here in my lair can not change that fact. I think you should explore your roots.” Straightening her brilliant emerald gown, she led her daughter from the dining room.
”Explore my 'roots'?” Susan asked, more then a little surprised, “How can I explore my roots?”
”There's a human village one days journey down the road,” the dragon said, as she opened a chest. “You shall go there and learn a little about being human…”
”Mother, are you going to take me to the human village?” the girl asked, as she pulled out tan leather breeches. A forest green tunic and low soft boots were neatly folded. She had a small pack. A look of excitement tinted with a hint of fear, Susan looked down at what her mother had obviously prepared for her. It was as though the great dragon had known all along her human daughter would come to this point and need. Tears welled up in Susan’s eyes as she thought of the love that’d gone into these clothes and pack, the love and pain of letting go. Hugging the only mother she’d ever known Susan pulled the deep green robes over her head. Her mother showed her how to lace the boots. It felt so strange. After a little thought, the loving creature braided Susan's auburn hair with green dyed leather. She placed a small emerald in the center of the braid. It felt strange to the girl to have her hair up out of her face.
”Oh my baby,” her mother sighed, tears slipping down cheeks that were ageless. The excited teen threw her arms around her mother.
”You’re the truest mother I could ever want,” Susan said, kissing her mother's cheek, “It matters not whether you be dragon or human. You'll always be my mother.”
”Susan, you're the daughter of my heart, and soul,” the dragon said, “You'll always be my precious little one.” With a great smile, the teen picked up the pack.
”Will you take me all the way to the village?” Her mother's eyes became dark and troubled.
”I'll see you half way,” she said, “but the humans must not see me. It would cause trouble.”
”You're right,” the girl said, with a heavy sigh and a sad heart. Her mother surprised the girl by giving her several gold coins.
”You'll need this in the village,” she said, then placed a necklace around her daughter's throat, “This will protect you should you be attacked. Please be careful.”
”I’ll be, my mother,” Susan said, shouldering the light pack. This would be the adventure of a lifetime.
The dusty road seemed never ending. Not used to such activities Susan found her legs were beginning to ache. She wiped her sweaty face, and took a drink of water.
”How much further could it be?” she asked herself as she started walking again. The thought of actually talking to humans left her tummy in butterflies. Her mother had left Susan half way to the village. It felt like she’d been walking for days. Shouldering the light pack, the teen trudged along wondering if it were worth this entire hassle. It was quite obvious that this 'exploration' had upset her loving mother. Caytorintacarelithor had hugged Susan gently in her dragon form not daring to take a human form for fear her tears would cause her beloved human daughter to wavier on this important journey. Fear wiggled through the young woman’s heart as she thought of the only humans she’d ever seen had been intent on killing her dragon mother. Would they want to kill Susan as well? Her hand went to the magic necklace thinking her mother still protected her even from faraway, and Susan knew she could trust this protection. From behind, an old wagon came creaking along the path. Carefully, Susan stepped aside to let it pass. An old man held the reigns of a worn out horse. He smiled down at lovely young woman.
”How are ya this fine morning, young lady?” he asked.
”Quite well, thank you,” the girl replied studying the man's dirty face. His look became puzzled for a moment. Susan spoke human with a dragon’s odd accent.
”Where ya be heading, missy?”
”I'm going to the village,” she said, “I was told it wasn't that far.”
”Aren't you a bit young to travel by yourself?” This man certainly asked a lot of questions of one he had just met.
”I'm capable of taking care of myself,” she replied with the lightest growl, “My mother trained me well.” He chuckled as though he were amused.
”I meant no harm,” he said, holding up a hand, “You don't see beautiful young maidens on this road.”
”Why?” the teen asked. The man's face clouded for the briefest moment, then cleared like a breeze on a hot day. A less observant person might've missed the peculiar look.
”I'm just a silly old man,” he said, shaking his head, “Would you like a ride?” After a little thought, Susan gave a sweet innocent smile.
”Thank you,” she said, climbing onto the wagon, “I'd appreciate that.”
”What's your name, child?” he asked, as the horse began to tow the wagon over the bumpy road.
”I'm Susan,” the girl replied.
”Where are your parents?” He seemed to like asking a lot of questions.
