Tarragon: Dragon Bane

Prologue

THUNDER RUMBLED THROUGH THE AIR, though no clouds filled the sky. Orange light split the atmosphere as heat from the plasma vents surged upward in forked tongues of energy. Several more flashes of the unusual colored lightning flicked like a whip against the obsidian stone.

Doran Mana was a wasteland, choked by broken rock and thorny scrub too stubborn to give up living. Great fissures opened at random, only to close some time later. Sulfur fused the air with a stench like rotting eggs, only ten times worse.

Home of the Revenants, it sat uninhabitable, at least by mortal standards. Once an oasis in the desert, it now lay as a warning of what its masters could and would do to the rest of the land, if given the chance.

The Revenants dwelt under the razor edged stone where the magma ran like blood. Almost like fire drakes, they swam through the molten arteries of the world. Only a few hundred years before, they’d become trapped inside solid stone. But, after a massive earthquake, the stone broke open. It created new avenues for the superheated earth to travel, and the means for the Revenant’s emancipation.

Locked away for centuries, they learned caution. And when a dragon mage stumbled on one of their doorways, they felt inclined to incinerate her where she stood. Fate stayed their hands. The mage willingly gave her soul to them. Her body became one with a lesser Revenant, a puppet of the grandmaster. The mage's name was Kira Millard.

Over the course of several months, she shared with them her life and knowledge. They shared part of theirs in return. And, when her aunt summoned the mage, they let her go. They knew she would bring them that much closer to their goal of destroying all the dragons.

What she saw, they saw. What she experienced, they experienced. And when she died, they knew the true strength of their foe. The dragons’ demise would come swiftly and with little fear of devastation to their kind. They would soon take their place as the rightful guardians of this world. Once there, they would mold it to their whims and subject the mindless masses of mortals to their will. With the dragons gone, there would be none left to stop them.

chapter One

THE VILLAGE OF LINDWYRM SAT quietly nestled in the Drakonii Mountain Range. Most of the buildings stood empty as a slight breeze rustled the tree-lined streets. The villagers slowly moved down the main street, their feet heavy from recent events. The structures bore silent witness to the solemn procession marching past them.

With the Mage War over, many residents had returned, though not quite as those many as who had not. Those who’d remained home thanked the stars and mourned for those who had passed on. Those who had participated in the fight stumbled on weary feet. And those unable to join them lay in hospital beds from injuries sustained in battle.

Banners hung from makeshift poles, each embroidered with the names from the fallen of each sect. Family and friends held those banners high as they marched towards the green Quad. A large bonfire burned in the middle of the grassy field, waiting for the masses.

One by one, the villagers threw the banners into the fire. Names were called out as the fabric burned. The mourners huddled in small groups as the flames rose higher with each addition. The smoke spiraled out over the mountain peaks above the village, further darkening the overcast sky.

As the last banner turned to ash, rain began to fall at a gentle pace that soon picked up in tempo. The sky’s water mingled with the tears of the mourners as they turned their faces to the heavens. The battle at the Mountain would not be forgotten any time soon.

Courtney Willis surveyed the remains of their campsite with a sense of finality. They’d already taken down the tents and had stowed them in their respective bags. The stones from the fire pit were scattered, along with the ashes. A few impressions, and a pile of gear, remained. They bore witness to what had once housed a small handful of desperate defenders.

With a sigh, the blonde tucked a stray strand of hair back into place. Walter had already carted his stuff down to the raft. She just needed to carry down the rest of the equipment, but she still hesitated. This place held so many memories, tinged with hints of regret and sadness. She still couldn’t believe that Margo Pack was gone.

An eagle soared overhead, its wings spread as it caught an updraft. Courtney followed its progress until it dropped out of sight over the crest of the Island. It wasn’t an area she’d had much time to explore, nor might she ever. That place was sacred to the dragons. Those of mortal blood were not allowed there. With perhaps one exception, she amended in her thoughts.

The crunch of footsteps on the rough ground alerted her to the return of her companion. She turned to watch him come up through the trees. The forested island had been home for a short while, but now it was time to return to the Village. They were both needed there.

Still waiting? Walter asked as he entered the clearing. He glanced towards the rise of land where Anwen and Tyler had disappeared hours ago. His dark skin stood out in contrast to Courtney’s more pale tones. His hair looked in need of a trim, no longer quite regulation length. Even though he was no longer a part of the Reserve, he kept up appearances.

