The Shadow King

7/31/2019 The Shadow King

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DragonstoneThe Shadow King

R.M. Crow


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Table of Contents

Prologue ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Dragon Rune Stones .............................................................................................................. 28

Welcome To Dragonstone .................................................................................................. 38

Training ..................................................................................................................................... 52

This Is Dragonstone .............................................................................................................. 63


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Prologue

Deep in the mines of a land called Dragonstone, dwarves and gnomes hack

tirelessly away at the stone walls, drawing out the mineral ton, an important

ingredient in many of the potions made by the Dragonian alchemists.

Hanging from each of their necks, on a golden chain, is a small stone that

glows with a warm light.

Even though the white-hot Sun still shines down on Dragonstones verdant

fields, torches line the wall of the cave from its yawning mouth to its darkest depths.

Following the line of torches, on the mines floor, is a track for a mine cart. The cart

itself travels up and down the track. As the cart goes by, each gnome or dwarf places

his or her collection of stones in the cart. At the mouth of the mine waits a larger

cart that is not on a track. As the traveling mine cart reaches the mouth of the mine,

its contents are dumped into the larger mine cart. Once the larger mine cart is full, it

will be taken to a designated area, where the ton will be stockpiled. The sounds of

the mine carts one squeaky wheel, the pickaxes colliding with the stone, and the

gruff calls of the gnomes and dwarves echo throughout the cave.

Now, we come to one little gnome named OGerra, who is effortlessly hacking

away at his section of the mine wall. Little does he know, before the night is over, he

will set in motion the events that could very well bring the entire Kingdom of

Dragonstone to its knees. As his pickaxe collides with the mine wall once more, a

small, polished black stone about the size of a human fist falls away and onto the


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ground. At first, OGerra doesnt notice it and continues to break away chunks of

ton from the wall. As the mine cart rolls by once more, OGerra places his

collection of stones into it. He then notices the strange stone and picks it up. Its

smooth, shiny surface and a strange light that seems to pulsate from deep within the

stone itself mesmerize him.

I dont believe this is ton,he thinks to himself. Ton is dull grey and rough.

This stone is a smooth,polished black.

He lifts the stone up to his nose and sniffs it. No. This definitely is not ton.

Ton smells like burnt almonds. This stone has no odor.

OGerra turns the stone over in his hand. I wonder if I should tell Tomas

about this.He then thinks better of it. No. Id better keep this to myself.

OGerras thoughts are interrupted by an Ahem from behind him. OGerra

turns around and blushes as he sees the gnome who pushes the mine cart waiting

for him to put his stones in. OGerra pockets the strange stone, bends down, picks up

some ton stones and throws them in the cart. The gnome continues to push the

cart back up to the mouth of the mine.

As the white-hot Sun sets on Dragonstones verdant fields, all the Dragonians

venture up to the castle for a grand feast to celebrate the birth of their beautiful,

peaceful land. The gnomes climb out of the mine and walk through the lush, green

Dragonstone forest, through Dragonstones verdant fields that stretch far to the

west and south, where they collide with the Dragonstone mountains. The tallest of

which, the Mountain of Life, is where the Dragonstone itself was found many years

ago. The stone now sits atop the grand Dragonstone castle, in its gold bracings, a


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shinning beacon of hope to all who see it. And it is the small fragments of this stone

that hang from the neck of all the Dragonians. They never remove these stones from

their bodies so that they may all be connected to their own land no matter where

their journeys may take them.

The long line of creatures, which includes gnomes, dwarves, fries, dragons,

elves, nymphs, and Magi, file through the Dragonstone Castles massive oak doors,

which always stand open, through the grand foyer, and into the great hall. The walls

rise high up until they meet with the vaulted ceiling. On the right wall is a gigantic

fireplace that is currently lit, bathing the great hall in a gentle light. In the left wall

are three arched windows that look out onto Dragonstones western fields. Stone

tables line the floor of the great hall lengthwise from its massive doorway to two

platforms at the back. Seated at the higher of the two platforms are five dragons. The

Spirit Dragon is in the centre. The Air Dragon is to his immediate right. The Fire

Dragon is to his immediate left. The Water Dragon is to his far left. And the Earth

Dragon is to his far right. Each dragon is currently in its smaller form and clothed in

purple robes. Their scales are coloured to match the element that each of them

represents. The colours are, respectively: white, sliver, red, blue, and green. The

names of the dragons are, respectively: Tlanark, Sra, Rodan, Fera, and Tra.

Seated at the lower of the two platforms are four elves and a sorcerer. They

are seated the same way as the dragons on the platform above them. Their eyes, hair,

and robes are coloured the same colour as the elements that they represent. The

names of the elves and the sorcerer are, respectively: Tomas, Anu, Tldan, Morrigan,

and Ethaun. Tomas is the High Priest. His wife, the Air Elf, Anu, is the High Priestess.


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As the creatures of Dragonstone file into the great hall, they all take their

seats at the stone tables. The hall soon fills with the cacophony of hundreds of

joyous voices. After a while, Tomas stands and raises his hands for silence. The

joyous cacophony quickly fades and all eyes turn to him. He smiles broadly as he

speaks.

My fellow Dragonians, he begins, a light lilt to his voice , tomorrow we

celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our land

He is interrupted as the Dragonians erupt in a raucous cheer.

As the cheer dies down, Tomas continues, Yes. Yes. It is certainly a day to

celebrate. Thanks to you all, Dragonstone has remained a beautiful, peaceful land for

many many years

As Tomas continues to speak, the spirit imprisoned within the stone inside

OGerras pocket laughs darkly. Soon, priest, your beautiful, peaceful land will

belong to me.

Now, as we enjoy this grand feast, please enjoy this token of my

appreciation.

Tomas claps his hands. The air suddenly fills with hundreds of flower petals

that float gently to the ground around the tables, but never touching the actual

tables themselves. Tomas claps his hands again, and a grand feast appears on the

tables. The Dragonians fill their plates and enjoy the bounty of their land.

As the Elf Mead that fills their cups takes effect, their drunken chatter and

laughter fill the corridors and rooms of the Dragonstone castle.


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Before any time seems to have passed at all, the western sky begins to turn a

milky grey as the Sun begins to rise. As the Sun peaks over the horizon, Tomas

stands once more. His gait is now slightly askew. He raises his hands for silence. The

drunken chatter and laughter dies down, and all eyes turn to Tomas.

Today, he begins, marks the anniversary of the birth of our land. Do as you

wish for the rest of the day. You are dismissed.

The great hall begins to empty. OGerra decides to go and sleep for a few

hours. He makes his way out of the castle, through the Dragonstone Forest to the

cliff face behind it. Carved into the cliff face are several hollows. Bridges and stairs

connect all the hollows to each other. OGerra walks up to his hollow near the top.

He enters and closes the door. The hollow is simple. Across from the door is a basin.

In the centre is a small table with a few chairs. To the right is a simple bed. To the

left are hooks for his pickaxe. OGerra hangs up his pickaxe, walks over to the basin,

fills it with water, and washes his face and beard. He walks over to the bed and lies

down.

OGerra sleeps the whole day. He awakens to a strange feeling in his pocket.

The moonlight is shinning through the window. OGerra takes the stone from his

pocket, its dark light pulsating.

Suddenly, a voice comes from the stone, startling OGerra enough for him to

drop the stone.

Hello, OGerra, the voice says. It is a high wispy voice, almost as if the wind

were talking.


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Do not be afraid, little one, the voice says gently. I am not going to harm

you.

Whowho are you, OGerra asks tentatively.

I am a Gate Guardian.

OGerra is completely surprised by this revelation. A Gate Guardian is one of

the most powerful beings in any world. There are multiple gates that separate

different worlds, the most common and powerful being the Stars. The job of a Gate

Guardian is to protect these gates from evil beings slipping through.

Which gate do you guard, OGerra asks.

Avalon.

Once more, OGerra is completely shocked. Avalon is the most sacred land

known to any creature. Its Gate Guardians are the most powerful of the Gate

Guardians. Its location is known only to a select few. The only Dragonians to know of

its location are Tomas and the Council Dragons. Not even the Council Elves know of

its location. Something then occurs to OGerra

If you are an Avalon Gate Guardian, how was it that something captured you

and imprisoned you in this stone?

The stones black glow darkens and intensifies. I am a Gate Guardian! I do

not have to explain myself to the likes of you!

OGerra shrinks back against the wall. I am very sorry. I didn t mean to

offend you.


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The stones glow returns to its normal state. It is all right. But you must

hurry and free me. Whatever creature got past me could be wreaking havoc on

Avalon as we speak. I must alert the Grand High Council as soon as possible.

OGerra is still apprehensive. I dont know.

