Dragon Queste
Chapter 1: Flight through time
Close your eyes for a minute, and imagine you can travel back in time on a beautiful magic carpet. You grab on to the scarlet fringe dangling from the edge and pull up. The magic carpet suddenly gives a small jerk, and then slides smoothly into the sky. You feel the wind rush past your ears in great bursts, and drag your clothes behind you. You grasp the tassels even harder. After gliding for a while, the sky around you begins spinning. Everything blurs into a swirling pool of silvery air. You feel the wind stop short- suddenly you are plunging in to something ice cold. The next minute you feel uncomfortably hot. The swirling air morphs into different shapes and colors, and the temperatures rise and fall quickly. You don’t think you can stand it any longer when- you see the swirling air stop.
The temperature is medium, and extremely comfortable. You feel like you are falling down, down, down. You smell grass and lavenders and spring. You see a blur of colors and then- you stop. Your magic carpet is hovering a few feet above the ground. You have landed in a medieval village. You pull up slightly on the edge of your carpet, and soar upwards once again. You try to steer to the right, but your carpet has other ideas. It heads strait towards a tall, gray, castle, with ivy growing up the side. You see tiny guards watching from towers, their spears glinting in the sun. You see knights jousting on jet black horses, and dappled gray Arabian ponies. You take a deep breath. It’s so beautiful up here!
You come to a small tower on the inner wall and stop right in front of the window. You figure this is where your carpet was steering you, and peer in the window. A young girl with auburn-red hair, no more than twelve, is sitting on her bed, absentmindedly playing with a red and gold speckled oval. She looks worried, and excited. Her name is Phoenix, and this is her story.
Chapter 2: The Letter.
Phoenix sighed. She had just had the most wonderful and most confusing day of her life. She was trying to recall all that had happened, for she was writing a letter to her 13-year-old brother, James. James was away at a neighboring castle, training to be a night, and was interested in everything his little sister told him. They were extremely close, and let each other in on every secret they possessed. And this – thought phoenix – is definitely a secret.
Dear James,
I beg you come and visit me at keepers’ manor. I have something to show you, but for now, I suppose I shall have to be satisfied with simply telling you.
I woke up as usual, and saw the sun peeking from behind the emerald green hills of Crystallia. It was just only illuminating the glorious palace grounds, and they were setting up for a jousting match. Immediately I began to make preparations, and I finished before any other servant or maid. I asked her highness if I may watch. She sniffed and asked if I had done my work in haste, which I had not. Lady Belle her royalness beauteous highness reluctantly granted me permission. I was, for once, happy with her, because as you know I normally refer to here as her prissiness.
At the match, I saw one of the knights drop a small, crimson and gold speckled oval. It was very smooth, very round, and about the size of my hand. I asked if he had dropped it. He said yes and that I may keep it. His name was Sir Harold. I was so thrilled that I did not even notice that he was not the least indisposed to give it to me. I went to the palace library and I read up on it. I then discovered that the object I am in possession of is a dragon egg. AN ILLEGAL DRAGON EGG! I need your help! Please come as soon as possible. Forever your friend,
PhoenixPhoenix sat up strait and rubbed her back that had been bent over so long writing. She stepped outside and handed the envelope to her friend, Allysa, who had been sitting on the ground outside her tower, which was next to phoenixes. “Please take this to my brother!” she said. “Sure.” Answered Allysa. And without another word, she walked away.
Chapter 3: Blaze’s night ride
James looked worried. He had just received a letter from his sister, Phoenix at keeper’s manor. He needed to visit her as soon as possible. But at night? This was going to be tough. He snuck out of the castle, and ran as quickly as he could to the stables. It was dark, and nobody was awake. He walked over to his horse, blaze, and patted her on the back. “Looks like we’ll be going on a little night ride, girl.” Blaze shook her head, as if to say she understood. James got down her saddle and bridle, and gently put them on her. “There we go easy does It.” he whispered. Blaze muzzled his outstretched hand lovingly. “It’s gonna be a long night girl. Are your ready for this?” Blaze shook her head again. James kicked her lightly and she was off. She galloped over the ground, and leaped swiftly over fast-moving streams. They rode over rocky ground, through dark forests, and finally over the stunning green hills of Crystallia.
He stopped at the moat around the castle. “Oh, no!” he muttered. But Blaze leaped right over it. “Phoenix!” James called softly. Phoenix came running to the gates. “James!” she said joyfully. Quietly as she could, she creaked open the gates, and without another word, mounted Blaze and rode off to Phoenix’s stone tower. As soon as they walked in, they sat down on Phoenix’s bed and hugged.
“Oh James!” cried Phoenix, “Thank heavens you’ve come! I don’t know what to do I –“ she stopped herself. “Oh! I’m so sorry! You must be tired after the long ride from Meadowland’s to Keeper’s! Shall I fix a pot of tea?” “Yes, please!” answered James “we’ll talk as soon as I’ve unfrozen myself!” Phoenix giggled. She was glad James was here, even though it was because she had an illegal dragon egg.
Chapter 4: Birth of a dragon
Phoenix grasped the handle of her porcelain teapot, and poured some tea into a cup. “thanks.” Said James. She pored herself a cup. “Ouch!” she exclaimed, “I poured some tea on myself!” she rubbed her hand on her long, brown, dress.
“Now,” said James, in an unusually solemn way, “Show me that egg of yours.” Phoenix smiled weakly and walked over to her pine side table. She took the egg off a small pile of embroidered handkerchiefs. She heard Blaze’s quiet snore. She was sleeping. Good. Thought Phoenix, she must be tired after her long ride to keeper’s manor. She handed the egg to James. “that’s definitely a dragon egg.” He said quietly. Phoenix sighed. “James! What do I do? If lady belle finds out I have a dragon egg in my possession, I will lose everything I have worked so hard to earn! James, I couldn’t-“ she stopped. James saw the terrified look on her face.
The egg was hatching. “Blow out the candle! Quick!” he whisper-screamed. Phoenix ran over and blew it out. She locked the door and closed the curtains tighter. A tiny sliver of golden light was forming within the crack. There was another crack. Phoenix gasped. The egg shattered. It was immediately engulfed in glorious golden light. James and Phoenix were nearly blinded, but it lasted only a minute. The gold cleared, and the pieces of shell dissolved into golden dust and disappeared. Left standing, a foot tall, was a beautiful red dragon. It had large, gold, bat-like wings, and scales a shining ruby color. Its eyes were scarlet with gold flecks. It had small, white teeth and claws, and a long, snake-like tail. It’s brilliantly shining scales gave off an almost candle-like glow. But the most miraculous thing about it was that I was expanding.
Phoenix and James were at a loss for words. The dragon was now 4 feet tall and growing. “It’s beautiful!” Phoenix breathed. The dragon retracted its claws, and scooped up James and Phoenix. It put them on its back, and spread its enormous gold wings. Finally, it let out a call, a mix between the caw of an eagle and the words of a human being. Its mighty head crushed through the roof of the tower, and took flight over Crystallia. Phoenix and James knew they were going somewhere, but their actual destination was mystery.
Chapter 5: Fuego
Phoenix was tired. It was in the middle of the night. The moon was full, and was glimmering brilliantly, and the stars seemed to shine brighter than usual.
She normally would have fallen asleep, if she had been riding her faithful horse, Dancer. But this was a dragon! Both Phoenix and James were much to awake, afraid and exhilarated to fall asleep. “It’s awesome up here!” said James. Phoenix took some string from her pocket and fashioned it into a make-shift bridle. James put it on the dragon. The dragon adjusted extremely quickly to this, and the 2 were able to steer him as well as Blaze or Dancer.
