jsc asked me to post my story here so voila! And on Galadriels advice all the names and places are my own creation so please don't steal them!
note *Dragons are about 4ft tall to top of heads, but Tokeni is about 6ft tall.
Hope you like it! The paragraphs might be all wrong cos i couldn't be bothered to correct them when i transferred this from Word to here. BEWARE! it is VERY long! And its not even finished yet...
A pair of beady eyes glistened in the darkness. A heavy body stirred and stretched uncomfortably as the creature began to stand. The beady eyes were now fully open and they scanned the cave for any slight moment. Finding nothing, the creature lifted it’s massive arms and laid it’s forefeet on a nearby rock. The rock was covered in great scratches and deep bite marks and with one, swift move; the creature raked its claws down the entire length of one side, creating an awful screeching noise. The great crevices that were left were deep and jagged.
Then the creature trudged to the entrance to the cave with its head bent low to the ground. As the sunlight crept over its long snout and massive curled horns and thick, strong neck the creature raised it’s head to the light The sun’s rays shot through it’s eyes like a laser and as he squinted he lifted his huge, powerful wings.
He stood still for a moment, admiring the views around him. Rolling hills blanketed in lush grass and dotted with rainbow flowers, and behind them stood the proud form of Tokeni Mountain.
The creature slowly raised and lowered its leathery wings, stretching them out to their full length. They had five thin spines joining the fibrous skin to each of them, resembling bat’s wings. Then it quickened the pace and its gigantic cumbersome body began to lift off the ground. A well calculated push from it’s back legs gave the creature all the lift it needed and it began to fly ponderously toward the mountain.
*
Tophax sat in silence among the other dragons at the Council. About a dozen or so dragons were huddled round a fire at the top of Sun Hill, so called because during the day the sun would gleam down on the hill, especially on the large flat rock at the top that was called ‘the heat rock’ because of the intense heat it gave off when the day was over.
Tonight a fire was lit, mainly for the light, because tonight was a particularly humid night, and with the heat from the heat rock, they were all warm enough.
“The humans have already come too close to the island. We can’t let them come any closer!†shouted an older dragon. His name was Chafani and he was one of the more respected dragons on the Council.
“Well what do you suggest we do about it? We can’t lead an attack because the humans will realize there are dragons on the island. So far they know nothing of it!†Replied Nefora, a younger, female dragon.
“We could get the Earth dragons to create steep cliffs all around the island!†Suggested Mearron. “Everyone knows humans cannot climb.â€
“But then we will just be prisoners on our own land,†retorted Chafani. “All we need to do is get rid of them. How many can there be?â€
Roars of agreement were mingled with growls of uncertainty.
“There is no way we can do that without the humans finding out we live here! If they do they will kill us and sell our hides as meat and our teeth as jewelry!â€
“It is simple enough to just keep those murderers out. They cannot fly like we do and they cannot fight like we can either!â€
“If that is so then why do they still hunt down creatures, and kill them?!â€
“Because they can hunt, and that’s all. They are no match for dragons!â€
The argument continued for an hour or so, and the whole time Tophax sat silently, occasionally nodding his head in agreement or shaking his head in disagreement. He mostly just sat still and took in all the arguments the other dragons put forward and thought hard about the situation. The fire had grown low several times, but was rebuilt and lit by the fiery breath of some dragon. The light played over each beast’s face and created shadows, but also made them disappear, making the faces seem more menacing then they should have been. Dragons were said to be gentle creatures but if they needed to fight, they would fight until the bloody end.
As Chefani already said and repeated numerous times, the humans were coming dangerously close to Dragon Island. Stories had traveled overseas of the human’s brutality, and the inhabitants were disgusted at the way innocent creatures were killed for their fur and teeth. The Council was called to try and work out a way of keeping the humans off the island but so far every suggestion had its flaws, and no one could come to an agreement.
“Why don’t we just kill the humans as they come onto the island?†Asked Katani, Chefani’s daughter.
“Other humans will wonder where their comrades are and send more. Soon there will be too many for us to manage.†Replied Mylaress.
“What if the humans mean us no harm, and the stories are just a bunch of lies?†said Rewana, Tophax’s daughter. The other dragons fell silent, the first time since the discussion began. Every pair of eyes was fixed on the young dragonling, some were combined with scowls and angry frowns.
“Get out of the Council!†Shouted Chefani. “Anything you hear of the humans being kind to animals and beasts is nestling talk! Get out of the Council and don’t come back!†Rewana had no idea what she had done wrong, she was only a dragonling. She stared at Chefani with wide, frightened eyes. No one had ever shouted at her in this manner, not even Tophax.
“Just go, Rewana. I’ll see you in the den tomorrow,†whispered Tophax. Rewana slowly turned and crept away, tears welling up in her eyes. She had to bite her lip to stop herself weeping out loud. As her small, embarrassed figure disappeared into the darkness the discussion began again.
*
Rewana had no intention of returning to her den. She plodded through the grass until she reached the stream at the bottom of Sun Hill, and then she followed it Northward towards the mountain. She didn’t want to be found by her father or any other dragon when morning arrived so she waded through the water for a while to hide her scent. She was growing increasingly tired and her head felt heavy. She flattened a patch of grass and lay down to sleep. She knew that if her father didn’t find her by scent he would find her by flight, but tiredness overcame her need to find a cave or tree hollow. Her head swimming, she rested her cheek on a bundle of ferns and fell into a deep sleep.
Rewana was a particularly pretty dragon. It was rare to say a dragon was pretty, but if ever a dragon deserved that title, it was Rewani. Her scales were of pale purple, leading to deeper maroon at her points, especially on her face. She had horns, every dragon did, but hers were not twisted and jagged like most other dragons, but rather smooth and shiny. But her eyes were the most wonderful part of herself, as she thought anyway. Most dragon’s eyes were dark green or blue, sometimes red, but Rewana’s eyes were glowing orange, like a fire against a jet-black night. If the sun was high and shone in her face they would glimmer brilliant yellow. She was a very lucky dragon to own such beauty.
Rewani never knew her mother. Her father did not tell her much but she was banished to the Edgelands just after she hatched. He would never tell her why though, and Rewani spent many nights wondering what she was really like. Was she a war dragon? Was she strong and proud or shy and quiet? One day she thought ‘I’ll go to the Edgelands and find my mother’.
*
Dawn slowly crept over the horizon and Rewana opened her fiery eyes. She lay still for a while, just listening to the world. Something spoke. She lifted her head and listened hard.
“Rewana!â€
It was Tophax, looking for her. His voice was faint so Rewana knew he was a while away, but she didn’t want to be found quite yet. If Tophax found her now he would scold her and maybe cuff her round the head, but she didn’t care. She would get into trouble either way so she decided to run for a little while longer.
“Rewana, where are you?!†Tophax called again.
“Pahhh!†Rewana spat, and she heaved herself up and began a steady trot in the opposite direction to her father’s voice. The sun was behind her so she guessed she was heading west.
The grass around her was getting taller and taller. ‘I could hide if I need to’ Rewana thought
“Rewana!â€
His voice was closer this time. He had given up trying to find her by scent, and now he was flying, and very fast indeed. Rewana began to trot faster, and then broke out into a full run, weaving in and out of trees and bushes. The unfortunate part of having purple scales is that there is no camouflage. Even if she lay as flat as she could in the tall grass she would still be spotted.
Suddenly, the ground caved in beneath her feet. Rewana stumbled frantically, trying to gain a foothold but the earth was too crumbly. The young dragonling fell awkwardly into a dark pit with a yelp as her father flew directly overhead.
‘I had no idea he was that close’ Rewana thought to herself.
Tophax landed a few paces away from the hole.
“I could have sworn I saw her here only a minute ago,†he said to himself.
Rewana lay as still as she could, controlling her breathing so that she made no noise even though she was still out of breath from the run. She saw her father’s scaly tail flick away and gave a sigh of relief. Now she could go wherever she pleased.
*
“Have you found her yet?†Chefani asked
“No, I thought I saw her in the long grass to the West, but she wasn’t there. Maybe it was a big purple bird.†Tophax replied. “If we don’t find her soon she could end up in the Edgelands.â€
“I know, I know. I sent Katani and Zolu to check the caves around the mountains, and Mylaress, Nefora and Fessraxar are on their way to the forest. We will find her, Tophax. Don’t worry.â€
Chefani spotted a twitch of anger on Tophax’s face.
“But I do worry,†He said with a sigh. “Rewana just can’t sit still even for a minute.â€
“All dragonlings like to explore,†said Chefani.
“Yes but Rewana doesn’t explore to see what this looks like, and what that feels like, it seems as though she is always trying to find something specific, like there’s something missing.â€
“Her mother!†They said together.
Tophax’s jaw dropped. “She’s gone to the Edgelands!â€
“Are you sure?â€
“She has tried to escape my watch and head there before. Oh, I scold myself for telling her where her mother is!†Tophax swiped a nearby rock with his forefoot and sent it tumbling down the side of the hill.
“Calm down Tophax!â€
“How can I calm down? Those monsters in the Edgelands will rip her to shreds as soon as they see her!â€
“Then we will need all the help we can get. I’ll send out a signal, you go on ahead and get Myleress, Fessraxar and Nefora. We will meet at the West side of the forest.†And with that Chefani lifted himself off the ground with almighty strength and flew in the direction of Sun Hill. Without warning he let out a deafening roar - the signal. Every dragon on and around Sun Hill would hear that and come to his aid. Signals were not sent out very often, so when they were it was a cause for concern.
Tophax raised his leathery wings and brought them down with such speed that he was lifted clear off the ground. He flew westward, to the forest.