OGerra stands. I should tell Tomas about this. He will know what to do.

No, the stone stops him. It may already be too late. You have to free me.

Now!

OGerra hesitates for a moment then says, What do I have to do?

The spirit inside the stone can taste victory now within his grasp. All you

have to do is break the stone open with your pickaxe.

OGerra nods. Okay.

OGerra walks over to the opposite wall, takes his pickaxe off the hooks,

walks over to the stone, raises his pickaxe above his head, and brings it down on the

stone. As the pickaxe collides with the stone, it shatters into thousands of small,

razor-sharp shards and a mighty crack rents the air. The shards fly all about the

hollow. Several pass effortlessly through the body of OGerra. As the dust settles,

OGerra falls to the ground, dead, blood pouring from hundreds of tiny wounds on

his body.

The crack released by the stone rouses Tomas in his bedchambers. Careful

not to wake his sleeping wife, Tomas gets out of bed and looks out the window.

While he cannot immediately see the area he expected the sound to come from, he

knows that something is wrong. Tomas exits the bedchambers and turns left,

walking down a narrow hallway. As he reaches the end of the hallway, he rounds the


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wall and walks down the balcony in the foyer. He reaches the stairs and goes down

them and out of the castle. Tomas makes his way through the forest and reaches the

cliff. As he steps out of the forest, he stops dead in his tracks. Standing at the foot of

the cliff is a tall, dark creature in hooded robes. Its black, clawed hands seem to

swallow the light of the Moon and Stars. The creatures face is hidden in the shadows

of his hood. Tomas has seen this creature before a long time ago.

You, Tomas says in the Dragonian tongue.

The creature answers in the soft hissing tongue of the most powerful

dmons in the world. The Shadow Dmon. Yes, Priest. It is I. I have returned once

more. And this time you do not have the means to stop me. Pity you wont be around

to see my kingdom grow. Deascishyra!

The death spell flies at Tomas. Not prepared to block the attack, Tomas

prepares for his inevitable death. As the spell is about to hit Tomas, a form suddenly

jumps in front of him, taking the blow. Startled by the sudden intrusion, the dmon

is momentarily distracted. Tomas uses the momentary distraction to call upon the

power of Earth and splits the ground beneath the dmon, sending him into a never-

ending fall. Tomas reverses the spell, and the crack begins to close. Just as the

ground is about to join back together, the dmon shoots out of the ground on the

back of a Chaos Dragon. The dragon flies over to the Mountain of Life and

disappears.

Tomas walks over to the form that saved him, now lying on the ground,

slowly dying, a pool of blood forming around it. Tomas kneels down as tears well in

his eyes. It is his brother-in-law, the Air Elf, Valmre.


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No, Valmre, Tomas chokes out. Why?

Valmre breathes in a slow, halting breath. BecauseTomasit isthe

wayit wasmeant to be

But, why you?

Valmres face contorts as a wave of pain passes through him. Do

notquestionthe wayof FateIdo nothavemuch time leftNowyou

mustlead Dragonstoneto stopsh-shendamonceand for all

II know, Valmre. I know that is what I must do. I just wish it was not at

the cost of your life.

Valmre smiles. Do notbe concernedabout meTomasIt willdo

youno goodIt ismy timeGoodbyeTomas

Valmre looks away as his last breath escapes him. Tomas holds back his

tears. Now is not the time to weep. Tomas must bring Valmres body back to the

castle and prepare it for burning tomorrow. Tomas uses his powers to lift the body

off of the ground and carry it to the castle. He takes it down to the basement where

several bottles of different potions and chemicals await.

Tomas sets the body down on the table in the centre of the room. He removes

Valmres robes. He then shaves the hair off of Valmres head while soaking

bandages in chemicals that will help the body burn cleanlier. After Tomas has

finished shaving Valmres head, he ties a rope to Valmres feet, hoists him to the

ceiling, and cuts open his wrists and throat, draining the blood. As the blood drains,

Tomas fills outpaperwork for Valmres death.


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Name: Valmre Shintar

Age: 480 years

Date of Birth: 4 Hanthar 68,999,520

Date of Death: 1 Sra 69,000,000

Type of Death: Murder

Way of Death: Curse

Name of Curse: Deascishyra

Tomas files the paperwork among Vamres personal record.

The blood finishes draining, and Tomas gently lowers Valmres body back

onto the table. He carefully wraps Valmres body in the bandages.

He then goes up to the first floor and steps outside. He waves his hand

through the air, locking all entrances into this world. He steps back inside and pulls

a lever that is next to a chain-wheel next to the doors. The chain-wheel spins quickly

as the doors slowly creak closed. He then goes up to the second floor and to his

room. His room, like all rooms in the castle, is simple. His bed is in the centre of the

room against the back wall, a window on either side. To the left is a doorway leading

into Tomas and Anus son, Jerichos room. To the right is a doorway. Tomas goes

through the doorway. All that is inside is a Dragonwood cabinet. He opens it up to

reveal gleaming white armour. His fathers armour.

Well, father, he says, our enemy has returned.

Tomas puts the armour on. As he sheathes his sword, the armour disappears.


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Tomas goes to the back left corner of the foyers second floor. He ascends the

staircase to the top and enters into the medical wing. Several cots are set up in long

rows in the rotund room. Most of the beds are empty, but a few are occupied. Two

alchemists shuffle quietly about the room, tending to the sick creatures. Tomas

knows all the creatures here and what they are here for. There is a dwarf, three beds

from the door with black lung, a juvenile Water Elf is next to him who got bit by a

Devil Fish, and a Magi next to the elf with a simple case of sleeping sickness. All

three illnesses are easy to cure with potions and a few days rest.

To the right is a door leading to the alchemy room. To the left is a door

leading into Tldan, the head alchemists office, and bedroom. At the back left wall

are three arched windows, the moonlight shinning through it. At the far end of the

room on the right side is a door leading to the nursery. Tomas makes his way over to

it and enters. Inside are several cribs and nests. The nests have three baby dragons

in them, all sleeping soundly. Several of the cribs contain the newborns of several of

the varying creatures of Dragonstone. Tomas walks over to the nests, crouches

down, and gently wakes one of the sleeping dragons. The dragon opens its mouth in

a large yawn and opens its eyes. It blinks a few times as it focuses on Tomas face. It

then starts to squeak and squeal happily.

Shhh, shhh, Tomas whispers. Be quiet, Rothn. Youll wake the other

babies.

Rothn quiets down but still lets out an excited peep every now and then as

Tomas pets him. Rothn is too young to speak, and it will be a few years before he

can. But he is old enough to recognize faces and understand what others are saying.


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The door to the nursery opens. Tomas turns as Tldan enters.

Tomas, Tldan says, what are you doing in here?

Tomas stands. I came to see some of the newborns.

Tldan scrutinizes Tomas. Something is bothering you, my friend. What is

wrong?

Tomas sighs and walks over to Tldan. Let us not talk here.

Very well, Tldan says. Shall we speak in my office?

Tomas nods and follows Tldan out of the nursery and across the medical

wing to Tldans office. The office is simple. In the centre is a desk, a chair on either

side. Several papers and folders are scattered all across it. In the back left corner is a

liquor cabinet. In the right wall is a window. Wooden cabinets, hung from the walls,

span all the way around the upper walls of the office, except for the wall with the

window. To the immediate right of the door is Tldans bed. To the left of this is a

smaller file cabinet. Tldan sits in the chair behind the desk and gestures for Tomas

to sit in the chair on the other side. Tomas sits down.

Would you like a drink, Tldan asks, opening the liquor cabinet.

Tomas nods. Mead please.

Tldan removes two wooden goblets and a crystal carafe filled with amber

liquid from the cabinet. He pours some of the mead in each of the goblets and hands

one to Tomas. Tomas downs the entire goblet in a few swallows and holds out the

goblet for more. Tldan refills his goblet, a look of concern on his face.

Tomas, he says, whats wrong? What has got you so concerned?


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Tomas takes a sip from the goblet. Concerned is an understatement. Dark

times are now upon us, my friend. Very dark times.

Tomas, Tldan says, you are scaring me.

Tomas nods. You should be scared. You should be terrified. We should all be

terrified.

Tomas, will you please tell me what is going on?

Tomas hangs his head and mutters something so quietly that Tldan cannot

hear it. Pardon, Tldan asks.

Tomas looks up. shendam has been freed.

Tldan drops his goblet on the desk, his mouth agape. The amber liquid spills

all over the papers and files.

shendamis free, Tldan chokes out.

Tomas nods.

H-howhow?

Tomas stands. I dont know!

He turns away, putting his hand to the back of his head. I dont know.