”My mother is home,” she said, “I've got no father.” His eyes grew quiet in consideration. They traveled in a slow pace to the village. He tried to get her to talk about what family she might have but she told him no more.
This town became more intriguing the closer they came to it. It became clear to the driver that Susan would speak no more on herself or why she had come to the village. Easily, the teen leaped off the man's wagon.
”Thank you,” she said, in polite tones, “Would you tell me where I might find something to eat?” He pointed to an inn across the dusty square. Thanking him again, the girl walked away with a brisk step. As she entered the building, a glance showed the old man to be talking to a dark robed man rather adamantly.
Smiling, Susan ordered some food, and drink, then watched those around her. Due to her mother's insistence, the young woman read lips very well. Most of the conversations revolved around the teen. The emerald in her braid was causing a lot of curiosity. The pretty bar maid set the food down on the oak table. Her dark brown eyes showed great concern.
”Are you staying long?” she asked nervously looking about.
”I don't really know,” the teen said, casually, “as long as it takes.” The woman looked around then leaned close. Her body smelled of ale and fried potatoes.
”If you know what's good for you, you'll leave now,” she whispered, urgently, “before dark.”
”But why?” Susan asked. The woman shook her head in fear, moving away quickly. What was going on in this village? They seemed preoccupied with beautiful young maidens, with Susan at this time. A little sliver of fear ran through the girl's defiant soul. In a moment, she laughed it away. Her mother really had taught the budding young mage a few minor spells, and some hand to hand fighting. That aside, she had the silver and emerald necklace of magic. Her dragon mother had said it would protect Susan should danger threaten. Investigating this strange town would be fun. The girl wanted to know what was going on in this strange place. The innkeeper agreed to render the unusual teen a room in his establishment. His eyes popped when she offered him the double weight gold piece. She took the key to the room, and prepared to have an adventure.
Susan had her evening meal at the bar. It was nowhere near as good as her mother's dinners. For Elven wine, the red water was flat, and without taste. Her stomach complained but she forced herself to eat. Two dark robes tried to watch the bar without drawing her attention. They failed miserably. The other patrons spoke in soft tones and watched her a little more openly.
”Excuse me, barkeep,” she said, “Might I have a word with you?” The nervous man wiped his hands on his apron.
”How may I serve you?” he asked.
”Why do they stare at me?” she asked, softly. His eyes went around the room of drinkers and village patrons looking for a sign of the evil that controlled his town.
”Child, if you have any sense at all you will leave this town,” he said, leaning closer, “By night, evil stalks these streets. We have few maidens left.”
”So, that's why they act so strangely,” Susan said, “These kidnappers attack at night?” He nodded. “Do you think that I will be attacked?” He looked away. “Thank you for the warning.” Straightening her shoulders, the teen stood with her head held high.
”Then you'll be leaving?” he asked. Boldly, she looked around the quieted room.
”No, I won't,” she said in a clear voice, “I've got work to do.” With all looking on, Susan left the inn. The sun wouldn't set for three hours or a little more. There was plenty of time for the young woman to look around the village for some hint of the mystery she'd walked into.
It had never occurred to Susan that she'd be looking for clues to a mystery in a human village. In fact, life outside her mother's lair had never crossed the girl's mind. She stopped to rest thinking the problem over. Where to begin? Looking up then down the street, she decided to start with the maidens already missing. The town had to have a guardian or protector. Maybe she could get some answers.
”Excuse me,” Susan said, stopping a young boy, “Where's your town protector?” He pointed to a rundown old building. With polite thanks, she crossed the dusty street toward the battered building. Glancing about, her eyes spotted a dark robbed man. As their eyes meet, he fled down an alley hurrying away.
Smiling to herself, Susan opened the thick oak door. An overwhelming smell of sweat, and tobacco hit her like a kick to the stomach. The overweight man sat behind a heavily scared desk. In one hand he held a long pipe. A tankard of ale filled his other hand. Surprised at the girl's entrance, the man spilled some of his drink then quickly set the tankard down.
”May I serve you, missy?” he asked. The fear in his eyes startled Susan.
”I'm seeking information on the maidens that have disappeared from this village of late,” Susan stated, “Can you tell me how many girls are missing, and how long this has been going on?” The little color in his chubby face drained away to a pasty white. It was obvious that he didn't want to hear her questions.