Courtney nodded. It's still unreal, she confessed. It feels like it was only yesterday that I was sparring with Margo. She paused to swallow a lump in her throat. And now she's gone. The woman had taught her so much about mage craft. She'd taught her even more about camaraderie and friendship. Almost as much as Anwen had.

Walter nodded as he rubbed at the stubble on his chin. He was in desperate need of a shave but hadn't taken the time. There were more important things to worry about. I know, he said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. I'm going to miss her too.

Margo had a personality unlike any other woman he’d met. Her fiery spirit was hard to forget, down to her almost stubborn way of doing things. And even though she was Walter's senior in age, he couldn't help but think of her as a feisty kid sister. It didn’t help that he’d been that much taller than her either.

Picking up the two tent bundles, Walter turned to go. Come on, he invited. They'll come when they're ready. He nodded towards the top of the hill above them. The others are waiting for us.

Courtney grabbed the last bag and followed the veteran back down towards Lake Wyvern. Overhead, the sun filtered down through the trees. The sky radiated a clear blue color, with the occasional cloud on display. The light made the trees seem that much more alive.

The sapphire blue water of Lake Wyvern lapped at the sides of the rubber military raft tied to the small jetty. It wasn’t the same jetty they'd used that first time to cross over to the Island. This one jutted out from where the tail of the Island would have thrust out. From above, the Island resembled the body of a partially submerged dragon. And at the top, sat the Sacred Grove, with its emerald-leafed trees.

Walter threw the last of the luggage into the raft and tied it down. I think we're ready, he called out as he caught Courtney looking back.

The water started to bubble at his words and two water dragons swam to the surface. Their scales shone in a darker variation of the lake’s color. Their serpentine bodies writhed in the water, sleek and wingless. Their eyes shone wiser than mortal thought. It almost seemed as though they dared any mortal to stare into them long enough to drown in the waters of their home.

You called? one Imugi asked as it lifted its head from the water. Its voice seemed to hiss as if using too much air. Are you ready to return to the mainland?

Courtney nodded to their guides as she turned to stare. It was still strange to see real flesh and blood dragons, outside of Tyler that was. Even that had taken some getting used to.

The two mortals stepped into the boat and took their positions. While they did this, the other dragon wound the rope around its body. Water sloshed up onto the sand as the serpent spun to secure the line. With a nudge from the first sea snake, the boat began to move, pulling away from the shore.

A cool draft of air filtered across the water as Courtney looked back. She fancied she saw a glint of silver from the crown of the Island before she lost sight of it due to their speed of travel.

Anwen Porter let her long hair flow freely in the breeze. Almost a week had passed since the great battle and her heart still felt numb. Her light purple dress swept around with the wind as she stared ahead. The breeze teased her auburn hair, flinging it into her face one moment, out behind her the next. Her hazel-green eyes gazed at the trees of the Sacred Grove.

As was custom from the time before they'd sealed the Mountain, she raised the bone knife Tyler had lent her. With great ceremony, she slipped the blade between the branch and trunk of one of the majestic trees. The small branch fell into her other hand, the smooth white bark almost warm against her skin. She could feel the wood vibrating with energy before it went still.

With equal ceremony, Tyler Durand took back the white knife and put it in his pocket. Let that which was taken be returned to the Mountain, he intoned as Anwen presented the branch to him. He held the limb aloft so the sun's rays ran the length of it.

Anwen felt a tear run down her face as she accepted the smooth wood back once more. Rest in peace, mom, she whispered. When they returned, the branch would be woven into the lattice-covered tombs outside of the Ruined City. She was glad she would not be the one doing the weaving.

A solemn assembly had been held inside the Main Hall of Tarragon for all who had died during the battle, separate from the one held in the village. A more intimate gathering had collected to mourn the passing of Anwen's mother. But, with no body, the actual burial hadn't taken place. This was the next best thing.

Most of the dragon mages had returned to their homes in the Village of Lindwyrm. Some had stayed in the City to help rebuild the once majestic structures they had helped to destroy. With the death of their leader, they had taken the leadership offered by the dragons. And Anwen, as the Kaida, had taken charge of them, albeit reluctantly. Her mother was a leader. She was not.