Tldan picks up his goblet and uses his Magick to clear away the spilt liquid.

What are we going to do, Tomas?

Tomas sits back down. I have no clue, Tldan. We are completely

unprepared for this. Maybe the council will have some ideas. Ill have to tell all of

Dragonstone tomorrow.

Tldan nods. So, tell me what happened. How did you discover this?


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Tomas holds out his goblet for more mead. Tldan fills both his and Tomas

goblets. Tomas takes a large gulp from his goblet before beginning.

A loud crack awoke me. I walked out of the castle to the cliffs. I saw

shendam at the foot of them. He tried to kill me with the Deascishyra. I didnt have

time to defend myself, so I was prepared to die. But a figure jumped in front of me,

saving me from the curse. shendam was momentarily distracted. I used the

distraction to crack the ground beneath shendam, hoping to trap him at least for a

little while. As the crack was about to close, shendam shot out of the ground on the

back of his Chaos Dragon, Nelvara. He flew over to our highest mountain and

disappeared.

Tldan takes a sip from his goblet. Who saved you?

Valmre.

No, Tldan gasps, not Valmre. What are you going to tell your wife and

son?

Oh, God Dragons, Tomas places his head in his hands. I never even thought

about Anu and Jericho. I dont know what I am going to do.

Tldan nods. There is not much you can do before tomorrow. Try to get

some sleep, Tomas. You will need it. As will we all.

Tomas nods as he stands. I shall see you later, my friend.

Tldan nods. Sleep well.

Tomas opens the door. I will try, my friend. I will try.

Tomas closes the door and stands in front of it for a few minutes. He then

goes back to his bedroom and lies down. However, sleep escapes him. Soon, the


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white-hot Sun rises, casting a warm glow over Dragonstones verdant fields. Tomas

gets out of bed and goes downstairs. As he reaches the stairs, Tldan meets him

there.

Are you ready, Tomas, he asks.

Tomas shakes his head. Im not even close to being ready. But even a lifetime

ofpreparing for this moment wouldnt get me ready for what I am about to say.

Tldan places his hand on Tomas shoulder. They are your people, Tomas.

You have to be strong for them. They will be looking to you for guidance. As will I.

Tomas nods. Shallwe.

Tldan nods, and the two descend the stairs and join the line of creatures

streaming into the great hall. As the creatures take their seats, Tomas begins to walk

down the centre aisle. Never had the walk to the front tables seemed so long. As

Tomas glances left and right at the joyous faces of his people, fear and anxiety clench

his stomach at the thought of bringing all this happiness to an end. Tomas takes his

place at the front and raises his hands for silence. The hall quiets quickly as

countless quizzical faces turn towards him. It is highly irregular to make

announcements right away. Usually, the Dragonians have a chance to talk before

announcements are made. As the hall quiets, Tomas swallows nervously. Tomas is

not sure how to start. As the silence goes on, a few indiscernible whispers flare up as

Tomas searches for words. Tomas feels a hand fall gently onto his shoulder. He

turns to see the fiery eyes of Tldan. Tomas regains his composure and turns back to

his people. Tldan regains his seat.


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Tomas clears his throat and begins, My fellow Dragonians, obviously, this

announcement is too important to wait. Dark times are now upon us. Last night, I

awoke to a loud sound. Apparently, I was the only one who awoke to it. I think it was

intentional that I be the only one who heard it. I went down to the cliffs where I

believed the sound to have come from. As I exited the forest, I saw something that

made my blood run coldshendam has been freed

Tomas is interrupted as a cacophony of voices fills the great hall.

Tomas raises his voice to be heard above the din, Please! Please! Everyone

calm down!

The voices die down as all eyes turn back to Tomas. I know that this news

is

Terrifying, Tlanark, the Spirit Dragon says from above Tomas.

Tomas nods. Yes. Terrifying.

Tomas, are you sureabout this, Tlanark asks.

Tomas nods. Positive. shendam tried to kill me with the Deascishyra. I

wasnt prepared to defend myself in time, so I thought for sure that my time had

come. However, another Dragonian saved me. Surprised by the sudden intrusion,

shendam was momentarily distracted. I used the distraction to crack the ground

beneath shendam, hoping to keep him at bay for at least a little while. However, as

I reversed the spell, closing the crack, he shot out of the ground on the back of his

Chaos Dragon, Nelvara. As I went to see who saved meit was Valmre.

No, Tomas wife, Anu, gasps.


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Tomas continues, His body is ready for burning. I prepared it last night. So,

for now, let us attend to him. We can worry about shendam later. For now, let us

grieve for our lost friend and comrade.

The group of creatures ventures outside and down to the lake. As Tomas

follows them out, he glances towards the Mountain of Life. Fear clenches at his

stomach once more as he sees deep black smoke coming from the summit. However,

this is no ordinary smoke. It is a horrid curse, designed to destroy any life that it

touches. shendams plague will slowly spread out from the Mountain of life,

infecting it with his evil. Then it will consume all of Dragonstone.

Tomas goes down to the lakeshore and helps the Earth Elves and Earth

Dragons build a pyre. The Air Elves carry out Valmres body. The last log is placed

onto the pyre, and Valmres body is placed on top of it. Everyone takes a place in

front of the lake. Tomas stands before them.

Today, he begins, we grieve for our fallen friend and comrade, Valmre

Shintar. Valmre gave his life for mine when shendam tried to kill me. Valmres

actions were noble and honorable. His story will be added to the grand tapestry that

is the history of Dragonstone. He will stay in the minds and hearts of all Dragonians

forever.

Tomas turns to the pyre and summons a flame to light it on fire. We light the

cleansing fire to release the soul. The pyre burns down quickly. Tomas creates a

light breeze that lifts some of the ashes into the air. We place the ashes on the wind

to be blown onto the lake. The ashes settle onto the lake. We leave the rest of the

ashes to return to the earth from whence they came. He turns back to the


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congregation. Now, while normally I would let those of you who wish to stay here

do so, due to these new circumstances, I think it is best we stay indoors as much as

possible until a solution is thought of. I have closed the portals that bring in

creatures for the market. I think it is best we now return to the castle.

No one argues; no one even says a word as the Dragonians make their way

back up to the castle. They all file quietly into the great hall. Tomas take his place up

front.

He says, I know that we are all afraid and distressed. However, we should

try to eat. We will need our strength in the coming days.

Tomas claps his hands and food appears on the plates. The normal din of

joyous voices that usually fills the great hall is deathly quiet. The only sound is the

clattering of forks and spoons on plates. The meal doesnt last very long. As

everyone finishes eating, Tomas stands and raises his hands for silence, even though

the gesture is fruitless. All eyes turn to him.

My fellow Dragonians Tomas pauses at those words, pondering their

meaning.

My fellow Dragonians, he repeats. A lot is said in those words, isnt there?

Separate, each word doesnt hold much more than its own meaning. But

combinedthey have so much meaning. My fellow Dragonians. It gives me a sense

of fellowship and unity with you all. We are one people. We stand together against

all odds. Because of our unity, Dragonstone has grown into a peaceful, beautiful land.

Even when we are alone, the power and energy and unity of all Dragonians are with

us. Always. As long as we stay united, we can defeat shendam. And we will!


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To emphasize his point, Tomas slams his fist down onto the table.

For a moment, the hall is silent. Then it erupts in a cacophony of cheers and

applause.

As it dies down, Tomas continues, Now, let us rest and prepare for the

coming war. Go home.

Everyone clears out of the great hall to go to his or her respective homes.

Night falls quietly on Dragonstones verdant fields.

The next morning, Tomas wakes to the sounds of shouts and screams. His

wife awakens a split second after him. Without a word, they rush out of bed. They

tap into their powers to summon their armour. They meet the other elves by the

entrance. They all run out of the castle onto the fields. They are met with a horrid

scene. Banshees, sirens, Shadow Dmons, Shadow Elves, gnomes, and lichens fight

with the various creatures of Dragonstone. The dragons themselves are up in the air

fighting with shendam. Tomas and the Council Elves rush into the throng. Tomas

first meets up with a Shadow Dmon, a tall, hooded figure with dark, withered

hands. The dmon swings his sword at Tomas as he parries and dodges. As the

dmon takes another swing, Tomas fakes and the dmon falters. Tomas drives his

sword into the creatures hood. It lets out a horrid, ear-splitting screech as it falls to

the ground, dead. As Tomas kills a banshee, he looks up and sees shendam trying

to rip the Dragonstone from its gold bracings. Tomas turns to the castle and runs

inside. He goes up to the second floor to the front left corner. He ascends the stairs

to the top of the tower and exits out onto the roof. Tomas son Jericho is there, trying

to hold down the Dragonstone with his powers. shendam summons four Shadow


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Dmons. Two of them fight with Tomas. The other two Shadow Dmons grab onto

Jericho. He loses his grip on the stone. The bracings buckle as the stone is ripped

away. Nelvara swoops down and grips Jericho in her talons. She then flies away

towards the Mountain of Life, the stone and Jericho clutched in her claws.

