Kazin's Quest: Book I of The Dragon Mage Trilogy (18 page)

“I’ll remember that,” said Max.

The next three days passed quickly and quietly.

First they passed the mouth of the Silver River, which led to the elven guard post where goods were unloaded on wagons destined for the heart of elven territory. Only very shallow hulled vessels were capable of travel up this river.

Next they arrived at Suncroft, the last staging area before exiting the Elgar River. The captain made a brief port call to replenish supplies before preparing to set sail into the Bay of Barlin. The sun was already high in the sky, with only a few clouds visible, and the choppy waves brought with them the pungent smell of salt water. Seagulls whirled noisily overhead, swarming down to fishing trawlers as they unloaded their morning catches.

Kazin and Max looked eagerly out to sea, seeing for the first time a horizon with no land in sight. Rubin was right. This adventure was one they would never forget.

Within hours they were far enough from land to see nothing but water and sky. The waves were much larger than what they were used to, and the rolling action of the boat was beginning to get nauseating.

Rubin visited them briefly at the starboard rail. He took a deep breath. “Mmm. Ain’t it wonderful? The salty air is like fire in the veins. It keeps ya sharp and alive.”

“If you say so,” said Max. He was holding his stomach. Kazin didn’t look much better.

“Don’t worry, fellas,” said Rubin. “Ye’ll get used to it. Ye have to.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten so many pancakes this morning,” moaned Max. He retched over the side.

“That’s the spirit,” chided Rubin, slapping him on the back. “Do that a few more times an’ ye’ll start to feel better.”

Max groaned.

The young mages spent the rest of the day near the rail, doing their best to get used to the rocking motion of the ship. The night was restless but manageable and the next day they were feeling somewhat better.

Rubin visited them in the galley around noon. They were listening to Gerald’s outrageous sea stories. “I see ye’re doin’ much better,” he said cheerfully. “Good, ‘cause the captain gave me permission to teach you land lubbers some lessons in sailin’. If ye’re interested, that is.”

Gerald snickered. Max glared at him.

Kazin laughed. “Just ignore them, Rubin. They’ve been making fun of each other since day one. As for your offer, we’re bored of practicing simple spells in our cabin, and sitting around on deck isn’t too exciting either. Sandor doesn’t talk much so I guess we’re still on our own as far as what to do. What do you think, Max?”

“Let’s go,” said Max, still glaring at Gerald. “At least we can sail better than a cook.”

The mages followed Rubin on deck with Gerald’s uproarious laughter ringing in their ears.

The next three days the mages learned about sailing and were put to work tying knots, mending sails, and swabbing decks. The latter they weren’t too enthusiastic about, but Rubin insisted they learn everything like any novice sailor.

During the fourth day the sailors came within sight of the first island in Ten Star Reef. There was also land visible to the south. It had a dark-green tinge indicative of forest.

The sun was well behind them now. It would be dark in a few hours.

The captain and Rubin discussed their strategy for the next leg of the journey. It was finally decided that they drop anchor for the night behind the second island. Kazin inquired as to why this was necessary. Rubin indicated they were too close to the elven lands in the south, and to drop anchor for the night within sight of the elves was a potentially dangerous act. Elves were fussy about strange ships in their waters.

The Lady of the Sea navigated swiftly around the south side of the first island and then easily managed to follow the sharp curve around the north side of the second island where she put in for the night.

The schooner’s travel did not go unnoticed. A lone female elf with long golden hair sat high in a tree at the edge of the elven forest. She curiously watched the ship wind its way into the islands with her sharp elven vision. As the ship disappeared behind an island, she heard a rustle beneath her. Below her, looking across the sea, was what appeared to be a spotless white horse. She decided to get a better look at it, since the branches hid most of it from view. As she climbed closer a small dry twig snapped, alerting the horse to the danger overhead. It sprang off into the forest, not waiting to see what had made the noise. What the elf glimpsed just then made her blink. It was impossible. Yet her elven eyesight had never been wrong. She sprang lightly to the ground and darted off to her village. Everyone was going to hear about this!

