Claws of the Dragon (4 page)

CHAPTER 8

Back inside Bayzog’s apartment, Nath stood at the great table. Books were stacked up in neat piles. Some of them still floated open in the air. With a wave of his hand, Bayzog sent one book floating away and pulled over another.

“So you enjoy reading, don’t you.” Nath was just making conversation. His eyes were busy soaking in the grand oversized room that was much too big for the small building it was housed in.

“So you’ve noticed,” said the wizard. His eyes darted over the wording of the ancient texts, and the pages flipped faster than Nath could attempt to read them. “Study creates the building blocks of knowledge.”

Sasha wasn’t in the room. She’d said she was heading out to the market so she could prepare food for them later. She’d only departed moments ago.

“There isn’t a lot that escapes me,” Nath said. “Something’s amiss with Sasha, isn’t it?”

Bayzog’s face drew tight.

“Talk to me, friend,” Nath said to him. He reached over and shoved the hovering book away. “Come on, Bayzog. I can’t help if you clam up on me.”

With a dejected voice, Bayzog said, “You can’t help anyway, Nath. She has the Wizard’s Dementia.”

Nath leaned forward and patted his friend on the back. “I’m not sure what that is, but it sounds horrible.”

Long-faced, Bayzog said, “Horrible is an understatement. There’s no cure for it.”

“There’s a cure for everything,” Nath said, “but it would help if you’d tell me what you were dealing with.”

“Nath, this is my burden. Not yours. You have bigger tasks ahead that you need to remain focused on.”

“If I can’t be helpful with small matters, then how can I give aid to the large ones?” Nath replied. “Please, confide in me, old friend.”

“For all the good it will do, why not?” Shoulders sagging, Bayzog made his way over to the couch, poured some wizard water, sat down, rubbed his eyes, and yawned.

Boy, he must be whipped. I’ve never seen him yawn before.

Nath took a seat. “So, what are you dealing with?”

Bayzog finished a long drink. “Wizard Dementia is caused by magic. It’s very, very rare, but anyone—particularly a human—who calls on the powers of Nalzambor can be afflicted. You see, Nath, magic is not as natural to all as it is to dragons and to elves. We have a stronger nature for it, which I can’t even explain. But with humans it’s different. Even though Sasha is a fine sorceress and well disciplined, the magic she has used has taken a toll on her mind.” His lip quivered, and a lump rolled up and down his throat. “Her mind is eroding—slowly, but still eroding.”

“That’s horrible, Bayzog. Certainly there is something to be done?”

“Nath, I’ve searched. I’ve tried. It’s just so rare that there isn’t much material on it.”

“What about the Occular of Orray?” Nath suggested.

“I’ve sent word,” Bayzog said, taking another sip of water. “But it’s unlikely. The elves are more protective of it now than ever. Truth be told, they’d be very reluctant to use its powers on a human.”

“I’ll go down there and speak to them myself.”

Bayzog held up his hand. “Nath, for some things in life there isn’t an easy fix. Death takes us all, be it at twenty-five years or one thousand. I will quietly deal with this.”

Nath didn’t push. He knew it wouldn’t do him any good. And now wasn’t the time to argue with his friend. Bayzog had opened up, so it was time to listen. “Does she know, Bayzog?”

The wizard shook his head no. “That’s the hardest part, Nath. I feel as if I am deceiving her. Sometimes she gets so confused.”

“Do Rerry and Samaz know?”

“They do. Why do you think they are away?”

“Ah.” Nath leaned back into the cushions. “I see.”

So, someone
is
looking for a cure. Good for them.

“The worst part is her love for magic, Nath. She wants to practice and train. I keep having to distract her with something else. I tell her I’m too busy, or make up some petty lie. It’s horrible. But if she uses magic, it could be disastrous. Fatal. Not to mention it would accelerate her condition. I can’t risk that, and yet she loves magic so much. She was such a talented pupil. It sickens my heart, Nath. Every bit of it.”

Nath swallowed the lump in his throat. This was one of the most devastating things he’d ever heard. And Bayzog, who hardly ever showed emotion, had deep creases in his brow.

All Nath could think to say was ‘There’s always hope.’ But he didn’t. Instead, he sat with his friend in front of the warm fire in silence.

Sometimes being there and saying nothing is the best comfort of all.

***

“It’s stuffy in here,” Brenwar said. He had his arms crossed over his barrel chest and was eyeing every detail of Bayzog’s home. He stood with his back to the fireplace adjacent to the sofa. “Horrible construction. Looks like elves did it. I’m surprised it survived the war.”

“I’m surprised
you
survived the war,” Bayzog retorted.

“Watch yer mouth, part-elf.”

Bayzog shook his head and faced Nath and Ben, who were both sitting at the table. Sasha was back sitting at the table too. She had a smile on her face as she hummed and prepared a tray of food. She brought each man a plate.

“Thanks, Sasha,” Nath said.

“Yes, thanks,” Ben added with a courteous nod.

Brenwar frowned at his plate full of fruit, pastries, and cheeses. “Haven’t you any meat?”

