The Quest of the Gold Dragon: The Beginning

Copyright © 2014 by Kassandrae J-M Wones.

ISBN:                  Softcover                                 978-1-4931-9478-0

                            eBook                                      978-1-4931-9479-7

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Rev. date: 05/13/2014

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter One   The Start of It All

Chapter Two   The Beginning of our Search

Chapter Three   A Discovery is Made

Chapter Four   A Meeting and a Revelation

Chapter Five   Strange Happenings

Chapter Six   A Danger Unexpected

Chapter Seven   A Discovered Revelation

Chapter Eight   Things Unfold

Prologue

I sit here upon my throne watching the court perform its usual dull routine. At least it has become dull since we opened our world to out-worlders and their trades, at the behest of the Council of Dragon Kind. I watch the dragonets run through the throng of people and dragons that make up my court. I can see them avoid the out-worlders, giving those not from our world a wide berth indeed. The Dragon Riders are standing at guard around the throne room, just as my own guards stand around the dais to protect me and my mate. I feel empty and alone. I lift my hand to rub my brow, searching for the one that has become my new rider. I see him sitting alone on a bench to the right of the dais. I can see the young dragonets and human children playing along the outside aisles of the room that has become a base for the governance of the planet I live on and rule. The planet is called Arthuralon named for our greatest king, Arthur from Terra Earth. We are not native to this planet but came here to escape the monstrosities done to us by the humans on Terra Earth.

As I watch the by-play of human and dragon alike; I can feel the soft, gentle touch of another’s mind to my mind. That soft touch belongs to our sacred Crystal Dragon, Charrelette. I give thanks to the gods that she was found in time. For without Charrelette; my world and that upon which the High King Arthur had originated from, would have ceased to exist. Merlin was right to agree that I find her, even though it cost me my own rider and dearest friend.

I still find it hard to believe that she’s gone from our midst. Her death should not have happened. But the man who killed her paid for her death with his own life. For now he belongs to me as is the law in our world. The Sacred Scrolls of Knowledge are quite explicit on it. Kitriara was not just my rider and friend but also the leader of the humans that inhabit my world. She was just as beautiful in death as she was in life. I still mourn her passing, as does most of my kingdom. It’s really very hard to believe she is gone. But when I look out among my subjects and out-worlders, I can see my new Rider, Bartholomew sitting alone and looking out of place, very out of place I might add; but then I know the reality of the situation.

I watched my consort Cyrathus argue with the Ambassador from Zentorvia. His bass voice ringing out over the din of the others that made up my court. My how we have progressed from living in our quiet caves to living in homes and palaces. I know that when there are eggs to clutch, we at least still use the Hatching Caverns that we have always used. But according to Merlin we at least can present ourselves to the rest of the known universe with the intelligence and decorum that we have always had. So we have made the effort to improve our surroundings with the comforts that human kind has always thought that was very important for kings and countries. We dragons have always had our councils and group meetings with humans known to us underground. But since we have been making contact with the rest of the universe, we now use our magic to appear as human as we can.

I again wipe my brow with the back of my hand and can see that Cyrathus is watching me out of the corner of his eye. I send him the thought message that I am beginning to have a headache in this form, and that I need to adjourn so that I can be prepared for the Telling tonight, especially since Charrelette is going to be there. This will be her first act as The Holiness. It is her responsibility, as well as duty; to pass judgment on the murderers of those who were of Dragon Kind on this world. I glance again at my consort. Noticing how deep into his speech with the Ambassador from Zentorvia he was. He looked over at me and noticed my wan smile and tired look. Friends . . . he said holding up his arms for a silence to the cacophony of the court. Please . . . he tried again, all without any result or lessening of the noise that now made my head throb.

