Andrew and the Second Dragon War

“The Legend of Garth”

I am Angus the Elder.

Dragonslayer.

When I was young, my name struck fear in the hearts of dragons throughout the provinces. Now it lives only in the legends of the great green-scales.

One hundred times one hundred dragons I met on the fields of valor, and one hundred times one hundred forfeited their heads to my sword, their hearts to my lance.

Now I am the Elder.

When the soft hair grows on their chins, the young ones come to me. Wooden swords and padded lances give them the skills of the Dragonslayer. They run for miles, lift boulders and logs, and learn to walk on ropes to give them balance. When their beard is full, they leave with lances of yew and swords of steel to face the young blue and then the great green-scales on the field of valor.

I tell them of honor, and the glory of the Dragonslayer. When the sun rests and they are spent, they sit by my fire and hear the tales of glory. I tell them of the glory of victory, advising to drink deep of the free ale, for in the morn they will be but a sunrise away from death. I send them forth, the only sons I will ever know.

For the Dragonslayer’s lot is to live for battle, never knowing home or hearth.

Through the past fortnight, tales were told of an old one, a dragon with luminous turquoise scales and a tail the length of ten horses. Two dozen Dragonslayers had joined him on the field of battle, and twenty four had not returned. Fear reigned in the provinces, and women despaired for their young.

Alone I saddled my steed, old but sure of foot and well-seasoned. I have no squire, so I donned my bright green armor alone. Taking my sword and lance from their places of honor, I rode to the field for a final taste of the Dragonslayer’s lot.

As the sun rose over the heath, Garth stood with the sun to his back and the meadow to his fore. Slowly we moved to the center of the field. Slowly he bowed his head and touched one knee to the rye. Slowly, I placed the tip of my sword in the earth, bowing my head and kneeling. I saw Garth slowly rise. The great one of the turquoise scales rose slowly from the rye, and I could see his pain. He watched as I used my sword to help me rise.

With knowing nods, we separated. The battle was joined.

Twice the sun crossed the sky as we battled. Twice we retired at sunset, spent beyond even our great experience. On the morn of the third day, we again joined on the field. As the sun reached mid-day, my sword found a grip and Garth’s head lay at my feet. My lance found his heart, laying the great one to his final rest.

The feast was great, but I drank lightly of the ale. The wenches were young and beautiful, but I turned them away one by one.

At midnight, I joined the green scales in building a pyre for Garth the Great, and they granted me the honor of casting the torch that lit it ablaze.

The glory was mine, but the victory was Garth’s. He knew, as did I, that the blue-scales would never turn green unless they vanquished great Dragonslayers. And there will never be great Dragonslayers until the scales turn green. Garth knew our time has come and gone, and that the young ones need to take their places on the fields of valor.

Garth gave himself to inspire the blue scales, and my young Dragonslayers. Were it not so, I would have perished in the flames under the noon-day sun.

I am Angus the Elder.

My sword stands in the field amid a pile of ash.

Long live the legend of Garth!

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Facing the Dragon

Chapter the First

Four young men stood before Angus the Elder, anxious to leave camp and make their
name as a dragonslayers. It was up to Angus to prepare them for the voyage ahead.
“Lads,” he began, “you have finished your training, and the time is nigh for you to
venture forth and seek your fortune as Dragonslayers. But first, you must return to your
father’s house for the last time.”

One by one, he handed them small purses of coins. Knowing what they contained, the
young ones were prepared for the substantial weight of the small bags.

“Take these purses to your father’s house, and present them to your mother. She will
know what to do with them. These coins would take your father a lifetime to earn at honest
labor. Your mother can spend them as she wishes, but all mothers save two coins for the
memorial service which will inevitably come when you face a dragon that is faster, stronger,
and more cunning than all your skills.

“Make peace with your father, for you will never again have the chance. Kiss your
mother goodbye, for she will never again look on you as a son. The coins are small
compensation for what they have sacrificed.

“You are straight and strong, and the maidens will seek you out. If you choose to bond
with one, do not return to this camp. You are not yet a dragonslayer, and you can still become a
father and husband if you wish. Many who trained here are constables, soldiers, or even
farmers. You are stronger and more cunning than any man in your village, and you can be a
great man if you choose to stay. There is no dishonor in deciding to live a simpler, more
rewarding life. You owe me nothing.

“For, if you return, you will go to the battlefield and face the dragon. One of the
combatants, either you or the dragon, will not emerge from the field of valor. It is the lot of the
dragonslayer to face death over and over, knowing that today may be the day he will die in the
flames. It is quite possible that while you are home you will decide not to die in such a manner.
If so, Godspeed.