I still wish Kern hadn't asked me to take charge of the mages, Anwen sighed as she wrapped her clipping in a silk sleeve. There are more qualified people. Like Courtney. It didn't matter that Courtney was her age, still a teenager. She at least had more skill as a mage. And experience. That and the mages knew her, whereas she was an outsider. She’d not been in the mountains more than a month and they were already thrusting the responsibility on her.

Tyler looked as though he might disagree but didn’t as something else called for his attention. It was almost as if he heard someone calling his name but wasn't sure. I'll be right back, he assured at her questioning look. He headed off towards the far side of the Grove and the origin of the sound he’d heard only moments before.

Anwen watched him in surprise but didn't follow. Something about his expression told her he didn't want her coming along. It wasn’t that she feared danger, but she was still a stranger here. It was best to heed his wishes.

Tyler loped towards the section he'd heard the sound coming from. Whatever it was, it seemed to come from the same area where he'd met Kaida Magus before the battle against the mages. Upon reaching the large boulder by which the mage had stood, he stopped. But Kaida Magus wasn't there.

Hello? Tyler called out as he peered around the trees. The breeze teased his light brown hair. Anyone out there? His blue eyes searched the area with no result.

The sound of giggling came from a small copse of trees outside the stone circle marking the Grove boundary. It was a child-like sound, both young and carefree. Tyler felt sure he’d heard it before. He had his suspicions confirmed when a young child moved out from the trees. She gave a shy little wave, her expression one of mischief.

Unlike the last time he'd seen this child, she wore a dark green dress. It made her red hair even more vibrant, her skin to seem that much paler. Hi, she said with a wave. Her fingers were as translucent as before, though the rest of her seemed more solid somehow. They’d both been down lower on the Island when he'd last seen her. He'd been searching for Anwen after she’d partaken of the Diviner’s Sage and awakened her Dragon Sight.

Walking with slow steps, Tyler approached the child. He wasn't sure what this encounter would entail. This little girl, for whatever reason, somehow managed to confuse his dragon senses. It was almost as if she didn’t quite exist in this reality. And yet he could see her, hear her, when she wanted. And her visage remained the same, that of a three to four year old child. Hello, he greeted, squatting to be at eye level with her. What are you doing here? Where are your parents?

The child smiled a secretive smile as she put her hands behind her back. She twisted at the waist, back and forth, back and forth. It was the same question he'd asked her the first time they'd met. They're busy, she replied. Mawmaw's talking to mommy. Wanna play?

Without thinking, Tyler reached out a hand and ruffled her hair. It took a moment to register the odd sensation of not quite touching something. Perhaps some other time. Is your friend Kaida here?

The little girl looked thoughtful for a moment, but shook her head as she gave him a smile worthy of any sprite. Nope. But Mawmaw says I can play. You need to ask Mawmaw?

Tyler couldn't help but laugh. You're persistent, he observed. All right, little one. I’ll play. What’s your name?

Her smile widened as she leaned closer, bringing her mouth even with his ear. As if revealing a great secret, the child leaned in closer. They call me Emi, she whispered

Anwen couldn’t help but stare in the direction Tyler had headed. He'd already been gone several minutes and it didn't look like he'd be returning any time soon. Should she go after him? No. If he’d wanted her with him, he’d have asked her to come at the onset. With a sigh, she settled down on the ground to wait.

Good morrow, a woman's voice called out from behind her, causing her to jump. My apologies, the voice continued as Anwen turned to confront its owner. I did not mean to startle you.

As Anwen turned, she caught sight of a long white skirt. Looking up, she realized the woman was much taller than her. She had to lean back to see her face. Clear blue eyes met her more hazel ones. Uh, Anwen uttered. Who are you? She hadn’t thought anyone else was on the Island. Courtney and Walter should have headed to the mainland by now, which left her and Tyler. They should be alone. But she couldn’t deny the presence of this woman, logic or not.

The woman knelt, settling gracefully next to Anwen. Her skirt flared out around her as she sat. I am the first Kaida, she replied. Which makes me your many times great grandmother, Kaida Magus.

Anwen's mouth hung open in shock, her eyes wide. I’m sorry? She wasn’t sure if she could believe this or not. After all, there was no way her many times great whatever could possibly appear in front of her, Sacred Grove or not. That would mean one of two things, somehow time no longer made sense, or she was dreaming.

