Dragon Tears

The Taste of Adventure

Four young boys climbed into the boat, keen to get away before sunup, the fire towers of Loggerwood School still giving them light as the night sky showed the first signs of dawn.

‘Now I want to enforce upon you that you are NOT under any circumstances to go anywhere near the Island of Lost Souls. Is that quite clear Henry Fothrington?'

Henry looked up at his Headmaster but was careful not to catch his gaze.

‘Sir we plan to sail down the Loggerwood flow until we get to the boat lodge, catch our evening meal, and then have a quiet night. '

Alistair Windmaster grunted, ‘I expect you back by noon tomorrow. If you encounter any problems send a bubble, I assume you have thought to bring some?'

Breams, the youngest in the group, pulled out two from his tunic pocket,

‘Two sir.'

Bubbles were the main way of communication in the elven Lands of Minuet. A message could be put inside the bubble and when thrown into the air would reach its destination in seconds.

Headmaster Windmaster nodded, ‘Off you go then, and Barley I prevail upon you to ensure they use the good sense given to them.'

The small fair haired boy nodded solemnly as the boat moved away from the pontoon.

Henry breathed in the warm forest air, ‘Sparks it's brilliant to be free at last, I recon we can be there by lunch time and then we can go exploring.'

Henry the oldest at fifteen summers was also the brightest; he excelled in all subjects and had mastered most elements of magic. His father was the High Librarian in the Great Wizard's Library on Earth and Henry had grown up surrounded by books giving him a yearning for adventure. He was definitely going to make the most of this sailing trip, and quietly pulled out a map of the forest. The Island of Lost Souls was just a short distance from their lodge, plenty of time for them to have a quick look.

Hamish the fourth member of the group pulled on the rudder to maintain a straight line down the flow. He had also grown up on Earth, but unlike Henry had lived a hard life in the far north highlands, a place now known as Scotland. He was the quietest of the four and suffered badly from homesickness. His greatest wish was to return to his mountains. Loggerwood School was set right in the middle of a great forest of Stonewood Pines, gigantic tree that lived for thousands of years, before falling and then used for building. Any opportunity to leave the confines of the school looked good to him, even if it did mean putting up with Henry.

Breams tied off the sail and dug out a squashed sandwich, ‘Fig great to be out. Good idea of yours Henry.'

Henry beamed, ‘Told you old Windmaster would fall for it,' he laughed. ‘He likes setting people challenges and couldn't resist letting us go. He thinks we can't handle ourselves. Well we will show him.'

Barley, who had his head over the side of the boat watching the fish, looked up. ‘You underestimate him Henry. Old Windmaster is as devious as you.'

Barley looked quite different from the other three. He was an elf where as the other three were wizards and as such was smaller and fair. His ability to control the energy around him, or magic as the wizards called it was as good as theirs but they would become stronger than him in the future. Elves tended to end up as diplomats and Barley saw no difference in his future with his father head of the Minuet Ruling Council.

‘Lodge ahead,' called Breams as he excitedly lowered the sail and Hamish turned the rudder. Pulling a few small strands of energy from the air Breams channelled the small boat alongside the pontoon. At ten summers he was young to be able to control magic, being sent to Loggerwood after accidentally blowing up his last school. This had been hard on Breams but Henry had taken him under his wing and the two had become inseparable.

‘Barley, you catch some fish while we sort out the lodge and get the fire going,' Henry shouted out as he rushed along the pontoon to be first into the lodge. Barley raised his eyebrows in resignation and looked around for the best place to fish.

‘Mind if I join you,' offered Hamish as he watched Henry and Breams disappear. ‘He's scheming something up for all of us, isn't he?'

Barley sighed, ‘Without a doubt. I would imagine that's why old Windmaster sent us along as well, not that we could ever stop Henry doing what Henry wants to do. Let's just hope we all survive it.'