”That's no concern to an outsider,” he snapped, waving his pipe toward his door, “You'd do well to leave this village, and mind your own affairs.” The teen glared at the man watching him squirm in his chair.
”Then you'll not answer my question,” Susan growled glaring at the man.
”The affairs of this village are not your business,” the protector said. “If you cause trouble then I'll arrest you.” That surprised the young woman.
”What are you hiding that scares you so?” she asked.
”Get out of my office,” the man hissed, standing, “I suggest you be gone before sunset. If you know what's good for you. Now go!” Knowing she'd get no answers from the coward before her, Susan stalked from the protector's office.
That had been pointless. No closer to discovering what was going on, Susan considered the problem.
”Excuse me,” a small voice said. A young boy came from the shadows of an alley. Dirt smudged his face, and tattered clothing. Sad brown eyes looked deep into hers. His black hair hung limply about his gaunt shoulders. It was obvious that the child hadn't eaten much. When Susan took a step toward him, the child cringed in fear.
”I won't hurt you,” the teen said, kneeling down to hold out her hand, “I won't harm you.” Very slowly, he edged closer. His eyes darted over her shoulder.
”It isn't safe to talk here,” he said, “They have ears and eyes everywhere.”
“‘They’?” she asked, looking around. A dark robed man seemed to be looking for something. The boy took her hand.
”Please come with me,” he said urgently. After a moment of thought, Susan decided to go with him. Perhaps this youngster could answer the questions she had. They scurried down the shadowy alley. Pausing at the next street, the boy looked up at her.
”Will you save my sister?” he demanded bringing a startled look from the girl. She thought the question over with great care.
”I'll do my best to save your sister, and the other maidens,” she said, “I won't leave till I've found out who is doing this, and why.” The child shook his head.
”They take the maidens to sacrifice to the dragon,” the boy said, “To the evil green dragon.”
”Dragon?!” Susan growled, “An evil green dragon?” Her eyes grew very angry scaring the young boy. She got control of her emotions. It couldn't be her beloved dragon mother. Her mother would never accept human scarifies. The teen's eyes took in the fearful child. Susan knelt down and caught his thin hand.
”You must think carefully on my question,” she said holding his gaze with her crystal-like eyes, “Do you know the name of the dragon, or what the dragon is suppose to look like? Think carefully.” The boy took several minutes to consider the information she wanted.
”I've heard that the dragon is the color of the stone you wear in your hair,” he said, softly, “I can't pronounce all the name of the evil monster but some of it is Caytorintacar-. That is as much as I know.” Her mother's name. Susan sank to the ground for a moment. She knew that Caytorintacarelithor, her mother, would never demand sacrifices from a village. What was going on in this horrible place? Her eyes went to the frightened child. Impulsively, she reached out to hug the boy.
”Don't be afraid,” Susan told him, “I'll stop these sacrifices. I need to know more about this dragon they're giving the girls to. Do you know anyone who'd talk to me about this?”
”Priest Atoro speaks out against the sacrifices,” the boy said, “He might be willing to speak with you. May I help you in your fight?” The teen looked to the hopeful young boy. He seemed so desperate to give her aid.
”You may help me right now,” Susan said, smiling at the gratitude in his gray washed out eyes, “When I say, you must runaway, and let me do the fighting. Promise?”
”I promise.”
”My name is Susan,” the teen said.
”I'm Doran,” he said puffing his chest out with pride, “My father makes the best clay pots and dishes in town.” A smile touched the teen's lips at the high regard that this young one felt for his father.
”Your father must be proud to have a son like you,” she said, patting him on the shoulder, “Lets go find this priest of yours.” Together, they hastened down the street. Neither noticed the dark robed man who stalked after them.
A humble little temple stood near the center of the town. A large oak tree stood on either side of the door. Made of brick and clay, wooden window shutters were thrown open to let in the warm sunlight. Several rune symbols had been carved into the frame of the door. Susan didn't recognize them. After taking a deep breath, she let Doran lead her into the chapel. He knelt for a moment before entering the main worship area. The vestige of their god hung over an alter of dark wood. Low wooden benches were spaced every ten feet. They had no backs looking very uncomfortable to sit on. Thick, sweet smelling smoke rose from the braziers at the walls. The sunlight did little to lighten the somber feelings that possessed these walls. The teen wondered how anyone could stand to worship in such a place. Sill, it wasn't hers to judge. A man in a tan robe knelt before the alter praying. He noticed their presence rather quickly and ended his prayer. The smile of greeting on his face died when he saw Susan.