“I will be here when you return, if you return. We will go to the young ones, so that you
and the dragons can take a full measure of each other. From there, we will travel to the central
provinces, where you will face a blue scale in your first battle. If you survive, you will be a
dragonslayer, and there is no turning back. You will live in legend, but you will never know the
comfort of a wife or the joy of children.

“Weigh this decision well, for your decision is final.”

Three of the four returned.

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The Expatriation of Angus

Chapter the Second

Evening fell as the troop reached the meadow of the sword. They had been riding for
several days, and the anticipation of facing a dragon weighed heavily on each potential
dragonslayer. Angus started the camp fire while the squires curried the horses and set the
camp. The would-be dragonslayers were sent by Angus to run laps around the meadow carrying
logs; this was as much for their morale and to help them sleep as it was for their fitness.

One of the squires trapped a dozen hares, which were a welcome break from the jerky
and venison they had been living on. Another squire found a small garden and foraged enough
carrots, potatoes and onions to make a fine stew. The contributor of the vegetables ate last,
since Angus sent him to find the owner of the garden and pay him five pence (a princely sum)
for the appropriated vegetables.

The fire was still bright as they finished their meal, and Wilson asked Angus to tell them
about his exile to the “other earth”. Drawing deep on his pipe, he began to tell the tale.

Chapter the Third

Living in the New Land

Angus had long ago decided that there was nothing left that could take him off guard, but he
had been wrong. As the boy nearly shook with excitement, Angus was at a total loss about how to
respond to being recognized.

Finally, he spoke. “How do you know me, boy?” he boomed.

The boy’s excitement seemed to dissipate, but then returned in a calmer form.
“First,” replied the boy, “calling anyone a “boy” will start a fight you don’t really want. In this
world, if you don’t know someone’s name call them “Dude” or “Man”, but not “boy.”

The young man looked again at Angus, then into the reflective window, then back at Angus and Erin. “Looking like that…” he said thoughtfully, “if you don’t know someone’s name call the men “Sir” and the women “Ma’am”; that’ll do it.” Pausing momentarily, he seemed satisfied with his instructions.

“My name’s Andrew,” he said matter-of-factly, holding out his hand in the universal position of
one who wanted to shake hands.

In his world, Angus would never shake hands with a mere lad; most of them were afraid of him,
and the few who weren’t were hardly worth socializing with. Instinctively, though, Angus took the
proffered hand and shook it strongly. The lad had a strong grip, he noticed approvingly.

Chapter the Fourth

The Training Begins

For several days, Andrew did not play Dragon’s Tail. Angus waited for him to return from school, and then urged him to leave the apartment complex and take him around this strange village. After walking an hour or so, they would stop in a park and Angus would exercise, encouraging Andrew to join him.

Andrew was amazed that he could not keep up with the ancient dragonslayer. He was one of
the fastest kids at school and had always found the exercises in gym to be more fun than challenge. On the first day, he did sixty pushups with the old man , then watched Angus as he did another forty. Sit ups turned out the same; Andrew gave out long before the old man finished. Finally they ran, and when Andrew could run no more Angus stopped, barely winded. Erin ran alongside them and seemed to fatigue even less than Angus.

After a week of diversions and exercise, Angus encouraged Andrew to play Dragon’s Tail again.
Again, a green scale approached first, and Andrew bowed to the beautiful beast. Again, the dragon
withdrew and a blue scale appeared. This time, the battle lasted much longer and Andrew had reached the end of his endurance before the blue scale left him an opening. Stepping aside as he swung his sword, Andrew bested his new adversary. Again, he placed his sword in its scabbard and pierced the dragon’s heart with his lance.

The light was even brighter than before, and Andrew literally fell asleep where he sat in front of
the monitor. Angus woke him gently as the sun was setting, and Andrew went home and directly to bed.

Chapter the Fifth

The Legend of Seth

When Angus had arrived in this strange world, Andrew had measured his time as 15 years.
Andrew had brought Angus strange bread, known as “cake”, and it had been delicious. On his 16th
birthday, Andrew had invited Angus to his party, and there was not only cake but ice cream and sweet ale called “cola”.

Angus would never feel at home in this world, but he had to concede that such things as cake,
ice cream, and cola were truly wonderful.

Angus knew little of time in the sense that it was known in this world. In his world, there was no
measure of time beyond the time of day or the various seasons. No one counted their summers; that
would be like counting the leaves that fall from the trees each autumn. Boys became men when their time had come, but there was no importance attached to their progress; it happened when it happened.

Here, much importance was attached not only to seasons and the progress of the sun, but even to smaller increments such as hours and minutes. Angus understood the measures, but could not
comprehend the importance attached to them.