Sasha giggled and patted him on his head. “Of course. Anything for you, Brenwar, but that comes later.”

Bayzog cleared his throat. “Ahem. If you don’t mind, I’d like to discuss the business at hand.”

“I’m not stopping you.” Brenwar sniffed a handful of purple grapes. His face soured, and he set the plate down. He walked over and climbed up on a stool at the study table and shoved away the floating books that blocked his face. “Go on.”

With a studious look on his face, Bayzog said, “The good news is that I have found some history of the wurmers. And like many insects, it seems they all function on the order of a queen.”

Nath nodded. Selene had already alluded to how the wurmers were more of an insect-like culture that built hives and had nests. “I’ve seen their nests first hand. And we’ve destroyed some of them. I would think we must have destroyed the queen that was in there too.”

“Which brings me to the bad news,” Bayzog said. “According to the histories, the last queen—their true queen—was never found and killed.”

Leaning forward on the table, Ben asked, “So what does that mean?”

“It means there are wurmers we know of—Selene has discovered those—and then there are those we don’t know of.”

“You mean there are even more?” Ben asked. He looked at Dragon. “Those things are hard to kill.”

Bayzog continued. “I’d say it’s highly likely that the queen has been hiding. Possibly hibernating.” His face turned grim. “And if I were to guess, she’s been laying eggs for centuries. And if I were a titan, I’d be trying to find them, wake them up, and turn them loose.”

“And what if that happens?” Sasha asked.

Bayzog’s reply was devastating. “They’ll blanket Nalzambor like a plague of enormous insects.”

CHAPTER 9

The atmosphere was solemn in the picturesque room. Everyone’s face was long and silent. Again, Bayzog broke the silence. “This isn’t all on our shoulders, Nath. The rest of the world will help out as well. This affects everyone’s lives, not just our own.”

“I know. Sometimes good allies are hard to come by, but I know I can always count on my friends.” Nath stretched out his long-clawed hands and squeezed Ben and Brenwar’s shoulders on either side of him. “Right?”

Ben was looking away and whistling.

“Ben?” Nath said again.

“Only joking, Dragon. You know that. I’m always with you. It’s just that I’m heavily committed to rebuilding this city. I have people here counting on me. You know, I don’t just sit around and wait for adventure to come and get me. I have responsibilities. And I need to be here to protect this city. I hope you understand.”

Taken aback, Nath said, “Uh, Ben, I feel foolish. And I certainly didn’t mean to make you feel that you were required to come along. None of you need to feel obligated. I only meant that I know I can always count on you.”

“And we you, Nath,” Sasha said. She slipped in behind him and gave him a hug. “That’s why I’m coming with you.”

Nath’s gaze froze on Bayzog’s widening eyes.

Oh my!

“Now, Sasha,” Bayzog stammered. “We can’t leave. Not now.”

“Oh, you can stay. I’m going,” she said, petting Nath’s arm. “Nath needs me.”

“I need you too,” the wizard said. “I need you here. Our efforts to aid Nalzambor are best served here. I insist.”

“I don’t care.” She made her way over to an open closet and draped herself in a fine grey traveling cloak. She also took the Elderwood Staff in hand. “Come, Nath. Let’s go.”

Tension filled the room as the staff’s gem glowed with life.

Bayzog was on his feet, hand extended toward Sasha. His face was drawn tight. “Sasha, may I please have my staff?”

She hugged it. “I would like to use it on our journey.”

Gently, the wizard replied, “I would also like to use it on our journey. May I please have it?”

“Only if you promise that you’ll teach me to use it.”

The part-elf crept closer.

Nath eased out of his seat. The fire growing inside the gem made the scales on his arms tingle.

Bayzog inched closer to her. “Sasha, do you want to walk or ride? Shall I gather us some horses?”

Her usually sweet eyes bore into Bayzog with frustration. “Promise me, Bayzog! Promise me!”

“Sasha, it is elven. You cannot use it,” Bayzog said. “Please, release the staff to me. You could hurt yourself.”

Her eyes shifted to the radiant power emanating from the gem. “It seems to like me. Its power courses through my veins. Teach me how to use it, Bayzog. Teach me now!”

The staff’s green glow lit up the entire room. It reflected in Sasha’s eyes. She began to radiate power. Something was about to erupt.

“Sasha,” Bayzog pleaded with his worried face bathed in green light, “I will teach you what I can. But please, hand it over. You could hurt yourself. Or others.”

“No. You won’t let me use magic. You want it all for yourself.” She lowered the staff at him.

Nath stooped, legs ready to spring.

This is getting bad! Dangerous.

Bayzog eased ever closer. “Sasha, you must trust me.”

“No, it’s mine.” She tapped the bottom of the staff on the floor. The entire room shook, sending fine pottery crashing on the floor. Sasha’s eyes widened. “Whoa.” Wild eyed, she brought the staff up and down again.

Nath sprang. He arrived a split second before Bayzog and wrapped his hands around the staff before it hit the floor. A charge of energy went through him.

Zap!

His limbs went numb. As he fell, he saw the horrified look on Sasha’s face. He landed hard. Forcing his eyes open, he saw Bayzog on the floor as well. The half-elf’s eyes were closed. He wasn’t breathing.

