Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One) (16 page)

Thomas noticed a winged creature with red hair and freckles about the same size as her. He knelt down and said hello to the pair as they drew closer to inspect him. They looked him up and down from every angle and finally Fritch spoke.

“I don’t like you. Go away, you smell bad!” The little imp flew over and flicked Thomas’ ear.

He looked up startled. “You are a mean little thing, what a rude and obnoxious way to behave.”

Starla started crying. “Why did you say that mister? He didn’t mean anything by it. Fritch doesn’t like anybody. He’s just an old grouch.”

“Old?” Thomas said, “I thought you were children. “

“I don’t think so” Starla said. “I am eighty five years old and Fritch there is ninety six. Might you be a guest at Castle Dragmar?”

“Yes, my grandson and I are staying there with Faazen.”

“We saw your grandson trying to ride the dragon. He can’t ride for beans!” Fritch said.

Thomas shook his head. “He’ll need more lessons.”

Myloe the wee-bie was watching them form across the tree. He flew off and then whispered in Thomas’s ear.” Do not talk to them. They’ll cause trouble, trouble.”

“Stop that Myloe, we know you’re talking about us!” shrieked Starla.

“Yes we’ll cook you and have you for supper.” Fritch said rubbing his hands together. “Yes indeed, a fine recipe for roasted wee-bie with plum sauce.”

“Yum” they both said in unison dancing around Thomas and Myloe.

Myloe scratched his ear, “Told you they were trouble, trouble.”

Thomas had to agree, strange little faeries indeed. “It was nice meeting you both, but I’ll be going now.”

“Well sir, we wanted to show you where we live.” Starla said extending her chubby hand.

“not go, not go” Myloe whispered to Thomas before scampering off.

“Maybe another time” Thomas said politely.

“Just as well,” Fritch said. “Come on Starla, let’s go.” He took his sisters hand and the odd pair flew off towards the direction of the apple tree.

Thomas decided to continue on his days outing. “A strange morning indeed,” he mused aloud.” What can happen next?” He was beginning to wish he hadn’t said that when he saw what was up ahead blocking his path. His first response was to run and hide, which would come soon after running.

“Well, look at what we have here men, the fancy friend of the wizard.” Piggmordon spat the words out. “There’s no use to run, my orcs are all over these woods. You won’t get very far,” he said with a sinister laugh.

Thomas remembered the small globe inside his pocket and reached for it. When he did, it slipped out of his fingers and rolled out of reach into a hollowed out log. One of the orc -general’s men was standing guard on the other side and Thomas realized the foul group surrounded him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he shakily tried to formulate a plan.

“Listen fellows, I’m on my way back to Dragmar. Could you please let me pass through to continue on my way?” Thomas was trying to be logical but had a queasy feeling that was starting to form in the pit of his stomach.

Piggmordon was amused now.” I don’t think we can allow that. It has been decided, we are going to take you back to the Swamp with us. You’ll make a fine captive.”

Thomas could see there was not any reasoning to be done here, and was back to his original plan. RUN LIKE HELL!

Thomas was surprised as his legs took him in great leaps and bounds. It’s amazing what pure fear can do to you, he thought.

Piggmordon and his army took off after Thomas on their beasts, snarling and growling after him.

Thomas’ heart hammered in his chest and he wondered about his heart failure. At least if I drop dead from a heart attack, I won’t feel any pain when the orcs kill me. Not much solace but at least he had another plan. Die from a heart attack. He wasn’t sure where he was running, but he ducked into another set of woods. He hid behind what he thought was a huge rock, but then it started to move.

“Thomas Wellington, what and who are you running from.” The dragon turned around so he could see her.

“Marquor, orcs are chasing me and I was trying to hide, they want to take me as a prisoner.” The words came out jumbled as Thomas was trying to catch his breath. He was relieved she was there. He now breathed a sigh of relief.

“No need for concern Thomas, I’ll take care of them for you. I cannot imagine why Faazen would let you out by yourself. This surprises me. “

“He gave me a special device, a sphere I could contact him with, but it fell out of my pocket. I think it is in a log back there in the Seia Woods.

Marquor also was concerned that the orcs were in the Seia Woods. Faazen had an illumination he cast on that specific area to protect the gnomlies. How did they even get past that?

She did not have time to think. “Climb on Mr. Wellington, we’re going orc hunting.”

Thomas climbed upon the sleek dragon and she stealthily made her away through the forest. He kept his eyes alerted to any noise, and Marquor moved as a lion stalking her prey. Finally, she saw one.