Quiet! All!! Quiet. He finally roars in his deep bass voice. Our Queen has had enough. Can you not see that she wilts under our harsh discussions? I suggest we take a recess on these discussions, Mr. Ambassador; until tomorrow. Then our Queen won’t be so . . . distracted or distressed. He smiles at the ambassador and extends his arm to me as I come up beside him. Still smiling, as we prepare to leave the dais and the throne room all together. I notice all the out-worlders that are there. So many that have come from all of the distant worlds with whom we now trade, to hear my tale of near destruction and the death of my beloved friend and rider.

I call these proceedings to a halt until the new rising. We will meet again tonight for the Telling. Mr. Ambassador, you and your party are invited to be on the dais with us for the Telling tonight. You will be welcomed by all that are there. I said, graciously bowing to the out-worlders. This day has been fulfilled. Dragons to your riders and riders attend to your dragons. I bid you all a blessed eventide.

I walk down the aisle of the throne room with my consort beside me; I feel Sir Bartholomew’s distress. ‘Meet me in the Chapel of the Moon. From there we ride out, so make sure your tack is in order.’ I tossed the thought to his mind as I pass and see his shy smile. Knowing I am secure in all things that surround me gives me great pleasure and a sense of peace. Knowing that after the Telling tonight, justice will be finally served gives me a reason to smile at my new rider.

Do you come with us my love? I asked my consort as we passed through the great doors. Not until the out-worlders have been seen to. Then I will fly out to you. Do you go to your usual place among the crystal cliffs?

Of course. Where else would I find sun for my body and peace for my soul? I replied. Especially since tonight justice will be given to murderers. I will need this respite more than I care to admit to.

Tis just as well. Maybe your new rider can give you some peace of mind as well.

I can only hope so. He’s still so unsure of things here. It is not like his world at all. I worry that he is still uncomfortable with the thought of being on a world other than the one he was born on.

I am sure that you will see him through it with the patience you are so renowned for.

Whatever would I do without you, Cyrathus?

Pull all that lovely golden skin off of yourself? Now go and seek the solace you so badly need, my love.

Cyrathus let go of me and kissed me lightly on the cheek, offering me his most courtly bow as he stepped away from me. I turned down the right hand corridor that led to the royal apartments. Once there, I shifted my shape to my normal dragon one. Ever since Kit’s passing, my human shape has been a trial to endure. But one that I know I must endure when needed.

I flew out the large windows of the apartments to the chapel. Once there I reshifted to human form and stepped inside quietly. Sir Bartholomew was there dressed in full armor, the riding straps beside him on the bench. ‘Your expressions are easy to read my rider. What troubles you so?’ I spoke directly to the quiet recesses of his mind. Sir Bartholomew just looked at me, aghast, with his mouth open. I just laughed richly at his shocked expression.

It’s okay. It is no trick I just played on you, you know. Just a very simple thing that is done all the time here. You will need to practice it more. I’ll even go so far as to say that I’d bet that this was not what you had in mind was it.

Not exactly, no. He replied hanging his head as if in shame.

You really cannot hide anything from me, you now. How do you think I felt when you fell in love with me? I said lifting his head with a touch of my hand under his chin.

Like laughing in my face? I really don’t want to hear any more about this. I’m here by your command. I gave you my fealty freely; I serve you as you see fit, and even though; God knows I’m not very good at it. Yet what is there for me here? Hope to find love? Not that I’ve seen around here. He said, the depression so evident in his voice. My heart went out to this man. He had been through so much, leaving everything he knew behind him. There was a surprise waiting for him that he just had no knowledge of. But now was not the time to impart it.

Come my rider, it is time to go. If you behave yourself you can maybe have a little treat later. But not until I have had my bath, the enjoyment of the sun, you and my consort. I stated as I shifted back to dragon shape. I carefully crouched and watched Sir Bartholomew. I saw the mix of fear and awe in his eyes and on his face. His blush rose as he saw me looking at him with one great golden eye. ‘Until the day of your passing from this life to the next. You belong to me by your own word and oath. So there is not really anything you can do that I will not be aware of.’ I told him.

‘But why? You have a husband that loves you. What is there for me here?’ came his plaintive reply.