Andrew was becoming a man, though, whether measured by the hair on his face or by the
passing of years. He was tall, straight and strong. He was doing well in his lessons, whether from his
mother, his school, or Angus. There was no doubt that he would become a fine man, and Angus
occasionally wished he could take Andrew back to the land of dragons, where he would no doubt
become a fine dragonslayer.

Chapter the Sixth

Latisha

Angus had no idea what a “full ride” might be, but young Andrew was quite excited about
receiving one at the local academy known as the “junior college”. It apparently marked very high
achievement by Andrew, which did not surprise Angus at all.

There was to be a celebration of sorts at Andrew’s academy, and Charise had made a personal
trip to Angus’ quarters to invite him to attend. Latisha was being unruly, which surprised Angus; the
child seemed almost cherubic when he saw her. She would visit with Mrs. Washington, a fine elderly
lady in their building, until the adults returned from the celebration.

It was a rare event for Angus to go anywhere without Erin, but she sat quietly by the door when he left. Angus could feel the dragon’s emotions if they were strong, and he sensed no anxiety from Erin, so he went to gather Charise and Andrew for the festival.

Andrew, Charise and Angus walked Latisha to Mrs. Washington’s apartment. Angus could tell
Mrs. Washington enjoyed the girl’s company, and Latisha seemed happy to be with her. Charise asked
her, again, if she would go, and she said no; it was Andrew’s night, and he should enjoy it without her.

The adults headed off for the festivities.

Chapter the Seventh

Dragons and Dragonslayers

Angus had learned the adage, “Time marches on,” during his stay in the new world.
While he still did not understand the importance of such a phrase, he did begin to understand
why these strange people were so fascinated by time.

Birthdays were but one of the strange rituals in this world. New Year’s Eve, which
marked the end on one calendar season and the beginning of another, was widely celebrated as
if the first day of the new year would somehow be better than the last day of the former one.
Yet Angus saw that people planned their lives based on the calendar, and it gave them a sense
of urgency which was missing in his world.

Andrew’s enrollment in college took him away from home most of the time now. He
was always in a hurry—classes started and stopped at a point in time, the library was open
certain hours, and basketball practice lasted from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, five days each week.
Angus began to understand why time was so important to these people—they did most
things in temporary groups. In his world, you worked with your family or with Elders like Angus,
and everyone moved with the same rhythm. Here, everyone had their own rhythm, and only by
setting the time of an activity could the necessary people gather.

Andrew planned his life with a calendar and a watch, and Angus watched in wonder as
the lad moved from one thing to the next. Angus knew the lad was progressing well, but he
never realized how well until Andrew took him to the basketball court at the junior college late
one night when no one else was around.

Standing under the elevated ring—“basket”—Andrew threw the ball through the basket
at the other end. Taking ball after ball, Andrew moved to different positions around the court
and, each time, threw the ball through the basket.

When he finished, Andrew gathered the balls and returned them to their container—
also known as a “basket”-- and sat down on the first row of benches known as “bleachers”.
Sensing that he was troubled, Angus sat next to the young man.

“Did you see what I just did?” Andrew asked, looking straight ahead.

“Aye, Lad,” Angus replied.

“It’s impossible,” Andrew stated with sadness in his voice. “There are professional
basketball players who play every day, who are the best in the world, and none of them could
do what I just did. Ten for ten, full court, nothing but net. And,” he added, “it’s just as easy for
me to do a hundred of them as it is to do ten. I always hit what I am aiming at.”

“It’s not impossible, Lad,” Angus replied, puzzled. “You just did it.”

Chapter The Eighth

Moments of Truth

The morning sun was just a glow in the eastern sky, shining through the smog, when
Angus and Erin left the apartment complex. They walked toward the glow, moving through the
buildings while only a few people were awake and about.

As they left the clusters of large buildings and walked toward the hills, Angus saw the
houses disappear as Erin became a dragon. They had returned to the land of dragons, and open
glades and forested hills replaced the streets and houses of the other world. Within the hour, they had arrived at an open meadow where Garand sat on a fallen tree, awaiting their arrival.

“Good morning,” Garand greeted them. “You look well.” He nodded to both Angus and
Erin.

Angus returned the nod but said nothing. He was waiting for the old sorcerer to open
the conversation.

Garand looked first to Erin. “I see you’ve grown your green scales,” he complimented her. “Congratulations.”

Erin briefly nodded her head in acknowledgement.

Turning to Angus, Garand opened the conversation. “Much has happened, old friend,
and we must discuss it to see if we can determine what it all means.”

Chapter The Ninth

Preparation Begins

Angus remained in the world of dragons for two days, going over the situation with
Garand. There was little to be done about the army forming to the East, but Angus had much to
do to prepare Andrew for his trip to the field of battle. Garand returned to the provinces to do
what could be done there. Angus returned to the world of science to prepare Andrew and try to
convince Charise to accompany him to the world of dragons.