Marquor swirled her long tail around the hapless orc. “Hello my friend, looks like you are the one surprised now. Where is your loathsome leader? I know you are here somewhere, filthy creature. Show yourself or I will crush the life out of this one. Does not matter to me either way. What do you think Piggmordon,” she nearly growled the words out. “Come out, come out .Don’t you want to save this poor thing from the horrible pain he is sure to endure. Some leader you are not even caring about your own men! “The fearsome dragon looked down at the hideous orc squirming to get away from her tightening grasp. “It is useless to try to escape” she hissed at him. “Just accept you are going to die!” He was writhing and screaming with pain as she coiled tightly around him.

Thomas hung on to her neck because she was twisting and turning and he didn’t want to fall off.

“I was rather hoping to spare your life. Oh well, might as well get this over with, quick and painless or slow and torturous. Decisions decisions, whatever should I do?” She tapped her long talon on the ground.

“Alright Marquor you’ve had your fun, let him go!” Piggmordon had finally appeared, all four and half squat and bulky feet of him.

“Oh Piggmordon! what rock did you crawl out from under. I am so happy you could join the festivities.”

The pinned orc yelled his agreement.

“Be quiet slime! I will let you know when you can speak.

“I said let him go old girl.” The orc leader now was trying to reason with the enraged dragon.

“As if I would ever listen to you, however you can have this sorry creature.” She threw the crumpled orc at his feet. “Leave this man alone,” she said looking back at Thomas, or I’ll summon the other dragons and we will destroy your whole tribe just for fun. Now leave the White-Echo Forest and never return.”

Piggmordon backed down a little. Marquor was looking for a bloodbath, and almost gleeful about it. She was serious and he didn’t want to anger her further. It was time to leave, and fast. “C’mon men, we’re done here. Let’s go now!” The orc general secured his regiment and they mounted their wild, heavily armored boars and took off with war cries and lusty yells. Even though the orc army was forced to leave, they were still loud and proud.

Marquor fanned her wings in the sun and checked her scales for any damage. She beat her wings and let out a bloodcurdling scream. Thomas covered his ears as he was still riding the angry dragon. “Take it easy Marquor,” and he patted her neck.

“It is good they have left. I would have destroyed the filthy lot of them.” She spoke the words with a fierce pride. “I am the guardian of the White-Echo Forest and it has been entrusted to me to protect. I cannot allow an orc’s presence here; it would desecrate its order and perfect harmony.” Marquor told him that at nightfall during the twilight hours, a fine white mist settles over the forest. Every living creature is in awe of its mystery and beauty. “I would fight to the death to keep it that way.” She said. Thomas was amazed at her courage and honor.

“I should go back to that log in the Seia Woods and retrieve Faazen’s sphere. I am hoping the orcs didn’t find it.” Thomas said with a look of concern.

“I will go with you Thomas, we need to keep you safe.” He stayed on her back as she climbed high above the trees. The dragon landed quickly and Thomas got off and found the sphere lodged in the middle of the hollowed out log. Marquor signaled to him and he climbed back on before they soared into the clouds again.

“Where to now Mr. Wellington. Are we going back to the castle?”

“Not quite yet Marquor,” Thomas shouted as the wind was loud in his ears. “I am hoping to go to the village. Maybe I should continue my rest,” he said with sarcasm in his voice.

“Very good Thomas. I’ll take you there now.” The dragon’s wings beat as metallic fire, landing smoothly in a clearing outside the marketplace.

Thomas got off the dragon, brushing at his jacket and pants. “Thank you Marquor, I really appreciate all of your help today.”

“Think nothing of it treasured guest of fine wizard, I will see you again, enjoy your afternoon.” The blue dragon then flew off and Thomas waved until all he could see were her golden tail rings gleaming in the afternoon sun.

Thomas walked up ahead and there was the opening to the marketplace. Everyone was laughing and bustling about. There were several tents set up and produce was overflowing out of the bins. Thick purplish heads of cabbage looked like giant flowers as they poked out of wicker baskets. Fresh crisp and juicy apples beckoned with colors of red, yellow and pink. There was a tent with many bins filled with exotic fruits and figs, dates, and every nut imaginable. Thomas stopped to buy some candy for his grandson. He realized he only had some dollar bills crumpled up in his jacket pocket. He saw people with pouches of silver exchanging them for the goods offered. He decided to leave the tent when a man stopped him with a friendly greeting.