‘Know this Bartholomew, I gave myself to you freely on your world, even bound myself to you by your laws and beliefs. Why would I knowingly do that, you may ask? I tell you truly, I did it so I would and could knowingly bring you here to this world. Your talents will not go unwanted as they have on earth. You will find a woman to take unto yourself here. But you will still LOVE me, as I will love you. That is how it is, especially between dragon and rider.’

‘I just didn’t understand, I guess. I married you back on Earth because I fell in love with you when I first met you. Then more so because I felt your loss and didn’t want to be parted from you. I didn’t want to live without you in my life. Then when your friend was killed, I wanted to commit murder myself, simply because you were hurt by her death.’

‘Hush now. We will talk more of this matter later. Right now just enjoy the ride to the Crystal Ridge Lake.’

As my rider fell silent, I flew on. I was already past Breakline Pass and was coming into the Ridge Lake area. I flew higher, this way my rider could get a better view of the area.

‘There are riders ahead,’ he stated.

‘Of course there are, but they are mounted on horses not dragons. The dragons around here are wild ones and will not take riders.’

I circled the lake so that Bartholomew could see how beautiful the area was with the sun glistening off the water and the crystals casting rainbows of color everywhere. I heard his exclamation of wonder and told him to prepare for landing. As we landed near the lake, I set us down on the rocks near the water an extended my right leg for him to reach the ground on. Once he was on solid ground he started to remove the riding straps. As soon as the straps were off, I flew out over the water and dived into it, proceeding to get on with my bath.

Riders approach, my Queen. Shouted my new rider. Forgetting about my bath, I turned and saw that Sir Bartholomew Falcón had started to wade out to me wearing his full armor. He was floundering in the muck around the lake, quite stuck up to his knees. I started to laugh since he was making quite a spectacle of himself. At that point I abandoned my bath entirely and went to the rescue of my new rider.

‘Althea throw me the rope as I hover above my rider, if you would; please.’

‘It shall be as Your Majesty commands,’ was her returned thought. ‘I will clean the Lady Kit’s armor as soon as you pull her free.’

With Bartholomew still helmed, Althea could not see that it was not my beloved Kit. But then Althea and her tribe did not know yet that Kit was lost to us all. An oversight that I would correct just as soon as Bart was freed from the muck he was now deeply immersed in. With the rope in my forepaws I pulled him free from the muck and flew him to more solid ground. I landed and shifted to human form. Althea and her women bowed and ran to my rider as they passed me.

Althea, meet my new rider, Sir Bartholomew, from the planet Earth. Sir Bartholomew meet Althea, she is head of her tribe. I stated as he removed his helmet and gazed at Althea.

What is this? Where is the lady Kit, majesty? She asked looking at Bartholomew with something akin to shock.

Lady Kitriara has passed to the next life. Sir Bartholomew has been my new rider since my return to this world. Althea, please bring all of your people to my palace tonight for the Telling of the tale and you shall learn how he became my rider after Kit’s passing. I told her with sorrow heavily lacing my voice.

Yes Majesty, it shall be as you command. Your tent shall be set up anon and food provided for you. Did you wish me to clean your armor Sir Bartholomew while you tend to your dragon and Queen? Althea informed us.

Uhhh . . . . yeah, and call me Bart. Please, and I thank you for doing so. He told her.

Ahah, a gentleman at last. Best you be careful your majesty, I may just take him from you for an hour or a day at most. She laughed as she helped an embarrassed Sir Bartholomew out of his armor and padding, leaving him clad only in his braies.

Once he was stripped, he waded out to me. I had returned to the lake for my bath, which Bartholomew knew I wanted above all. I brought along that soap you liked so much from earth. Did you want to use it or stay in dragon form? He asked as I surfaced behind him.

Of course I do. I stated, he had noticed that I had again transformed into a human. After I am lathered and bathed in this form I will switch back and you can clean my dragon hide with the sand found on the bottom of the lake near the cliffs. My scales need a good scrubbing. They itch horribly.