Island of Lost Souls

‘Time for the adventure,' announced Henry after a lunch of grilled fish and baked apples. He pulled out the crumpled map from his pocket and proudly smoothed it out in front of them.

‘We are here,' he pointed, ‘and the Island of Lost Souls is here. We can sail there within a half chime, have a look and be back within two. What do you say?'

Breams grinned excitedly but Barley scowled, ‘So that's it. You plan to take us to the worse possible place in the universe. It isn't even the Island of Souls where the souls of good people go to. No, you have to suggest we visit the place where the souls of evil people end up. Well I think you are mad Henry Fothrington and I have a good mind to send a bubble back to Windmaster right now.'

Henry didn't look the least put out by Barley's opinion. ‘Come on Barley, I'm not saying we have to land on the island, let's go for a look. What harm is there in that?'

Barley groaned knowing he was wasting his breath, ‘O.K. but we go straight there and back. I'm not going to be anywhere near that place come night.'

Henry whooped with joy.

‘Now this really is an adventure,' he said excitedly, as they headed down a small flow. Low growing trees bent over the water and the width of the flow quickly narrowed until they could almost touch both sides.

‘I don't like this Henry,' moaned Hamish, as he pushed the boat away from some fallen tree trunks.

‘Have faith Hamish, we will be there soon, it can't be much further.'

Barley grumbled under his breath as he watched for shallow water but said nothing.

Gradually the flow widened again and they found themselves turning into a wide lake. Stretched out in front of them they saw the island dominated by a tall tower of Stonewood Pine. From the centre a great arched bridge spanned the lake to the mainland.

‘Wow, just look at that,' breathed Henry but within seconds, a thick fog fell over them and everything disappeared.

Barley cursed loudly. ‘Sparks and Dragon's spit Henry we shouldn't be here.'

‘It's only a small lake Barley, we can't get lost,' But his voice wavered a little.

They let the boat drift slowly. The fog seemed to wrap itself around them, chilling them to the bone. Hamish felt himself shaking of cold or fear he wasn't sure.

Breams whimpered and sat closer to Henry, ‘Let's go back Henry. I don't like the feel of this.'

For the first time Henry felt unsure of himself, he hadn't expected fog like this and Breams was right, it didn't feel too good.

‘Let's get out of here,' Henry begrudgingly conceded. Hamish nodded, not that Henry could see him any longer, but the boat did not turn, instead it started to pick up speed moving faster and faster.

‘Stop it Breams,' cried Hamish, but Breams had fallen to the bottom of the boat his eyes closed tight in terror.

‘I may never talk to you again after this,' screamed Barley at Henry.

‘You saw the map; it was just a small lake.'

‘We are in Loggerwood Forest you sprat. Who knows what magic protects this place.'

‘You must have thought it alright or you wouldn't have come,' Henry snarled.

‘Stop arguing you two,' shouted Breams from the bottom of the boat, ‘I'm fig scared.'

Ribastra

Crunch. The boat suddenly hit ground and tipped to one side, throwing Hamish backwards and into some overhanging trees.

Breams screamed. ‘I can't see him in this fig fog. Hamish where are you?'

Hamish groaned, ‘down here,' he cried, ‘can't get up. Breams get me out of here. My arm's trapped.'

‘We're coming Hamish,' Breams called as he looked around at the others. Henry sat in the remains of the boat, rigid with shock. ‘Henry don't just sit there he needs our help.'

Henry shook, ‘I'm sorry I never thought anyone would get hurt. I'm truly sorry.'

Breams touched Henry's shoulder, ‘we know that Henry, but right now we must help Hamish.' Henry nodded but didn't move so Breams tried Barley.

‘Barley, help me out,' and together they slid down the side of the boat and into the freezing water. ‘Hamish, where are you?'

‘Here Breams,' cried Hamish, and they found him hanging onto a log, his arm under a section of the boat.