“What should we call him?’ asked James. “I don’t know” answered Phoenix. By this time, the dragon was full grown. “I think you should name it, since it was your egg.” Said James, sounding rather reluctant. “Hmmm…” muttered Phoenix. “He’s fast, lively, red… Fire?” “No,” said James, “not right.” “Yeah, I guess not.” She was quiet for a second. “I know the perfect name!” she said “what?” he asked. “Fuego!” “We’ll call you Fuego!” James smiled brightly, and Fuego let out a loud call. “Fuego is perfect.” Said James. Suddenly, Fuego dove way down. He was headed for a small, stone, hut. “I wonder where we’re going?” asked Phoenix. “Either way,” said James, “I think we’re in pretty good hands.”
Chapter 6: Release the Searchers
“There!” said Sir William “I last saw the dragon there!” Sir Charles frowned. “Sir William, why would there be a dragon in Crystallia? Dragons are highly illegal. And-“ he added seeing the exasperated look on Williams’ face, “I am sure you are aware of that, are you not?” Sir Harold blushed, but he didn’t say anything. He knew he was responsible for setting the dragon lose, but he desperately did not want to lose his position. Truth be told, Sir Harold was a coward.
“Sir Charles,” he began pompously “I believe I saw –erm- sir Garret give one away to a young serving girl.” He turned his nose up at Garret, as if nobody would dare do something so repulsive but him. Sir garret was the bravest of the group though; Harold knew it. “I never did such a thing.” He said solemnly. Sir Harold looked jumpy. He did not want to be found out, and he knew he might be. “Send out the searchers.” Said Sir Charles gravely. Everyone shuttered.
The searchers were the most terrifying things alive- if they were alive. No one knew. They rode on long, black, snake-like beasts called Anacondalas. These creatures were black as night, as were the masked searchers that rode on them. Nobody knew what grotesque sight was hidden beneath a searchers mask- nobody wanted to, either. But everyone in the kingdom knew their job: to go in search of dragons- and kill them. The owners of the slaughtered dragons went to the searcher dungeon, Dexi.
The 5 knights rode up to a monstrous pile of stone- or what appeared to be a monstrous pile of stone. It really was a castle, an ancient one, and one in complete shambles. Inside, it stank or rotting flesh and utmost despair. There were sounds of prisoners moaning, as the searchers stood, silent, under their sweeping black cloaks. They were released out an enormous iron gate, watched by the knights, whom looked worried. “They better catch that dragon!” said one of them fiercely.
Chapter 7: Merlin
As Fuego, Phoenix, and James descended, Phoenix spotted a small strand of smoke blossoming from the rickety old chimney. I wonder who lives here. She thought wildly. Fuego landed smoothly on a large rock, and the trio made their way toward the hut. When they got there, Fuego reached out and tapped the door with his tail. He gave a soft call. Their was a small thump! Noise from inside, and a second later and old, silver-bearded man opened the door.
He was very tall, with a gaunt face and large, square spectacles. He wore splendid-looking black robes, speckled liberally with crescent moons and 5-point stars. He also carried a gold stick, which they assumed to be a wand. At the sight of Fuego, he grinned broadly and embraced the dragons’ scaly body.
“This,” he said smiling fondly at Phoenix and James “must be the dragon born from the stolen egg!” he looked at them. “Please, come inside!” he said graciously “My name is Merlin. I am a wizard.” Phoenix and James stepped nervously inside, glad to be out of the wind. “You see,” the wizard started out, “You children must have gotten the egg somehow from the knight who stole it!” there was a pause. “What are your names?” he asked them. “Phoenix,” answered Phoenix, “and my brother, James.” James grinned nervously. Merlin Nodded and went outside to see Fuego.
Phoenix looked around. Despite its less-than-appealing exterior, it was extraordinarily nice inside. There were dried herbs hanging from the ceiling, and a wall full of shelves piled high with potions, gold, fabric, and other knickknacks. There were tapestries, rugs, beautiful mahogany furniture, and oil lamps casting a friendly orange glow all around them. But what really caught her eye was most peculiar of all: a shelf full of nothing but different colored dragon eggs.
Chapter 8: A Fairy
The searchers started out early the next day, their Anacondalas slithering quickly and their black cloaks trailing behind them. Sir Garret watched apprehensively, wondering what if anything he could do.
A risk taken at my peril will benefit for the riders of the dragon. He hesitated, then thought- To be sent to Dexi is a terrible thing- it’s more than my job is worth to help a dragon rider escape, but it is more than my conscience could bear to play a part in this scheme. It may be legal to sentence these people to Dexi- but that does not automatically usher it into being just. He nodded decisively to himself.
When the searchers had disappeared, he pulled a small, turquoise bead out of his pocket, and dripped one drop of water on it. Almost immediately, a small blue tornado formed in his hand. It spun round and round, and then suddenly a beautiful azure fairy appeared from within it. She was a Ree.
Ree’s are messenger fairies. They are formed from different colored beads, and only deliver messages for their owners. The are ideal for this, because they have excellent memories, and so never get caught with a note.
This one was especially pretty. She had light blue skin, and dainty fingers. She wore a shirt and skirt of flower petals, with a long curtain of dark blue hair, and a dreamy, misty face.
Sir Garret smiled at her and said “Go find the riders of a crimson and gold dragon. Tell them the searchers are after them, and to flee immediately. The little Ree nodded and flew off.
Chapter 9: Merlin’s gifts
Merlin walked back inside the hut a few minutes later. Phoenix could not resist asking him about the eggs lining the walls, parading across the shelves like odd curios. “Sir,” she started, “How do you keep the eggs from hatching?” Merlin smiled. “Dragon eggs only hatch when they are in the hands of the true owner, my dear.” He said. “You are the true owner of Fuego.”
James looked slightly taken aback. “I believe James will have a dragon egg soon, as well.” James looked puzzled, but Merlin walked over to the shelf and picked up a brilliant blue and silver flecked egg. He handed it to James.
It started cracking. Silver light appeared in tha crack. Like a deja-vous, the egg split open displaying a vibrant silver light. The egg shell turned to silver dust, and like before, vanished. Left standing was a very long, blue and silver dragon. It had 2 horns, glinting in the light of dawn, and an ultra-thin tail. It had silvery blue scales that flashed like armor, and piercing azure eyes.
This time James wasn’t afraid. “Octavian.” He said. “That’s his name.” Octavian let out a cry, and spread his razor-edged, platinum-colored wings. “Now,” said Merlin quietly, “I have one more thing for you.” He handed James and Phoenix small gold sacks filled with small, golden, spheres. “These are only to be used in times of extreme peril.” They looked at him questioningly. “You will surely recognize the time when it comes.” Phoenix thanked him, and the two walked outside, mounted Fuego and Octavian, and rode off into the rising sun.
Chapter 10: Lan Se Hua
The little Ree beat her wings against the harsh winds of Chao. She needed very badly to find the riders of a dragon and deliver its message. This was a life or death matter. If she delivered the message, the Dragonriders would be forewarned of their danger, and could escape. If not… well, they certainly wouldn’t be forewarned, and as for escape, it seemed impossible.
The small fairy was, strong, but the wind was stronger. This Ree’s name was Lan Se Hua, and she was fighting a losing battle. But, if it did happen that she really did lose against the invisible force, the riders would be lost too, not just the metaphor battle.
She flew under a rock ledge before continuing on. She let out a sigh of relief, and then flew forward. She was struggling against a thing she couldn’t even see, and it was beating her.
She couldn’t have that.
She was not frail or cowardly; she was a fairy, and fairies just aren’t very strong. She hated to think of herself as weak, but failing this mission would certainly prove her to be so.
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew her out of the sky, and sent her hurtling towards a large, flat, rock. No, she thought, the dragons. The riders. Dexi and the searchers, Sir Garret… her thoughts raced as she sped towards it. She hit the rock with a quiet but very solid thud!
And then, she passed out.
Chapter 11: Ski and the Ree
A little girl about ten years old walked out of her house, built into a cave. She lived in rocky, Chao, and there was not much else to build with. She was going to fetch water from the well.
She walked across a large slab of stone, and then another, until she got to the one the well was built into. She shaded her eyes from the wind that blew through the rocky valleys.