CHAPTER 10

“I’ll wake him up,” Brenwar roared. He hopped over Nath and landed alongside Bayzog. Using his thick, stubby fingers, he pinched the half-elf’s ginger arm.

“Ow!” Bayzog screamed. He sat up and found himself face to face with Brenwar. “What did you do
that
for?”

“I saved your life.” Brenwar gave him two hard slaps on the back. He helped Bayzog to his feet. “And I’ll never let you forget it.”

Sasha rushed into Bayzog’s arms. Tears were streaming down her face. Her body was trembling. “I’m sorry, Bayzog. I’m sorry! What is wrong with me? Please tell me what’s wrong with me!”

“Shhhh.” Bayzog hugged her and gently stroked her hair. “It’s fine. I forgive you.”

She sobbed. “Something’s wrong. I know it is! Help me.”

He kissed her cheek and said in her ear, “Let’s rest on this. Accidents happen.” He said something in Elven. Sasha passed out in his arms. Misty-eyed, he carried her off to the bedroom.

Ben reached down to where Nath lay and put a hand on his shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

“Shocked.” Nath flicked the numbness from his fingers and stared at the staff. Its gemstone was now dim. Brenwar was reaching down for it. “I wouldn’t do that. It’s elven. No telling what it would do to a dwarf.”

“How about I do everyone a favor and take my war hammer and break it?”

Allowing Ben to help him up to his feet, Nath shook his head. “That was interesting.”

“That was strange,” said Ben. “What has gotten into Sasha?”

Nath gave Ben and Brenwar a brief explanation. Just as he finished, Bayzog re-entered the room with a very long look on his face. He picked up the Elderwood Staff. “That was too close.”

“Too close to what?” Brenwar said.

“Our deaths.”

“You
were
dead. I saved you.”

“No, I was unconscious.” Bayzog looked at his arm. “But thanks for the bruise.” Holding the staff, he said, “Nath, you know that I can’t take the journey with you.”

“I never expected that you would.”

“Listen, before you depart, we need to talk about the titans.” Bayzog rubbed his head.

“Bayzog, you don’t need to worry about this. You have enough to manage on your own.”

“It is our burden to share, me and Sasha, husband and wife. We shall manage. And when she wakes up, we’ll have a long and honest talk.” Staff in hand, he took a seat on his stool. “Now, set us aside from your mind. We need to talk about the titans.”

Nath wanted to press back and tell his friend ‘Not now,’ but he didn’t. He knew Bayzog well enough to know that letting him talk about history would speed up his healing. He took his place at the table.

Silent, Brenwar and Ben did as well.

“It’s interesting. There is no mention of the Great Dragon Wall in the histories. The dragons did very well concealing it.” Bayzog scribbled some Elvish notes on some paper. With a bright look in his eye, he said, “I would have loved to have seen that. It’s so fascinating. Perhaps you could draw or paint it for me one day.”

“Perhaps,” Nath said.

“Such a great secret, and in Borgash of all places,” the wizard continued. “Well, according to the histories, the titans were worshipped by all. They’d attract throngs of men and women to them. Very charismatic. So, don’t be surprised if it’s not hard to find them. Or at least, find the bodies in which they host. They are arrogant. Proud. Deceitful. They love to boast and have no shame about them whatsoever. But they can take anyone’s form. So, the goal is to trap that spirit. Return it behind the wall at Borgash and secure it. But killing the body is one thing. Trapping the spirit is quite another.”

“Can the spirit be destroyed?” Nath asked. “I would think to find that easier.”

“If that were the case, the dragons would have done that already. Unless of course they just haven’t figured out how. But for the time being, we want to trap them. In order to do that, you will need this.” Bayzog flicked his fingers at a book’s pages and said a mystic word. An image of a smooth stone with a pale-pink fire appeared over the table. “A spirit stone.”

Looking around, Nath said, “Well, I hope you have one squirreled away in here.”

“Ha!” Bayzog laughed. “No, like the titans, these stones haven’t been seen for centuries. So either you have to find one, or I have to make one.”

“You can do that?” Ben said.

Bayzog waved the image away. “I can at least try. But if you want to find one, my guess would be that if the Spirit Stones still exist, they are kept by the dragons.” He looked at Nath. “That’s where your influence comes in.”

“Let me see if I have this straight. I need to kill all of the wurmers.”

“Aye,” Brenwar agreed.

“Seek the aid of my kin and get these Spirit Stones.” He spoke a little more sarcastic as he went.

“Aye.”

“Kill the titans’ host bodies.”

“Aye.”

“And secure them behind the Great Dragon Wall once and for all.”

Brenwar continued to agree, “Aye.”

“Oh, and if I figure out how to kill the spirit, I’ll execute it as well.”

“Aye!” Brenwar hopped off his stool and was practically frothing at the mouth. “What are we waiting for?”

“Nath, remember you can’t do it all by yourself,” Bayzog said with a nod.

“Well, of course not,” he replied. “That’s what I have Brenwar for.”

“Aye!”