“What can I get here for you? The chocolate coins are a favorite of young and old alike. I see they caught your eye sir.”

“Well, I must admit they did, however I don’t have the currency used here in Brandiss-Dor. I am a guest at Dragmar and without silver today.” Thomas looked down a little embarrassed.

“The special guests of the wizard Faazen!” the tall man exclaimed. “Please, please help yourself to a little of this and that.” He filled a paper sack for Thomas with a selection of chocolate coins and light and dark caramels. “Enjoy your day sir and come again. The name is Sims,” the tall man said with a hearty laugh.

“Thank you” Thomas said graciously.

“My pleasure” Sims said tipping his hat.

There was a strange woman watching Thomas from across the stands. She was purchasing items, but every now and then she would look back at him. She had small beady eyes and a long crooked nose. When she smiled, her teeth appeared jagged and uneven. Black, frizzy hair partially hid her face, and she was quite short in stature. She was smiling at the vendors and seemed nice and pleasant. They liked her too and he kept hearing, “oh Miss Daisy you would like this or please try that.” She must have been an important customer as everyone was going out of their way to talk to her and sell her their wares. She was quite gracious to everyone.

Daisy stopped and waved to him. Thomas was surprised since she did not know him. He waved politely and she came over to introduce herself.

“Hello, you must be Mr. Wellington. My name is Daisy, I’m a seamstress here. I heard Faazen had guests and I wanted to extend a hand of friendship.”

Thomas looked closer and saw she was wearing a beautiful dress of deep scarlet and matching cape. She was courteous and had a genteel voice, almost melodic. It reminded him of the girl Mella. She was a wonderful conversationalist and Thomas found himself enjoying their time looking at the various stands as she purchased fresh fish, crisp greens and crusty bread. Soon she had two wicker shopping bags loaded with purchases. He took them from her and they continued walking through the marketplace.

Daisy spoke shyly “If you need anything or maybe want to go to market again, I would be happy to accompany you Mr. Wellington.”

“Thank you Daisy that would be nice. People here are nice and friendly. Marquor has also been helpful.”

“Yes she is a special dragon, kind but quite fierce when needed. She paused for a minute. “Would you walk me to my cottage? It is not far down the road, I should have brought my horse and cart today. However, the weather was positively lovely and I thought walking was in order. Who knew I would buy so many things!”

Thomas laughed. “I’ve had quite an eventful day. I want to check on my grandson, He went dragon riding today with Dredd. I would be happy to help you with your packages.”

“Oh, Andi’s brother, I know them well. She is a good friend. Thank you for your help, I do appreciate it. Maybe we’ll see one another at the market place again.”

“I would like that Daisy. It was most certainly a pleasure to meet you too.”

They said their goodbyes as she walked through the gate to her cottage. She smiled as she waved.

Thomas made his way back to the castle. He was carrying the few purchases bought at the market. The walk back was uneventful and soon he was well past the courtyard and into the castle gardens. Faazen waved to him. He was sitting there with Zach.

“Hello Thomas, How was your outing today?”

Thomas smiled, “it was quite the adventure. I will tell you at supper. I’m going inside now to put these items away.” He hummed a tune and Faazen noticed the newfound spring in his step. The wizard was glad that Thomas had some fun today. The past few days had been hard for him. It was good for him to be out, meet some townspeople, and do some shopping at the outdoor markets. He already knew what happened today, but preferred Thomas bring up the subject later at supper.

Zach stood up. “Faazen I’m going to the stable and give Brownie his treats.” He tossed an apple up in the air and expertly caught it.

“That will be fine Zach. Do not forget to come in a little while to wash up, supper will be shortly thereafter.”

Zach nodded as he walked down to the stables. His tiny horse was there with Faazen’s horses. He wanted to keep Brownie with him in the castle but the wizard insisted, horses no matter what their size, lived in the stables and were happy there. Zach enjoyed visiting Brownie and bringing him a carrot, apple, or a special bag of oat mix. He so hoped the little horse could go home with them when they left Brandiss-Dor. He still missed home and thought about it most days, but it was fun here, and being a guest at Dragmar was rather like being a celebrity. Everyone made a fuss over him. He had to admit it was somewhat cool, especially dragon riding today. Dredd was an expert rider showing him some interesting tips, and the caverns were awesome. He met Lorthax, who was a powerful dragon and quite dramatic in stature. The jewels he guarded were incredibly exquisite. Zach couldn’t wait to show granddad the blue sapphire Lorthax had given him.