*
The sky began to get lighter as Rewana kept running. She knew where she wanted to go, to the Edgelands, but she had no idea what they looked like, so really she didn’t know where she was going. If she had flown it would have taken her half the time, but flying was too risky, she would be spotted. So she carried on running. To journey from one side of the island to the other took weeks in flight, without rests or sleep, but Rewana was already close to the West side.
The ground beneath her feet was no longer green, but a dull brown. The trees around her got sparser and were thin and old with few leaves. Craggy rocks and boulders blocked her path and she realized these were barriers made by the Earth dragons either to keep the Edgelanders in or the Islanders out but they were of little use. With a quick sharp movement Rewana gently flew to the top of the barrier and looked around. On the edgelander side of the barrier there was no grass, nor trees, or bushes. The earth was a dark browny-grey colour with black patches where it had been scorched by fire. Far in the distance there were mountains, but they didn’t have the pride and splendor of Tokeni Mountain. They seemed sad and empty, just like Rewana when she realized her mother wasn’t coming back to the nest.
She stumbled down the side of the barrier, dislodging many rocks, which cracked against each other as they fell. At the bottom she tripped, and landed head-over-heels with a bump and a yelp. She stood up as quickly as she could, because she heard sounds coming from behind a nearby rock. A whisper. Then another, from another rock. Then a head popped up. Rewana jumped back, surprised.
“Hey hey! Look what we got here, Codo!â€
Codo’s head popped up from behind the other rock..
“Wow! An Islander. Don’t get too many of them round here. I hear they’re pretty tasty.â€
Rewana’s eyes widened. She thought about climbing back over the barrier, but there were two fully-grown dragons watching her. They would catch her before she could even turn around. They moved from their rocks and began to circle her.
“Aww! Are we scaring the cute little Islander?†Codo mocked. Rewana crouched, ready to fly away.
“Don’t bother.†Daryn sneered. “We’ll catch you before the first flap.†These dragons were twice her size, and there were two of them.
“I bet she can’t even breathe fire yet!†laughed Codo.
“I can too!†Rewana replied, trying to sound tough.
“Show us then.†Rewana grew more worried. She was way too young to breathe fire. Her fire sac wasn’t fully developed yet. Maybe she could use this chance to escape.
She breathed in hard, as the other dragons did when they were about the breathe fire. Codo and Daryn began to smile.
“pheagh!†Rewana coughed and spluttered, for her throat felt hot and stingy. A puff of smoke floated gently out of her mouth. Codo and Daryn laughed out loud. They laughed so hard they fell onto their backs and clutched their stomachs.
This is my chance Rewana thought. She flapped her wings as fast as she could and pushed herself with her hind legs to gain some extra lift. She flew straight upward.
“HEY!†Codo shouted. “The runt’s getting away!†The Edgelanders followed her, straight up, but they were smarter then she was and they came up on the Island side of her, blocking her way. She saw what they were doing and twisted mid air, to face away from them and flew further to try and escape her followers. She had a good head start, but fully-grown dragons were faster then she was and they soon caught up.
“Where do you think you’re going?†Codo roared.
Rewana frantically tried to find an escape route, but Codo and Daryn were on either side of her. Below her on the ground, a dense forest of blackened dead trees enveloped the earth. Plenty of places to hide, but no-where to land safely.
Suddenly, Daryn stretched out his forefoot and made a grab for Rewana’s wing, but although he didn’t get a good hold, he sent the dragonling into a spinning dive for the ground.
Branches snapped around her and sharp twigs scratched her face. She tumbled awkwardly and hit the ground very hard on her left side. She felt her back leg throbbing in pain. Despite this, she managed to muster enough strength to stand and make a wobbly stumble in the direction of the barrier.
Swish! Swish! Codo and Daryn landed swiftly behind her.
“Get back here you little runt!†They shouted. Rewana tried to run but she was exhausted and limping. Unable to stand, she collapsed and waited. She heard claws scratching the ground beside her.
“Is it dead? Dead things don’t taste as good as living things.†Daryn asked.
“Bite it and see.†Codo answered, “but leave some for me!â€
Something purple flashed through the trees.
“Get away from her! Both of you! Get back to your dens!†It called
“No way! This is our kill! We found it!†Codo shouted back as he stood over Rewana. A mighty figure bounded out from the forest and slashed a massive forefoot armed with five needle sharp claws across Codo’s face. Codo roared in agony and with a bloody face and loose jaw (it had broken in the collision) he galloped off into the forest with his partner following closely.
Rewana watched everything with fear in her eyes. The dragon that had attacked Codo was larger and more muscular with a thicker neck and rounder shoulders. It looked down at her with orange eyes. Not as bright as Rewana’s but still very beautiful
“Goodness! Rewana? What are you doing in the Edgelands?â€
Rewana lifted her heavy head. She was still laying on the ground, but a bit more comfortably and less awkwardly.
“How do you know my name?†She scowled.
“How do I know? Rewana, don’t you recognize me? I’m your mother.â€
Rewana began to breathe faster. A million thoughts and questions ran through her head. She had found her mother, or rather her mother found her. She should have guessed. The mighty dragon had the same colourings as Rewana herself and she had orange eyes to match as well.
“Come on. We have to get you to a cave. It’s getting colder and that leg of yours doesn’t look too good. Here, climb on my back, and I’ll carry you.â€
Rewana climbed slowly onto her mothers back and lay silently as she was carried off to a nearby cave.
*
“Nefora! Mylaress! Fessraxar!†Called Tophax. His reflection wobbled over Yeomo Lake. Tophax was a green dragon, very common among dragonkind, but the one thing that stood out about him was his right horn, or lack of it. His father broke it off when he was a nestling and it never grew back. Other dragons always thought him as a little odd but they put it down to his nestlinghood. He had a rough one, due to his father.
“Poor thing,†they would say. “Having such a violent father. Never could control his temper. It was as fiery as his breath.†He left when Tophax was in late dragonlinghood.
“We’re here!†Nefora called as she, Mylaress and Fessraxar rose up into the air. “We heard the signal. What’s going on?†Mylaress asked.
“Rewana’s gone missing.†Tophax wheezed, out of breath from flying too fast. “We think she’s gone to find her mother in the Edgelands. Chefani is coming with the others.â€
The three females exchanged worried glances.
“Can you fight?†Tophax asked
“We will if you need us too. You never know what those monsters will do next.†Nefora said.
“I heard that they…umph!†A sharp cuff from Fessraxar silenced Mylaress.
“Not helping!†Fessraxar said.
“Tophax!†Tophax turned his head and saw Chefani followed by a dozen or more dragons. There were many more on the west of the island but they were either too young, too old, injured or caring for nestlings.
“We’ll discuss the situation on the ground, land now.†Chefani ordered. Tophax noticed something about Chefani. He was respected and wise, but he liked to take charge, even though he was not leader. Tophax guessed he was hatched to parents of high rank.
Chefani was already distributing groups by the time they had all landed.
“A full on attack is not what we need, we don’t know for sure Rewana is in the Edgelands. We need to find her and find her fast. We will search the Edgelands first because that is where the risk is. If she is there we will get her out without a fight if possible. Who among us can fight?â€
Several dragons put their right forefeet forward.
“Good. Lets go now.â€
*
Rewana was almost asleep when her mother nudged her awake. She had started a fire and had bought ferns for the dragonling to rest on, even though they were dry and coarse. ‘Mothering skills,’ Rewana thought ‘she still remembers’.
“So what caused you to come all this way, on your own, to find me?†She asked.
Rewana’s head was still dizzy and her mind was racing.
“W..what’s your name?†She slurred.
“Lenera, why?â€
“What a lovely name…†Rewana fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.
“OK,†Lenera whispered. “We’ll talk tomorrow.â€
The young dragonling woke with a start, sweating and breathing heavily. She had a nightmare about Codo and Daryn. They chased her, and caught her, but when her mother came to help her, Codo and Daryn killed her, and made Rewana watch. Lenera called out to her but she couldn’t move. When she awoke she was dazed and it took a moment for her to realize where she was.
It was early morning. Her father would be extremely worried by now, but Rewana still had many questions to ask her new-found mother. She had many things to talk about, mostly topics her father wouldn’t tell her. The main question was why she was banished to the Edgelands in the first place.
“Good morning,â€
The sudden sound of her mother’s voice made Rewana jump. Lenera entered the cave carrying something furry in her mouth. She dropped it on the ground in front of her daughter.
A rabbit.
“Breakfast is served. I had to search a long time to find that,†Lenera explained. “I guess finding your food before you kill it is strange for you. In the Islands rabbits and deer practically waltz up to your caves.†She said, sadly.
Rewana looked at the dead mammal with pity. It was half the size of the rabbits she was used to, and it’s coat was thick with mange.
“Eat up then,â€
Slowly Rewana bit into the flesh. Inwardly, she retched. The coat not only was mangy, it was infested with fleas. Outwardly, she chewed every mouthful with delight. She didn’t want to upset her mother. What made it worse was the fact that Lenera had to eat these disgusting creatures on a regular basis, that is, if she could find any.
Rewana swallowed the last mouthful and looked at Lenera with shining eyes. She hadn’t realized until now how much she looked like her mother, although Lenera’s scales were worn and dirty, and her horns were cracked and bumpy, not smooth. But what she noticed most was that they shared the brilliant fire-orange brightness in their eyes.
“Sleep well?†Lenera asked. Rewana nodded her head.
“Why were you banished to the edgelands?†She asked suddenly. Lenera looked surprised.