Tomas hears his wife scream, No as Nelvara passes over the fields. The

Shadow Dmons holding back Tomas disappear. He runs to the edge of the top of

the castle. The creatures below are retreating back into the slowly growing Shadow

Lands. Tomas goes back downstairs, and the council gathers on the field.

Any deaths, Tldan, Tomas asks.

Tldan closes his eyes for a few moments. He opens them. Many injuries. No

fatalities.

Tomas nods. Good.

Tomas raises his voice so that everyone can hear him. Everyone who isnt

injured I want to help bring those who areinjured back to the castle!

The Dragonians who arent injured help the council bring the injured

creatures into the castle and up to the medical wing. Tomas and the alchemists

attend to the worst cases. After everyone is stable, Tomas and the alchemists go

down to the great hall. Tomas stands on the ground floor of the great hall.

Tomas sighs, I am sorry. I thought we had enough power. I was wrong. We

have to think of a way to defeat him. Does anyone have any ideas?

The hall remains silent.

Any idea will do, Tomas says.Even the wildest most farfetched idea will at

least be something.


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A female Magi, Corona, stands. I have an idea.

Tomas nods. Proceed.

The Dragon Warriors.

The hall is silent for a few moments as the idea sinks in.

Yes, Tomas says. They might have descendants. Butit is going to take a

lot of effort to find them. I am not sure we can find them while still battling with

shendam.

I thought of that as well, Corona says. We could call a temporary truce with

him. The Shadow World has its own set of laws. If shendam accepts the truce, he is

bound to it.

Tomas nods. Good idea, Corona. But what can we offer shendam in return

for a short time of peace?

Corona shakes her head as she sits back down. I tried, but I couldnt think of

anything.

Tomas looks around the hall. Does anyone have an idea of what we can offer

him?

Ethaun, the Earth Council Elf, stands. Shadow Dmons like precious and

semi-precious stones. We could offer him Dragon Crystals.

Tomas turns to him. Good idea, Ethaun.

Tomas turns to Morrigan, the Water Elf Queen. Morrigan, will you draw up

the agreement?

Morrigan nods. Of course, Tomas.

Morrigan summons a quill pen and parchment and begins to write the truce.


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Tomas turns back to his people. Now, all we need is someone to deliver the

message.

Corona stands once more. Ill go.

Are you sure, Corona, Tomas asks.

Corona nods.

Tomas walks over to her. Thank you, Corona.

Corona dips her head.

Tomas turns to the Water Elf, Joyce. Joyce, would you please retrieve the

messengers vest?

Joyce stands. Of course.

Joyce walks out of the great hall.

Tomas turns back to Corona. Even though shendam stole his lands from us,

you do know that you cannot use Magick while on shendams territory.

Corona nods. I do.

Joyce returns with the Messengers Vest, a Dragon Leather vest with a yellow

emblem of a quill pin and parchment embroidered on the back. Corona dons the vest.

shendam cannot kill you in his territory as long as you do not use Magick

and ware this vest, Tomas says.

Corona nods. Tomas taps Coronas forehead. A green aura appears around

her then fades.

This aura, Tomas says, will protect you from the harsh environment of the

Shadow Lands.

Tomas turns to Morrigan. Morrigan, is the truce drawn up?


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Yes. Morrigan rolls up the parchment and ties it with a ribbon.

She stands and brings it down to Tomas. He hands it off to Corona.

Tomas places his hand on Coronas shoulder. Take one of the unicorns. It

should only take you a few hours to reach the Mountain of Life. Good luck.

Without another word, Corona turns and walks out of the castle. A few days

later, she returns, dragging herself up the stairs. Tomas meets her on the stairs. She

looks thin and pale.

We have a month, Corona says.

She holds out a small stone and a book. And I found these on the outskirts of

the Shadow Lands.

At first, Tomas doesnt recognize the stone, but as he takes it, he recognizes

the power coursing through it. It is what is left of the Dragonstone. The book is a

copy of the Shadow Dmons spell book. As Tomas takes the items, Corona collapses

on the steps.

Tomas calls Tldan. Tldan comes out of the castle and helps Tomas carry

her up to the medical wing.

As they lay her down, Tomas asks, Will she be okay?

Tldan nods. She will. Shes just exhausted and malnourished. She just needs

to rest.

Tldan gestures to the stone. Is that the Dragonstone?

Tomas nods. It is.

How did you get it, Tldan asks.


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Corona says she found it on the outskirts of the Shadow Lands along with a

copy of the Shadow Dmons spell book. I believe Jericho had something to do with

it. Thats the only possible way they could have ended up on the outskirts. At least

its the only way I can think of.

Tomas sighs. I just hope he is still alive.

Meanwhile

In the dungeons of shendams castle, a young naked boy lies tied face down

on a stone table. A shadow dmon in his human form stands over him, lashing a

whip across his back, shouting, What did you do with the Dragonstone!?

I dont know where it is, the boy shouts back.

The dmon lashes the whip across the boys back three times.

The boy screams with each lash. Aaaa! Aaaa! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!


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Dragon Rune Stones

I awaken and sit bolt upright. Beads of sweat have formed on my forehead.

The same nightmare, again and again. Little else has occupied my dreams the last

several weeks. This strange land, Dragonstone, is attacked by that horrid dmon.

And poor Tomas and Anu, losing Valmre so suddenly and tragically. And Tomas

son, Jericho. And who are these Dragon Warriors that were mentioned? I just hope

they are found before shendams horrible plague destroys all of Dragonstone.

I shake my head. You are being silly, I tell myself. Its just a dream. But looking

over to the left where my desk is, the books sitting on top of it, the one titled

Interpreting Ones Dreams, I know that this may very well be something more. My

room is filled with metaphysical items. As you stand in the doorway, my bed is in the

left corner nearest the door. The sheets are covered in stars. Set in the right wall is a

two-door closet. Against the back right corner is a bookshelf; several books on

different areas of metaphysical study fill its shelves, along with several of my

favourite fiction books. To the left of the bookshelf is my desk. Sitting on it are a few

other books, my tarot decks, some incense, and a few other items. I get out of bed

and walk over to the window in the back wall, pressing my head against it. Itssurface is cool from the autumn air. The rising sun is painting the sky the milky grey

of Twilight. I walk over to the full-length mirror, scrutinizing my 16 year old

reflection. My short dirty blond hair and sea-green eyes. My scrawny frame outlined


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in a white t-shirt and black shorts. I turn to my closet and pull out a pair of polyester

pants and a hooded sweatshirt and change into them. I put on a pair of sneakers

over my white socks. I take my leather wallet and mobile from my desk and slip

them into my pocket.

I open my door and leave my room. I walk a little bit down the hallway and

go downstairs to the den. Against the back wall is a light green sofa. Across from this

is a plasma TV, a DVR, and a stereo system. In between the sofa and the TV is an

empty coffee table. To the left of the TV is a bookshelf filled with photo albums. I

take down the most recent one labeled, France. I flip through its pages. The

pictures show me, Samuel; my dad; my mom; and my sister at the Louvre, the Eifel

Tower, and several other famous locations in France. My mom and sister look

exactly alike, curly brown hair; chocolate brown eyes; broad, pouty lips; and curving

figures. My moms name is Brenda and my Sisters name is Laura. Laura is 18, two

years older than me. My dad looks just like me. His name was Greg. He died in a car

wreck on the way home from his job as a real estate developer. When he was alive,

he would take us everywhere. Wed been to Egypt, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Spain,

Brazil, and dozens of other tourist attractions around the globe.

After a while, my mother and sister come down, cups of coffee clutched in

their hands. Without a word, the two of them sit down on either side of me, and the

three of us look through the rest of the photo album. I put the photo album back on

the shelf and stand.

Breaking the silence, I say, Well, I have plans. Ill see you two later.


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I go upstairs and leave the house. The town we live in is small. Gypsies

founded it long ago. Therefore, the town has a very psychic feel. My mom, who

worked with my dad as an exterior and interior designer, was hired by the town to

remodel its drab, greyish appearance. She took the job so that we could get away

from the house we lived in before. Too many memories of my dad lived there. She is

almost finished with our street.

The street extends down to an intersection where it turns into the small

business district. Theres a small market, a dry cleaners, an arcade, a game shop, a

bookstore, and a few other shops. The bookstore is where I get all my metaphysical

supplies. I walk down the street to the bookstore. While the day itself is beautiful, a

chilly breeze blows through the town.