Sandor came on deck that evening to talk briefly with the captain before heading back to his quarters. It was the first time he had shown himself since they left Suncroft, with the exception of mealtimes. Some sailors asked Kazin and Max more than once if the old mage was ill. The young mages simply responded that they didn’t know. They gave up attempting to engage him in conversation several days ago now. He seemed more engrossed in a book he had in his possession.

They started off early the next morning, turning south across the eastern side of the second island and exiting the reef between two final islands.

Rubin and Kazin were in the crow’s nest scanning the horizon. Rubin was looking east when he gasped.

“What is it?” asked Kazin.

Rubin handed the looking glass to Kazin. “Look over there, to the east.”

“A ship,” said Kazin, squinting despite the glass.

“A minotaur pirate ship,” corrected Rubin. “Fortunately they’re headin’ north. And at a good clip to boot. I don’t think they seen us.” He looked at their own sails, which billowed with a relatively strong north wind. “That’s odd. I don’t see how they be sailing so quick against the wind.”

“Maybe they have a mage or cleric on board,” said Kazin. “I’ve heard a lot about how mages assist in making wind for sailing vessels.”

“Not minotaurs,” said Rubin. “They hate mages. If they be startin’ to use mages—well, let’s just say that means trouble.”

“You think they’re going to use mages for battle?”

“If they use mages for sailing, why not for war?”

Rubin kept an eye on the minotaur vessel for a few more minutes until it disappeared from view behind one of the islands. Then he turned his attention to the south. In the distance he could just make out the mountains on the eastern side of the elven lands.

“We’re almost there,” he commented.

“Almost where?” asked Kazin.

Rubin was startled. “I thought you knew?”

“Knew what?”

“Didn’t Sandor tell you where you were going?”

“No,” said Kazin bluntly.

Rubin sniffed. “That’s a very strange mage you be travelin’ with, Kazin. I don’t know what to make of ‘im.”

“He has been acting strange lately,” agreed Kazin. “It seems like ever since we left Marral he was a totally different person. This mission has him on edge. I wish he’d tell me and Max what it was about. After all, we’re here to help.”

“I can’t help you there, Kazin, but I can tell you where you’re goin’. There’s a rocky shore just south of the mountains ahead of us where a large cave is said to lie. In that cave there is rumored to be a fierce fire dragon. Anyone who has ever entered that cave has never returned. A black smoke comes from the entrance of the cave all day and night. This is rumored to be the dragon’s breath.”

Kazin was stunned. “That’s where we’re going?”

Rubin shrugged. “The captain gave me the orders. I just follow ‘em.”

“When will we get there?” asked Kazin.

“Tomorrow evening,” responded Rubin.

That evening at dinner Kazin reported what he had learned to Max. Max was as shocked as Kazin was.

“We should talk to Sandor,” said Max. “We’re almost there and Sandor still hasn’t told us what this is all about.”

“I agree,” said Kazin. “Let’s go find him.” They finished their dinner and went in search of their old instructor to find some answers. He was in their quarters, as expected.

“I think it’s time you told us what this quest is about, Sandor,” demanded Kazin. “We’re almost there and we still don’t know any more than when we left.”

Sandor smiled weakly. “I didn’t want you two to worry about the job you were going to have to do. But I guess it’s time you were told.” He leaned back in his bunk and gestured with his hands. “Please, sit, and I will explain what I can.”

They sat on their bunks and leaned forward eagerly. Finally they would find out about their first mission for the tower.

“The tower chose you two,” began Sandor, “because you are the strongest mages to perfect the test in some time. The task before you is quite simple. You must defeat the dragon in the cave.”

“What?!” cried both mages together.

Sandor held up a hand. “Allow me to explain. There are dark forces gathering in the world as we speak. These forces are eventually going to wage war upon us. The tower is fearful that it will not be strong enough to defeat those forces. In the past several years, we have sent more and more of our master mages on dangerous and forbidding quests to find as many artifacts as possible to aid in our fight against the evil. The results are discouraging. More and more the master mages are turning up empty handed or, worse still, not returning at all from their quests. This has resulted in some drastic actions by the tower.