Breams formed a web around the boat and lifted it as Barley pulled him out. Hamish groaned and dragged himself up the bank.

‘Hold tight Hamish,' said Barley gently, ‘I will see what I can do,' then turned to Breams.

‘You send a bubble right now Breams,' he demanded, ‘we are in serious trouble. Hamish is hurt and I am not going to stay here with night coming.'

Henry who had finally found them looked thoroughly miserable.

‘It will be light for several chimes yet Barley but of course you are right, we should get help. Send that bubble Breams.' Then he sat down next to Hamish.

‘I'm sorry Hamish and you too Barley, I never imagined this could happen.' He watched tearfully as the bubble flew into the air and disappeared.

Barley looked up from his healing. ‘Well, start using those brains you are meant to have and help get us back. I think we should try and find shelter until rescue comes. Hamish has a broken arm.' and he turned to see if the island was visible. He swallowed hard.

‘I suggest you all very slowly turn around and tell me what's coming to greet us.'

The fear in Barley's voice took hold of the others as they turned to look.

‘My Gods protect us,' prayed Barley as the fog cleared and the creature become visible, but Henry felt a serge of hope and got to his feet. He bowed respectfully.

‘We are glad to see you, your Ladyship. We have got ourselves a little lost and Hamish is hurt. I don't suppose you could help us?'

The great Green Dragon snorted sending out streams of steam. ‘Henry Fothrington, I assume this was your idea of a good adventure and a great tale for your friends, well no, I am not inclined to help you out of this mess. You have breached the boundary of the dead and I can not just return you. You must prove worthy of life or join the dead.'

Breams wiped a tear from his face, ‘We didn't mean any harm your Ladyship, please don't leave us in this place.'

The Dragon swung her great lizard head and lowered it to study the four boys with her large black eyes. ‘My name is Ribastra and I am the High Lord of the Sky. It is a good job I found your bubble and not one of the others. Maybe I can help after all but first you would need to do a small job for me.'

‘We will do anything rather than stay here,' offered Barley.

‘It is agreed then, you help me and then I will help you.'

Henry studied Ribastra, feeling a little worried that they had promised a Dragon to do something without knowing what. Dragons were very tricky creatures. He had spent hours in his father's library reading anything he could find on them. Unknown to most people Dragons will never kill and have a strict code of conduct within the universe but they would use people for their own ends.

‘Ribastra, we will help you because we are in danger and have made an unbreakable promise to you but you must then return us home tomorrow morning.'

Ribastra's scales rippled and Henry realised she was laughing. ‘It is a promise young hatching. She padded over to Hamish and her breath wrapped itself around him. His aches and pains immediately disappeared.

‘Now climb on my back and we will ride the winds.'

Dragon Tears

‘Whoopee,' screamed Henry as they soared high into the bright sunlight leaving the fog below. The others, however, hung on to her large spiny spikes for dear life keeping their feet tucked tightly under Ribastra's scales. They flew low over great forests and plains and on over wide stretches of water and across farmland and valleys. Finally they landed on the edge of a forest with plains stretching out below a range of great mountains. As they slid off Hamish stared up at the horizon.

Ribastra watched him and padded over, ‘They aren't your mountains Hamish these are mine. We are no longer in Minuet or Earth this is the Land of Misthaven. But I understand how you feel. I think once they are in your blood they never leave you.'

Hamish breathed in the mountain air, ‘I miss them so much,' and bent down to pick some heather. Ribastra studied him for a few moments before leading them to the edge of the forest and to where they could see a large settlement in the distance.

‘Over there are the Mitack. They are warlike tribal warriors, aggressive and dangerous, so be cautious. In the centre of their village is a statue of their most worshiped god and in the god's hand is a great gold Sunjewel. I need you to get the jewel for me.'

Henry snorted, ‘O, simple then, we just walk into their village, steal their most prized jewel and hand it over to you.'