“Oh well. I was going to have to tell you someday. Either that or your father would.â€
“No he wouldn’t.†Rewana replied. “Whenever I mention you her goes quiet and turns his head. It’s like he hates you with a passion.â€
“He does, and it’s understandable.†Rewana’s eyes widened and she sat up. “When you hatched, you were very beautiful, and you still are. Trouble was, Zophoria, a female dragon, was jealous. Before you were born, she got all the compliments and attention. She was also very beautiful. Then you arrived, and suddenly you got all the attention. Day by day you grew more pretty, and between you and me, she wasn’t getting any younger.â€
Rewana listened in awe. “So all this time she kept her feelings to herself, not even telling her mate. One night she left her cave and silently crept over to ours. Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t the great stalker she made out to be. I heard her from metres away. I watched her in the darkness, while you were asleep.
“She tip-clawed up to you and raised her forefoot to strike. Then I lunged at her. She was going to kill you, Rewana. All because of a silly beauty contest. We fought violently, roaring and screaming and you woke up. You were probably too young to remember, but you wailed as loud as you could, while me and Zophoria scratched and slashed and bit and flamed and within minutes your father and Zophoria’s mate arrived. Zophoria broke free and made a dash in your direction. She was so intent on getting you out of the way. I jumped on her and sank my teeth into her neck. She suffocated and died. Your father and Zophoria’s mate watched. As soon as she fell limp I ran up to comfort you, but Tophax blocked me. They pulled me to a trial ring. You came as well, afraid and confused, and the whole colony was awoken and a fire was lit, in the middle of the night.
A trial was called, but it was no use. There were two witnesses present at the time of the killing but no-one saw Zophoria try to kill you. I pleaded my innocence and you were to young to say anything. They tore you from my arms and banished me to the Edgelands.†Tears welled up in Lenera’s eyes.
“That doesn’t explain why father hates you.†Rewana stammered. Hearing all this information brought back memories. She did remember the fight, the trial, the pain of hearing her father say her mother was gone and never coming back. “I thought you didn’t love me and abandoned me. It hurt so much when I saw other nestlings with their mothers. They would come up to me and say ‘where’s your mother then?’ and they would sneer and make nasty comments.†Droplets rolled down Lenera’s cheeks.
“The reason your father hates me,†she said softly, “is because Zophoria was Tophax’s mother.†Rewana broke down. She began to cry. Then she cried a lot. “Hey, it’s OK, I’m here now. At least you know the truth.â€
“Father used to say how violent his father was. Is that because he lost his mate?†Rewana asked.
“That was one reason I guess, I wasn’t there, but the main reason was…†Lenera stopped, fighting back tears.
“Tell me, please.†Rewana whispered.
“Your father’s father is Tokeni.†Tokeni! The most feared Earth dragon the whole island. He was the oldest dragon on the island as well, but known more for his short temper and violent tendencies.
“That must mean father is an Earth dragon.â€
“Yes, a very powerful one. He didn’t want you to find out.â€
“Why?â€
“There are very few Earth dragons. How many are there now? Four?â€
“Fiveâ€
“Five out of hundreds of dragons.â€
“Does that mean I’m…?â€
“Yes. You are also an Earth dragon. So there are six.†Rewana closed her eyes. ‘An Earth dragon. I am an Earth dragon’ She kept repeating those words in her head.
“Listen,†Lenera began to explain. “Don’t let your father know that you know what you are. Experiment with your powers when no-one is looking. Make sure no-one finds out.â€
“How do I use my powers?â€
“You’ll know when the time comes. I can’t tell you because I am not an Earth dragon, but be careful what you do. You are a descendant of Tokeni, and you are one of the most powerful Earth dragons on the island.†Rewana walked up to her mother and laid against her. Lenera looked down at her child.
“You have grown into a beautiful young dragonling, Rewana. My Rewana.â€
“I love you mother. You protected me when I was in danger. You did what you had to do to save me. They should not have banished you, even though you did what you did. Maybe I could tell them..â€
“No, it is too late. The Council would think I told you to say that, and then I would have no chance of ever entering the Islands again.†Rewana looked up.
“Is there a chance?†She asked with wide eyes.
“If I save another dragon’s life. It’s unfair, because the life has to be of an Islander, and they never come into the Edgelands, and if we Edgelanders put one claw onto Islander territory, the penalty is death.â€
“Get away from her! Get away from her you murdering scum!†It was Tophax!
“Tophax!†Lenera cried.
“Father?†Rewana shouted. Tophax came to a halt at the entrance of the cave.
“Rewana, come with me, now.†He ordered. Rewana stood her ground, next to and slightly further back then Lenera. “Rewana, come with me and get away from that murderer.†He repeated through gritted fangs. His lip was raised and his feet were dug firmly into the ground. He would fight if he had to.
Rewana still did not move, shocked by the way Tophax called her mother a murderer. He obviously remembered what she looked like then.
Lenera held her head up high, staring deep into Tophax’s eyes.
Suddenly, Tophax let out a mighty roar. Both Lenera and Rewana were confused. It wasn’t a signal.
Nefora landed next to Tophax, followed by Mylaress, Fessraxar, Chefani and a dozen more dragons, each in a fighting stance. Lenera still held her head up high.
“I wont tell you again, dragonling. Get away from that murderer and come here.â€
“She’s not a murderer!†Rewana shouted back.
“Rewana, that Dragon-scum killed my mother!â€
“Then you will know the bond between mother and child can never be broken. I love my mother and you can’t make me go with you!â€
“Oh yes I can!†Tophax lunged forward and made a grab for Rewana with his teeth. He didn’t want a fight but now there was no choice.
Tophax was fast, but Rewana was faster. She dived out of the way and hid between Lenera's front legs.
“Move!†Tophax roared to Lenera. She stood still, head raised. “Fine!†With one shove Tophax knocked Lenera off her feet and sent her tumbling into the cave. Rewana stayed as close to her as she could. Tophax seized the chance and grabbed Rewana by the tail. She dug her claws into the ground but Tophax pressed his fangs harder into her flesh.
She squealed in pain and looked to her mother for help. Lenera knew Tophax was a lot stronger then she was but the pain of watching her child getting hurt was too much. She leaped at him and slashed him across the face, just like she had done to Codo.
Tophax let go of Rewana’s tail with a yelp and stumbled back. Blood dribbled down his face and neck. He could only open one eye.
Rewana and Lenera ran to the back of the cave and crouched down. Rewana curled her tail around her and inspected the damage. Tiny droplets of blood emerged from pinprick holes in her scales. She looked at her father with horror.
“Father?†She whined. No father was supposed to harm his child, let alone draw blood. Lenera growled at him, deep anger in her eyes. She moved closer to her daughter, comforting her.
Tophax looked behind him at his army.
“Get my daughter back.†He ordered. Some of the dragons were surprised at what Tophax had done, but still they obeyed. They moved in closer. This was it. Lenera knew she would either be killed or get very badly hurt. She crouched lower.
“No.†Rewana said. “I don’t want this.†Lenera was surprised. “I’ll come with you,†she nodded towards the army. “But I wont go with him.†She nodded at her father. Hurt spread across Tophax’s blood stained face. Rewana turned to her mother and nudged her little head against her mothers. “I’ll come back,†she whispered, so only she could hear. Then she walked silently with Nefora and Mylaress either side of her back to the Islands. Tophax followed Rewana and nudged Mylaress out of the way so he could walk with his daughter, but she dodged under Nefora’s legs and walked on the other side of the light-green female.
Lenera watched the beautiful sleek figure of her daughter fly towards the islands. Tophax stayed behind.
“Are you happy now?†He sneered at her. “You took my mother from me and now you have taken my daughter.â€
“She’s my daughter too!†Lenera retorted.
“I wish she wasn’t,†Tophax growled as he took flight and followed the Islanders back home.
*
The lush grass swayed in the cool breeze as the rabbits played round their warrens. Mating season for the rabbits had nearly arrived so the dragons stayed away to ensure the rabbits were not over-hunted to extinction. For now the dragons could hunt birds and deer.
Today was a clear warm day in early spring. Rewana plodded miserably through the ferns on the outskirts of the Great Forest. She stopped and looked around her. How can I live in such a wonderful place when my mother is living in such a horrible place? She thought.
“Rewana!†Tophax called. Rewana scowled. Her tail still held the scars of her father’s fangs, but they would fade. Inside the scars would stay with her for the rest of her life. “How are you today?†He asked, slightly smiling, as he landed next to her. The dragonling was disgusted. He was acting as if nothing had happened the previous day.
“Fine,†she growled and turned her back to him with her tail held high so he could see what he had done. Tophax walked round to face her. She turned away again.
“Rewana, I…†He tried to explain.
“Just leave me alone!†She snarled, and she ran further into the forest. Tophax’s head drooped and he sighed. He lifted his head again when he heard Chefani’s voice.
“Tophax, thank goodness I’ve found you!†He gasped. He had been running for a long time.
“Why didn’t you fly to find me?†Tophax asked.
“I couldn’t….they would have seen me….â€
“Who?â€
“The humans. They’ve come in great wooden things across the water. They swam, Tophax, the wooden things swam up to the shore! They weren’t alive, they had no heads or tails but they had many, many legs that dipped in and out of the water, and they had big white wings that swayed to and fro, but it wasn’t alive!â€
“What? What are we doing about this?†Tophax asked.
“You have to help us! We need your powers to make a block, or a whirlpool!â€
“No!†He replied suddenly. “I haven’t practiced in years. My powers are weak. I can’t let Rewana see either.â€
“You’re still more powerful then other dragons. We’ll keep your daughter away but please! Just help us! We have to go now!†Chefani took flight and Tophax followed.
Rewana watched from the shadows of a massive Oak tree. She thought for a moment. She must stay out of sight of her father and the humans, but she had never seen a human before. She also took flight and followed Tophax and Chefani, staying low to the ground.
“Wait!†Tophax shouted. “Land now or they’ll see you!â€
“Good point. I almost forgot.†They both landed and began to run.
Rewana flew as quickly as she could. Her head was filled with curiosity. This was the first time she was going to see an Earth dragon use his powers.