Then she saw a faint blue glimmer on the ground. She walked over to see what it was; it seemed to be a dying Ree.
Oh no, she thought, it probably had a very important message to deliver. She picked it up and ran back to her house as fast as her legs could carry her.
“Ski!” her mother called, “Where have you been, I…” She saw the wounded fairy. “Oh, I’m so glad you found her. I’ll get some warm water to wash her off. Get a cloth to set her on.”
Ski went and got a small square of brown cloth, and laid Lan Se Hua on it. Her mother, Samantha came back with a small bowl of water. “Just wash her off a bit.” Said Stella. “I’ll get your father; he’ll be able to help.” Stella left, and Ski began washing Lan Se Hua with the water. The small fairy began to stir, and Ski sang:
Nettles and grass,
Cypress and thorn,
You won’t find in Chao,
As sure as you’re born,
Apples and trees,
Butterflies and bees,
But sure as I talk,
You cannot miss this rock.
Her voice was so sweet, that Lan Se Hua woke and was fluttering about in no time. She had already left by the time Ski’s father came, but Ski had a dreamy look in her eye.
Because before she had left, the small Ree had held the tip of her finger, whispered: “I won’t forget you!” than had flown off.
Little girls never forget words fairies speak to them.
Ski didn’t.
Chapter 12: Searcher’s wrath
James and Phoenix rode on their dragons over Chao, and spotted Stella, Ski, and Ski’s father, Polaris. They were scanning the sky, but they barely seemed to notice the dragons swoop by.
Then, almost out of the blue, Lan Se Hua flew over to them. She had immediately spotted the dragons and went over to deliver the message to Phoenix.
“Rider!” she called. Phoenix almost fell off her dragon in surprise. “What? Me? Yes?” she asked. “Sir Garret has a message for you. You see, they have sent the searchers after you and I fear they are close on your tail. You must flee!” “Who are they?” asked Phoenix. “Sir Harold and the others!” said the Ree. “What a traitor.” Phoenix muttered. “Go tell James.”
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a searcher appeared. Its Anacondala had sprouted huge wings and was chasing after Octavian. “James! Attack on your tail, six o’ clock!”
James moved his dragon in a swirling movement, and Octavian breathed a shower of sparks on the searcher and his pet. It seemed to have no effect on the Anacondala whatsoever.
Phoenix wheeled Fuego around and joined the attack. The Anacondala lashed at her with its sharp teeth. Fuego breathed a solid jet of flame at it.
It wasn’t working. Phoenix pulled out one of her gold balls, threw it, and immediately started to feel dizzy. A large pink cloud formed around them, and a white hole appeared in the bottom of it. The dragons dove for the hole, and Phoenix felt the light blind her. Her head swam, and her limbs felt heavier than lead.
She fainted.
Chapter 13: Princess Liana
Phoenix awoke in a haze of colors and senses. There were faces staring down at her, talking, but she was too confused and tired to hear what they were saying. She counted: James, Merlin, the Ree, Allysa… what’s Allysa doing here? And… someone else…
The first emotion that occurred to her was bewilderment. The puzzle of “Why the heck is Allysa here?” seemed to have caused her frazzled brain’s gears to grind into action.
Then the voices started making sense. “Phoenix!” said James, “Thank goodness you’re alive!” he looked worried, but relieved. “I donno what happened… you just… passed out.”
“What’s Allysa doing here?” she asked. Allysa smiled, a little sheepishly. “I’ll explain later. It’s kind of a long story.” The group of people walked out of the room. Well, actually Lan Se Hua flew.
Phoenix started noticing her surroundings. She was in a beautiful sunlit room, with red and gold walls. She was lying in a tall 4-post bed. Tapestries were hung all over the walls, depicting different scenes and stories. The two large windows were open, allowing a gentle breeze to blow through. It was extremely comfortable.
She sat up. I wonder where I am… she thought, who was the one person? Why on earth is Allysa here? All the thoughts ran through her mind very quickly. After a few minutes, she decided to leave her room to find the others.
She found them in a large, sunny, sitting room. “Explain.” She said to the crowd. Those who knew her well, James and Allysa, sighed. It was no use arguing with Phoenix when her mind was made up. Allysa started. “Ok. I’m really sorry, but I read you’re note to James. I went to Merlin’s and he gave me a dragon egg. She’s a beautiful emerald green and silver one. Name’s Cwic. I flew all the way here to Taratropolis, because I knew you’d be here at some point.”
She said it quickly, like maybe being fast could stop anyone from being angry at her. The one Phoenix didn’t know stood up. She was very pretty- tall; pale, with long brown hair. She was wearing a pink taffeta dress. “I am Princess Liana. I flew hear with ‘Llysa hear on my dragon, Audrey. She’s orange and gold, a really beauty.” She said it royally, but not in a spoiled way. Allysa smiled. “Liana and I go waaaay back.”
“I assume you’re all coming with us?” asked Phoenix. Merlin smiled. “All but me.” The rest nodded. “We’re with you.” Said Allysa.
Chapter 14: Sugarstix
Taratropolis was a beautiful city filled with warm shops and cobblestone streets. It was sunny with blue skies, with tall skyscraper and some shorter buildings and shops. It was clean, and comfortable, full of marketplaces and street venders. Oh, and everyone there had a dragon.
Phoenix, Allysa, and Liana started out to explore it the very next day. Allysa and Liana had already seen a little of it, so they decided that they would give Phoenix a tour.
“Where are we going first?” asked Phoenix. “Oh!” said Princess Liana excitedly. “Let’s go to Sugarstix!” “What’s Sugarstix?” asked Phoenix. Alyssa’s smile grew till it spread from ear to ear. “It’s the best sweet shop in Taratropolis. Duh! If you go there, you’ll believe us.” All three of them laughed. “All right then!” Phoenix giggled. “Let’s go!” and they skipped off down the road.
When they walked into Sugarstix, a small shop on the bottom story of a two-story building, they were met by a wonderful smell of sugar, chocolate, and caramel. “What to get, what to get?” sighed Allysa. “So much candy, so little time!”
In the end, they got 6 little chocolate gollies, which let them fly off the ground a few feet when you ate them, some peppermint bombs, which allowed a perfectly normal person breath long bursts of fire, A sour bandage, which was a fruit roll ten feet long, and about half an inch thick, some candy bats that really flew around, and a pot of caramel straws, which made any drink taste like soda.
“Wow!” Phoenix said, chewing on a candy bat. “This stuff is amazing!” “I oh!” Said Allysa with a mouth full of candy, “I ove da ocolate gollas.” Liana laughed. “She means, ‘I love the chocolate gollies.’” They were sitting outside on a bench, enjoying their purchases and staring at the enormous, brightly-colored buildings.
“Where is Taratropolis anyhow?” asked Phoenix, her voice scratchy from a peppermint bomb she had just eaten. “It’s in the clouds.” Said Allysa, “No one knows about it except for us Dragonriders.” “Dragonriders?” asked Phoenix. Allysa rolled her eyes. “People who ride dragons!” she said with a smile.
Phoenix turned to the other two. “Where to next?”
Chapter 15: Flashstitch
In a couple minutes, the trio was walking towards Flashstitch, a clothing store Liana couldn’t stop raving about. “I won’t give it away,” she said, “But it’s awesome!”
They walked into the shop, and sat down on a bench. A short, stout, woman with a kind face and her hair in a bun walked up to them. “Right this way, ladies,” she said, and led them to three short tripod stools.
“Favorite colors?” she asked. “Blue.” “Pink.” “Gold.” They answered. Soon she returned, and handed Phoenix a bolt of gold silk, Liana a bolt of pink taffeta, and Allysa a bolt of blue cotton.
“Alright then.” She said, smiling. She pushed down a lever. And then, a most astonishing thing began to happen.
The bolts dropped to the floor, and unwound themselves. The gold cloth spun around and around, and then wound itself tightly around Phoenix. “I feel like a gold mummy!” she said. Liana and Allysa giggled.