”May I help you, my children?” he asked cautiously. The two of them approached the bone thin man.
”Father Atoro, this is Susan,” Doran said, “She has come to stop the sacrifices.” The man snorted in disdain.
”I doubt that one lone girl can destroy a demon beast as the dragon,” the priest said, then glared at her, “You've no right to tell this lad such lies.” The teen looked from the angry priest to the sad boy. She’d had enough of this attitude to last her a life time and then some.
”I'm not just a girl,” she hissed, “Let me show you.” Stepping back a little, Susan raised her hands into the air and began chanting. A dark blue glow surrounded her hands. As the chant ended, she released a ball of blue energy to float near the top of the chapel. With them watching on, she sent it around the room. In a moment, it shrank down to the size of a walnut, and landed on her shoulder. Their eyes were wide with surprise.
”I've more magic,” she said, “but I didn't think you'd want me to burn down this temple to get my point across. I will stop these sacrifices. I ask only that you give me the information I need to do so.” Composing himself, Priest Atoro considered her words very carefully.
”Do you mind telling me why you are so interested in the dragon and the sacrifices?” he asked. That was a simple question for her.
”I’ve personal business with the dragon this child has described to me,” the girl said, “I must know what is going on here. No one should be sacrificed to a dragon.”
”And you think you can stop it?” he asked, looking deep into her glowing eyes.
”On my word, these killings will stop,” Susan said, “One way or another.” He could tell that the teen meant every word she spoke. The determination in her eyes shone as bright as her rage.
”I don't know if you can do what you say,” the priest said, taking them to a bench to sit down, “but I'll tell you what I know. It started in the spring. Six months gone. Everyone knew that an evil dragon nested in the mountains to the north of here. Still, he had never bothered the village before.”
”He?” Susan asked. Priest Atoro nodded, then continued.
”These men in black robes came into town. They said that if we didn't sacrifice one maiden every full moon that the emerald dragon would destroy us. After a few attacks on our fields, the townspeople became terrified. They agreed to the sacrifices. No one was willing to fight this beast.”
”Has anyone actually seen this dragon attacking their fields?” she asked, leaning forward a little.
”Chatin was in his field when the beast attacked,” he said, “The poor man was nearly burned to death. Torel came from his house to see the beast setting fire to his crops.”
”Each time only one person saw the dragon?” Susan said, as an idea began to form in her mind.
”Yes,” the man said, “Is that important?” A glance to her shoulder found the sphere of light still present.
”I think that there is no dragon,” she said, “I think the dragon to be a magic illusion. Let me show you. Doran, will you help me?” The young boy nodded his head in excitement. Carefully, the young mage reached over to touch his forehead.
”Now, Doran, do you still see the ball of light?”
”No,” he said, “It’s gone.” In reality, it floated mere inches from his nose.
”You mean that the two farmers who thought they saw the dragon attacking their fields were tricked with magic?” Priest Atoro demanded.
”Those men in the black robes must be lead by a powerful wizard,” she said, “That being the case, what are they doing with the maidens? I don't have much time left. At nightfall they'll come for me, and I've to be ready.”
”You don't plan on letting them take you, do you?” the man gasped.
”It’s the fastest way I know to find out what has happen to the other girls,” Susan said, then smiled a little, “Don't worry. I can protect myself. Is there anything about the girls taken that links them together? Anything at all.” That brought a moment of silence. Doran looked at the priest then at his new friend.
”I don't know about Frenna, or Takara,” the boy said, slowly, “but my sister Liea had the gift of sight.” That set the teen back in surprise for a minute. She looked to the holy man.
”Were all the girls 'gifted'?” she demanded. His face turned a bit red in embarrassment.
”It is the curse of this village,” Priest Atoro said, hanging his head, “Once every one hundred years the girls develop strange powers. We downplay it as much as we can. Never letting strangers know what is going on.”
”All the girls of this village?” she asked. Another horrid thought came to her mind. One she didn't want to share with them.
”Only those who have reached the age of thirteen years,” the man said, “Only two other girls remain, and their parents are terrified for them.” Susan stood up.