I walk down to the intersection and cross the street into the business district.

I walk down to the bookstore and enter. Bookshelves span from the front of the

store to the very back. The books up front are your typical fiction and nonfiction

books. But as the shelves near the back, they enter into the metaphysical realm. The

checkout counter is to the left. The owners, a nice elderly couple, stand behind the

counter. Jack is bald and wears glasses. Today he is wearing a blue button-down

shirt and khaki pants. His wife, Mary, has strawberry blond hair that is fading

gracefully to grey. She is wearing a pink blouse and a pair of white pants.

Hi, Sam, they both say simultaneously. I wave hi to them

As I turn to walk to the back, Jack says, If you came for those runes, they are

gone.


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What? I turn back to them. I had been saving up to buy this beautiful set of

Dragon Rune Stones I had seen here a few weeks ago. I walk up to the counter.

Yeah, Jack says as I walk up. A young woman came in and bought them just

before you got here.

I hang my head in disappointment. Okay. Thanks.

Wait, Mary says, as I am about to walk out.

She pulls a brown package out from under the counter. FedEx is stamped on

the side.

Happy birthday, she says. We were going to wait, but we thought since the

runes were gone, this might lift your spirits.

I open the box. Inside is a green velvet box. I open the velvet box. Inside is a

pentacle carved from deep black obsidian on a black snake chain. At each of the five

points of the pentacle is a crystal representing one of the five elements. At the top

point is a white crystal, representing Spirit. At the top left point is a silver crystal,

representing Air. At the top right point is a red crystal, representing Fire. At the

bottom left point is a blue crystal, representing Water. At the bottom right point is a

green crystal, representing Earth.

Wow, I say. Thanks. Its beautiful.

Jack and Mary nod.

You know, Jack says, they might have those rune stones at the new

metaphysical store down the street.

What metaphysical store, I ask.


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Some old woman bought that condemned building down the street, Jack

says. She got it fixed up. Brought it up to code. Turned it into a metaphysical store.

Thanks, Jack, I say. I slip the pendant over my head, slide the velvet box into

my pocket, and walk out of the store.

I walk down the street to the most dilapidated building in town. At least it

was. When we moved here, the building s paint was pealing. Its windows were dirty

and grimy. The buildings foundation was buckling, so that the building leaned

precariously to one side. The city council was contemplating on whether or not to

tear it down. Now, the building is standing up straight, it has been repainted a sky

blue, and the windows have been replaced. The only thing that it needs is a new sign.

A whitewash sign with the words, The Druids Cave hangs above the doorway. The

woman who bought this store would have to have a lot of money in order to bring

this building up to code. I enter the store. The walls inside are painted sky blue. A

beautiful mural of different fantastical scenes, each one transferring into the next, is

painted all the way around. A lighted glass counter stands away from the wall. It is

filled with various metaphysical items. On the glass counter are tree carousels.

Various jewelries hang from the trees.

I am so mesmerized by the beauty of the small shop that I jump as an old,

scratchy voice says, Welcome, young man.

I turn to the voice. Standing in a dark doorway opposite the entrance is a

very old woman. She is hunched over underneath a dirty brown shawl, wearing

tattered, grey robes. Her form is supported by a knobby wooden cane. Locks of grey


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hair peak out from under her hood. Her snaggletooth grin is crooked, and her glazed

eyes suggest that she is blind.

Hello,I say to her. I came for

The woman holds up her hand. I know why you are here.

This doesnt surprise me. Many Gypsies with psychic powers still live in this

town. This woman must be one of them.

The woman continues, You are here for the Dragon Runes, correct?

I nod.

The woman turns and walks into the back. After a while, I hear a crashing

sound followed by a curse word. I wonder why she didnt turn on the light. Then I

remember that she is blind. The light would do her no good.

The woman then comes out of the back room carrying a wooden box. She

hands the box to me. I believe these are what you are looking for.

I take the box as I say, Thank you. These are exactly what I wanted. How

much?

The woman waves away the question. No charge.

I look at her, surprised. What? Why?

Soon, you will pay me, and many more, back with something that is far more

precious than money.

Okay I say. Thanks.

I turn and walk out the door.


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As Sam walks out of the shop, the old woman begins to metamorphose. Her

back straightens, as she grows taller. Her cane lengthens, becoming a tall staff. Her

shawl disappears, as her robes grow longer. Her hair also grows longer and her eyes

come into focus. Her hair, robes, and eyes all turn to the colour silver. Her ears

become longer and more pointed at the top. Anu waves her hand in the air and a

portal opens. She steps through it.

As the portal closes, she utters one word, Netra.

I step out of the shop.

As the door closes, I say, Crazy old woman.

A warm breeze suddenly blows through, fluttering my sweatshirt. I swear I

hear a voice say, Soon.

Then, my mobile rings. I take it out of my pocket. I look at the caller ID. It says,

Amy.

I answer it. Hi, Amy.

Hi, Sam,she says. How are you?

I am doing fine. I finally got those Dragon Runes.

Thats great. When can I see them?

Why dont we meet at the fountain? I can show them to you there.

Okay. Sounds great. See you soon. Bye.

Bye.

I hang up the phone and start walking down to the fountain. Amy was the

first friend I ever made after we moved here. And over the years, I slowly began


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falling in love with her. Ive never told her how I feel. I dont even know if she feels

the same way. I was planning on telling her today at the fountain. I just hope that I

can. I have tried many times in the past. I start off by saying, Amy, I Then I end

with, Never mind. Its so frustrating.

I reach the fountain. The fountain was the first thing built in this town. It is

made of polished granite. There are five crumbling pedestals around the fountain.

Something was broken off long ago. In the centre of the fountain is another pedestal.

Something smaller was also broken off of this one. At the very base of the fountain is

a placard with some strange writing on it. Not even the Gypsies can read what is

written there. The fountain itself hasnt spouted water for many years. But despite

the fact that the water is always still, it still remains crystal clear. Several coins line

the bottom of the fountain.

I sit on the edge of the fountain and wait for Amy. After a few minutes, I see

her frame top the hill and time seems to slow. Her long raven hair flutters in the

breeze. Her brown eyes smile as she sees me. Her white teeth are perfectly straight.

She is wearing a white sweater and blue jeans.

She sits down on the fountain as she says, Hi, Sam.

Hi, I say sheepishly.

She is sitting so close that our knees are touching.

She notices the box. Are those the stones?

I nod. They are.


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I open the box. Inside are 28 runes, each carved with a Dragon Rune symbol.

The carvings are filled in with scarlet paint. The runes themselves are set in a red

velvet holder.

Wow, Amy says, how much did you pay for these?

Thats the strangest thing, I say. The old woman I bought them from didnt

charge me a thing for them.

Really? Did she say why?

I nod. She said that I would soon pay her, and many more, back with

something far more precious than money.

Odd.

Thats what I thought.

Amy gestures to the lid. Look theresa compartment in the lid.

I look, and there is a latch in the lid of the box. I unlatch it and a compartment

falls open. Inside the compartment are a guidebook and six extra rune stones. Five

of the runes have elemental symbols carved into them, each carving filled in with

that elements colour. The sixth is carved with a dark blue pentacle.

Amy reaches for the five stones. As she does, her hand brushes mine. All my

feelings for her well up inside me until I feel as though I am about to burst. I feel that

if I dont reveal my feelings now, I never will.

Amelia, I say, setting the box down on the edge of the fountain.

She draws her hand back, and looks at me, surprised. You have never called

me Amelia before.

I know. There is a reason.


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I take her hand. Amelia, I

I swallow. I love you, Amelia.

You do?

Yes. I think of you every waking moment. I often walk with you in my

dreams. I love you with every fiber of my being.

Amelia smiles. I love you, too, Samuel.

The two of us lean towards each other. As our lips are about to touch, I hear a

soft splash. I turn to see the runes and the box floating in the water

Oh, Sam, Ameliasays. Im sorry. I knocked it in.

Its okay, I say, standing and taking off my shoes and socks. Ill get them.

I step into the fountain.

Here. Ill help.

Amelia takes off her shoes and socks and steps into the fountain with me. As I

reach for the first stone, a strong wind blows through, knocking Amelia and I off our

feet. The five elemental rune stones lift up into the air and infuse themselves with

the broken pedestals. The rune stone with the pentacle on it infuses itself with the

central column. Where the five broken points are, five dragons appear, each one a

different elemental colour. The dragons let out a mighty roar and begin to fly around

the fountain, the water churning below them. I hold tight to Amelia as the churning

water tries to suck us under.

Dont let go, Amelia, I shout above the din of the water and the dragons.

Whatever you do, dont let go!