Ribastra snorted. ‘No young hatching. The jewel can't be stolen. It must be given to you willingly otherwise it is useless to me.'

Barley slumped on the ground, ‘It's an impossible task. How can we achieve that? Why don't you just ask them? I sure they wouldn't argue with a Dragon.'

Ribastra settled herself down, ‘I can't, they fear me so the jewel would not be freely given. No this task is yours.' With that she closed her eyes and started snoring.

Henry sat thinking. His father had always taught him that there was an answer to any problem. It was just a matter of looking at all sides. Clearing his mind he looked for the answer. This is what he was meant to be good at. Gradually a plan formed and he smiled to himself.

‘Ribastra, tell us a Dragon's Tale,' Henry asked, knowing Dragons could never resist telling their Tales. Ribastra opened her eyes as steam floated out of her nostrils.

‘I think you have more important things to be doing,' she rumbled.

Henry sat down crossed legged and gestured for the others to join him.

‘Tell us why you want the Sunjewel, it is important we understand. We have a plan but we need to wait for nightfall. A Tale from a Dragon would stop us being bored.

So Ribastra rested her head over her great tail and started.

‘Once long ago Dragons ruled the skies, it was a glorious era and the lands were peaceful with food for all. The universe was in total balance. Then slowly things changed. Mankind started to spread across the lands of Earth and Minuet. At first we saw no threat and allowed them free range to live as they wished. But mankind became dangerous. Some could use energy around them to create weapons and fire. They caused wars and suffering and Dragons failed to consider their risk until it was too late.

Unknown to most, Dragons have a strict code for life. We can not kill or use our powers to cause harm to others. When the ones called wizards discovered this they began to kill us. Over the next few centuries Dragons were hunted and killed for their scales and hides.'

Ribastra closed her eyes as a tear rolled down her face and onto the ground. She shuddered and started again.

‘We lay our eggs every five hundred years in the mountains behind you. For them to hatch safely we place the eggs in hatching pools lit by great Golden Sunjewels found only in the tallest mountain here in Misthaven. These Sunjewels hold the power of light and life for us. Disaster befell us when these were discovered by wizards who used them as weapons, killing us without mercy.'

Ribastra groaned and more tears trickled from her eyes. ‘They killed my partner and my two wonderful hatchlings. My life had no meaning after that and I flew, desolate and alone. I shook the great Stone in the Sky and cried until at last the Gods looked down on my plight and promised to help. The black Wizards were cursed and their souls condemned to the Island of Lost Souls while the few remaining Golden Sunjewels were protected with a great spell and returned to me. I now search for the stolen Golden Sunjewels and with each one I find I place it in the Chamber of light so we may finally hatch our next set of eggs. The Mitack's Golden Sunjewel is the final jewel needed to light the Chamber of Light.'

She looked at them her black eyes like deep pools of water, ‘Please help me complete this great task.'

Henry got up and put his arms around her great neck. ‘We will Ribastra, I'm sorry I made you remember sad times but I needed your tears,' and he held up a soft white ball formed by her tears.

Ribastra glared at him, ‘You already knew my Tale didn't you.' Henry nodded.

‘You are clever young wizard. You know the power of Dragon Tears?'

‘I do Ribastra but I need to explain my plan to the others.'

Ribastra closed her eyes again, ‘Good luck my little hatching. I see I did well finding you.'

The Mitack

With light Globes in their right hands and hoods over their heads they started to hum as Barley led them slowly towards the Mitack Village.

Mitack warriors came out to watch but didn't stop them. The Mitack were tall, their skin painted in blue paint and their head shaven and coloured with intricately tattoos. They were scantly dressed in animal skins.

‘Scary or what?' whispered Breams from the back. The others grunted.

The whole village lined the path which led to the centre of their settlement and, to Henry's relief, to the statue. It wasn't difficult to spot the chief who sat below the statue in a large wooden chair.