Suddenly she was aware that her father was no longer flying in front of her. She looked around desperately and wasn’t concentrating on where she was going. She bumped straight into the back of her father’s head and sent him tumbling forward, his face covered in mud.
“What do you think you are doing you little…� Tophax jumped up and twisted round, fangs bared. Rewana sat on the ground shaking her head. “Rewana! Oh, I’m sorry!†His tone of voice changed instantly from angry to sympathetic.
“Don’t be,†she retorted rudely. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Tophax.†She said sarcastically. Tophax was hurt all over again. His own daughter called him by his name, not father. His head still hurt, but no-where near as much as inside. Rewana had disowned him because he was too selfish to let her see her on mother, even if she was a murderer.
Rewana ran quickly away, avoiding her father’s gaze. Her head hurt too, from the collision, but inside all she felt was anger toward Tophax. This was something she was not likely to forgive him for. For now, at least, she wanted nothing to do with him.
She stopped and collapsed. She didn’t know where she as running, but looking around her told her she was near Sun Hill and the same bundle of ferns she slept on during the night of the council.
She closed her eyes and thought. Her mother was banished from the Islands, and she hated her father so much she didn’t even call him father. ‘What am I supposed to do now?’ She thought ‘I have no mother or father. What am I supposed to do now?’ A single tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the grass with a plop. Then another, and another, and soon she was crying so hard her eyes hurt. She wailed and sobbed her heart out. Losing a mother when she was very young was hard enough, but losing her father too? It was too much for a little dragonling to take.
Rewana raised her head high and locked her jaws together. Suddenly her legs told her to run. So she ran. She ran so fast she didn’t know whether she would be able to stop. After a few minutes she came to the edge of the great forest. The first tree she came to, she reared up and slashed down with her right forefoot and sent splinters of wood flying everywhere. The anger inside her had exploded onto a tree and now it was the tree’s turn to suffer.
Rewana kept slashing, and soon she was biting, ripping gigantic pieces of wood and bark away from the body of the tree. She was still crying, but crying tears of rage instead of self-pity. She wailed and roared still, not wanting to stop hurting the tree. Her father had hurt her so much already, not telling her about her mother, doing nothing when the other nestlings sneered at her, biting her tail. She wanted it all to stop. Right now.
She jumped back away from the mangled mess she had created. Her throat felt hot and it stung like crazy. She breathed in hard and held her breath for a moment before erupting into a rage and heaving so violently a whooshing blaze of fire flew out of her mouth and enveloped the tree in a burning cage of orange and yellow.
The young dragonling stood back, frightened and surprised by what she had done. The tree was still ablaze, but soon it would wither out and die. Rewana used to think she was too young for fire breathing, but she felt stronger. Usually, it would have taken her another half a year or so to manage a tiny flicker of flame.
‘Mother! She said I would know when the time comes! This is my Earth dragon power!’
Rewana decided to keep quiet about what had happened, and although other dragons would question what had happened to the tree, she would be too young to be a suspect.
Still, she felt stronger, and wanted to experiment with her powers, but seeing as she had no idea just what Earth dragons did, she chose to find Tophax and watch what he did. She began to run back to where she came from.
*
Chefani and Tophax joined several other dragons near the cliffs by Sun Hill. They were all lying very low and peering over the cliffs at the beach below. Eight humans and two of those things with white wings were there, and they had started a fire. Uncertain whispers had spread across the group.
“Who lit that fire?â€
“They must have done.â€
“But how?â€
“Humans can’t breath fire.â€
“Can they?â€
Tophax crept up beside Nefora.
“Where did that fire come from?†he asked.
“We don’t know, we think they did it.†Chefani crept up next to Tophax and whispered in his ear.
“You have to do something.†Tophax thought very hard about what he could do.
“I could raise the beach so no more humans land here and the cliffs are higher, but I need another Earth dragon to help me.†He replied.
“The only other Earth dragons I know are Tokeni, and your daughter.â€
“No, not Rewana. She’s too young anyway.â€
“You’ll have to try on your own then. You know what Tokeni’ll do when he hears there are humans on the island.†Tophax looked unsure. “Please Tophax. If you don’t complete the cliffs at least you’ll scare them away.†That was a good point.
Tophax tried hard to remember how to change landscapes. He moved his head as low to the ground as he could and closed his eyes. His head began to hurt at the back and when he re-opened his eyes the world was spinning. He felt sick and almost threw up. The only thing stopping him was a Chefani’s foot placed firmly on his snout. He could still breathe of course, but if the contents of his stomach were to jump out of his mouth they would land on the head of an unsuspecting human and although that would be very funny, the human would wonder what sicked on his head and investigate.
Chefani had known many Earth dragons in his lifetime, and he knew what happened to them when they used their powers so he was always there to help.
Tophax began to shudder. His eyes were wide open and staring at the beach below. The other dragons looked over at him. A very faint earthquake made the cliffs shake. The tremors got more and more unsteady as they ran down the side of the cliff and onto the beech. The humans shouted at each other in an unknown language as they ran around frantically.
A veritable mountain of rock burst through the sand and giant boulders flew in all directions. Some landed in the sea and created massive hollow cylinders that leapt for the sky. Others crashed onto the beach and embedded themselves into the sand. The humans screamed in fear and shock and scrambled into their swimming beasts and shouted what seemed to be orders into their stomachs. The mountains rose until they reached the height of the cliffs, and they kept rising.
“Tophax!†Chefani shouted. Tophax didn’t move. “Tophax stop it!†He repeated, and she shoved the Earth dragon to break his concentration. The mountains stopped rising. They were a tree-height above the original cliffs.
“I’m sorry, I… I told you…I haven’t practiced in a long time…I couldn’t stop!†he explained.
“It’s OK, you got rid of the humans, for now at least. I didn’t know you were so powerful.†Chefani reassured him.
“Neither did I.†Tophax replied as he strode away to his cave to rest and recharge. Chefani moved further round the cliffs so he could watch the humans leave on their swimming beasts. They were moving faster away then they came. ‘They wont be back for a while at least’ he thought to himself.
Rewana stared, jaw dropped and eyes so wide if they got any wider they would have popped right out of her head.
“Wow, I can do that?†she said quietly. Chefani and a few other dragons stood up so Rewana slipped silently through the ferns back to the forest.
The island was huge, and the group of dragons Rewana knew only occupied a small area of it. Sun Hill, the Great Forest, the cliffs where she had just been, the stream and the nesting caves on the south side of the mountain were all she knew as home. She walked back to the tree she mangled earlier. It was still smoldering with patches of glowing red. She plodded past it and sat down in a soft patch of grass.
A rabbit poked it’s fluffy head out of its warren. Rewana sat as still as she could as it hopped cautiously towards her. With a quick jerk of her neck the rabbit was in her jaws, struggling to break free. She was about to eat it when she thought of Lenera. ‘I’ll take it to her’ She thought.
*
Rewana listened carefully for any sign of another dragon following her, but hearing nothing, she flew over the barrier into the bleak desolate land where her mother lived. Eyes wide and ears tuned to the tiniest of noises she silently crept forward. Ahead of her she saw the dead forest where she was attacked and decided foolishly to venture into it again.
Twigs snapped and thorns bit at her paws as Rewana, still holding the rabbit between her jaws, nervously looked about her. The light was fading into a dull storm and the trees seemed even more menacing in the dimness. Something cracked sharply behind her and he jumped around, dropping the rabbit in her surprise.
“You again…†A familiar growling voice murmured behind her. Rewana recognized it as Codo’s. Codo appeared, his jaw raw and loose, and still weeping blood from her mothers attack. “Looky looky it’s the runt! And this time mummy’s not here to save your pretty hide!†Codo advanced, but Rewana neither felt scared or nervous anymore. She felt the flame welling up in her throat.
“You’d better leave me alone,†she said courageously.
“Or what, you’ll puff smoke at me to death?†Codo laughed, baring his mangled, broken teeth. Rewana stepped forward and growled.
“You really want to be a fried dragon don’t you?†she jeered. Codo looked confused. Rewana smiled, and suddenly erupted. A massive ball of flame shot from her mouth and swirled viciously around Codo. The older dragon screamed in agony as fire licked his scales and burned his skin. His thin frame writhed and twisted in its blazing prison as he struggled to escape. “Stop!†Rewana shouted. The flames disappeared instantly, and she saw Codo in a whimpering heap, blackened from the blaze. He made a noise that sounded like a cross between a snarl and a whimper, and ran away, all that was left of his wings was the spiny skeletal frame; the thin skin had completely burned away.
Rewana was amazed her fire obeyed her command, but had little time to ponder over it as a whiff of her mothers scent played on the breeze. The sniffed the air, and then the ground, and picked up the dead rabbit in her jaws. She followed the invisible trail confidently and without fear. She could look after herself.
*
Tophax lay on the bed of ferns stiff and sore. Shortly after he used his powers he had lost consciousness due to exhaustion. Chefani had carried him to the ferns and let him sleep.
“Wha…Rewana?†he mumbled, urging his limbs to move.
“She’s not here, Tophax,†Said Fessraxar who was sitting nearby. Tophax stood up shakily.
“Did she…did she see…?â€
“No.†Chefani strode forward. Two other dragons behind him were dragging a fresh deer along the grass. As his eyes came into full focus Tophax saw about twelve dragons sitting and talking in hushed voices. He caught whispers about him and shivered involuntarily as he heard a long unsaid name. Tokeni.
“Tokeni?!†Tophax cried suddenly. “What? Where?†He stared at Chefani waiting for an answer.
“He was sighted leaving Tokeni Mountain early this morning, flying towards the Edgelands, then again about an hour ago near Yeomo Lake. I’ve set Watchers about the area.†Tophax sighed wearily and flexed his wings.