We are sucked beneath the churning water and swallowed by darkness.


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Welcome To Dragonstone

I open my eyes. The world around me is distorted and blurry. I see a dark

shape looming over me and the hollow echo of indiscernible voices. The world starts

to come into focus, the blurred edges becoming sharper and clearer, the voices

coming closer. The dark shape begins to take a solid form. It takes on the guise of a

man with pure white eyes and hair. It seems as though I should know the face, but I

cannot place it.

I think hes awake. While the man is looking at me, he is not speaking to me.

How are you, the man asks me.

My head is throbbing, I answer him.

The man looks away from me. Get him some asphodel bark, he says to some

unseen figure. I hear footsteps walking away, the creak of a cabinet door opening

then closing, and the same set of footsteps coming back. A hand passes over me,

handing something to the white-haired man. He takes it.

Can you sit up, the man asks me.

I think so, I answer.

The man helps me sit up, my head continuing to throb. He hands me a small

piece of bark and a goblet of water.

This is asphodel bark, the man explains. It will get rid of your headache.

He then hands me a goblet of water. The bark is tough and gritty. Hard to

swallow. The water will help it dissolve.


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I put the small piece of bark into my mouth and chew. He wasnt kidding

about it being tough and gritty. I take a gulp of water. The bark dissolves

instantaneously. I swallow the concoction. My headache immediately fades as if it

was never there.

I am now able to take in the room around me. The walls are made of pure

white stone. The room itself is rotund. Cots line the floor from one wall to the other.

To my left are two doors. At the far end of the room is another door. Across from

this are three arched windows, the moonlight shining through. Men and women

dressed in red robes shuffle quietly about the room. Again, I feel as though I should

recognize all this. But I cannot place it. I look at the two men on either side of me.

One is the white-haired man. The other is a man with burning red eyes, hair, and

robes.

Suddenly, it all comes flooding back to me. My dream. The old woman. The

rune stones. The churning water. The suffocating blackness.

I turn to the white-haired man. Are you Tomas?

The man looks surprised. He nods.

I turn to the other man, knowing now that he is actually an elf. And you are

Tldan.

He nods, a look of surprise on his face.

I look at the room around me. Then that must mean that thisis

Dragonstone.

I look back at Tomas, and he is completely shocked. Apparently, he didnt

know that I had been dreaming about this place for weeks.


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You know of this place, he asks.

I nod. Quite well.

How, Tldan asks.

I explain my dream to them. I cover every detail from when OGerra first

uncovered the stone, up until Coronas return. Is Corona all right, I ask.

Tomas nods. She is quite well.

Another realization suddenly hits me. Tomas, why did you bring us here?

I think you already know why, he answers.

I nod.

Tomas turns to Tldan. Have any of the others awoken yet?

Sam and the other two boys have come out of unconsciousness quite easily.

However, the girls seem to be having a bit more trouble.

I suddenly remember Amelia and turn to Tldan. Is Amelia all right?

Tldan nods. Dont worry. She is perfectly well. Its just taking longer for her

to wake up.

One of the female elves turns to him. Master Tldan, the girls are starting to

wake up.

Good, Tldan says, standing and turning towards her. Get them some

asphodel bark and some water. They are sure to have headaches.

The female elf nods and walks over to a small cabinet by one of the two doors.

She opens it, revealing a large piece of bark. She brakes off two tiny pieces and takes

them over to two cots a little further down where two figures sit on the edge of their


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particular cots. One of them is Amelia. The other is a girl with long blond hair. I

notice their faces contort at the disgusting taste of the bark.

Tldan sighs as he rolls his eyes. She didnt bring them water.

He stands and walks into the right door of the two that stand next to each

other. He emerges a few seconds later, carrying two wooden goblets. As he walks

over to the elf and the two girls, I turn to Tomas and ask, Is that elf new?

Tomas nods. She is an apprentice. We thought, since shendam has invaded,

that we ought to have extra alchemists at hand. We only had three before, including

Tldan. We never needed anymore than that. Now, we are doubling that. But I fear

in the coming days, we will need even more.

I nod my understanding.

Please keep why you are here from the others until I have a chance to

explain. They do not know the danger that Dragonstone is in as well as you. I also

dont think that you yourself know the extent of the danger.

I shake my head. I probably dont. I wont say anything to the others.

Thank you.

Tldan walks over with four others: two boys and two girls. One of the girls is

Amelia. The other girl is a Welsh blond with blue eyes who introduces herself as

Willow. The two boys are an Irish boy with red hair and brown eyes named Fillip

and an Australian tanned-skin boy with dark hair and dark eyes named Ethan. After

the five of us are introduced, Tomas stands

I am sure that you are all wondering why you have been brought here. If you

will follow me, I will answer all your questions.


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Tomas leads us out of the room and down a spiral staircase. We step down

onto a grand balcony stretching all the way around the castles front foyer. Tomas

leads us to the other side of the balcony and down a corridor. Near the front of the

corridor is a set of double doors. Tomas passes his hand in front of them and the

doors creak open. The doors open up onto a platform. The room s walls go far

upward where they collide with the domed ceiling. The room itself is filled with

bookshelves. The shelves themselves line the entire wall and span from one end of

the room to the other. But the most amazing thing are the countless books that line

the shelves. Books from countless times and in countless languages.

This, Tomas says, gesturing to the bookshelves, is one of Dragonstones

greatest accomplishments. Here you can find almost every book ever written. The

only books you cant find here are ones whose contents are too dark and too

powerful to keep in a normal library. We take great care of our books. Without them,

we would be nothing.

I take a step forward. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb,

science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill. Without books the

development of civilization would have been impossible. They are engines of change,

windows on the world and lighthouses erected in the sea of time. They are

companions, teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind. Books are

humanity in print. Barbara W. Tuchman.

Very good, Samuel, Tomas says. That is one of my favourite quotes. Follow

me please.

Tomas leads us over to one of the tables, and we all sit down.


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Tomas begins, Well, for some reason, Samuel knows why you have been

brought here. So, he already knows what I am about to tell you. This land is called

Dragonstone. It is millions of years old. It has existed since the dawn of time. Ever

since then it has been a beautiful and peaceful land. Except for one time. As I said

before, you can find almost every book ever written in this library. The ones you

cant find are dark and evil. These books are housed in a separate library that very

few Dragonians, the citizens of Dragonstone, have access to. Only the Dragonstone

council has access to the library.

Now, I am not from this world. I am not sure where I am from. My earliest

memories are waking up in the alchemy wing, where we just came from. The mother

of Joyce, our head seamstress found me. I was raised by the Spirit Elf, Gerto. He was

high priest of the council at the time.

While I was studying to be a high priest of the council, myself, I was up late

one night studying in the Dark Library. My father came into the library. He didnt

quite seem himself. He hadnt spotted me yet, so I hid among the bookshelves,

watching him closely. He walked over to one of the shelves and pulled down a dark

black book. Then he broke one of our greatest laws. He took the book out of the

library. Removing a book from the Dark Library is forbidden. I followed him, of

course, wondering what could possibly possess him to do such a thing. He went

down into the dungeons, a part of the castle that we never use anymore. He walked

down the corridor to the very last of the prison cells. I hid just outside in the

shadows, listening. Inside the cell was a dark figure lying on the cot. I could barely

hear what my father was saying to it. Master, he began, I have worked hard in


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restoring your powers. I have found the final spell that will give you the powers that

you need.

You have done well, my son, the figure answered him in a whisper.

Complete the ritual. Restore my powers.

Yes, master.

My father opened the book and began to chant a dark ritual. A black mist

rose from the book, spiraling around the dark figure. The mist began to solidify,

forming a cloak over the figure. The spell being complete, the creature stood and

looked down upon my kneeling father. You have done well, my son, he said in a

raspy, serpentine voice. Now, you shall receive your reward. With that he placed a

bone-white index finger upon my fathers forehead. A moment later, my father

screamed and fell to the ground. Thisthing had killed him. As it started to move

down the corridor, I hid in the nearest cell. As the creature passed it, it paused. I

think it knew I was there, but it kept going.

After I was sure it was gone, I raced up the stairs to find Tlanark, the head

of the Dragonstone council. I burst into his room, and he woke immediately. I

explained to him what I had seen and asked what it was. He told me a story about

this ancient evil. It was created a long time ago by a dark magick . It wasnt around

for very long, only a small fraction of a great war. No one is quite sure what

happened to it after it disappeared. But, somehow, it had, apparently, lost its powers.

My father was the one who brought it back. Why he did it, no one is sure.

But, what followed after his rebirth, was another great war, caused entirely

by this thing, thisdmon. During our first battle with it, we learned its name. It


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called itself shendam. In the tongue of the Shadow Dmons, it means Shadow King.