The cloth unwound again. Phoenix watched it wind around her again, but much more loosely. It sewed sleeves, and wove and pulled and loosened and cut and measured and did it all again.
Finally, the cloth seemed to be satisfied. It cut the excess off, and sewed itself into a recognizable shape, creating the dress.
When it was finished, the girls went into the changing rooms and put on their new dresses. They walked outside the shop, and Phoenix, Liana, and Allysa were positive that there were none more beautiful Dragonriders in all of Taratropolis.
“How does this stuff work, anyhow?” asked Phoenix curiously. Allysa and Liana laughed. “We thought you would have guessed by now,” said Allysa. “Yeah,” agreed Liana, “You’re pretty smart, we all know that.” Phoenix crossed her arms in mock insult. “Well,” she said, giggling in spite of herself, “Why does it work like that?”
Allysa smiled. “It’s magic!”
Chapter 16: Kidnapped!
Phoenix, Liana, and Allysa made their way home, their new dresses trailing behind them and their pockets jingling with treats. “Why do Dragonriders where lose clothing like this?” asked Phoenix. “It helps us to be able to pilot the dragon without tight or close-fitting garments slowing us down.” answered Liana. “Very convenient, really.” Said Allysa as they opened to door.
“Hey!” said Liana suddenly. “I forgot to tell you that the place we’re staying is called the Jade Manor.” “Why’s it called that?” asked Phoenix uncertainly. She felt like a stranger in Taratropolis- but a welcome one. “Because the person who built it had a dragon named Jade. Many tales there are about that dragon…” Liana’s voice trailed off.
“You guys!” said Allysa, “Wanna go outside?” She glanced over at the flames leaping from the fireplace. “It’s suffocating in here!” The three walked outside. The sun had set and it was completely dark.
Liana looked over her shoulder anxiously. She seemed to think she was being watched. “Tell me some stories about Jade.” Said Phoenix, hope it would take Liana’s mind off her fears. “Well,” she began, “Jade was often described a kind but fearsome dragon. She was bright emerald green, and legend has it that when a light flashed off her scales, it blinded people.”
“Shiny scales,” Commented Allysa, looking bored. “She had green eyes as well,” continued Liana. “Big- and they always seemed to be figuring out what you were thinking.” “Did you know her?” asked Phoenix. “No,” she answered, “I’ve only heard…” her remark was interrupted by a blood-curdling shriek. The next thing the girls knew, their arms were braced behind their backs and thick burlap sacks were pulled over their heads.
They were being roughly moved around. They heard voices outside. “Don’t you hurt ‘em badly now,” said a gruff voice, “We gonna want them alive enough to answer our questions.” They heard several grunts in reply.
Then they heard another noise, like fingers fiddling with rope or string. Allysa was trying to escape. “The darn lass!” said the gruff voice.
Then a moment of pain, an unbearable throbbing pain-
And then the world went black.
Chapter 17: Sir James
James was terrified. “Where are they?!” he asked Merlin “They went outside, and now…” his voice trailed off. “James,” said Merlin sympathetically, “Go outside. They must have gone for a walk or something. It’ll be alright.” He patted James softly on the back. “And take this.” He handed James a gleaming sword.
James walked outside. He bolted around, looking frantically in every direction. “They must have been kidnapped.” He said under his breath. He went over to where they had been sitting. He found a small bag of gold balls.
Phoenix’s gold balls.
He walked inside. “Merlin,” he said bravely, “I believe they have been kidnapped. I am going on a quest to find them. He sheathed his sword. “Very well.” Said Merlin gravely. “You will not go unprepared.” At that moment, a young boy lead Octavian into the room, clothed in silver armor. A trio of boys, looking very jealous, handed James a set of shining armor, including a blue-feather helmet, and a shield baring a dragon emblem.
He slipped it on easily, and kneeled as Merlin pulled out his own sword and touched James shoulders with it. “I now knight you, Sir James Dragonheart, for you are brave and loyal.” Sir James stood up. “Thank you Merlin,” he said, as he mounted Octavian. “And until we meet again, Farewell.”
He flew out the door and soared into the sky, leaving Taratropolis in search of his dearest friends. He was leaving this refuge, risking his own freedom- in an attempt to save the freedom of his companions.
Chapter 18: Troll Face
Phoenix woke. Her legs were tied together tightly, and her hands were twisted behind her back. She still had a burlap sack covering most of her body, and blood was pounding in her ears. She was lying horizontally in what seemed to be a cramped wooden box.
She struggled to get the sack off her head. Her wrists ached from rug burn. Just a little bit further… she thought to herself. And then: FWOOM! The sack came off. She took a deep breath, relieved to be breathing fresh air again.
But the relief lasted only a minute. The top of the box was lifted and an ugly, gnarled, troll-like face stared down at her. His atrocious sneer made her wish she had left the sack on. He pulled her out of the box with his grubby, sausage-like fingers, and tied her to a great wooden post, which she was horrified to see Allysa and Liana already tied to.
They were in a large, eerie stone castle, with no windows and no light, and certainly no way out. The troll faced man spoke in the gruff voice they had heard before.
“Ah’right, Ah’right, we got some ‘lil question for ya, lassies.” He smiled jovially and beckoned to a gaunt man with hands shriveled like dried peas. He had a whip.
Troll face got so close to Allysa she could smell hid breath. Garlic, she thought. The gaunt man spoke demandingly to Liana. “You!” he commanded, “What’s your name?” “Princess Liana.” She answered promptly. Troll face hid a laugh.
“Princess o’ what, you?” he asked. “Rosa.” She said. “I should be Queen- My mother is… dead. I don’t know where my father is.” Troll face looked briefly pitiful, but Gaunt mans face twisted into a horrid grin. He slashed the whip hard across Liana’s face. She whimpered slightly, but Phoenix could tell she wasn’t very scared.
“Why did you kidnap us anyhow?” asked Phoenix. “I’ll be the one asking the questions here!” he slashed the whip even harder across Phoenix’s face. Phoenix shuttered. “But if you must know, we work for the searchers- and the knights.” Troll face grinned stupidly. “Er, yeah. We in CAHOOTS wi’ them peeps. CAHOOTS!”
Gaunt man slashed Allysa across the face the hardest yet; she didn’t even flinch. She bared her teeth and looked him strait in the face, a terrible look of loathing in her eyes. She looked like if her hands were free, she would have punched him in the jaw. Then, loudly and suddenly, she said: “You are going to PAY.”
Chapter 19: Scarlet and Starlight
Newly knighted Sir James rode through the sky, sitting proudly on Octavian’s back. He peered down. He was flying over Dro, a stretch of lonely desert known for being extremely poor.
He just then realized he was hungry. Hmmm, he thought, I can’t turn back now, but maybe someone here will help me. He peered down at a small stone house below him. I’ll stop there. He swooped down and slip off his dragon, landing in the front of the house, and knocked.
“Yes?” the door was opened by a peasant boy about his age. “I am Sir James.” Said James. “I am on a quest right now to rescue my sister and her friends who are being held hostage. I have come to ask if I may stop here and have something to eat.”
“Of course.” Said the boy quickly. He walked inside, and gestured for James to follow. He took out a half-loaf of bread, and cut a slice off of it. His cupboards looked completely empty. “What’s your name?” asked James. “Scarlet.” Answered the boy. “Well Scarlet,” began James, “Take this for your troubles.” He handed him a gold ball, which transformed instantly into a purple dragon egg, and began to hatch.
But this one was different. For a few seconds, it merely stood still. Then, it expanded until it broke through the ceiling, leaving James and Scarlet standing outside in the night air.
Then it shattered. There was no light, it just shattered like glass. And forth came a huge, fully-grown deep purple dragon. It stretched its majestic wings, and the light of the moon bounced off its gleaming scales.
“Care to join me?” asked James “Would I ever.” Answered Scarlet in disbelief. He mounted the dragon, kicked it lightly, and said: “Let’s go, Starlight.” And off the dragons flew, into the gradually darkening night.