Talking to Andrew had to wait a few days after Angus returned. Andrew was taking a
series of “mid-term” exams, and he was very focused on his studies. When exams were done,
Angus interrupted their evening run to spend time in the park, bringing Andrew up to date on
the information Angus had gained during his trip.

Andrew was concerned about facing a dragon on the field of battle.

“I’m not sure I’m ready to kill a dragon,” he confided in Angus.

“We have training to do, but you will be fine,” Angus reassured him.

“I’m not afraid I’m not good enough,” Andrew explained. “I just don’t know I can kill an
animal for sport, especially one that looks like Erin.”

Angus nodded.

“Aye, Lad,” he reassured him, “but when you face the fire, I believe you will respond the
way you have learned in Dragon Tails. If we can get you a suitable sword and long knife, you can
use my lance.”

Chapter the Tenth

The Quest Begins

Telling Charise was much easier than Angus had anticipated. He waited until they had
dinner and both Latisha and Andrew had things to do afterwards. As they sat in the living room
after dinner, Angus told her about Ayala and the need to return to the Land of Dragons.
Surprisingly, Charise was almost anxious to see the dragons, and she seemed fine with
accompanying him.

As Angus explained about the war of the dragons and the returning threat, Charise
became more concerned. She asked a long string of questions, but ultimately agreed that it was
important that they support the efforts to resist the armies from the east. Angus was amazed at
how determined she seemed as she discussed the dangers in matter-of-fact terms. It reminded
him of her reaction when they had been attacked on the street; she grasped the risk, but she
understood the realities and accepted them.

Angus did not discuss the need for Andrew to face a dragon, and he regretted not
having explained it to her. Keeping it from her made him feel uncomfortable, but he didn’t
know how to address it. When he was leaving and she bent to kiss him on the cheek, his
conscious got the best of him.

“There is one other thing I need to explain to you,” he said, standing where she could
not close the door.

Charise nodded. “I thought so,” she remarked. “You’re not a very good liar.”

“Ayala made it clear that Andrew must face a dragon,” he said quietly.

Chapter the Eleventh

Return to the World of Science

At daybreak, Angus and Andrew ran through the town and into the hills beyond. They
ran along a winding path into the hills, and pushed through the rocky terrain without slowing or
stopping. Andrew was amazed at how much stamina he had developed, and was determined to
match the old dragonslayer step for step.

At the inn, Charise awakened to find the dragonslayer gone. As she searched the room
for her clothes, she found a pile of new garments laying across a chair, under a note that said
simply, “Charise”.

Slipping into a harambe, Charise found it quite comfortable. It was full of delicate earth
toned patterns and was trimmed with a beautiful purple satin-like cloth. Once dressed, she
went downstairs to find the innkeeper.

“I would like a bath,” she informed him.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, bowing. “Anastasia!” he shouted at the kitchen. A teenage
girl, about the same age as Latisha, rushed out.

“Madam would like a bath!” he commanded.

The girl moved toward the stairs, bowing as she passed Charise. At the second stair she
stopped and looked back, waiting for Charise to follow. Thanking the innkeeper, Charise turned
and followed the girl.

In the room across from hers, there was a small tub and a large pail of water heating on
a stove. The girl poured about half the pail into the tub, then added a half pail of unheated
water from another pail in the corner. After stirring the water with her hand, she stepped
behind Charise and grasped the collar of her harambe. Charise realized the girl was waiting to
help her out of her clothes.

Turning to the girl, Charise said, “That won’t be necessary.”

The girl looked as if she had been slapped. “Is madam not pleased?” she asked timidly.
Charise could tell from the tone of her voice the girl was deeply troubled.

“No, it’s fine,” Charise replied with a smile. “I can bathe myself.”

The girl backed towards the door, looking down as if she was being punished.

“Anastasia,” Charise said kindly. “I have always bathed myself, and I am happy to do it
here. Why did you think I would need help?”

Anastasia continued to look at the floor. “I’ve never met a princess before,” she replied
timidly. “I have always been told the princesses had ladies in waiting, and I was hoping I could
serve as yours while you were here.”

“What makes you think I am a princess?” Charise asked.

“Madam travels with a sorcerer and is protected by two dragonslayers,” came the reply.
“Clearly, you are a most important princess.”

Chapter the Twelfth

Machu Picchu

All went well through most of the night, as Andrew stood watch in the front of the
passageway and Angus watched from the rear. Andrew thought it would be hard to stay awake
after a long day of traveling, but mortal fear was a great motivator.

At some point, one of the men started down the passage toward Andrew, but he
stopped after a few feet and relieved himself on the wall. Andrew held his breath until the man
returned to his blanket and lay down.