Kaida Magus smiled. I know this may be somewhat confusing for you, but the flow of time has become disrupted. That is why you can see me now. If it were not so, it would be your mother you see instead.

Tears pricked at Anwen's eyes at the mention of her mother. I don't understand. A deep ache threatened to overwhelm her, despite her attempts to lock it away.

That ring, Kaida pointed, indicating the one Margo had worn. Anwen raised her right hand and the ring on her third finger flashed in the light. That is the Mage Ring, passed down the direct line of my blood. You are already aware of that ancestral connection. What is not common knowledge is the existence and origin of that gem.

Anwen turned her hand to look at the engraved stone. It looked like any other large emerald to her, despite the dragon form carved into the surface. Even the band was unremarkable, the dull grey of tarnished silver. What's so special about it?

Kaida's eyes took on a faraway look as she began to chant. One of Mortal. One of Stone. One of Dragon shall be born. A Fair Little Dragon, Keeper of the Keys. All to mend. All to set free, ere the Darkness come. All to join or all shall die. The Past. The Present. All must align or the light be forever gone.

The older woman's gaze pierced Anwen as their eyes locked. This prophecy was given at the making of that ring. As the hammer fell to lock the stone in place, Koren, first offspring of Kern Nurrim, uttered those words.

It seemed as if the sound of drums filled the air, beating out a steady cadence. All around, fire appeared to leap up as the Sacred Grove faded from sight. Anwen found herself in the Heart of the Mountain, where the great Crystal pulsed like a beating heart. A small group of dragons stood around the same forge they had once used to make the Master Key of Tarragon.

Kern stood in dragon form, with another dragon of pure silver next to his side. As the smiths hammered away, the silver dragon, Koren, became rigid. Words poured from her mouth in the ancient tongue. Watching, it seemed as though her eyes had rolled back in their sockets.

"É jí danolal. É jí rinak. É jí drukal tendad’anat. É anda Kéda, belinat jíkazu beldas. Kamulal dachílé lo Kamulal danjíal. Kaz ganak. Kaz chantat. Kamulal mor dachílé lo kazu lumen dachílí bultrakaz infínat."

The words echoed through the chamber as if spoken by a god. The ground shook with the last hammer stroke. And as the final word came from Koren's mouth, she crumpled to the ground. Her scales began to dull and fall to the ground with the sound of cascading rain. At the same moment, blue white flames seemed to engulf her, leaving only the scales behind.

Anwen blinked and was back in the Grove, Kaida staring at her with half glazed eyes. She died, the girl whispered in realization. What must it have felt like, to lose your first child, she wondered. It wouldn't surprise her if the pain was as great, if not more so, than what she tried to bury inside at the loss of her mother.

Kaida looked to the ground. Yes, she died. There are some who believe her life force became one with that stone. When Kern met my mother, he gave her that ring, and it has been passed down the line since that time, to you.

Holding the ring aloft once more, Anwen couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The stone seemed to pulse as she gazed at it. Every Kaida?

The woman nodded. "To every true Kaida. Many have tried to lay claim to that title, as you are aware. But you are more, so much more. Only a direct descendent of the Master Keepers can use that key. She pointed to the miniature dragon hanging from a chain around Anwen's neck. Unless you are a dragon. Or one charged to become the Master Keeper when another cannot fulfill that duty."

Anwen picked at the grasses beside her, trying to take it all in. But that prophesy, she hesitated. What does it have to do with me?

Kaida smiled. You already know, at least in part. The previous prophecies you have heard play into it. The rest, you will understand when the time is right. She began to fade as she spoke. By the time she had uttered her last word, she faded from sight.

Wait! Anwen called out, reaching out a hand as if to stop her, but got no reply. Kaida Magus was gone.

chapter two

EMI LED TYLER ON A wild goose chase around the Island. He chased her from point to point, surprised at how quick she was. All the while, he kept a metaphorical eye on Anwen. If anything happened to her, thanks to their shared soul, he’d know in an instant. He doubted anything would happen on the Sacred Island, now that the other dragons were awake. But one couldn’t be too careful.

Come on, Emi urged as she darted through the trees. Catch me! She twirled, making her dress flare out before jumping up and down in a playful manner.

Heaving a sigh, Tyler chased after her once more. She had the stamina of a baby dragon, he decided. Well, there was more than one way to catch a child. Using his draconic abilities, he transformed into a squirrel and dashed after her.