”The moon will be full tonight. That's why everyone keeps telling me to leave. Tell the parents to bring all their daughters here in the temple,” she said, “Have every man guard this place. I’ll find out who is doing this, and stop him. If we're lucky I still might be able to save those already taken. Come on, Doran. We have work to do before the sun goes to rest.” They ran out together.
Quickly, Susan lead the boy from the building. A dark storm of emotions burned in her eyes. She knew of the other gifts, those that were not magic. Indeed, she had power of the mind, as her mother called it. Still, a whole village of female children with that power had to be rare if not unique.
”Susan! Susan!” Doran cried pointing urgently. A group of dark robed men headed in their direction. From the look on their faces, the teen knew that they meant trouble. Susan yanked her light cloak off, and let it pool around her feet.
”Run, Doran!” she ordered. The boy hesitated watching the six men approach one girl.
”Run! You promised me you'd obey me,” Susan snarled. Doran ran back toward the temple shouting for the priest. The men spread out in a half circle around their target with matching sneers of evil.
”You’ve been asking to many questions, girl,” their leader growled, “That's okay. You’ll do as well as any girl in this village.” They seemed quite confident that she would surrender to them. A dark smile passed over the teen's face.
”You might find that I'm not as easy to take,” she hissed raising her hands. The fire chant was short to the point. A plum of red energy engulfed one of the men. That certainly stunned them. A couple of the robbed attackers tried to extinguish the flames but as a magical thing only she could stop it. His tortured screams tore at Susan's heart. Killing things never set well with the kind-hearted teen having never killed a person before. Still she had little choice at that point. Their leader looked up at her with pure hatred seething in his black eyes.
”You’ll suffer much before you’re fed to the dragon,” he hissed. He began to chant in a language that Susan didn't recognize. As he chanted, the four remaining men rushed forward. The teen raised her hands to do another spell of her own. At the end of her chant, Susan meant to strike down their leader, but nothing happen. Stunned, the teen started to fight hand to hand. Something sharp cut her hand. In moments, a weakness spread over the girl's body. Hands grabbed her by the hair, and clothing to force her to the ground. Their leader walked over to where his men had her.
”You’ll make a fine meal for the dragon,” he hissed, as his hand touched her forehead. With a brief gasp, Susan fell unconscious.
Moans and crying slowly found it's way into Susan's dark mind. Her eyes opened to find herself in a brass cage hung from the ceiling of a large cavern. Sitting up, the teen tried to understand what she saw around her. Giant spheres of light danced near the top of the room. Below, a huge pit surrounded by large torches took up most of the floor. Runes of dark magic circled the hole. Ten cages hung from hooks in the ceiling that placed them around the circle but not quite with the runes. Beside herself, the girl counted four other prisoners. They wore the sleeping sifts that they were probably taken in. She could see the rich food that lay in each cage. Yet, the girls looked gaunt as though they were starving to death. One girl looked ready to die. On each cage, Susan could see Dracoian runes, the runes of return life. A sharp stab of fear gripped the teen as she thought of the soul energy. Only one kind of dragon needed to feed on soul energy directly, DracoLytch. The teen had begun to suspect something besides simple sacrifices was going on. That she could've stopped easily enough by calling to her mother. Caytorintacarelithor would've set these bastards straight with a breath or two, but a DracoLytch? A dragon that was brought back to life by the souls of purity, and of power. Susan stood up to look at the others. Only four girls could be seen. Their gaunt haunted eyes stared at her as though the teen didn't exist.
”They’re caught in the soul drain spell,” Susan muttered looking around. This went far beyond her small powers. Indeed, if this creature were allowed to revive the girl's dragon/mother would be in danger. As her mother said, the treasure in the lair would attract the attention of other dragons. A dragon with great power and the need for a lair might be well tempted to take the home of the emerald dragon, and her life. As these thoughts went through her mind, the leader of the dark robes entered the cavern. He noted her awake at once in sadistic pleasure.
”So you’ve awakened, my little mage,” he hissed, then gestured around, “This is where you’ll die. Drained of your soul to feed Lord Marchiorentaksel.”
”You used magic to make the village think it was the emerald dragon that you were sacrificing to,” she accused, “Why?” He shrugged a little.