The battle fought was violent and bloody. We lost many on our side. Our population

was nearly cut in half. After the battle was over, we all met in the great hall and

discussed what to do. It was feared that, in order to save ourselves, that we would

have to surrender Dragonstone over to this dmon. We knew that this would be an

unwise decision. Dragonstone is a land filled with magick. In fact, it is one of the

most powerful lands. If shendam were to gain control of this land, he would be able

to take over many other worlds, not just our own.

Thankfully, hope shined down upon us. From the heavens descended the

Five God Dragons. They spoke of a prophecy of five individuals who possessed

extraordinary powers. And, that they lived right here in Dragonstone. The God

Dragons called the names of five young wizards. The wizards stepped forward, and

the God Dragons gave them special armour. It was with their help that we were able

to defeat shendam. However, we were not able to kill him. So, we locked him away

in a stone and buried him deep underground.

A few weeks ago, on the day before the celebration of the anniversary of the

birth of our land, gnomes and dwarves were mining. One of the gnomes uncovered

the stone. It must have dug itself up from where we buried it and settled just beyond

the stone walls. He convinced the gnome to break open the stone and release him.

The stone shattered into thousands of tiny shards that flew off in all directions.

Several of them shot through the gnome, killing him. When the stone broke, it

released a loud boom. It seemed I was the only one who heard it. I ventured down to

the gnomes territory and discovered shendam standing there. He fired a dark spell


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at me. Unprepared for the attack, I thought I was going to die. Suddenly, a form

jumped in front of me, saving me from the blast. Taking advantage of the

momentary distraction it caused, I cracked the ground beneath shendam, sending

him into a never-ending fall. However, my efforts were futile. He shot out of the

ground on the back of his Chaos Dragon. He flew over to our tallest mountain and

built his dark castle there.

During our first battle with him, it was a repeat of the last time. However, he

took the Dragonstone, the stone that gives our land its magick, and my son Jericho.

Afterwards, we discussed what we should do. One of our elves brought up the

Dragon Warriors. We discovered that they had descendants. Those descendants are

the five of you.

Tomas stops there. We all remain speechless, even though I already knew he

was going to say this.

After a moment, Tomas continues. I know that it is a lot to ask of you, but we

need your help. Without you, our land and all Her inhabitants will die.

For a long moment, the library is filled with silence. Willow is the one who

finally speaks up, Tomas, I dont know. Thisthis is a lot to put on our shoulders.

I know, Tomas answers. But, let me show you a small part of what will be

lost if you dont help us.

Tomas stands and starts to walk out of the library. We all follow him. Tomas

leads us to the other end of the balcony and up into another tower. We step into a

rotund room with a ladder leading up to a trap door and another door leading back

out of the room. Tomas takes us through the door and out onto the roof of the castle.


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In the centre of the roof are four gold bracings. Three of them have buckled, and the

fourth itself is about to collapse itself.

However, our minds are on this only for a moment, as our eyes drift to the

breathtaking view before us. We all stand at the walled edge of the roof. Green fields

stretch off to the west and south. A beautiful forest stands in front of a giant cliff face,

the terrain behind which cannot be seen. A beautiful crystal blue lake is nestled

gently before the forest. However, further back, before the mountains, the land looks

different. It is black, dry, and cracked. The sky fades from midnight blue to blood red.

A black mist rises from atop the tallest mountain. Furthermore, the desert seems to

slowly spread, slowly engulfing the lush greenness of this land.

Tomas stares out at his land, a distant look in his eyes as he speaks,

Dragonstone was once a beautiful and peaceful land. That was until shendam was

freed. That mist you see is an evil curse. It is slowly consuming our land, taking it

centimeter by centimeter. He would take it over all at once, but he isnt powerful

enough. Our power would be greater if he hadnt taken the Dragonstone. However,

since he has it, we are powerless to stop him. And, as his power slowly grows, so

does his blight.

Tomas turns to us. You are the only ones powerful enough to stop him.

Without your help, our land will perish. We will perish along with it.

There is silence for a long while. Tomas doesnt say a word as we think about

his proposition. After a long while, I step forward and place my hand on Tomas

shoulder. He turns to me.

Tomas, while I cannot speak for everyone else here, I will help Dragonstone.


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Tomas suddenly embraces me tightly. Thank you, Sam.

TomasI cantbreathe.

Tomas lets go of me. Im sorry, Samuel. Thank you. Tomas looks at the

others. What about all of you?

Amelia steps forward. I go where Sam goes. If hes going to help you, I will,

too. Also, Amelia gestures to the breathtaking view, I cannot let this beautiful land

die.

Neither can we. The others all step forward together. If we are the only

ones who have the power to stop shendam, then we will.

Tomas smiles warmly. Thank you all so much. You dont know how much

this means to me or how much it will mean to my people. Now, if you will come with

me, we have a few things we need to do. Then youll have to get some re st. If we are

going to fight shendam then we have a lot of preparation to complete.

Tomas leads us back down into the castle and across the balcony to the other

side. The other side is a corridor leading down to the other tower. In the centre of

the corridor, on the right side, is another door. Tomas walks over to the door and

knocks three times. A young female elf in a blue nightgown answers the door. Her

eyes and hair are also blue.

Tomas, She says sleepily, what do you want?Its late.

I am terribly sorry to wake you, Joyce, Tomas answers, but, the Dragon

Warriors have awoken. They have woken, and they have agreed to help us.

Joyces eyes widen as she looks at us. II dont believe it. So, have you

brought them here for robes?


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Tomas nods. I have. I hate to ask you to do this so late, but when I present

them tomorrow, Id like for them to be dressed properly.

Joyce steps out of her room. Of course, Tomas.

She turns to us. Follow me.

Ill wait outside, Tomas says.

Joyce walks over to the door that leads into the tower. She opens it and steps

inside. We follow her in. The tower is all one gigantic room. The room is filled with a

rainbow of coloured materials. There are so many fabrics that they cover all the

windows. There is a screen on the right side of the room to change behind. Joyce is

standing in the centre of the room with a string thats about a foot taller than she is.

I just need to take a few measurements, she says.

She steps up to each of us and takes a few quick measurements. She then sets

to work. Her hands are a blur as she makes the robes and nightshirts. When she is

finished she has five pairs of robes and five nightshirts in colours of white, silver,

red, blue, and green.

Joyce gestures to the screen. You can change into your robes behind there.

Ill make you some more tomorrow.

Each of us goes behind the screen and changes into our robes. The robes fit

perfectly. They are light and comfortable. I am wearing white, Amelia is wearing

silver, Fillip is wearing red, Willow is wearing blue, and Ethan is wearing green.

As Ethan steps out from behind the screen, he asks, What are these robes

made of?


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Dragon skin. We use it to make everything. Robes, nightshirts, drapes, even

armour. Its soft andlight, but its stronger than steel.

Does that mean that theres dragons here, Willow asks.

Joyce nods. Of course. There are five on the Dragonstone council. Now, you

should go meet Tomas. He will take you to your rooms.

Joyce leads us out of the room and goes into her own room. Tomas is

standing outside holding five vials filled with a grey liquid.

Goodnight, Joyce, Tomas says.

Goodnight, Tomas. Joyce closes her door.

Tomas hands each of us one of the vials. These potions will ingrain our

language into your mind. Very few creatures here speak English. And, dont worry. It

tastes much better than it looks.

We each pop the cork out of our respective vials and swallow. The potion has

no taste, just like water.

Can you understand me, Tomas asks. He is speaking in the Dragonian

tongue.

We all nod.

Good. Follow me, Tomas says. I will take you to your rooms. Tomorrow,

you will meet the rest of the Dragonians.

Tomas leads us to the other side of the balcony. A wall divides the balcony

from another corridor. Tomas takes us down the corridor. We pass a rose wood

door. Tomas gestures to it.


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This is me and my wifes room. And, here, Tomas gestures to another rose

wood door next to his, is my sons room.

Tomas quickly walks past his sons door and down to the end of the corridor.

The end of the corridor is the final tower. The tower is a large chamber with three

sets of doors on different levels. The first set on the lower level is four doors. The

other two levels above it are made up of five doors each. Each door is coloured to

match an element. Of the four doors, the layout, from left to right is blue, silver red,

and green. The other two levels are basically the same except for the white door in

the centre. Tomas leads us up to the second level.

This is where the first Dragon Warriors slept. Now, it is where you will sleep.

Im sure I dont need to tell you whose room is whoms. We all shake our heads no

and say goodnight to each other and Tomas. We each go into our respective rooms:

white for me, silver for Amelia, red for Fillip, blue for Willow, and green for Ethan.