“Where is Rewana?†he asked.
“Fessraxar saw her last in the Great Wood. I’ve sent Mylaress and Nefora to look for her. Tophax you need to rest.â€
“No, I have to find my daughter…†Tophax trailed off as fatigue took hold of him again. He fought the sleep that called to him silently, but had to give in to blissful unconsciousness as it overtook his body.
*
As the clouds rumbled dully overhead the dragonling followed her mothers scent through the forest. At last the bare trees ended, and Rewana saw before her a steep cliff of grey and brown. At the very bottom holes had been cut to make rough caves. Rewana knew which one belonged to her mother and plodded off into it.
The cave was dark and damp, and strange smells lingered around the cold walls. Lenera was not in the cave, so Rewana decided to wait. She crept to the back of the hollow and lay on her front, watching the entrance. So far back into the rock she was completely hidden, her purple scales losing a battle to the cool darkness around her.
Something moved outside the cave. Rewana was about to jump up and see who it was, but common sense told her to stay; she was in the Edgelands after all.
Her ears throbbed in the silence, when she heard a deep growl echo in the cave. Something huge stopped just outside the entrance, and Rewana was afraid again. The creature lowered its long, thick neck and peered into the cave, growling. Rewana realized with a sickening jolt that this was another dragon, but it was almost twice the size of usual adults. It had deep black scales, covering strong forearms and a huge chest. A deep rumble sounded from its throat and it’s green eyes looked directly at her. Rewana held her breath, shaking with fear. The dragon began to sniff, and it bared its yellow jagged teeth as it searched the cave with all its senses. Rewana closed her eyes and prayed she would not be found out. The massive dragon turned away and she heard it’s wings beating as it took flight. She hardly dared to move, but her body shook with relief. She had never seen such a large and fearsome dragon in her life.
But more fear was to come as she heard more wing beats outside. A purple head poked itself into the cave and Rewana jumped forward with a cry.
“Mother!†Lenera jumped back, surprised.
“Rewana get back in the cave!†Lenera suddenly replied, as sheushered her back.
“Mother?†Rewana asked, puzzled.
“Rewana what are you doing here?â€
“I…. I bought you a rabbit…†She replied.
“You have to go back home now and never come back!†Lenera said. Her eyes were full of fear and concern. Rewana was about to argue, but her mother interrupted. “Tokeni is looking for me.†Rewana gasped. Tokeni!
“Was that…?†Rewana started.
“Yes. He was here. Rewana you must go back!â€
“No!†Rewana suddenly cried. “No I’m not going back. I’m staying with you. I want to stay with you.â€
“But if Tokeni catches you he’ll kill you!â€
“I don’t care! I’m not going back, not now!†Lenera opened her mouth to speak, but seeing the determination in her daughter’s eyes she closed it again. She sighed and moved closer to her, speaking softly.
“If you stay with me we’ll have to move further into the Edgelands. You wont be able to go back.â€
“I know,†Rewana replied, her voice shaky. She looked into her mothers bright eyes and smiled.
“We have to leave now,†Lenera began, but Rewana stopped her.
“You have to eat your rabbit first!†she laughed gently. Lenera smiled at her daughter and laughed.
“gladly!†She replied, beaming.
*
The journey was long and dreary, as rain fell in great sheets. The ground was transformed from a dry dust to a sloppy mud in a very short time. Lenera and Rewana did not fly, they would be too easily spotted, plus the winds were fierce and would easily blow a dragonling off course. Even if the rain pelted her and the wind bit at her eyes, Rewana couldn’t help feeling happy; she was with her mother. They traveled for the entire night, until they came to the mountains. Dawn crept sleepily over the horizon and Lenera struggled to find a cave for herself and her exhausted daughter.
Rewana was nearly asleep on her feet when her mother called to her. She had found a hollow in the rock large enough for them to hide and sleep in.
“I’m sure we’re far enough in not to be found,†Lenera sighed, as Rewana fell into fretful sleep.
I will be posting more soon
note *Dragons are about 4ft tall to top of heads, but Tokeni is about 6ft tall.
Hope you like it! The paragraphs might be all wrong cos i couldn't be bothered to correct them when i transferred this from Word to here. BEWARE! it is VERY long! And its not even finished yet...
A pair of beady eyes glistened in the darkness. A heavy body stirred and stretched uncomfortably as the creature began to stand. The beady eyes were now fully open and they scanned the cave for any slight moment. Finding nothing, the creature lifted it’s massive arms and laid it’s forefeet on a nearby rock. The rock was covered in great scratches and deep bite marks and with one, swift move; the creature raked its claws down the entire length of one side, creating an awful screeching noise. The great crevices that were left were deep and jagged.
Then the creature trudged to the entrance to the cave with its head bent low to the ground. As the sunlight crept over its long snout and massive curled horns and thick, strong neck the creature raised it’s head to the light The sun’s rays shot through it’s eyes like a laser and as he squinted he lifted his huge, powerful wings.
He stood still for a moment, admiring the views around him. Rolling hills blanketed in lush grass and dotted with rainbow flowers, and behind them stood the proud form of Tokeni Mountain.
The creature slowly raised and lowered its leathery wings, stretching them out to their full length. They had five thin spines joining the fibrous skin to each of them, resembling bat’s wings. Then it quickened the pace and its gigantic cumbersome body began to lift off the ground. A well calculated push from it’s back legs gave the creature all the lift it needed and it began to fly ponderously toward the mountain.
*
Tophax sat in silence among the other dragons at the Council. About a dozen or so dragons were huddled round a fire at the top of Sun Hill, so called because during the day the sun would gleam down on the hill, especially on the large flat rock at the top that was called ‘the heat rock’ because of the intense heat it gave off when the day was over.
Tonight a fire was lit, mainly for the light, because tonight was a particularly humid night, and with the heat from the heat rock, they were all warm enough.
“The humans have already come too close to the island. We can’t let them come any closer!†shouted an older dragon. His name was Chafani and he was one of the more respected dragons on the Council.
“Well what do you suggest we do about it? We can’t lead an attack because the humans will realize there are dragons on the island. So far they know nothing of it!†Replied Nefora, a younger, female dragon.
“We could get the Earth dragons to create steep cliffs all around the island!†Suggested Mearron. “Everyone knows humans cannot climb.â€
“But then we will just be prisoners on our own land,†retorted Chafani. “All we need to do is get rid of them. How many can there be?â€
Roars of agreement were mingled with growls of uncertainty.
“There is no way we can do that without the humans finding out we live here! If they do they will kill us and sell our hides as meat and our teeth as jewelry!â€
“It is simple enough to just keep those murderers out. They cannot fly like we do and they cannot fight like we can either!â€
“If that is so then why do they still hunt down creatures, and kill them?!â€
“Because they can hunt, and that’s all. They are no match for dragons!â€
The argument continued for an hour or so, and the whole time Tophax sat silently, occasionally nodding his head in agreement or shaking his head in disagreement. He mostly just sat still and took in all the arguments the other dragons put forward and thought hard about the situation. The fire had grown low several times, but was rebuilt and lit by the fiery breath of some dragon. The light played over each beast’s face and created shadows, but also made them disappear, making the faces seem more menacing then they should have been. Dragons were said to be gentle creatures but if they needed to fight, they would fight until the bloody end.
As Chefani already said and repeated numerous times, the humans were coming dangerously close to Dragon Island. Stories had traveled overseas of the human’s brutality, and the inhabitants were disgusted at the way innocent creatures were killed for their fur and teeth. The Council was called to try and work out a way of keeping the humans off the island but so far every suggestion had its flaws, and no one could come to an agreement.
“Why don’t we just kill the humans as they come onto the island?†Asked Katani, Chefani’s daughter.
“Other humans will wonder where their comrades are and send more. Soon there will be too many for us to manage.†Replied Mylaress.
“What if the humans mean us no harm, and the stories are just a bunch of lies?†said Rewana, Tophax’s daughter. The other dragons fell silent, the first time since the discussion began. Every pair of eyes was fixed on the young dragonling, some were combined with scowls and angry frowns.
“Get out of the Council!†Shouted Chefani. “Anything you hear of the humans being kind to animals and beasts is nestling talk! Get out of the Council and don’t come back!†Rewana had no idea what she had done wrong, she was only a dragonling. She stared at Chefani with wide, frightened eyes. No one had ever shouted at her in this manner, not even Tophax.
“Just go, Rewana. I’ll see you in the den tomorrow,†whispered Tophax. Rewana slowly turned and crept away, tears welling up in her eyes. She had to bite her lip to stop herself weeping out loud. As her small, embarrassed figure disappeared into the darkness the discussion began again.
*
Rewana had no intention of returning to her den. She plodded through the grass until she reached the stream at the bottom of Sun Hill, and then she followed it Northward towards the mountain. She didn’t want to be found by her father or any other dragon when morning arrived so she waded through the water for a while to hide her scent. She was growing increasingly tired and her head felt heavy. She flattened a patch of grass and lay down to sleep. She knew that if her father didn’t find her by scent he would find her by flight, but tiredness overcame her need to find a cave or tree hollow. Her head swimming, she rested her cheek on a bundle of ferns and fell into a deep sleep.
Rewana was a particularly pretty dragon. It was rare to say a dragon was pretty, but if ever a dragon deserved that title, it was Rewani. Her scales were of pale purple, leading to deeper maroon at her points, especially on her face. She had horns, every dragon did, but hers were not twisted and jagged like most other dragons, but rather smooth and shiny. But her eyes were the most wonderful part of herself, as she thought anyway. Most dragon’s eyes were dark green or blue, sometimes red, but Rewana’s eyes were glowing orange, like a fire against a jet-black night. If the sun was high and shone in her face they would glimmer brilliant yellow. She was a very lucky dragon to own such beauty.