”She was convenient,” he replied, then frowned a little, “How did you know that we did it with magic?” This time Susan smiled shrugging her shoulders.
”You’ve come to cast the spell of soul drain on me?” she asked her heart racing with fear.
”That won’t happen till the full moon rides high in the sky,” the man said, with another sadistic grin, “I’ll enjoy watching you squirm for my lord. No, I have come to gather your possessions you won't be needing them anymore.”
”That might be hard to do from down there,” the teen hissed.
”Not at all,” the man said, making a gesture. Two of the evil followers dragged Doran into the room. The color drained from Susan's face. One man took up a dagger and slashed the front of the child's tunic.
”Don't do it, Susan,” he shouted in defiant rage, “They fear you. They fear what-“ Their leader backhanded Doran knocking the boy near senseless. The dagger rose to the child's bare chest.
”No!” Susan cried.
”I’ll send up a basket,” the lead man said, “You’ll place all in it but the tunic. I’ll let you keep that out of the goodness of my heart.” The girl had only moments to decide what she could do. Carefully, she placed her dagger and the emerald into the straw basket. Her boots went in as did her pants. Her pouch and belt joined the pile. Only one thing remained the magic necklace that her mother had made to protect the girl.
”I suggest you hurry,” he growled from below, “I am running out of patience.”
”Will you free the boy?” she demanded. The men laughed as though Susan had made some great jest.
”Of course we'll free the boy,” he said with a smile. Susan judged the distance carefully. She'd have only one chance to save the boy’s life and maybe her own. Taking the necklace from her neck, the teen leaned forward to stare Doran in the eye.
'Doran, listen to me,' she ordered telepathically, 'I’m going to toss this necklace to you. When you catch it say the word home, and it will take you to your home. It won't work in this cage but I can only hope that it will work for you. Once you're out of here destroy it. That will bring my mother. Do you understand?’ The boy's head barely nodded. With a prayer on her lips, Susan threw the necklace from the cage. The robbed men watched in surprise as the jewelry encircled the boy's throat.
”Home!” Doran shouted then promptly disappeared.
”Yes!” the girl cried, sinking to the bottom of the cage. The basket dropped from her sight, but it didn't really matter to the teen. Doran was safe in the arms of his mother. He would do as the young mage had commanded. As soon as the necklace was damaged her mother would know that serious danger threatened Susan.
”I wouldn't want to be you when she arrives,” the girl said softly.
”Find that brat,” their leader hissed, then glared up at the cage that held Susan. “I’ll take great pleasure in watching Lord Marchiorentaksel drain your life-force. Perhaps I’ll encourage him to take his time with you to draw out your suffering.” Knowing that her mother would be coming soon, some of the teen's fears had faded to some degree.
”You might be surprised,” she called with a laugh. Hissing in rage, the man left her alone. Susan thought about what Doran said. These evil men feared her. Why would they fear the girl? As her dragon/mother had taught, Susan tried to quiet her mind to consider it. There was little time left for her to find the answers that would save them all.
A low chanting brought Susan's head up from her hands. The magical spheres of light went out one by one. Soon the only light came from the ring of torches. The cages moved to position within the ring of light. The cage Susan was in rested at the base of a glyph of dark magic. The robbed men stood just outside the ring of light. Their chants rose in tone as the mark began to glow. From below, the darkness started to swirl inward in a dizzying pattern. A 'hole' in the black nothing opened to reveal the defleshed head of a huge dragon. Slowly, the head, neck, and shoulders lifted out of the black void. Blood red glowing eyes looked down upon Susan with a combination of intrigue, and pleasure.
”You’ve brought me a soul with fire,” he growled in Dracoian, “This is good. I grow weary of the bland fodder you serve me. This one shall be a pleasure to drain.” She jumped up to stare the demon creature in the eye.
”You can't drain me,” she shouted in Dracoian, “You have no right to be in this territory.” That set the dragon back a little.
”You speak the tongue. How is it that you speak dragon language?” he demanded.
”I’m the daughter of Caytorintacarelithor,” she said with her head held high. The dead dragon leaned forward to look more directly into the teen's eyes.
”You’re not a dragon,” he hissed with a stench of death around his corpse.