It was just before sunrise before the next soldier started down the passage. He stopped
short of where Andrew stood, acting as if he were going to relieve himself as the other man had
done. Then he looked up as if he heard something, raising his nose to the air and sniffing.
As Andrew held his breath, he heard one of the horses snort.

Andrew’s vision had become accustomed to the very low light in the passage, and he
could see, with the firelight from the cavern behind him, that the man was turning toward him.
Andrew’s sword was in his hand, even though he could not remember taking it from its
scabbard. When the man stepped cautiously toward him, Andrew’s heart raced.

This was what they had feared--if one soldier found them, the others would rouse and
there would be twenty to follow the first. Andrew considered retreating, waiting to see if the
man stopped, but he knew in his heart the man would follow the sound of the horses and
would find him, his mother, and Angus as well. Various scenarios played out in his head at a
blinding speed, and only one had a chance--attack and hope the soldiers could be routed by the
surprise.

Andrew waited until he could hear the soldier’s raspy breathing before stepping out
from behind the outcropping that had concealed him.

“Hello,” Andrew said simply, reaching forward with his sword and using the tip to cut
the belt on the man’s trousers.

Turning to run, the man’s trousers fell to his ankles and he tumbled forward. His scream
of pain, as he hit the stone floor of the tunnel, was loud enough to wake the dead, vibrating
through the tunnel and echoing in the cavern beyond.

Chapter the Thirteenth

Return to the Land of Dragons

By the time Andrew returned from the mountain, Charise and Angus had broken camp
and saddled the mounts. Andrew hugged his mother, and then slapped Angus’ shoulder.

“Leaving without me?” he asked.

Angus smile. “Not yet,” he replied lightly.

“Can we go home now?” Charise asked.

Angus looked to Andrew for the answer.

“I think so,” Andrew responded. “I can tell you about my visit to the temple as we ride.
But I think I got what we came for.”

Angus nodded, and then swung onto his mount with practiced ease. Andrew and
Charise followed suit. When Angus had the reins of the pack horse, Andrew turned his mount
and headed back the way they came, along the stream.

“Do you think we’ll run across the soldiers on our way back?” she asked, directing the
question to either man.

“I don’t,” Andrew replied. “They were scared to death by Ayala, and I suspect they
headed home as soon as they got out of their cave!”

“Aye,” Angus agreed. “But it never hurts to be careful. Keep a good eye out, Lad, and be
prepared.”

Andrew’s prediction proved to be accurate. Just after mid-day, tropical trees and vines
gave way to northern pine and live oak.

Chapter the Fourteenth

The Field of Valor

As her foster mother and brother sat across the table from her, Latisha ordered bread,
fruit and water. Anastasia, having delivered the food, returned to the kitchen. As she left the
dining area, a shimmering screen appeared to encompass the room.

“It insures privacy,” Latisha explained as Charise and Andrew looked around at the
screen.

“My eternal name is Seth,” Latisha began. “I am a sorcerer, but, unlike the sorcerers of
the northlands, I choose to live in normal life cycles. Garand is the eldest of the northland
sorcerers, and I had lived more than a hundred lifetimes before he was born.”

She could see Andrew doing the math in his head, so Latisha volunteered, “Yes, Andrew,
that’s about three thousand years.

“I choose to whom I am born, and where and when. I live sometimes as a man,
sometimes as a woman. I have been born on every continent except Antarctica, in every color,
shape, and size you can imagine. Sometimes I live a rich, full life, and sometimes I die from
battle, or childbirth, or just unlucky accidents. I live lifetimes in the world of science, others in
the world of dragons.

“In this life, I chose to be born to a young woman who made a bad choice with a
descendant of mine. I knew she would abandon me, and arranged to have her do so at your
church. I hoped you would rescue me, and you did. I wanted to be close to Andrew, because I
knew he would be special and hoped he would turn out as he has.

Chapter the Fifteenth

Facing the Dragon Fire

As they walked away from the group, Andrew suddenly stopped and turned to Angus.
“Can I have just a couple more minutes?” he asked the old dragonslayer.

“Aye,” Angus replied, tentatively, “but just a few.”

Andrew walked quickly back to Latisha.

The two spoke quietly for several minutes. Angus could see Latisha nodding as they
spoke, agreeing with whatever Andrew was asking her. At one point, she laughed and shook
her head, but the rest of the conversation was very serious. Finally, Andrew hugged his sister
and walked resolutely back to Angus.

“Ready now?” Angus asked.

“Ready,” Andrew replied.

The two men walked to where the sorcerers had gathered. Behind them, Latisha
whispered to her mother, and then followed well behind the men.