What will happen tonight? He asked. Move your hair, please. I mean after you have finished your tale.

Judgment will be given to your friend and his accomplice. Why? I asked him turning around in the water to face him.

Just curious, I guess. Will I be judged too? I mean I helped him out. I didn’t know that he was doing wrong. I just wanted to learn magic like he could do, that’s all.

No, Bartholomew. You will not be judged as your friend will be. How can I judge someone that willingly was ready to give their own life to save mine? For that you are a true hero of this world, not a murderer or even a would be murderer. We do not condemn those of wrongdoings who are as a child learning their first steps. I said knowingly.

Thanks, I think. He said.

Enough or you will remove what skin this form has. I stated looking at him, getting bored with the bath. Come let us see what Althea has left us to eat in the shade of the tent.

We proceeded out of the water and headed to the tent that Althea had set up. She had surpassed herself in the feast that had been left for us to eat and enjoy. All kinds of food were there to partake of. I plopped down on the pillows and reclined. I spread my hair behind me on several pillows to dry. Bartholomew looked around at the splendor spread before him asking, is there anything in particular you want from all this?

Whatever it is that you wish to feed me, will be fine, I stated throwing him my most seductive look.

As we ate, I noticed a new shadow approaching from the eastern Breakline. ‘Ah Cyrathus, you come at last.’ I threw the thought to the dragon just clearing the crystal ridges near the lake.

‘Of course, my love. Did you have any fun with your new rider yet? I was trying to be discreet." He threw back to me, as he flew in.

‘No, not yet my love. I was just getting started with him. Care to join us?" I mentally stated, giving Bartholomew a longing look.

‘But of course I will join you. But I bring ill tidings as well so be ready to leave as soon as I am done with the telling of it.’ He said.

‘Is it that bad? It’s not something that can wait until later?’ I asked wishing we had more time to spend.

‘I wish it could wait but cannot. I am a feared for thee my sweet, tis very bad tidings indeed.’

I stood up and started to dress, Bart just looked at me with a deep desire tinged with longing in his eyes. Wishing I would say something and wondering what was happening. He began wondering what was going on. Then he saw a large bronze dragon flying toward our location and knew that it wasn’t good.

Not now Bartholomew, Cyrathus comes with ill tidings we must prepare to leave this place. He will help you redress yourself. We will play again at some other time. I said clasping the golden girdle about my hips over my black bliant with its deep blue under chainse.

But what about all of this? he asked spreading his hands wide and indicating all of the tent and its contents.

Althea will take care of it. It is what she does after all. I said. I turned to the crystals of the cliffs and sang a word to them. She will be here anon.

But how will she know we left? Is she hiding somewhere near here? He asked looking out around the tent into the forest beyond.

No. She will know because the crystals will sing to her. Then she will come and collect everything, and we will see and her tribe again tonight at the palace.

We can’t leave yet, she has my armor and padding and I . . .

You mean these? I asked an astonished Bartholomew cutting him off in the middle of his statement. She uses magic to clean the armor and padding with, then leaves it here in the tent for the rider to put back on again.

Oh, I didn’t know that. He said.

Get used to it. Magic is used a lot here. This is not the earth from which you grew up on. This is and all ways shall be your home now. This is my world and as long as there are dragons and humans residing together I shall uphold the old code, just as you shall uphold it as my rider. In time you will learn the use of all the Treasures of Arthur. Now hurry as my mate approaches. I admonished him.

Ah, there you are youngling. You must make haste. The time for the Telling grows nigh and the Silvers are arriving with the Holy One. She wishes a private word with you, before the Telling begins. So we must make haste for her sake. The Ambassador also wishes to have private speech with you, to further his cause I would guess. But he is of no matter at the nonce. For you must concentrate upon that which must be done this eventide. What say you, Sir Bartholomew; care to return with me? My mate must stay in the form she is currently in for the telling. Think you can keep her safe from a fall? Cyrathus asked of my rider.