Close your eyes for a minute, and imagine you can travel back in time on a beautiful magic carpet. You grab on to the scarlet fringe dangling from the edge and pull up. The magic carpet suddenly gives a small jerk, and then slides smoothly into the sky. You feel the wind rush past your ears in great bursts, and drag your clothes behind you. You grasp the tassels even harder. After gliding for a while, the sky around you begins spinning. Everything blurs into a swirling pool of silvery air. You feel the wind stop short- suddenly you are plunging in to something ice cold. The next minute you feel uncomfortably hot. The swirling air morphs into different shapes and colors, and the temperatures rise and fall quickly. You don’t think you can stand it any longer when- you see the swirling air stop.
The temperature is medium, and extremely comfortable. You feel like you are falling down, down, down. You smell grass and lavenders and spring. You see a blur of colors and then- you stop. Your magic carpet is hovering a few feet above the ground. You have landed in a medieval village. You pull up slightly on the edge of your carpet, and soar upwards once again. You try to steer to the right, but your carpet has other ideas. It heads strait towards a tall, gray, castle, with ivy growing up the side. You see tiny guards watching from towers, their spears glinting in the sun. You see knights jousting on jet black horses, and dappled gray Arabian ponies. You take a deep breath. It’s so beautiful up here!
You come to a small tower on the inner wall and stop right in front of the window. You figure this is where your carpet was steering you, and peer in the window. A young girl with auburn-red hair, no more than twelve, is sitting on her bed, absentmindedly playing with a red and gold speckled oval. She looks worried, and excited. Her name is Phoenix, and this is her story.
Chapter 2: The Letter.
Phoenix sighed. She had just had the most wonderful and most confusing day of her life. She was trying to recall all that had happened, for she was writing a letter to her 13-year-old brother, James. James was away at a neighboring castle, training to be a night, and was interested in everything his little sister told him. They were extremely close, and let each other in on every secret they possessed. And this – thought phoenix – is definitely a secret.
Dear James,
I beg you come and visit me at keepers’ manor. I have something to show you, but for now, I suppose I shall have to be satisfied with simply telling you.
I woke up as usual, and saw the sun peeking from behind the emerald green hills of Crystallia. It was just only illuminating the glorious palace grounds, and they were setting up for a jousting match. Immediately I began to make preparations, and I finished before any other servant or maid. I asked her highness if I may watch. She sniffed and asked if I had done my work in haste, which I had not. Lady Belle her royalness beauteous highness reluctantly granted me permission. I was, for once, happy with her, because as you know I normally refer to here as her prissiness.
At the match, I saw one of the knights drop a small, crimson and gold speckled oval. It was very smooth, very round, and about the size of my hand. I asked if he had dropped it. He said yes and that I may keep it. His name was Sir Harold. I was so thrilled that I did not even notice that he was not the least indisposed to give it to me. I went to the palace library and I read up on it. I then discovered that the object I am in possession of is a dragon egg. AN ILLEGAL DRAGON EGG! I need your help! Please come as soon as possible. Forever your friend,
PhoenixPhoenix sat up strait and rubbed her back that had been bent over so long writing. She stepped outside and handed the envelope to her friend, Allysa, who had been sitting on the ground outside her tower, which was next to phoenixes. “Please take this to my brother!” she said. “Sure.” Answered Allysa. And without another word, she walked away.
Chapter 3: Blaze’s night ride
James looked worried. He had just received a letter from his sister, Phoenix at keeper’s manor. He needed to visit her as soon as possible. But at night? This was going to be tough. He snuck out of the castle, and ran as quickly as he could to the stables. It was dark, and nobody was awake. He walked over to his horse, blaze, and patted her on the back. “Looks like we’ll be going on a little night ride, girl.” Blaze shook her head, as if to say she understood. James got down her saddle and bridle, and gently put them on her. “There we go easy does It.” he whispered. Blaze muzzled his outstretched hand lovingly. “It’s gonna be a long night girl. Are your ready for this?” Blaze shook her head again. James kicked her lightly and she was off. She galloped over the ground, and leaped swiftly over fast-moving streams. They rode over rocky ground, through dark forests, and finally over the stunning green hills of Crystallia.
He stopped at the moat around the castle. “Oh, no!” he muttered. But Blaze leaped right over it. “Phoenix!” James called softly. Phoenix came running to the gates. “James!” she said joyfully. Quietly as she could, she creaked open the gates, and without another word, mounted Blaze and rode off to Phoenix’s stone tower. As soon as they walked in, they sat down on Phoenix’s bed and hugged.
“Oh James!” cried Phoenix, “Thank heavens you’ve come! I don’t know what to do I –“ she stopped herself. “Oh! I’m so sorry! You must be tired after the long ride from Meadowland’s to Keeper’s! Shall I fix a pot of tea?” “Yes, please!” answered James “we’ll talk as soon as I’ve unfrozen myself!” Phoenix giggled. She was glad James was here, even though it was because she had an illegal dragon egg.
Chapter 4: Birth of a dragon
Phoenix grasped the handle of her porcelain teapot, and poured some tea into a cup. “thanks.” Said James. She pored herself a cup. “Ouch!” she exclaimed, “I poured some tea on myself!” she rubbed her hand on her long, brown, dress.
“Now,” said James, in an unusually solemn way, “Show me that egg of yours.” Phoenix smiled weakly and walked over to her pine side table. She took the egg off a small pile of embroidered handkerchiefs. She heard Blaze’s quiet snore. She was sleeping. Good. Thought Phoenix, she must be tired after her long ride to keeper’s manor. She handed the egg to James. “that’s definitely a dragon egg.” He said quietly. Phoenix sighed. “James! What do I do? If lady belle finds out I have a dragon egg in my possession, I will lose everything I have worked so hard to earn! James, I couldn’t-“ she stopped. James saw the terrified look on her face.
The egg was hatching. “Blow out the candle! Quick!” he whisper-screamed. Phoenix ran over and blew it out. She locked the door and closed the curtains tighter. A tiny sliver of golden light was forming within the crack. There was another crack. Phoenix gasped. The egg shattered. It was immediately engulfed in glorious golden light. James and Phoenix were nearly blinded, but it lasted only a minute. The gold cleared, and the pieces of shell dissolved into golden dust and disappeared. Left standing, a foot tall, was a beautiful red dragon. It had large, gold, bat-like wings, and scales a shining ruby color. Its eyes were scarlet with gold flecks. It had small, white teeth and claws, and a long, snake-like tail. It’s brilliantly shining scales gave off an almost candle-like glow. But the most miraculous thing about it was that I was expanding.
Phoenix and James were at a loss for words. The dragon was now 4 feet tall and growing. “It’s beautiful!” Phoenix breathed. The dragon retracted its claws, and scooped up James and Phoenix. It put them on its back, and spread its enormous gold wings. Finally, it let out a call, a mix between the caw of an eagle and the words of a human being. Its mighty head crushed through the roof of the tower, and took flight over Crystallia. Phoenix and James knew they were going somewhere, but their actual destination was mystery.
Chapter 5: Fuego
Phoenix was tired. It was in the middle of the night. The moon was full, and was glimmering brilliantly, and the stars seemed to shine brighter than usual.
She normally would have fallen asleep, if she had been riding her faithful horse, Dancer. But this was a dragon! Both Phoenix and James were much to awake, afraid and exhilarated to fall asleep. “It’s awesome up here!” said James. Phoenix took some string from her pocket and fashioned it into a make-shift bridle. James put it on the dragon. The dragon adjusted extremely quickly to this, and the 2 were able to steer him as well as Blaze or Dancer.