Rewani never knew her mother. Her father did not tell her much but she was banished to the Edgelands just after she hatched. He would never tell her why though, and Rewani spent many nights wondering what she was really like. Was she a war dragon? Was she strong and proud or shy and quiet? One day she thought ‘I’ll go to the Edgelands and find my mother’.
*
Dawn slowly crept over the horizon and Rewana opened her fiery eyes. She lay still for a while, just listening to the world. Something spoke. She lifted her head and listened hard.
“Rewana!â€
It was Tophax, looking for her. His voice was faint so Rewana knew he was a while away, but she didn’t want to be found quite yet. If Tophax found her now he would scold her and maybe cuff her round the head, but she didn’t care. She would get into trouble either way so she decided to run for a little while longer.
“Rewana, where are you?!†Tophax called again.
“Pahhh!†Rewana spat, and she heaved herself up and began a steady trot in the opposite direction to her father’s voice. The sun was behind her so she guessed she was heading west.
The grass around her was getting taller and taller. ‘I could hide if I need to’ Rewana thought
“Rewana!â€
His voice was closer this time. He had given up trying to find her by scent, and now he was flying, and very fast indeed. Rewana began to trot faster, and then broke out into a full run, weaving in and out of trees and bushes. The unfortunate part of having purple scales is that there is no camouflage. Even if she lay as flat as she could in the tall grass she would still be spotted.
Suddenly, the ground caved in beneath her feet. Rewana stumbled frantically, trying to gain a foothold but the earth was too crumbly. The young dragonling fell awkwardly into a dark pit with a yelp as her father flew directly overhead.
‘I had no idea he was that close’ Rewana thought to herself.
Tophax landed a few paces away from the hole.
“I could have sworn I saw her here only a minute ago,†he said to himself.
Rewana lay as still as she could, controlling her breathing so that she made no noise even though she was still out of breath from the run. She saw her father’s scaly tail flick away and gave a sigh of relief. Now she could go wherever she pleased.
*
“Have you found her yet?†Chefani asked
“No, I thought I saw her in the long grass to the West, but she wasn’t there. Maybe it was a big purple bird.†Tophax replied. “If we don’t find her soon she could end up in the Edgelands.â€
“I know, I know. I sent Katani and Zolu to check the caves around the mountains, and Mylaress, Nefora and Fessraxar are on their way to the forest. We will find her, Tophax. Don’t worry.â€
Chefani spotted a twitch of anger on Tophax’s face.
“But I do worry,†He said with a sigh. “Rewana just can’t sit still even for a minute.â€
“All dragonlings like to explore,†said Chefani.
“Yes but Rewana doesn’t explore to see what this looks like, and what that feels like, it seems as though she is always trying to find something specific, like there’s something missing.â€
“Her mother!†They said together.
Tophax’s jaw dropped. “She’s gone to the Edgelands!â€
“Are you sure?â€
“She has tried to escape my watch and head there before. Oh, I scold myself for telling her where her mother is!†Tophax swiped a nearby rock with his forefoot and sent it tumbling down the side of the hill.
“Calm down Tophax!â€
“How can I calm down? Those monsters in the Edgelands will rip her to shreds as soon as they see her!â€
“Then we will need all the help we can get. I’ll send out a signal, you go on ahead and get Myleress, Fessraxar and Nefora. We will meet at the West side of the forest.†And with that Chefani lifted himself off the ground with almighty strength and flew in the direction of Sun Hill. Without warning he let out a deafening roar - the signal. Every dragon on and around Sun Hill would hear that and come to his aid. Signals were not sent out very often, so when they were it was a cause for concern.
Tophax raised his leathery wings and brought them down with such speed that he was lifted clear off the ground. He flew westward, to the forest.
*
The sky began to get lighter as Rewana kept running. She knew where she wanted to go, to the Edgelands, but she had no idea what they looked like, so really she didn’t know where she was going. If she had flown it would have taken her half the time, but flying was too risky, she would be spotted. So she carried on running. To journey from one side of the island to the other took weeks in flight, without rests or sleep, but Rewana was already close to the West side.
The ground beneath her feet was no longer green, but a dull brown. The trees around her got sparser and were thin and old with few leaves. Craggy rocks and boulders blocked her path and she realized these were barriers made by the Earth dragons either to keep the Edgelanders in or the Islanders out but they were of little use. With a quick sharp movement Rewana gently flew to the top of the barrier and looked around. On the edgelander side of the barrier there was no grass, nor trees, or bushes. The earth was a dark browny-grey colour with black patches where it had been scorched by fire. Far in the distance there were mountains, but they didn’t have the pride and splendor of Tokeni Mountain. They seemed sad and empty, just like Rewana when she realized her mother wasn’t coming back to the nest.
She stumbled down the side of the barrier, dislodging many rocks, which cracked against each other as they fell. At the bottom she tripped, and landed head-over-heels with a bump and a yelp. She stood up as quickly as she could, because she heard sounds coming from behind a nearby rock. A whisper. Then another, from another rock. Then a head popped up. Rewana jumped back, surprised.
“Hey hey! Look what we got here, Codo!â€
Codo’s head popped up from behind the other rock..
“Wow! An Islander. Don’t get too many of them round here. I hear they’re pretty tasty.â€
Rewana’s eyes widened. She thought about climbing back over the barrier, but there were two fully-grown dragons watching her. They would catch her before she could even turn around. They moved from their rocks and began to circle her.
“Aww! Are we scaring the cute little Islander?†Codo mocked. Rewana crouched, ready to fly away.
“Don’t bother.†Daryn sneered. “We’ll catch you before the first flap.†These dragons were twice her size, and there were two of them.
“I bet she can’t even breathe fire yet!†laughed Codo.
“I can too!†Rewana replied, trying to sound tough.
“Show us then.†Rewana grew more worried. She was way too young to breathe fire. Her fire sac wasn’t fully developed yet. Maybe she could use this chance to escape.
She breathed in hard, as the other dragons did when they were about the breathe fire. Codo and Daryn began to smile.
“pheagh!†Rewana coughed and spluttered, for her throat felt hot and stingy. A puff of smoke floated gently out of her mouth. Codo and Daryn laughed out loud. They laughed so hard they fell onto their backs and clutched their stomachs.
This is my chance Rewana thought. She flapped her wings as fast as she could and pushed herself with her hind legs to gain some extra lift. She flew straight upward.
“HEY!†Codo shouted. “The runt’s getting away!†The Edgelanders followed her, straight up, but they were smarter then she was and they came up on the Island side of her, blocking her way. She saw what they were doing and twisted mid air, to face away from them and flew further to try and escape her followers. She had a good head start, but fully-grown dragons were faster then she was and they soon caught up.
“Where do you think you’re going?†Codo roared.
Rewana frantically tried to find an escape route, but Codo and Daryn were on either side of her. Below her on the ground, a dense forest of blackened dead trees enveloped the earth. Plenty of places to hide, but no-where to land safely.
Suddenly, Daryn stretched out his forefoot and made a grab for Rewana’s wing, but although he didn’t get a good hold, he sent the dragonling into a spinning dive for the ground.
Branches snapped around her and sharp twigs scratched her face. She tumbled awkwardly and hit the ground very hard on her left side. She felt her back leg throbbing in pain. Despite this, she managed to muster enough strength to stand and make a wobbly stumble in the direction of the barrier.
Swish! Swish! Codo and Daryn landed swiftly behind her.
“Get back here you little runt!†They shouted. Rewana tried to run but she was exhausted and limping. Unable to stand, she collapsed and waited. She heard claws scratching the ground beside her.
“Is it dead? Dead things don’t taste as good as living things.†Daryn asked.
“Bite it and see.†Codo answered, “but leave some for me!â€
Something purple flashed through the trees.
“Get away from her! Both of you! Get back to your dens!†It called
“No way! This is our kill! We found it!†Codo shouted back as he stood over Rewana. A mighty figure bounded out from the forest and slashed a massive forefoot armed with five needle sharp claws across Codo’s face. Codo roared in agony and with a bloody face and loose jaw (it had broken in the collision) he galloped off into the forest with his partner following closely.
Rewana watched everything with fear in her eyes. The dragon that had attacked Codo was larger and more muscular with a thicker neck and rounder shoulders. It looked down at her with orange eyes. Not as bright as Rewana’s but still very beautiful
“Goodness! Rewana? What are you doing in the Edgelands?â€
Rewana lifted her heavy head. She was still laying on the ground, but a bit more comfortably and less awkwardly.
“How do you know my name?†She scowled.
“How do I know? Rewana, don’t you recognize me? I’m your mother.â€
Rewana began to breathe faster. A million thoughts and questions ran through her head. She had found her mother, or rather her mother found her. She should have guessed. The mighty dragon had the same colourings as Rewana herself and she had orange eyes to match as well.
“Come on. We have to get you to a cave. It’s getting colder and that leg of yours doesn’t look too good. Here, climb on my back, and I’ll carry you.â€
Rewana climbed slowly onto her mothers back and lay silently as she was carried off to a nearby cave.
*
“Nefora! Mylaress! Fessraxar!†Called Tophax. His reflection wobbled over Yeomo Lake. Tophax was a green dragon, very common among dragonkind, but the one thing that stood out about him was his right horn, or lack of it. His father broke it off when he was a nestling and it never grew back. Other dragons always thought him as a little odd but they put it down to his nestlinghood. He had a rough one, due to his father.
“Poor thing,†they would say. “Having such a violent father. Never could control his temper. It was as fiery as his breath.†He left when Tophax was in late dragonlinghood.
“We’re here!†Nefora called as she, Mylaress and Fessraxar rose up into the air. “We heard the signal. What’s going on?†Mylaress asked.