Angus introduced Andrew to each of the seven sorcerers. Each sorcerer represented a
different region, or province, of the western world. Garand was clearly the most senior among
them, and he did most of the talking. Wishing Andrew luck, he pointed to the high stage
constructed just behind where they were standing.

“Under the circumstances,” Garand explained, “we thought you might want to address
the crowd before you face the dragon.”

Angus looked curiously at the old sorcerer, but kept his peace.

Andrew smiled. “Thank you. I would like that,” he said, and walked to the stage.
Andrew’s confidence grew with each step he took. The crowd roared when he reached
the top and waived.

“Friends,” he said, facing the crowd. His voice carried across the multitude as he spoke,
and he could see that even the furthest groups could hear him.

Turning to the field, he drew his sword and placed its tip on the stage. Bowing over the
sword, he said quietly, “Noble dragons.”

The dragons lowered their heads in acknowledgement of his greeting.

Turning as he spoke, Andrew looked across the crowd and then the dragons.

“I came here today to face my first dragon,” he began. “And that is what I will do. But I
have come with a heavy heart, for this is a battle that always results in death. Sometimes it is a
dragon, sometimes a man. But, either way, mothers cry and fathers grieve, whether those
parents are dragon or man. It seems that we are willing to waste our finest men and most noble
dragons in a contest that represents an ancient conflict. Somehow, it seems there should be a
better way.”

The crowd stood silently. Andrew waited, letting his words sink in.

“When I trained,” he began again, “my master, the great Angus the Elder, used magic to
shield me from injury, and to protect others from the strike of my sword. I believe that magic is
the boon needed to make this a joyous contest instead of the bloodbath we have all come to
expect.”

Andrew made a full turn, trying to look at each member of the crowd and each dragon
assembled across the glade.

“I propose,” he said finally, “that Angus use that magic to protect me and the dragon I
face from the fatal blow of the sword or consumption by the fire.”

A murmur passed through the crowd. Andrew watched as they spoke among
themselves, waiting for the right moment to finish.

“As in my world,” he added, “the battle will proceed as usual. But, in the end, either the
dragon will succeed in bathing me in fire, or I will make a final stroke to its neck. When that
happens, Angus will declare the winner and the battle will be complete.

“By using this magic, we will have a decisive contest without destroying either man or
dragon. And, I am assured by a great sorcerer, the magic and courage which passes in the fatal
contest will be equally strong without the loss of life.”

Garand was moving toward the stage when the crowd roared its approval. Looking
around, he returned to his place among the sorcerers.

Andrew turned to the dragons.

“Who have you chosen as champion?” he asked.

A giant green scale stepped forward.

“My name is Andrew. May I know your name, noble dragon?” he asked.

“Valborga,” came the reply.

Andrew dismounted the stage and walked within a few feet of the dragon. Drawing his
sword, he knelt and bowed his head.

Valborga knelt and bowed.

Andrew stood, as did Valborga.

Angus walked up behind Andrew. Andrew turned as Angus touched his shoulder, feeling
the familiar shock pass through him and his sword.

Angus looked past Andrew at the great green scale. Briefly bowing his head, he smiled
and said to Valborga, “It is good to see you again, old friend.”

The dragon smiled. “It is an honor to again be in the presence of Angus, Slayer of Garth.
‘Tis a different meadow, and I am now well rested.”

Angus nodded. “Are the new rules acceptable to the dragons?”

Valborga nodded. “I have lost three children to this field,” she replied. “If this magic can
help my young survive as they learn, it is, indeed, a boon.” Motioning over her shoulder at the
other dragons, she finished, “The others feel the same as I.”

Chapter the Sixteenth

Prince Andrew

It took four days to complete the contests. All of Angus’ young dragonslayers were
successful; others did not fare so well. The true impact of the change in fighting rules came at
the end, when no funeral pyres burned for the dragons, and no hearses carried away the
charred remains of young men.

Instead, there was joy all around. And tales to be told for years to come, without the
pain of loss that normally followed these contests.

Of all the ideas Andrew would ever have, Angus believed this was probably the best.
The most surprising side-effect of the change began on day two. Erin had been spending
some time with the dragons, and some time with Angus. When she was among the dragons,
she was in her dragon form. When she was among the people, she shifted to her dog persona.

Day two, mid-day, Valborga landed just at the edge of the meadow, next to where
Andrew watched the contests with his mother and sister. As she landed, she changed into a
Neapolitan Mastiff. Shortly afterwards, the dragon who had faced Ian earlier in the day arrived,
turning into a Jack Russell terrier as he landed.