”I’m a human,” she returned, “My mother adopted me when I was a babe. She taught me the ways of dragons. Your followers are taking prey in my mother's territory. By the right of holding, you can not take prey unless you’ve got her leave to do so, and I know they don't.” He sat back to think about her words.
”Lord Marchiorentakselikenoasit don’t listen to this liar,” the leader growled, “She seeks to save her life through deception.”
”I know the name of Caytorintacarelithor,” the DracoLytch said, “She was a beautiful young dragon at the time of my death.”
”She is an elder wyrm now, my Lord,” Susan said, respectfully. It looked like she might be getting through to him.
”My Lord, without her soul you can not rise again,” the man said, “She is the key to returning you to this plane. You must claim her soul to live.”
”What has become of the mighty Lord Marchiorentakselikenoasit?” a voice called from the darkness. Susan knew that voice well indeed.
”Mother!” Susan cried. The great Emerald wyrm cast a ball of light to show only herself.
”Caytorintacarelithor?” the dead dragon whispered, letting go of the cage that held the girl, “What are you doing in my territory, my beauty?” She snorted a little folding her wings onto her back.
”I’m sorry to see what these pitiful humans have done to you, my old friend,” her mother said, shaking her head, “You deserve to be honored but not like this. Don't you remember how you lived with honor?”
”Honor?” the DracoLytch murmured in confusion. As he considered the dragon's words, chains of magic wrapped around Susan's mother. In the next instant, the Emerald dragon cried out in great agony. The chains burst into blue fire quickly consuming Caytorintacarelithor.
”Mother!” the teen screamed, “No!” Her cries were followed quickly by a horrible roar from the dead dragon. Marchiorentakselikenoasit reared back his head, rage shining in his dark eyes. The robbed men looked shocked as well.
”How dare you kill her?!?” the DracoLytch snarled.
”Lord Marchiorentakselikenoasit, I swear that none of your followers attacked the dragon,” their leader sputtered, “We would never attack a friend of yours. None of us has the power it would take to kill a dragon of Caytorintacarelithor's standing.” The DracoLytch seemed to consider what the man said.
”Don't believe them,” Susan cried, “They are evil. They knew that she was my mother. That is why they feared me. I would bring her to free you that you might rest in peace…” The teen felt a wave of rage flow up from deep in her soul. Lavender and silver light surrounded the girl. Not sure what was happening, Susan went where the power directed reaching out a hand to the dead dragon. The field of energy moved down her arm and struck the dragon fully where his heart would've been. She and the robed men watched in stunned disbelief. The light grew very bright. It was like watching decay only in reverse. Muscles wrapped around bone to be covered by flesh then scales. The fire of life enveloped Marchiorentakselikenoasit bringing with it the freedom of his mind from their evil. Drained, Susan sank to the floor of the cage.
”What have I done?” the dragon roared glaring at the men, “How could I let myself fall prey to the lies of these mortal worms?” The leader of the robed men knew that he had lost any hold he might've had over the ancient wyrm. He turned to flee even as his followers stared in stunned disbelief at the dragon reborn. Throwing back his head, the gold dragon breathed in deeply. When he let the breath go flames engulfed all of them. Susan watched with pleasure as they screamed in agony. Still, it didn't bring her mother back. Sobs of intense grief racked her tired body. What would she do without her beloved mother? The gold dragon turned to stare at the bereaved teen.
”My time is short,” he said, “I can’t bring your mother back to you, Susan, but I can give life back to these poor creatures.” He tore opened the door on her cage, then the others. Each girl was placed gently on the stone floor. As she watched, the gold dragon breathed out the life force that he had taken from them. This done Marchiorentakselikenoasit turned to Susan with deep regret in his glowing blue eyes.
”I hope that you’ll forgive me someday, Susan,” he rumbled, “I'm ashamed it took the life of your gentle mother to break the control of those evil men. I must return to my eternal sleep, but I’ll rest in peace knowing that I shall never return to this world. Good bye.” As Susan watched, the bones of the great dragon turned to dust falling into the bottomless pit. The village girls were beginning to wake from their terrible nightmare. Susan walked toward the place where her mother died stumbling in her anguish. Tears ran down her dirty pale face, as sobbing she fell to her knees.
”Mother!” she cried in broken despair.
”You don't have to yell that loud,” a familiar voice said.
”Mother!” Susan gasped. A ball of light appeared to show the human form of her dragon/mother. Crying out, the teen threw herself into her mother's arms.