“What should we call him?’ asked James. “I don’t know” answered Phoenix. By this time, the dragon was full grown. “I think you should name it, since it was your egg.” Said James, sounding rather reluctant. “Hmmm…” muttered Phoenix. “He’s fast, lively, red… Fire?” “No,” said James, “not right.” “Yeah, I guess not.” She was quiet for a second. “I know the perfect name!” she said “what?” he asked. “Fuego!” “We’ll call you Fuego!” James smiled brightly, and Fuego let out a loud call. “Fuego is perfect.” Said James. Suddenly, Fuego dove way down. He was headed for a small, stone, hut. “I wonder where we’re going?” asked Phoenix. “Either way,” said James, “I think we’re in pretty good hands.”
Chapter 6: Release the Searchers
“There!” said Sir William “I last saw the dragon there!” Sir Charles frowned. “Sir William, why would there be a dragon in Crystallia? Dragons are highly illegal. And-“ he added seeing the exasperated look on Williams’ face, “I am sure you are aware of that, are you not?” Sir Harold blushed, but he didn’t say anything. He knew he was responsible for setting the dragon lose, but he desperately did not want to lose his position. Truth be told, Sir Harold was a coward.
“Sir Charles,” he began pompously “I believe I saw –erm- sir Garret give one away to a young serving girl.” He turned his nose up at Garret, as if nobody would dare do something so repulsive but him. Sir garret was the bravest of the group though; Harold knew it. “I never did such a thing.” He said solemnly. Sir Harold looked jumpy. He did not want to be found out, and he knew he might be. “Send out the searchers.” Said Sir Charles gravely. Everyone shuttered.
The searchers were the most terrifying things alive- if they were alive. No one knew. They rode on long, black, snake-like beasts called Anacondalas. These creatures were black as night, as were the masked searchers that rode on them. Nobody knew what grotesque sight was hidden beneath a searchers mask- nobody wanted to, either. But everyone in the kingdom knew their job: to go in search of dragons- and kill them. The owners of the slaughtered dragons went to the searcher dungeon, Dexi.
The 5 knights rode up to a monstrous pile of stone- or what appeared to be a monstrous pile of stone. It really was a castle, an ancient one, and one in complete shambles. Inside, it stank or rotting flesh and utmost despair. There were sounds of prisoners moaning, as the searchers stood, silent, under their sweeping black cloaks. They were released out an enormous iron gate, watched by the knights, whom looked worried. “They better catch that dragon!” said one of them fiercely.
Chapter 7: Merlin
As Fuego, Phoenix, and James descended, Phoenix spotted a small strand of smoke blossoming from the rickety old chimney. I wonder who lives here. She thought wildly. Fuego landed smoothly on a large rock, and the trio made their way toward the hut. When they got there, Fuego reached out and tapped the door with his tail. He gave a soft call. Their was a small thump! Noise from inside, and a second later and old, silver-bearded man opened the door.
He was very tall, with a gaunt face and large, square spectacles. He wore splendid-looking black robes, speckled liberally with crescent moons and 5-point stars. He also carried a gold stick, which they assumed to be a wand. At the sight of Fuego, he grinned broadly and embraced the dragons’ scaly body.
“This,” he said smiling fondly at Phoenix and James “must be the dragon born from the stolen egg!” he looked at them. “Please, come inside!” he said graciously “My name is Merlin. I am a wizard.” Phoenix and James stepped nervously inside, glad to be out of the wind. “You see,” the wizard started out, “You children must have gotten the egg somehow from the knight who stole it!” there was a pause. “What are your names?” he asked them. “Phoenix,” answered Phoenix, “and my brother, James.” James grinned nervously. Merlin Nodded and went outside to see Fuego.
Phoenix looked around. Despite its less-than-appealing exterior, it was extraordinarily nice inside. There were dried herbs hanging from the ceiling, and a wall full of shelves piled high with potions, gold, fabric, and other knickknacks. There were tapestries, rugs, beautiful mahogany furniture, and oil lamps casting a friendly orange glow all around them. But what really caught her eye was most peculiar of all: a shelf full of nothing but different colored dragon eggs.
Chapter 8: A Fairy
The searchers started out early the next day, their Anacondalas slithering quickly and their black cloaks trailing behind them. Sir Garret watched apprehensively, wondering what if anything he could do.
A risk taken at my peril will benefit for the riders of the dragon. He hesitated, then thought- To be sent to Dexi is a terrible thing- it’s more than my job is worth to help a dragon rider escape, but it is more than my conscience could bear to play a part in this scheme. It may be legal to sentence these people to Dexi- but that does not automatically usher it into being just. He nodded decisively to himself.
When the searchers had disappeared, he pulled a small, turquoise bead out of his pocket, and dripped one drop of water on it. Almost immediately, a small blue tornado formed in his hand. It spun round and round, and then suddenly a beautiful azure fairy appeared from within it. She was a Ree.
Ree’s are messenger fairies. They are formed from different colored beads, and only deliver messages for their owners. The are ideal for this, because they have excellent memories, and so never get caught with a note.
This one was especially pretty. She had light blue skin, and dainty fingers. She wore a shirt and skirt of flower petals, with a long curtain of dark blue hair, and a dreamy, misty face.
Sir Garret smiled at her and said “Go find the riders of a crimson and gold dragon. Tell them the searchers are after them, and to flee immediately. The little Ree nodded and flew off.
Chapter 9: Merlin’s gifts
Merlin walked back inside the hut a few minutes later. Phoenix could not resist asking him about the eggs lining the walls, parading across the shelves like odd curios. “Sir,” she started, “How do you keep the eggs from hatching?” Merlin smiled. “Dragon eggs only hatch when they are in the hands of the true owner, my dear.” He said. “You are the true owner of Fuego.”
James looked slightly taken aback. “I believe James will have a dragon egg soon, as well.” James looked puzzled, but Merlin walked over to the shelf and picked up a brilliant blue and silver flecked egg. He handed it to James.
It started cracking. Silver light appeared in tha crack. Like a deja-vous, the egg split open displaying a vibrant silver light. The egg shell turned to silver dust, and like before, vanished. Left standing was a very long, blue and silver dragon. It had 2 horns, glinting in the light of dawn, and an ultra-thin tail. It had silvery blue scales that flashed like armor, and piercing azure eyes.
This time James wasn’t afraid. “Octavian.” He said. “That’s his name.” Octavian let out a cry, and spread his razor-edged, platinum-colored wings. “Now,” said Merlin quietly, “I have one more thing for you.” He handed James and Phoenix small gold sacks filled with small, golden, spheres. “These are only to be used in times of extreme peril.” They looked at him questioningly. “You will surely recognize the time when it comes.” Phoenix thanked him, and the two walked outside, mounted Fuego and Octavian, and rode off into the rising sun.
Chapter 10: Lan Se Hua
The little Ree beat her wings against the harsh winds of Chao. She needed very badly to find the riders of a dragon and deliver its message. This was a life or death matter. If she delivered the message, the Dragonriders would be forewarned of their danger, and could escape. If not… well, they certainly wouldn’t be forewarned, and as for escape, it seemed impossible.
The small fairy was, strong, but the wind was stronger. This Ree’s name was Lan Se Hua, and she was fighting a losing battle. But, if it did happen that she really did lose against the invisible force, the riders would be lost too, not just the metaphor battle.
She flew under a rock ledge before continuing on. She let out a sigh of relief, and then flew forward. She was struggling against a thing she couldn’t even see, and it was beating her.
She couldn’t have that.
She was not frail or cowardly; she was a fairy, and fairies just aren’t very strong. She hated to think of herself as weak, but failing this mission would certainly prove her to be so.
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew her out of the sky, and sent her hurtling towards a large, flat, rock. No, she thought, the dragons. The riders. Dexi and the searchers, Sir Garret… her thoughts raced as she sped towards it. She hit the rock with a quiet but very solid thud!
And then, she passed out.
Chapter 11: Ski and the Ree
A little girl about ten years old walked out of her house, built into a cave. She lived in rocky, Chao, and there was not much else to build with. She was going to fetch water from the well.
She walked across a large slab of stone, and then another, until she got to the one the well was built into. She shaded her eyes from the wind that blew through the rocky valleys.
Then she saw a faint blue glimmer on the ground. She walked over to see what it was; it seemed to be a dying Ree.