Of course I can, but she said you would help me redress. How are you going to do that? I mean you have to be a human with hands and you’re a dragon. He asked him.

Quite easily, just watch and learn Cyrathus said transforming to his human form. Lovely isn’t she? he asked walking into the tent. All golden from head to toe. He said letting his gaze trail down my lean frame.

Yeah, she’s really beautiful. Bartholomew said looking at me with love. No wonder you love her so much.

Yes I do and so do you said Cyrathus looking at the two of us as we exchanged glances.

Does everybody know I’m in love with your mate? He asked

No just us three. Well four if Kitriara had not passed, but then you would not be rider to the Queen if she had not. Besides your cousin has already given oath to her silence on the matter. He stated.

And you’re okay with this? Bartholomew asked incredulously.

Sure, I love her deeply too, and more importantly; I know how to share. Keeping my Goldarayne happy is not an easy job, you know. I will enjoy her as much as you do. He stated smiling at us.

Cyrathus bespoke the spell needed for Bartholomew’s armor to be put on again. He changed back to his draconic form for flying. Within minutes we were airborne and on our way back to the palace. When we arrived; I found the Central Courtyard had undergone a drastic change. A large dais had been set up and a dragon size couch placed on the left side of the dais. The Great Mirror Gate was placed at an angle but still visible to all and several small cushions placed before it. One cushion had a metal ring placed in front of it. I noticed it, as the sun glinted off of the metal as we flew past it straight to the royal apartment. We landed on the balcony. Bartholomew and I alighted from Cyrathus. Once we were off of him, he changed forms.

Here now, no time to dash off to change. He stated as I headed off to do just that. I spoke the necessary spell to change my day dress to a black satin outer gown complete with a train of black silk and lace. My chainse became a solid golden mass of soft satin, replacing what I was originally wearing earlier. I stood looking at Bartholomew and I spoke again. With his armor now gone he was dressed in a gold tunic and black cross gartered leggings with his black and gold trimmed surcoat. My mate spoke his own spell and his clothes matched mine.

Cyrathus walked into our chamber, coming back with my jewel case. Now I would be complete with blood red rubies for neck, ears, finger, wrists and hair. A long golden chain interspersed with rubies went round my waist as a girdle. My power ring began to pulse. I touched it lovingly and felt Charrelette touch my mind. ‘All is in readiness. We now await the setting of the sun.’ was her comment.

‘I am ready as well, Holiness. It is good for you to be among us.’ I said.

‘I want to thank thee for thy timely intervention. As well as returning me to our people and my mother.’ She said to me.

‘I mourn your mother’s passing this last month. She was with us for many ages. She will be greatly missed.’ I said to her sorrowfully.

‘I am at least glad that I was here before she passed onto the other side. Now she has a place in my heart forever.’ She said with joy in her tones. But your male prisoner has been granted all that you have pressed for. The female not so. This should please you.

‘I am well pleased that I could get you back in time. Even though it cost me dearly. I will come to the courtyard now, Holiness. The sun has begun its descent upon the western walls.’ I thanked her with the same joy in my own tones.

‘Yea tis time for the Telling. I will await you in the courtyard below.’

With the shadows lengthening, the three of us made our way to the courtyard. The torches were lit; the Holy One was sitting with her wings folded on the couch, her guards nearby. All were assembled save for the prisoners. They had yet to be brought forward from the lower dungeons.

Bring forth the prisoners so that they may see and hear of the wrongdoings before judgment is to be passed upon them. I commanded of my guards.

My guards brought forth Kevin Mann formerly from Earth, as well as my own sister. They were the sole remaining survivors of this whole affair. The man responsible for the near destruction of two worlds, and the death of my rider Kitriara at his own hand. My sister for her own treachery, setting up that which cost me so dearly. I sit before the mirror totally ignoring the prisoners now chained to the metal ring beside me. The Dragon’s Blood Orb in front of me. I seem totally unaware of my surroundings and the people that are gathered here tonight.