One by one, the dragons that had been defeated by dragonslayers arrived, changing into
dogs of all varieties. Angus quickly realized what the dragons had discovered; a twenty or thirty
foot dragon was too big to be among a crowd of people, but a dog fit in well. As each
dragonslayer succeeded, they were making the same speech to the vanquished dragon that
Andrew had made to Valborga. The dragons were responding by joining the dragonslayers,
using the transformation in the same way Erin used it--to fit in among people.

As a rule, the dragons that had prevailed chose not to join their opponent after the
contest.

As the crowd dispersed, the dragonslayers gathered around Andrew at the edge of the
meadow, many accompanied by their dragons in the form of dogs. Charise stood a short
distance away, accompanied by Angus and Latisha.

“Aren’t you going to join them?” Charise asked Angus.

“No,” Angus answered quietly. “It’s Andrew’s time. I would be a distraction.”

Charise looked at the old dragonslayer and could see the pride in his face as he watched
the dragonslayers take turns speaking with Andrew.

“I need you to come with me,” Latisha said, taking Angus by the arm.

“I’ll wait here,” Charise volunteered.

“That would be good,” Latisha agreed, kissing her mother on the cheek.

Charise watched Latisha and Angus walk toward the sorcerers, who were still gathered
by the stage. As Latisha and Angus arrived, all of the sorcerers moved away from Garand and
stood next to the newcomers.

Garand stood fast, watching the others move away. As he fully realized what was
happening, his face showed his concern.

“So you are Seth,” he said to Latisha.

“Yes,” she confirmed.

“I should have known,” Garand said quietly.

Chapter the Seventeenth

Preparing for Battle

As Angus, Andrew and Charise drew close to the mountains, they stopped and spent the
night in the forest. It was a cold camp, since they did not know where the Eastern armies might
have spies.

As they sat silently after dinner, Andrew looked at Angus.

“Have you ever been in a battle with a large number of men?” he asked the Elder.

“No,” Angus replied.

“I have no idea what is going to happen,” Andrew said, sadly.

“Nor I,” Angus agreed.

“Their troops will be battle-hardened,” Charise volunteered. “Garand was at least honest about that. They have already conquered the lands to the East of the mountains.”

It was several minutes before Andrew observed, “We can’t let them get where they can
spread out and get into formation. In my vision at Machu Picchu, I could see them moving this
way up the eastern slopes, and they had to break formation to get around the rocks. They were
also using the dragons to attack from above.”

Angus and Charise looked at Andrew.

“I think we need to make our stand where the rocks are narrowest,” Andrew said finally.
“If my vision is correct, the dragons will have a problem with the updrafts, which may be what
we need to do some damage.”

“Aye, Lad,” Angus agreed. “How are we going to fight men and dragons at the same time?”

“We’ll have to have dragonslayers guarding the aerial attack, and others fighting the
ground troops. I think we need to have them dedicated to one or the other; if they try to do
both, it will be too easy to attack while we are distracted.”

Angus nodded.

Chapter the Eighteenth

Battle of the Dragons

About a half day’s walk west of where Andrew and Angus fretted over Charise’s fate, the people who had gathered were up with the sun and going about their business. Charise was
moving about, Addiena at her feet, checking on everyone and making sure they were fed.

The call to arms had produced an amazing response. It was expected that the
dragonslayers would respond quickly, but they were outnumbered three to one by their
classmates who had chosen not to become dragonslayers. Charise mentioned her surprise at
the number of non-dragonslayers that had arrived to Ian; his explanation brought tears to her
eyes.

“More of them survive,” he observed absently. “They haven’t been to the meadow of
the sword.”

Seeing her response, he added, “Your Andrew has changed that, now. Maybe there will
be more dragonslayers at our next reunion.”

As Charise turned to leave, she looked to the East, where the sun was not well above
the horizon. It took a moment before she could identify the red swarm that was coming at
them with the sun to its back.

Addiena barked. Within seconds, every dog in the camp was barking, and the people
were shifting about.

The dragonslayers and their classmates spread out, distributing themselves around the
camp. The dogs ran to the outside edges of the camp, forming a ring at the extreme perimeter.
The barking stopped abruptly, and every dog stood, silently watching the sky.

There was no battle plan. The campers had expected an attack by the eastern dragons,
but they had no idea what form it would take or how many there would be. Everyone was
watching the sky, waiting.

When the swarm was almost overhead, Charise looked about. Every man in sight was
standing just as she was; sword in hand, eyes to the sky.

Chapter the Nineteenth

Armies of the East

The three dragonslayers were strolling as they headed down the slopes. Angus was in
the middle, with Andrew to his right and Ian to his left. Each dragonslayer’s dragon was to his
right, in their dog form. They walked through the open meadows, directly toward the
approaching officers.