Oh no, she thought, it probably had a very important message to deliver. She picked it up and ran back to her house as fast as her legs could carry her.
“Ski!” her mother called, “Where have you been, I…” She saw the wounded fairy. “Oh, I’m so glad you found her. I’ll get some warm water to wash her off. Get a cloth to set her on.”
Ski went and got a small square of brown cloth, and laid Lan Se Hua on it. Her mother, Samantha came back with a small bowl of water. “Just wash her off a bit.” Said Stella. “I’ll get your father; he’ll be able to help.” Stella left, and Ski began washing Lan Se Hua with the water. The small fairy began to stir, and Ski sang:
Nettles and grass,
Cypress and thorn,
You won’t find in Chao,
As sure as you’re born,
Apples and trees,
Butterflies and bees,
But sure as I talk,
You cannot miss this rock.
Her voice was so sweet, that Lan Se Hua woke and was fluttering about in no time. She had already left by the time Ski’s father came, but Ski had a dreamy look in her eye.
Because before she had left, the small Ree had held the tip of her finger, whispered: “I won’t forget you!” than had flown off.
Little girls never forget words fairies speak to them.
Ski didn’t.
Chapter 12: Searcher’s wrath
James and Phoenix rode on their dragons over Chao, and spotted Stella, Ski, and Ski’s father, Polaris. They were scanning the sky, but they barely seemed to notice the dragons swoop by.
Then, almost out of the blue, Lan Se Hua flew over to them. She had immediately spotted the dragons and went over to deliver the message to Phoenix.
“Rider!” she called. Phoenix almost fell off her dragon in surprise. “What? Me? Yes?” she asked. “Sir Garret has a message for you. You see, they have sent the searchers after you and I fear they are close on your tail. You must flee!” “Who are they?” asked Phoenix. “Sir Harold and the others!” said the Ree. “What a traitor.” Phoenix muttered. “Go tell James.”
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a searcher appeared. Its Anacondala had sprouted huge wings and was chasing after Octavian. “James! Attack on your tail, six o’ clock!”
James moved his dragon in a swirling movement, and Octavian breathed a shower of sparks on the searcher and his pet. It seemed to have no effect on the Anacondala whatsoever.
Phoenix wheeled Fuego around and joined the attack. The Anacondala lashed at her with its sharp teeth. Fuego breathed a solid jet of flame at it.
It wasn’t working. Phoenix pulled out one of her gold balls, threw it, and immediately started to feel dizzy. A large pink cloud formed around them, and a white hole appeared in the bottom of it. The dragons dove for the hole, and Phoenix felt the light blind her. Her head swam, and her limbs felt heavier than lead.
She fainted.
Chapter 13: Princess Liana
Phoenix awoke in a haze of colors and senses. There were faces staring down at her, talking, but she was too confused and tired to hear what they were saying. She counted: James, Merlin, the Ree, Allysa… what’s Allysa doing here? And… someone else…
The first emotion that occurred to her was bewilderment. The puzzle of “Why the heck is Allysa here?” seemed to have caused her frazzled brain’s gears to grind into action.
Then the voices started making sense. “Phoenix!” said James, “Thank goodness you’re alive!” he looked worried, but relieved. “I donno what happened… you just… passed out.”
“What’s Allysa doing here?” she asked. Allysa smiled, a little sheepishly. “I’ll explain later. It’s kind of a long story.” The group of people walked out of the room. Well, actually Lan Se Hua flew.
Phoenix started noticing her surroundings. She was in a beautiful sunlit room, with red and gold walls. She was lying in a tall 4-post bed. Tapestries were hung all over the walls, depicting different scenes and stories. The two large windows were open, allowing a gentle breeze to blow through. It was extremely comfortable.
She sat up. I wonder where I am… she thought, who was the one person? Why on earth is Allysa here? All the thoughts ran through her mind very quickly. After a few minutes, she decided to leave her room to find the others.
She found them in a large, sunny, sitting room. “Explain.” She said to the crowd. Those who knew her well, James and Allysa, sighed. It was no use arguing with Phoenix when her mind was made up. Allysa started. “Ok. I’m really sorry, but I read you’re note to James. I went to Merlin’s and he gave me a dragon egg. She’s a beautiful emerald green and silver one. Name’s Cwic. I flew all the way here to Taratropolis, because I knew you’d be here at some point.”
She said it quickly, like maybe being fast could stop anyone from being angry at her. The one Phoenix didn’t know stood up. She was very pretty- tall; pale, with long brown hair. She was wearing a pink taffeta dress. “I am Princess Liana. I flew hear with ‘Llysa hear on my dragon, Audrey. She’s orange and gold, a really beauty.” She said it royally, but not in a spoiled way. Allysa smiled. “Liana and I go waaaay back.”
“I assume you’re all coming with us?” asked Phoenix. Merlin smiled. “All but me.” The rest nodded. “We’re with you.” Said Allysa.
Chapter 14: Sugarstix
Taratropolis was a beautiful city filled with warm shops and cobblestone streets. It was sunny with blue skies, with tall skyscraper and some shorter buildings and shops. It was clean, and comfortable, full of marketplaces and street venders. Oh, and everyone there had a dragon.
Phoenix, Allysa, and Liana started out to explore it the very next day. Allysa and Liana had already seen a little of it, so they decided that they would give Phoenix a tour.
“Where are we going first?” asked Phoenix. “Oh!” said Princess Liana excitedly. “Let’s go to Sugarstix!” “What’s Sugarstix?” asked Phoenix. Alyssa’s smile grew till it spread from ear to ear. “It’s the best sweet shop in Taratropolis. Duh! If you go there, you’ll believe us.” All three of them laughed. “All right then!” Phoenix giggled. “Let’s go!” and they skipped off down the road.
When they walked into Sugarstix, a small shop on the bottom story of a two-story building, they were met by a wonderful smell of sugar, chocolate, and caramel. “What to get, what to get?” sighed Allysa. “So much candy, so little time!”
In the end, they got 6 little chocolate gollies, which let them fly off the ground a few feet when you ate them, some peppermint bombs, which allowed a perfectly normal person breath long bursts of fire, A sour bandage, which was a fruit roll ten feet long, and about half an inch thick, some candy bats that really flew around, and a pot of caramel straws, which made any drink taste like soda.
“Wow!” Phoenix said, chewing on a candy bat. “This stuff is amazing!” “I oh!” Said Allysa with a mouth full of candy, “I ove da ocolate gollas.” Liana laughed. “She means, ‘I love the chocolate gollies.’” They were sitting outside on a bench, enjoying their purchases and staring at the enormous, brightly-colored buildings.
“Where is Taratropolis anyhow?” asked Phoenix, her voice scratchy from a peppermint bomb she had just eaten. “It’s in the clouds.” Said Allysa, “No one knows about it except for us Dragonriders.” “Dragonriders?” asked Phoenix. Allysa rolled her eyes. “People who ride dragons!” she said with a smile.
Phoenix turned to the other two. “Where to next?”
Chapter 15: Flashstitch
In a couple minutes, the trio was walking towards Flashstitch, a clothing store Liana couldn’t stop raving about. “I won’t give it away,” she said, “But it’s awesome!”
They walked into the shop, and sat down on a bench. A short, stout, woman with a kind face and her hair in a bun walked up to them. “Right this way, ladies,” she said, and led them to three short tripod stools.
“Favorite colors?” she asked. “Blue.” “Pink.” “Gold.” They answered. Soon she returned, and handed Phoenix a bolt of gold silk, Liana a bolt of pink taffeta, and Allysa a bolt of blue cotton.
“Alright then.” She said, smiling. She pushed down a lever. And then, a most astonishing thing began to happen.
The bolts dropped to the floor, and unwound themselves. The gold cloth spun around and around, and then wound itself tightly around Phoenix. “I feel like a gold mummy!” she said. Liana and Allysa giggled.