The room layout is simple. There is a window in the back wall. Against the

left wall in the back corner is a bookshelf with several books on it written in the

Dragonstone tongue. To the left, near the door, is an armoire. In the centre of the

room are a table and a couple of chairs. The bed is to the right. I suddenly realize

how tired I am. I change into my nightshirt and hang my robes up in the armoire. I

lay down in the bed and fall into a gentle slumber.


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Training

The next day, I awake to a knock at the door. Thinking its Tomas, I stand and

walk over to the door. However, as I open it, it turns out to be Amelia still dressed in

her nightshirt.

Oh, its you, I say, obvious surprise in my voice.

Amelia steps into the room. You were expecting someone else?

No, II thought it was Tomas.

Amelia walks over to the bed and sits down. It was strange waking up here.

For a moment, I forgot where I was. Then when I realized where I was, I couldnt

believe it.

I, too, walk over to the bed and sit down, as I say, I know. This place is

amazing. And we havent even met any of the Dragonians except for Tomas. I can

only imagine how amazing the various races of creatures are.

I know. I wonder how many there are.

I shrug. Who knows. There could be hundreds, even thousands of creatures.

I take Amelias hand. Im just glad well be able to experience it together.

Amelia looks into my eyes and smiles. We lean towards each other. As our

lips are about to touch, there is another knock at the door.

That has to be Tomas.

I go answer the door. Sure enough, Tomas is standing there, a big grin on his

face. Better hurry and get ready for breakfast. Ive shared the fact that youre here

with all the Dragonians. They are all ecstatic to meet you all.


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Well be down in a few minutes, I answer.

Amelia stands and smiles at Tomas as she walks across the platform and

down the stairs. Well, I should go get ready.

Amelia walks out of the room and closes the door. I sigh as I stand and

change into my robes. Eventually, Ill be able to kiss Amelia. When that will be, I

have no idea. As I finish dressing, I walk out of my room to meet with the others.

Willow and Fillip are already waiting outside. Ethan comes out next followed by

Amelia shortly after. She seems a little distraught.

As we all walk down to the great hall, I ask her, Are you all right?

She turns to me. Yeah. Im fine. I just had a bad dream last night.

I nod, and we reach the staircase that leads down to the first floor. We

descend the stairs, a cacophony of voices emanates from the open doors. Tomas is

waiting for us outside the doors. He smiles as we approach him. He then turns to the

door and walks in. Apparently anxious about meeting us, the hall quickly quiets.

Tomas voice echoes through it, as he says, My fellow Dragonians, may I present to

you the five Dragon Warriors.

The hall erupts in a resounding chorus of cheers and applause as we enter

the hall. Various creatures crowd the hall. There are elves, mages, dwarves, fries,

dragons, and nymphs. Tomas leads us up to the front where three tables await. The

lowest table is empty. Above this is a table, seated at which are four elves. The

centre chair is empty. To the left are two seats, first an elf with silver robes, eyes,

and hair. Then Joyce in her blue robes is seated next to her. Tldan is seated to the

right of the chair. A male elf in green robes with green hair and eyes is seated next to


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him. Above this table are five dragons the same colour as the elves. They are also

seated the same way as the elves with a white dragon in the centre. They are all

wearing hooded robes to match their colour. Jewel encrusted rings encircle their

claws. Embroidered on the front of their robes are golden wavy lines on either side

of the torso that extend from the neck down to the bottom. The rest of the

Dragonians seem to wear the same five colours. At the moment, Im not sure the

significance of these colours, but its obvious they hold great meaning.

We all take our seats as Tomas stands in front of his chair to speak. The

entire hall turns to him, their eyes fixated, hanging on his every word.

My fellow Dargonians, he begins, today is our first step towards winning

Dragonstone back from shendam. The Dragon Warriors have been found, and they

have agreed to help us. The Dragonains seem as though they are about to burst into

applause. However, Tomas continues before they can. Now, at this moment, it may

seem as though victory is close. But do not be fooled. We still have a long road ahead

of us. Just because we now have the descendants of those who saved us before does

not mean that victory will be so quickly won again. Due to the circumstances of

shendams reappearance, this time we must find a way not only to stop him but to

kill him as well. This war is far from over.

Tomas stops. The hall is deathly silent. However, a deep powerful voice

makes itself heard. Well said, Tomas.

Tomas looks up to the Spirit Dragon seated at the table above him, giving him

a nod of thanks.


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The dragon continues as he looks out over the hall, Tomas is right. But we

cannot lose hope. The moment we lose hope, the moment that we give up, that is the

moment we lose everything. I will not stand idly by and let that dmon scum take

Dragonstone out from under us.

He stands and starts down the stairs to the floor. Each and every single one

of us was born here, raised here. This land gives us food, shelter, magick, and She

asks nothing in return. We owe it to Her to at least stand up to those who would use

Her for their own selfish needs. I know that when the time comes, I will be out on

that battlefield, sword drawn and fangs bared, protecting my home fromhim. I

hope that you all will fight with me.

Again the hall is silent. But after a moment, a female Water Mage steps

forward. She stamps her staff down on the stone floor as she calls out, To arms!

A male Earth Elf stands, punching the air with his fist. To arms!

One by one, each of the Dragonains stand, each of them sounding the call to

war. We join them; the council joins them, saying it over and over until the words,

To arms, fills the hall, the castle, the fields, until it reaches all the way to

shendams castle.

As the call dies down and the hall settles, a young female Earth Elf remains

standing. Tomas looks to her. Angel, is there something wrong?

I would like to say something, if I may. Her voice is soft and wispy, almost

like a cloud. As it falls on my ear, my mind seems to go fuzzy, and I start to become a

tad giddy. However, I retain my composure as I listen to her.

Of course, Angel. What is it you would like to share with us?


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Angel looks around the hall as she speaks. As many of you, perhaps even all

of you know, in two (three) days will be Jerichos birthday. On that day, if we are

able, I would like to hold some kind of ceremony, an acknowledgement that the day

is different from any other. I know that heisnt here right now, but I think its

important to give him notice. Especially afterwhat he did.

Angel sits down. Tomas nods as he says, Angel is right. Jericho took a great

risk in what he did. Now, thanks to him, we have an advantage over shendam. He

deserves appreciation for it, and his birthday is a good day to do that. We shall meet

here on that day and give credit where credit is due. While we may have

acknowledged what he did, but we have yet to really appreciate it. We should be

very grateful to him for what he did for us.

Again, there is silence, but its a little different from before. Its more of an

accepting silence to the gratitude to whatever it is Jericho did, whatever that may be.

Now then, Tomas continues, it is time to give to the warriors their armour.

Joyce, if you would.

A young female Water Elf stands and disappears through a side door for only

a moment. She soon reemerges with a clothing rack in tow. Hanging from the rack

are five suits of armour coloured blue, silver, white, red, and green left to right

respectively. Tomas walks down the stairs and stands in front of our table. He

gestures for us to stand before him. We come around to the front of the table and

stand in front of him.

He gestures to the robes. These suits of armour were worn by your

ancestors. Now, in the coming war, you will wear them. With the delivery of the


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prophecy came exact instructions on how to make, fashion, and spell the armour.

They are made especially for those of your bloodline and can only be worn by those

of your bloodline.

Tomas walks over to the rack and takes the green armour. He walks over to

Ethan. Ethan I give you the power of grass and trees, of cliffs and mountains. The

power Earth.

Ethan takes the armour, and it appears on his body. Next Tomas takes the

blue armour and walks over to Willow. Willow, I give you the power of ponds and

lakes, of rivers and oceans. The power of Water.

Willow takes the armour, and it appears on her body. Tomas next takes the

red armour and walks over to Fillip. Fillip, I give you the power of spark and the

flame, of heat and volcanoes. The power of Fire.

Ethan takes the armour, and it appears on his body. Tomas next takes the

silver armour and walks over to Amelia. Amelia, I give you the power of wind and

sky, of storms and tornadoes. The power of Air.

Amelia takes the armour, and it appears on her body. Finally, Tomas takes

the white armour and walks over to me. Sam, I give you the power of light and

energy. The most powerful of the elements. The power of Spirit.

I take the armour and with a small twinge of magic inside me, it appears on

my body.

Tomas stands before us. You have all been given great power. But, you must

use this power wisely. As they say, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts


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absolutely. Do not let his power destroy you and push you into shendams evil

hands.

We arent exactly sure what to say. Thankfully, Tomas keeps going, as he

turns to the hall. Now, I hate to cut this morning short, but we must train our

warriors. So, lets get to eating.

Tomas claps his hands and food fills the tables. He regains his seat and we

ours. The table is filled with eggs, bacon, bangers, & mash. We load

Documents

The Shadow King