“Rewana’s gone missing.†Tophax wheezed, out of breath from flying too fast. “We think she’s gone to find her mother in the Edgelands. Chefani is coming with the others.â€
The three females exchanged worried glances.
“Can you fight?†Tophax asked
“We will if you need us too. You never know what those monsters will do next.†Nefora said.
“I heard that they…umph!†A sharp cuff from Fessraxar silenced Mylaress.
“Not helping!†Fessraxar said.
“Tophax!†Tophax turned his head and saw Chefani followed by a dozen or more dragons. There were many more on the west of the island but they were either too young, too old, injured or caring for nestlings.
“We’ll discuss the situation on the ground, land now.†Chefani ordered. Tophax noticed something about Chefani. He was respected and wise, but he liked to take charge, even though he was not leader. Tophax guessed he was hatched to parents of high rank.
Chefani was already distributing groups by the time they had all landed.
“A full on attack is not what we need, we don’t know for sure Rewana is in the Edgelands. We need to find her and find her fast. We will search the Edgelands first because that is where the risk is. If she is there we will get her out without a fight if possible. Who among us can fight?â€
Several dragons put their right forefeet forward.
“Good. Lets go now.â€
*
Rewana was almost asleep when her mother nudged her awake. She had started a fire and had bought ferns for the dragonling to rest on, even though they were dry and coarse. ‘Mothering skills,’ Rewana thought ‘she still remembers’.
“So what caused you to come all this way, on your own, to find me?†She asked.
Rewana’s head was still dizzy and her mind was racing.
“W..what’s your name?†She slurred.
“Lenera, why?â€
“What a lovely name…†Rewana fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.
“OK,†Lenera whispered. “We’ll talk tomorrow.â€
The young dragonling woke with a start, sweating and breathing heavily. She had a nightmare about Codo and Daryn. They chased her, and caught her, but when her mother came to help her, Codo and Daryn killed her, and made Rewana watch. Lenera called out to her but she couldn’t move. When she awoke she was dazed and it took a moment for her to realize where she was.
It was early morning. Her father would be extremely worried by now, but Rewana still had many questions to ask her new-found mother. She had many things to talk about, mostly topics her father wouldn’t tell her. The main question was why she was banished to the Edgelands in the first place.
“Good morning,â€
The sudden sound of her mother’s voice made Rewana jump. Lenera entered the cave carrying something furry in her mouth. She dropped it on the ground in front of her daughter.
A rabbit.
“Breakfast is served. I had to search a long time to find that,†Lenera explained. “I guess finding your food before you kill it is strange for you. In the Islands rabbits and deer practically waltz up to your caves.†She said, sadly.
Rewana looked at the dead mammal with pity. It was half the size of the rabbits she was used to, and it’s coat was thick with mange.
“Eat up then,â€
Slowly Rewana bit into the flesh. Inwardly, she retched. The coat not only was mangy, it was infested with fleas. Outwardly, she chewed every mouthful with delight. She didn’t want to upset her mother. What made it worse was the fact that Lenera had to eat these disgusting creatures on a regular basis, that is, if she could find any.
Rewana swallowed the last mouthful and looked at Lenera with shining eyes. She hadn’t realized until now how much she looked like her mother, although Lenera’s scales were worn and dirty, and her horns were cracked and bumpy, not smooth. But what she noticed most was that they shared the brilliant fire-orange brightness in their eyes.
“Sleep well?†Lenera asked. Rewana nodded her head.
“Why were you banished to the edgelands?†She asked suddenly. Lenera looked surprised.
“Oh well. I was going to have to tell you someday. Either that or your father would.â€
“No he wouldn’t.†Rewana replied. “Whenever I mention you her goes quiet and turns his head. It’s like he hates you with a passion.â€
“He does, and it’s understandable.†Rewana’s eyes widened and she sat up. “When you hatched, you were very beautiful, and you still are. Trouble was, Zophoria, a female dragon, was jealous. Before you were born, she got all the compliments and attention. She was also very beautiful. Then you arrived, and suddenly you got all the attention. Day by day you grew more pretty, and between you and me, she wasn’t getting any younger.â€
Rewana listened in awe. “So all this time she kept her feelings to herself, not even telling her mate. One night she left her cave and silently crept over to ours. Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t the great stalker she made out to be. I heard her from metres away. I watched her in the darkness, while you were asleep.
“She tip-clawed up to you and raised her forefoot to strike. Then I lunged at her. She was going to kill you, Rewana. All because of a silly beauty contest. We fought violently, roaring and screaming and you woke up. You were probably too young to remember, but you wailed as loud as you could, while me and Zophoria scratched and slashed and bit and flamed and within minutes your father and Zophoria’s mate arrived. Zophoria broke free and made a dash in your direction. She was so intent on getting you out of the way. I jumped on her and sank my teeth into her neck. She suffocated and died. Your father and Zophoria’s mate watched. As soon as she fell limp I ran up to comfort you, but Tophax blocked me. They pulled me to a trial ring. You came as well, afraid and confused, and the whole colony was awoken and a fire was lit, in the middle of the night.
A trial was called, but it was no use. There were two witnesses present at the time of the killing but no-one saw Zophoria try to kill you. I pleaded my innocence and you were to young to say anything. They tore you from my arms and banished me to the Edgelands.†Tears welled up in Lenera’s eyes.
“That doesn’t explain why father hates you.†Rewana stammered. Hearing all this information brought back memories. She did remember the fight, the trial, the pain of hearing her father say her mother was gone and never coming back. “I thought you didn’t love me and abandoned me. It hurt so much when I saw other nestlings with their mothers. They would come up to me and say ‘where’s your mother then?’ and they would sneer and make nasty comments.†Droplets rolled down Lenera’s cheeks.
“The reason your father hates me,†she said softly, “is because Zophoria was Tophax’s mother.†Rewana broke down. She began to cry. Then she cried a lot. “Hey, it’s OK, I’m here now. At least you know the truth.â€
“Father used to say how violent his father was. Is that because he lost his mate?†Rewana asked.
“That was one reason I guess, I wasn’t there, but the main reason was…†Lenera stopped, fighting back tears.
“Tell me, please.†Rewana whispered.
“Your father’s father is Tokeni.†Tokeni! The most feared Earth dragon the whole island. He was the oldest dragon on the island as well, but known more for his short temper and violent tendencies.
“That must mean father is an Earth dragon.â€
“Yes, a very powerful one. He didn’t want you to find out.â€
“Why?â€
“There are very few Earth dragons. How many are there now? Four?â€
“Fiveâ€
“Five out of hundreds of dragons.â€
“Does that mean I’m…?â€
“Yes. You are also an Earth dragon. So there are six.†Rewana closed her eyes. ‘An Earth dragon. I am an Earth dragon’ She kept repeating those words in her head.
“Listen,†Lenera began to explain. “Don’t let your father know that you know what you are. Experiment with your powers when no-one is looking. Make sure no-one finds out.â€
“How do I use my powers?â€
“You’ll know when the time comes. I can’t tell you because I am not an Earth dragon, but be careful what you do. You are a descendant of Tokeni, and you are one of the most powerful Earth dragons on the island.†Rewana walked up to her mother and laid against her. Lenera looked down at her child.
“You have grown into a beautiful young dragonling, Rewana. My Rewana.â€
“I love you mother. You protected me when I was in danger. You did what you had to do to save me. They should not have banished you, even though you did what you did. Maybe I could tell them..â€
“No, it is too late. The Council would think I told you to say that, and then I would have no chance of ever entering the Islands again.†Rewana looked up.
“Is there a chance?†She asked with wide eyes.
“If I save another dragon’s life. It’s unfair, because the life has to be of an Islander, and they never come into the Edgelands, and if we Edgelanders put one claw onto Islander territory, the penalty is death.â€
“Get away from her! Get away from her you murdering scum!†It was Tophax!
“Tophax!†Lenera cried.
“Father?†Rewana shouted. Tophax came to a halt at the entrance of the cave.
“Rewana, come with me, now.†He ordered. Rewana stood her ground, next to and slightly further back then Lenera. “Rewana, come with me and get away from that murderer.†He repeated through gritted fangs. His lip was raised and his feet were dug firmly into the ground. He would fight if he had to.
Rewana still did not move, shocked by the way Tophax called her mother a murderer. He obviously remembered what she looked like then.
Lenera held her head up high, staring deep into Tophax’s eyes.
Suddenly, Tophax let out a mighty roar. Both Lenera and Rewana were confused. It wasn’t a signal.
Nefora landed next to Tophax, followed by Mylaress, Fessraxar, Chefani and a dozen more dragons, each in a fighting stance. Lenera still held her head up high.
“I wont tell you again, dragonling. Get away from that murderer and come here.â€
“She’s not a murderer!†Rewana shouted back.
“Rewana, that Dragon-scum killed my mother!â€
“Then you will know the bond between mother and child can never be broken. I love my mother and you can’t make me go with you!â€
“Oh yes I can!†Tophax lunged forward and made a grab for Rewana with his teeth. He didn’t want a fight but now there was no choice.
Tophax was fast, but Rewana was faster. She dived out of the way and hid between Lenera's front legs.
“Move!†Tophax roared to Lenera. She stood still, head raised. “Fine!†With one shove Tophax knocked Lenera off her feet and sent her tumbling into the cave. Rewana stayed as close to her as she could. Tophax seized the chance and grabbed Rewana by the tail. She dug her claws into the ground but Tophax pressed his fangs harder into her flesh.
She squealed in pain and looked to her mother for help. Lenera knew Tophax was a lot stronger then she was but the pain of watching her child getting hurt was too much. She leaped at him and slashed him across the face, just like she had done to Codo.