When the two parties were within ten feet, the officers with the staffs and colors reined
their horses to the left and passed through the generals, stopping behind the dragons and their
handlers. The dragons and handlers moved forward, each standing to the left of his general.
“Can you understand us?” the general in the center asked.

“Aye,” Angus replied. What he did not tell them was that the dragons understood and
transferred the speech telepathically to their dragonslayer. When Angus spoke, Erin’s magic
allowed the generals to understand.

Suddenly, the third red dragon lunged forward as if to attack. None of the dragonslayers
or dogs moved.

“Hold your dragon!” the general barked. Looking appropriately chastised, the handler
made a show of tightening his grip.

“I see your troops,” Angus ventured. “Of course, you wanted us to see them or you
would have massed them elsewhere.”

The third general nodded.

“We would like to minimize the bloodshed,” the general explained. “If you see how
outnumbered you are, we hoped we could negotiate a peaceful surrender.”

“We don’t require surrender,” Angus replied flatly. “You can just leave us alone and
none will be necessary.”

All five generals laughed. The general in the center leaned forward on his right arm as if
to move closer to Angus.

“We have two hundred thousand soldiers and as many dragons. If we have to fight our
way through the pass, they will be in no mood for mercy,” he said ominously.

“I think you may be a bit short on the dragons,” Angus replied lightly. “The ones you
sent out yesterday won’t be coming back.” After a brief pause, he added, “And your soldiers
who ventured to the west side of the pass are gone as well.”

The second general sat high in his saddle. “There’s a great difference between a small
scouting party and an attack by two hundred thousand battle-hardened troops!” He seemed
indignant that Angus would treat their threat so lightly.

“Aye,” Angus agreed. “There are more funeral pyres when we face an army.”

EPILOGUE

Dragon Claws

Tales of the second dragon wars were just beginning to be elaborated when Andrew
and Latisha kissed their mother goodbye and rode off to the South. Ian, still smitten by Latisha,
rode with them.

Latisha rode between the men, Ian to her left and Andrew to her right. To the right of
Andrew’s horse trotted Valborga, the dragon, in her dog form. To the left of Ian, the dragon
Augustine kept pace with the horses, also in his dog form.

Charise watched her offspring ride out of sight, then set about breaking camp. The old
dragonslayer, Angus, puttered about domestically, clearing dishes and folding blankets to help
Charise with the final chores.

Charise stopped mid-stride, looking to the South as she absently folded her blanket.
“Do you think they’ll be OK?” she asked the old dragonslayer, absently.

“They’ll be fine,” he replied merrily. “I can’t imagine a challenge two dragonslayers and
a sorceress could not handle.”

Her smile was fleeting, but Charise turned her attention back to packing and loading the
camp. Within the hour, she was done.

As the threesome rode south, the northern forest gave way to southern palm.
“Did you do that?” Andrew asked his sister.

“Yeah,” she said absently. “I got tired of the cold weather.”

“Are we still in the same time zone?”

Latisha smiled. “No,” she said coyly.

“Are we at least in the same dimension?” Andrew insisted.

“Yes,” his sister laughed. “We’re still in the land of dragons.”

Sensing the change of regions, Augustine and Valborga morphed into their dragon form,
taking to the sky in search of suitable food.

“Where are we going?” Ian asked absently.

Both Andrew and Latisha looked at him and laughed.

“Yes,” Andrew asked his sister in a teasing voice. “Where are we going?”

“South,” she replied simply. “Beyond that, I have no definite plans.”

The men simultaneously gave indifferent shrugs.

Post Script

As the two young couples continued south toward the land of the bitter beans, Charise
and Angus were saying their goodbyes at the door of her apartment.

“Are you sure you will be OK without Andrew and Latisha here?” the old dragonslayer
asked.

“Yes,” Charise said affectionately. “Are you sure you won’t stay with me?”

“I should,” Angus replied thoughtfully, “but there is still much to do in preparing the
provinces for collective rule. I know not what I can do, but I know they need my help.”
Charise leaned toward the old man and gave him a kiss on the lips.

“Of course,” he said when they finished the kiss, “one more day wouldn’t hurt.”

Charise laughed. “That’s what you’ve been saying for the last thirty days. Go, or stay. It’s
time to make up your mind.”

Angus smiled.

“Keep my room for me?” he asked simply.

“Of course,” Charise responded.

Angus turned and walked away with Erin.

Charise stood in the door, with Addiena at her feet, watching the old dragonslayer walk
away with Addiena’s daughter. When they were out of sight, she closed the door and began her
day’s chores.

In the land of dragons, a sword was drawn from the dirt which held it upright in a
meadow. Looking at its legend, the sorcerer smiled and slipped it inside his robe.

The End Of One Great Adventure Is Almost Always The Beginning Of Another.