“There are, hidden within the dragon’s hoard, many magical artifacts of great power. If these artifacts could be obtained by the tower, it would bolster our defenses greatly. Among the treasures is the dragon’s orb. This orb can control the dragon. In the right hands, this dragon can be used for the side of good, giving us a powerful defender in times of need. In order to obtain these treasures, however, you must defeat the dragon.”

“But why us?” asked Max. “We may have strong magic, but we are very inexperienced. Why not send a whole legion of mages instead of just a few?”

“Those are good questions,” said Sandor. “First, if we pulled a large number of mages away from the army for this, it would leave us at a disadvantage. The forces of darkness would surely attack when we are most vulnerable. By the time the mages returned from defeating the dragon, there would be nothing left to defend.

“As for why you two have been chosen,” continued Sandor, “there is very strong evidence that you will succeed.” He pulled out the Book of Prophesy. “In this Book of Prophesy, it states that in the year when two mages perfect the test, the dragon will be defeated by them. It doesn’t say how, but the point has been made.”

“We’re going to defeat a dragon by ourselves?” asked Kazin weakly.

Sandor smiled. “I hope to assist you, as feeble as my magic is. While you distract the dragon, I will attempt to get hold of the orb. With that I can prevent the dragon from harming you, if it should come to that.” Then Sandor’s face became stern. “I wouldn’t put too much faith in this book, though. It’s full of nonsensical rhymes that make no sense whatsoever. Even I can’t figure all of it out and I’m a teacher! This book says you will succeed but that remains to be seen. When we get to the cave, do not let your guard down, even for a moment. Dragons are quick to anger, and strike you down they will, if provoked. Understood?”

“Understood,” echoed the young mages.

“Now it is time to get some rest. This is the last chance we will have to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day and our work begins in the evening. I’m sorry I haven’t been much of a companion lately. I’ve been preparing myself mentally for this for a while now, and burdening you two with the details of our quest was something I had to put off to allow you to remain well rested for our encounter.”

“Well, we sure know the details now, don’t we?” said Max.

“Don’t let it interfere with your sleep, boys,” said Sandor.

“Easier said than done,” said Kazin. “I think I’ll go outside for some fresh air.”

“I’ll join you,” said Max.

When they left, Sandor chuckled. The fools had no idea what they were getting into. One thing and one thing only mattered to him. The dragon orb. Beyond that, nothing mattered. If the dragon or the mages died, it did not matter. Once he had the orb, he could control the dragon. Better still, if the dragon was killed, he himself would become a dragon. Then the mages would have to die. He wanted no witnesses. Sandor laughed himself softly to sleep. Things were going very well; very well, indeed.

The next day seemed to drag on forever as Max and Kazin tried to keep their minds off their quest by busying themselves around the ship.

“I wish I knew how to defeat the dragon,” intoned Max.

“We have to be vigilant,” responded Kazin. “We have to use our skills and our wits to gain advantage. Dragons are intelligent but that doesn’t mean they can’t be outsmarted.”

“I hope you’re right,” said Max.

The sun was already getting low in the sky when a sailor in the crow’s nest called down to Rubin. The dragon’s cave was within sight. They sailed as close as they dared and Captain Durango came on deck.

“Lower the rowboat,” he ordered. “Rubin, you and Millar escort the passengers to the shore.”

“Aye, Captain,” said Rubin.

Sandor came on deck and talked to the captain briefly.

“And how long do ye expect to take?” asked Durango.

“We’ll be back by morning, or not at all,” answered Sandor.

“Very well,” said the captain. “We set sail at sunrise, whether ye be back or not.”

Max looked at Kazin and gulped. Kazin gave a weak grin in return.

The three mages and two sailors rowed to shore. The water became shallow quickly and boulders pierced the surface everywhere. Twice they narrowly avoided being dashed to pieces on the jagged outcroppings. Finally they made it to a rocky beach and disembarked.

Rubin shook hands with Max and Kazin. “Good luck, fellas. If you get back before morning, send some sort of signal and we’ll come get ya.”

“You can count on it,” said Kazin.

The sailors pushed their rowboat out into the waves and rowed back to the ship.

Kazin and Max looked expectantly at Sandor.

“Come,” he said simply, starting toward the smoky cave. The younger mages followed.