”Its’ all right, my precious one,” her mother soothed, rocking with her daughter, “Its over now. Everything is all right now.” It took Susan several minutes to catch her breath. Finally, the girl pulled away enough to look into her mother's glowing emerald eyes.
”I don't understand,” she said, “I saw you burn to death.” Her mother's gentle smile brought more tears to the girl's eyes.
”I knew of this kind of death magic,” she said, “After a few words, I knew Marchiorentakselikenoasit to be held in their spell. I couldn't defeat him in a fight, my child. Death gives great power. Our only hope was to bring him out of their darkness. I knew that you could bring him that light but only if you truly needed it. Together, we freed my uncle from those beasts. You freed him, my daughter.”
”Uncle?” Susan said with awe. Sounds of moaning brought their eyes to the others.
”We should get them home, mother,” the teen said, sighing, “There is something that I want to do. If you'll let me, mother.”
At the center of the village, Susan stood with her mother holding up a charred robe. The four teens stood behind her. Everyone in the town had gathered to this astonishing sight that none thought to see.
”I told you I’d find out who was taking the girls, and the true reason,” she said, “You were told that they were sacrificing these maidens to the evil green dragon to the north, but they lied. Under this town is a series of caverns. There they gave the life force of each to feed a DracoLytch. A dead dragon that they wanted to give life too. An evil process that would not of stopped till this village was nothing but ash. With the help of Doran, and my mother, we freed this dragon from their spell, and thus defeated them.” Doran came up to the teen and threw his arms around Susan’s waist.
”I knew you'd save my sister,” he said looking at Susan with awe. A blush crept over the teen’s smudged face. The priest came forward next to offer his thanks.
”You’ve done this village a great service, my child.”
”I’m sorry that I couldn't save all of them,” she said, then glanced at her mother, “but I might be able to keep this from happening again. You asked me why I wanted to know what was going on, and I said that I have a personal reason. Once you described the 'evil' dragon, and said that he lived to the north I knew that I had to act. You see, an evil green male dragon doesn't live to the north of this village.”
”But we’ve seen him flying from the cliffs,” said the peacekeeper. The teen smiled as her mother had gently moved away from the crowd.
”You’ve seen a dragon,” Susan said, “You’ve seen an Emerald dragon, a female Emerald dragon. A very good dragon that tries to live in peace with those around her, she’d never attack your fields or your town. She only fights to defend her home.”
”And how would you know, my child?” the priest asked.
”Because she lives with me,” her mother said. They all turned to look at the woman who had begun to glow. Slowly, Caytorintacarelithor resumed her true dragon form. In all the hundreds of years that she had lived, the good dragon had sworn to never reveal herself in this manner to humans. Only her love for her daughter could persuade her to do so. Fear washed over the crowd.
”Don't be afraid,” Susan called, then smiled down at her young friend, and asked, “Are you afraid of my mother, Doran?” The little boy shook his head with wonder in his eyes.
”She promised to let me fly on her back when we freed you and the others,” he said, then added in excitement, “Does that mean now?” The teen looked around at the adults. Her mother had reached her full two hundred-foot long size. Wings folded neatly behind the dragon's back. Most of the adults had remained including the priest.
”I’ve more then good reason to believe that my daughter came from this village,” the dragon rumbled softly, “I give you my word of honor that no dragon will attack this village ever again. I’ll protect you from all enemies. I ask only that you do the same.” The priest looked to the peacekeeper nodding.
”We’d be honored by such an arrangement,” he said, smiling, “You’ve already proven yourself to be trustworthy.” Doran stepped forward boldly looking at the dragon with excitement in his eyes.
”Does this mean I can have my ride, Lady dragon?” he asked. This brought a soft rumble of amusement from the elder wyrm.
”You may call me Caytor,” the dragon said, “I’d be glad to give you a ride should your parents agree, young one.” Tears still running down his mother’s cheeks, Doran’s parents stepped forward. The woman held one of the girls that had been saved.
”You can take a ride, Doran,” his father said, then smiled up at the large creature, “If Caytor would agree to stay for the celebration.”
”It would be my honor,” the dragon said. Susan smiled in joy. Maybe this would be the beginning of a better relationship between dragons and humans. It was a start anyway.