Hear me, O Orb; record my tale of telling. Let all gathered here see my deeds and the deeds of my companions. Let the tale be forever recorded by the Mirror. Let those who gave their lives rest in the arms of the Lady forever. Let those who take their places amongst us find the courage to stand in our midst as we bid them welcome. Let those who tried to destroy us be judged by the Sacred Laws set by Arthur most High King and the Lady of the Lake. Let there be no error in the Telling of this tale tonight. I chanted to the orb.

The Orb started its swirling glow and the mirror started its pattern of change opening to all assembled. Now it is time for the telling of my tale. I placed my hands upon the Orb and began as Merlin nods encouragingly to me. Letting me know that he is there for any reassurance I may need during this ordeal.

Chapter One

The Start of It All

I sit here looking out the windshield of the large iron box that people of this world a call a truck. My head feels as though it had been split in twain. Like some over-ripe melon. The lump there hurts terribly but otherwise I feel fine. I don’t even remember the blow. But for some reason I can remember how all this started. I glanced over at my companion Bartholomew Falcón. Everything seemed alright but somehow I know deep inside my heart of hearths that it was not and I started to feel miserable with a loss I could not begin to understand yet. Something was missing and I could not place what it was just yet. Bartholomew saw my stricken look and that tears were coming from my eyes. He gathered me close, holding me to him trying his best to comfort me. He knew what was wrong and could not bring himself to tell me at that time. He waited for me to stop my crying, but I could not. I had lost something that was most dear to my heart and I would never be able to get it back.

This whole mess was wrong for some reason, but I had to think back to the beginning of it all to piece this together. Whatever it was that was missing would be missing for the rest of my days, of that I was certain. I had to remember what it was, for some reason it was very, very important that I do. I had to think and remember. The beginning of this was the best place to start . . .

It had started the day that Merlin came rushing into the throne room, where we dragons were holding counsel. That Merlin entered into our midst was shocking enough without his being summoned. The Council of Dragons numbered sixteen. One from each of the great houses. Merlin entered the chamber in a rush and bowed as he slowed in front of Cyrathus. He was babbling about something being stolen and that we had to stop them before it was too late. I gave my consort, Cyrathus, a puzzling look. I had Cyrathus hand Merlin the Speaking Rod. I inquired of Merlin what was wrong and what had in fact been stolen.

Majesty, I am the unfortunate bearer of ill tidings indeed. He said to me. The theft consists of three eggs. Two of which are Silver Dragon eggs and the third is that of our most holy; a Crystal Dragon egg. Merlin had indeed spoken truly when he said that we must find them before it was too late. For according to the Sacred Scrolls of Knowledge, the end of my people will come when the last of the most sacred dragons has been lost to us. Our end would be most dreadful and total. It would be the total elimination of all Dragon Kind and all of the humans that do reside here with us.

The council was in an uproar instantly. The color of their emotions flung off the walls and the ceiling like the dust motes seen in the rays of the sun. Their thoughts flew through the air at us, all in a pattern of discordant thought. I needed to get the counsel back under control so that a plan could be thought of and a solution to the problem agreed upon. I figured that it would take a sennight to gather a majority of the Dragon Kind to agree upon the solution that would be in our best interest. Merlin informed me that we had not much time and a decision must be reached by Council. Then acted upon by those who would go after the eggs and resolve the problem of their theft. But before I could do that or convene a gathering of Dragon Kind I needed counsel from those of us that were best suited to figuring this out on our own. I needed to end the Council of Dragons. I needed to meet with just 5 other people and dragons. Those were to be Merlin, Cyrathus, Quenlendrae, Kitriara, myself and head of the Silver Guard, Headwoman of the Hatching Caverns, the Armorer of Arthuralon, one dragon of the white or bronze bands; whichever one would come to this private meeting, and the Lady of the Lake. I gave Merlin a direct look, he handed the Speaking Rod back to Cyrathus and he handed it to me.

"My friends and fellow Council