Emi giggled as she continued to run on the stick-thin legs of a healthy, active child. Yay! She scaled a tree with practiced ease, watching for Tyler below.

Tyler ran up after her, circling the trunk in a spiral pattern as he moved. With a lightning quick leap, he pounced on Emi's back, returning to his mortal form the moment he made contact. As he changed, his arms encircled the little girl. His back pressed against the trunk to keep from tossing them both to the ground.

No fair! Emi complained as she realized she was pinned in a bear hug. No fair! No fair! I tell mommy! She turned a full on pout his direction before suddenly perking up as Tyler let go. Mawmaw’s done, she announced.

Tyler gave a quick cursory glance around the area. He still couldn’t sense anyone but Anwen on the Island. The others had left hours ago. Who is your Mawmaw? he asked as he returned his attention to the girl. And where is she?

Emi cocked her head to one side like a bird. Can’t tell you, she teased with an impish grin. The next moment, a small finch fluttered up into the air and flew off, leaving Tyler alone in the tree.

Anwen met Tyler at their camp. Figuring Tyler might have gone back without her, she’d carried the branch from the Grove down to the old site. Except he wasn’t there when she arrived so she’d sat to wait. She didn’t have to wait long. Took you long enough, she teased as he entered the clearing. Where'd you go?

Tyler shrugged. Thought I saw something but it turned out to be nothing. He watched as the teen pouted, hands on her hips. It reminded him of Margo. So alike, yet so different. Let's go, he said, breaking the silent. I’m sure the others are wondering what happened to us.

With a bit of a sigh, Anwen took his offered hand as he led her back to the shore. Couldn't they have at least left us a boat? she cried out in exasperation when they reached the jetty. Not even a piece of flotsam greeted them.

Tyler held back a smile as he watched her rant. He knew she wasn't much of a swimmer, not that he'd ask any mortal to swim the vast distance to shore. Especially not now with the other dragons awake. I could always transform and fly you across, he offered.

Anwen bit her lip. It was no secret she didn’t care for heights. In fact, to say she didn’t care for them would be an understatement, something that seemed to amuse her companion to no end. She shuddered at the thought.

The last time she'd flown with him was more of a snatch and grab. It had occurred after she'd fallen off the Mountain into the Endless Chasm. That was something she didn't want to repeat ever in life. Even flying with Kern was not something she was willing to do again.

I take that as a no, Tyler hazarded. Well, then there's only one other way. He took her hand, drawing her away from the jetty and more towards the beach. Use the ability you were born with. Practice your skills.

Anwen rolled her eyes. What skills? I can barely manage a light orb. What makes you think I can make a raft?

Tyler's mouth pricked up into a genuine smile. Who said you had to make a boat? There are other ways to manipulate matter. Let me show you.

Leading her to the water's edge, he stopped above the eddy, standing right behind her. Taking her hands into his, he laced his fingers between hers. Their arms touched down their entire length. His chest pressed into her back as he moved to look over her shoulder.

Look with your Dragon Sight, he whispered in her ear. Remember what you saw. Everything is made of matter. All matter can be manipulated. It can change form. Liquids to solids, for example.

Despite his suggestion, Anwen couldn’t force the Sight to work. Instead, she felt the energy shift around her as Tyler asked the water in front of them to change. A chunk of ice formed, large enough for the two of them to stand on. She felt Tyler squeeze her hand.

You try it, he said in her mind as he led her to step onto the ice. Ask the water to carry us across.

Anwen tried to look at the molecules with her enhanced vision. Her so called Sight was far from reliable, but with his help, she could almost see what he meant.

The water seemed more than happy to do as she asked. With a bit of a stutter, the ice began to move forward, carrying them with it. Anwen almost lost her balance as the ice moved away from the shore but Tyler's mental reassurance helped steady her.

The two slid across the water on their makeshift craft, surfing without a board. Anwen felt more than a bit uncomfortable as the elements did as she asked. Wind whipped at their bodies as they were propelled forward as though on a Jet Ski or hover board.

Anwen raised her arms for balance. Tyler's arms rose with them as they moved, fingers still intertwined. It almost felt like flying, only less scary. She couldn’t fall to her death, though she could still drown. Again.

It was over too soon. The chunk of ice melted with