Henry checked his breathing and stepped out from behind Barley. The two bowed to the chief. ‘Chief of the Mitack, we honour your bravery and wisdom with a gift from the Gods.'

Barley then held out the ball of tears. As he did so he focused his mind wishing it to be a great Sunjewel similar to the one in their Statue. The Dragon Tears changed and the Mitack chief saw a Sunjewel. Barley imagined it shining and the fake Sunjewel shone.

Henry bowed again, ‘This is the greatest of all Sunjewels and full of magic.'

The chief stood and walked over to study the jewel. ‘How do I know this is no trick?' he asked suspiciously.

Hold the jewel for yourself and feel the magic,' suggested Henry.

The chief took the Dragon Tears and turned it in his hands. ‘What magic does this hold?' he asked in wonder.

‘It will honour your wishes if those wishes are for the good of your people. If, however, you use the Sunjewel for evil it will turn white and the magic will die.'

‘And what do you want from me?' the chief asked, still wary of Henry.

Henry looked up at the true Sunjewel. ‘I must return your old Sunjewel to its rightful owners so its magic can be renewed.'

The chief stood thinking and then grinned, ‘So be it,' he called, and climbing up took the jewel from the statue and handed it to Henry.

Henry bowed, ‘Great Chief, use this gift wisely and your people will prosper,'

Then turning they walked slowly out of the village and back to Ribastra.

‘What will happen when they realise they don't have a Sunjewel anymore,' worried Barley.

Ribastra took her precious Sunjewel, ‘As long as they always believe it's a Sunjewel then that is what they will always see. You have given them something far more precious. Dragon Tears will do as Henry promised but the first time they try to use is as a weapon it will die. Sadly the chief is a foolish man and will ignore Henry's advice, but your bravery and deeds have saved the mighty race of Dragons.

Breams patted Henry on the shoulder, ‘Well done Henry see what you did.' but Henry didn't feel too proud and said nothing.

‘I will leave you in a place to rest while I take the Sunjewel to the Chamber of Light,' she said, as she carefully helped them back up on to her back. Flying through the night Ribastra finally landed on a mountain plateau where she left them sleeping in a nest of bracken and feathers.

As dawn started to throw light across the night sky Hamish leaned on the rocks and grazed across the wide horizon.

‘Everything has been worth this moment,' he gasped. ‘Isn't it truly wonderful?'

Ribastra had returned and rattled her scales, ‘It is young hatchling. This is my favourite spot. It does my heart good to share it with you but it's time I return you home. First I must ask you to keep this night a secret or the great species of Dragons will be doomed, you understand that don't you?' Henry groaned but didn't ague. He knew she was right.

‘Don't look so downcast Henry Fothrington, you have learnt a painful lesson and had your adventure, remember this night for both reasons. You have all taken a step closer to manhood.'

Back at their lodge they found their boat ready to sail and once on board Ribastra blew on it sending the boat gliding up stream towards the school.

‘Goodbye my hatchlings,' She whispered, ‘until next time.'

‘We appear to be home,' yawned Henry as he felt the boat hit the pontoon. Sleepily he climbed out and tied up as he watched Alistair Windmaster came striding down to the waters edge to greet them.

‘Welcome back you four, how was your trip?'

Henry bowed, ‘Quiet sir.'

Alistair Windmaster looked quizzically at the four of them as they stood uneasily in front of him.

‘No problems then Barley?'

‘No sir, rather boring really.'

Alistair Windmaster nodded seriously, ‘I'm sorry to hear that, but I would ask you all to consider what you have learnt in an essay, to be on my table tomorrow morning. I am sometimes surprised what can be learnt during such trips.'

They groaned but bowed and started to tidy the boat. Alistair Windmaster smiled to himself and let his last comment hang in the air-

‘I'm glad no tears were spilt over late night Dragon Tales, and Henry, I would be grateful if you could make sure that map is returned to its rightful place.'

He didn't look back.