The cloth unwound again. Phoenix watched it wind around her again, but much more loosely. It sewed sleeves, and wove and pulled and loosened and cut and measured and did it all again.
Finally, the cloth seemed to be satisfied. It cut the excess off, and sewed itself into a recognizable shape, creating the dress.
When it was finished, the girls went into the changing rooms and put on their new dresses. They walked outside the shop, and Phoenix, Liana, and Allysa were positive that there were none more beautiful Dragonriders in all of Taratropolis.
“How does this stuff work, anyhow?” asked Phoenix curiously. Allysa and Liana laughed. “We thought you would have guessed by now,” said Allysa. “Yeah,” agreed Liana, “You’re pretty smart, we all know that.” Phoenix crossed her arms in mock insult. “Well,” she said, giggling in spite of herself, “Why does it work like that?”
Allysa smiled. “It’s magic!”
Chapter 16: Kidnapped!
Phoenix, Liana, and Allysa made their way home, their new dresses trailing behind them and their pockets jingling with treats. “Why do Dragonriders where lose clothing like this?” asked Phoenix. “It helps us to be able to pilot the dragon without tight or close-fitting garments slowing us down.” answered Liana. “Very convenient, really.” Said Allysa as they opened to door.
“Hey!” said Liana suddenly. “I forgot to tell you that the place we’re staying is called the Jade Manor.” “Why’s it called that?” asked Phoenix uncertainly. She felt like a stranger in Taratropolis- but a welcome one. “Because the person who built it had a dragon named Jade. Many tales there are about that dragon…” Liana’s voice trailed off.
“You guys!” said Allysa, “Wanna go outside?” She glanced over at the flames leaping from the fireplace. “It’s suffocating in here!” The three walked outside. The sun had set and it was completely dark.
Liana looked over her shoulder anxiously. She seemed to think she was being watched. “Tell me some stories about Jade.” Said Phoenix, hope it would take Liana’s mind off her fears. “Well,” she began, “Jade was often described a kind but fearsome dragon. She was bright emerald green, and legend has it that when a light flashed off her scales, it blinded people.”
“Shiny scales,” Commented Allysa, looking bored. “She had green eyes as well,” continued Liana. “Big- and they always seemed to be figuring out what you were thinking.” “Did you know her?” asked Phoenix. “No,” she answered, “I’ve only heard…” her remark was interrupted by a blood-curdling shriek. The next thing the girls knew, their arms were braced behind their backs and thick burlap sacks were pulled over their heads.
They were being roughly moved around. They heard voices outside. “Don’t you hurt ‘em badly now,” said a gruff voice, “We gonna want them alive enough to answer our questions.” They heard several grunts in reply.
Then they heard another noise, like fingers fiddling with rope or string. Allysa was trying to escape. “The darn lass!” said the gruff voice.
Then a moment of pain, an unbearable throbbing pain-
And then the world went black.
Chapter 17: Sir James
James was terrified. “Where are they?!” he asked Merlin “They went outside, and now…” his voice trailed off. “James,” said Merlin sympathetically, “Go outside. They must have gone for a walk or something. It’ll be alright.” He patted James softly on the back. “And take this.” He handed James a gleaming sword.
James walked outside. He bolted around, looking frantically in every direction. “They must have been kidnapped.” He said under his breath. He went over to where they had been sitting. He found a small bag of gold balls.
Phoenix’s gold balls.
He walked inside. “Merlin,” he said bravely, “I believe they have been kidnapped. I am going on a quest to find them. He sheathed his sword. “Very well.” Said Merlin gravely. “You will not go unprepared.” At that moment, a young boy lead Octavian into the room, clothed in silver armor. A trio of boys, looking very jealous, handed James a set of shining armor, including a blue-feather helmet, and a shield baring a dragon emblem.
He slipped it on easily, and kneeled as Merlin pulled out his own sword and touched James shoulders with it. “I now knight you, Sir James Dragonheart, for you are brave and loyal.” Sir James stood up. “Thank you Merlin,” he said, as he mounted Octavian. “And until we meet again, Farewell.”
He flew out the door and soared into the sky, leaving Taratropolis in search of his dearest friends. He was leaving this refuge, risking his own freedom- in an attempt to save the freedom of his companions.
Chapter 18: Troll Face
Phoenix woke. Her legs were tied together tightly, and her hands were twisted behind her back. She still had a burlap sack covering most of her body, and blood was pounding in her ears. She was lying horizontally in what seemed to be a cramped wooden box.
She struggled to get the sack off her head. Her wrists ached from rug burn. Just a little bit further… she thought to herself. And then: FWOOM! The sack came off. She took a deep breath, relieved to be breathing fresh air again.
But the relief lasted only a minute. The top of the box was lifted and an ugly, gnarled, troll-like face stared down at her. His atrocious sneer made her wish she had left the sack on. He pulled her out of the box with his grubby, sausage-like fingers, and tied her to a great wooden post, which she was horrified to see Allysa and Liana already tied to.
They were in a large, eerie stone castle, with no windows and no light, and certainly no way out. The troll faced man spoke in the gruff voice they had heard before.
“Ah’right, Ah’right, we got some ‘lil question for ya, lassies.” He smiled jovially and beckoned to a gaunt man with hands shriveled like dried peas. He had a whip.
Troll face got so close to Allysa she could smell hid breath. Garlic, she thought. The gaunt man spoke demandingly to Liana. “You!” he commanded, “What’s your name?” “Princess Liana.” She answered promptly. Troll face hid a laugh.
“Princess o’ what, you?” he asked. “Rosa.” She said. “I should be Queen- My mother is… dead. I don’t know where my father is.” Troll face looked briefly pitiful, but Gaunt mans face twisted into a horrid grin. He slashed the whip hard across Liana’s face. She whimpered slightly, but Phoenix could tell she wasn’t very scared.
“Why did you kidnap us anyhow?” asked Phoenix. “I’ll be the one asking the questions here!” he slashed the whip even harder across Phoenix’s face. Phoenix shuttered. “But if you must know, we work for the searchers- and the knights.” Troll face grinned stupidly. “Er, yeah. We in CAHOOTS wi’ them peeps. CAHOOTS!”
Gaunt man slashed Allysa across the face the hardest yet; she didn’t even flinch. She bared her teeth and looked him strait in the face, a terrible look of loathing in her eyes. She looked like if her hands were free, she would have punched him in the jaw. Then, loudly and suddenly, she said: “You are going to PAY.”
Chapter 19: Scarlet and Starlight
Newly knighted Sir James rode through the sky, sitting proudly on Octavian’s back. He peered down. He was flying over Dro, a stretch of lonely desert known for being extremely poor.
He just then realized he was hungry. Hmmm, he thought, I can’t turn back now, but maybe someone here will help me. He peered down at a small stone house below him. I’ll stop there. He swooped down and slip off his dragon, landing in the front of the house, and knocked.
“Yes?” the door was opened by a peasant boy about his age. “I am Sir James.” Said James. “I am on a quest right now to rescue my sister and her friends who are being held hostage. I have come to ask if I may stop here and have something to eat.”
“Of course.” Said the boy quickly. He walked inside, and gestured for James to follow. He took out a half-loaf of bread, and cut a slice off of it. His cupboards looked completely empty. “What’s your name?” asked James. “Scarlet.” Answered the boy. “Well Scarlet,” began James, “Take this for your troubles.” He handed him a gold ball, which transformed instantly into a purple dragon egg, and began to hatch.
But this one was different. For a few seconds, it merely stood still. Then, it expanded until it broke through the ceiling, leaving James and Scarlet standing outside in the night air.
Then it shattered. There was no light, it just shattered like glass. And forth came a huge, fully-grown deep purple dragon. It stretched its majestic wings, and the light of the moon bounced off its gleaming scales.
“Care to join me?” asked James “Would I ever.” Answered Scarlet in disbelief. He mounted the dragon, kicked it lightly, and said: “Let’s go, Starlight.” And off the dragons flew, into the gradually darkening night.