Tophax let go of Rewana’s tail with a yelp and stumbled back. Blood dribbled down his face and neck. He could only open one eye.
Rewana and Lenera ran to the back of the cave and crouched down. Rewana curled her tail around her and inspected the damage. Tiny droplets of blood emerged from pinprick holes in her scales. She looked at her father with horror.
“Father?†She whined. No father was supposed to harm his child, let alone draw blood. Lenera growled at him, deep anger in her eyes. She moved closer to her daughter, comforting her.
Tophax looked behind him at his army.
“Get my daughter back.†He ordered. Some of the dragons were surprised at what Tophax had done, but still they obeyed. They moved in closer. This was it. Lenera knew she would either be killed or get very badly hurt. She crouched lower.
“No.†Rewana said. “I don’t want this.†Lenera was surprised. “I’ll come with you,†she nodded towards the army. “But I wont go with him.†She nodded at her father. Hurt spread across Tophax’s blood stained face. Rewana turned to her mother and nudged her little head against her mothers. “I’ll come back,†she whispered, so only she could hear. Then she walked silently with Nefora and Mylaress either side of her back to the Islands. Tophax followed Rewana and nudged Mylaress out of the way so he could walk with his daughter, but she dodged under Nefora’s legs and walked on the other side of the light-green female.
Lenera watched the beautiful sleek figure of her daughter fly towards the islands. Tophax stayed behind.
“Are you happy now?†He sneered at her. “You took my mother from me and now you have taken my daughter.â€
“She’s my daughter too!†Lenera retorted.
“I wish she wasn’t,†Tophax growled as he took flight and followed the Islanders back home.
*
The lush grass swayed in the cool breeze as the rabbits played round their warrens. Mating season for the rabbits had nearly arrived so the dragons stayed away to ensure the rabbits were not over-hunted to extinction. For now the dragons could hunt birds and deer.
Today was a clear warm day in early spring. Rewana plodded miserably through the ferns on the outskirts of the Great Forest. She stopped and looked around her. How can I live in such a wonderful place when my mother is living in such a horrible place? She thought.
“Rewana!†Tophax called. Rewana scowled. Her tail still held the scars of her father’s fangs, but they would fade. Inside the scars would stay with her for the rest of her life. “How are you today?†He asked, slightly smiling, as he landed next to her. The dragonling was disgusted. He was acting as if nothing had happened the previous day.
“Fine,†she growled and turned her back to him with her tail held high so he could see what he had done. Tophax walked round to face her. She turned away again.
“Rewana, I…†He tried to explain.
“Just leave me alone!†She snarled, and she ran further into the forest. Tophax’s head drooped and he sighed. He lifted his head again when he heard Chefani’s voice.
“Tophax, thank goodness I’ve found you!†He gasped. He had been running for a long time.
“Why didn’t you fly to find me?†Tophax asked.
“I couldn’t….they would have seen me….â€
“Who?â€
“The humans. They’ve come in great wooden things across the water. They swam, Tophax, the wooden things swam up to the shore! They weren’t alive, they had no heads or tails but they had many, many legs that dipped in and out of the water, and they had big white wings that swayed to and fro, but it wasn’t alive!â€
“What? What are we doing about this?†Tophax asked.
“You have to help us! We need your powers to make a block, or a whirlpool!â€
“No!†He replied suddenly. “I haven’t practiced in years. My powers are weak. I can’t let Rewana see either.â€
“You’re still more powerful then other dragons. We’ll keep your daughter away but please! Just help us! We have to go now!†Chefani took flight and Tophax followed.
Rewana watched from the shadows of a massive Oak tree. She thought for a moment. She must stay out of sight of her father and the humans, but she had never seen a human before. She also took flight and followed Tophax and Chefani, staying low to the ground.
“Wait!†Tophax shouted. “Land now or they’ll see you!â€
“Good point. I almost forgot.†They both landed and began to run.
Rewana flew as quickly as she could. Her head was filled with curiosity. This was the first time she was going to see an Earth dragon use his powers.
Suddenly she was aware that her father was no longer flying in front of her. She looked around desperately and wasn’t concentrating on where she was going. She bumped straight into the back of her father’s head and sent him tumbling forward, his face covered in mud.
“What do you think you are doing you little…� Tophax jumped up and twisted round, fangs bared. Rewana sat on the ground shaking her head. “Rewana! Oh, I’m sorry!†His tone of voice changed instantly from angry to sympathetic.
“Don’t be,†she retorted rudely. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Tophax.†She said sarcastically. Tophax was hurt all over again. His own daughter called him by his name, not father. His head still hurt, but no-where near as much as inside. Rewana had disowned him because he was too selfish to let her see her on mother, even if she was a murderer.
Rewana ran quickly away, avoiding her father’s gaze. Her head hurt too, from the collision, but inside all she felt was anger toward Tophax. This was something she was not likely to forgive him for. For now, at least, she wanted nothing to do with him.
She stopped and collapsed. She didn’t know where she as running, but looking around her told her she was near Sun Hill and the same bundle of ferns she slept on during the night of the council.
She closed her eyes and thought. Her mother was banished from the Islands, and she hated her father so much she didn’t even call him father. ‘What am I supposed to do now?’ She thought ‘I have no mother or father. What am I supposed to do now?’ A single tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the grass with a plop. Then another, and another, and soon she was crying so hard her eyes hurt. She wailed and sobbed her heart out. Losing a mother when she was very young was hard enough, but losing her father too? It was too much for a little dragonling to take.
Rewana raised her head high and locked her jaws together. Suddenly her legs told her to run. So she ran. She ran so fast she didn’t know whether she would be able to stop. After a few minutes she came to the edge of the great forest. The first tree she came to, she reared up and slashed down with her right forefoot and sent splinters of wood flying everywhere. The anger inside her had exploded onto a tree and now it was the tree’s turn to suffer.
Rewana kept slashing, and soon she was biting, ripping gigantic pieces of wood and bark away from the body of the tree. She was still crying, but crying tears of rage instead of self-pity. She wailed and roared still, not wanting to stop hurting the tree. Her father had hurt her so much already, not telling her about her mother, doing nothing when the other nestlings sneered at her, biting her tail. She wanted it all to stop. Right now.
She jumped back away from the mangled mess she had created. Her throat felt hot and it stung like crazy. She breathed in hard and held her breath for a moment before erupting into a rage and heaving so violently a whooshing blaze of fire flew out of her mouth and enveloped the tree in a burning cage of orange and yellow.
The young dragonling stood back, frightened and surprised by what she had done. The tree was still ablaze, but soon it would wither out and die. Rewana used to think she was too young for fire breathing, but she felt stronger. Usually, it would have taken her another half a year or so to manage a tiny flicker of flame.
‘Mother! She said I would know when the time comes! This is my Earth dragon power!’
Rewana decided to keep quiet about what had happened, and although other dragons would question what had happened to the tree, she would be too young to be a suspect.
Still, she felt stronger, and wanted to experiment with her powers, but seeing as she had no idea just what Earth dragons did, she chose to find Tophax and watch what he did. She began to run back to where she came from.
*
Chefani and Tophax joined several other dragons near the cliffs by Sun Hill. They were all lying very low and peering over the cliffs at the beach below. Eight humans and two of those things with white wings were there, and they had started a fire. Uncertain whispers had spread across the group.
“Who lit that fire?â€
“They must have done.â€
“But how?â€
“Humans can’t breath fire.â€
“Can they?â€
Tophax crept up beside Nefora.
“Where did that fire come from?†he asked.
“We don’t know, we think they did it.†Chefani crept up next to Tophax and whispered in his ear.
“You have to do something.†Tophax thought very hard about what he could do.
“I could raise the beach so no more humans land here and the cliffs are higher, but I need another Earth dragon to help me.†He replied.
“The only other Earth dragons I know are Tokeni, and your daughter.â€
“No, not Rewana. She’s too young anyway.â€
“You’ll have to try on your own then. You know what Tokeni’ll do when he hears there are humans on the island.†Tophax looked unsure. “Please Tophax. If you don’t complete the cliffs at least you’ll scare them away.†That was a good point.
Tophax tried hard to remember how to change landscapes. He moved his head as low to the ground as he could and closed his eyes. His head began to hurt at the back and when he re-opened his eyes the world was spinning. He felt sick and almost threw up. The only thing stopping him was a Chefani’s foot placed firmly on his snout. He could still breathe of course, but if the contents of his stomach were to jump out of his mouth they would land on the head of an unsuspecting human and although that would be very funny, the human would wonder what sicked on his head and investigate.
Chefani had known many Earth dragons in his lifetime, and he knew what happened to them when they used their powers so he was always there to help.
Tophax began to shudder. His eyes were wide open and staring at the beach below. The other dragons looked over at him. A very faint earthquake made the cliffs shake. The tremors got more and more unsteady as they ran down the side of the cliff and onto the beech. The humans shouted at each other in an unknown language as they ran around frantically.
A veritable mountain of rock burst through the sand and giant boulders flew in all directions. Some landed in the sea and created massive hollow cylinders that leapt for the sky. Others crashed onto the beach and embedded themselves into the sand. The humans screamed in fear and shock and scrambled into their swimming beasts and shouted what seemed to be orders into their stomachs. The mountains rose until they reached the height of the cliffs, and they kept rising.
“Tophax!†Chefani shouted. Tophax didn’t move. “Tophax stop it!†He repeated, and she shoved the Earth dragon to break his concentration. The mountains stopped rising. They were a tree-height above the original cliffs.
“I’m sorry, I… I told you…I haven’t practiced in a long time…I couldn’t stop!†he explained.
“It’s OK, you got rid of the humans, for now at least. I didn’t know you were so powerful.†Chefani reassured him.
“Neither did I.†Tophax replied as he strode away to his cave to rest and recharge. Chefani moved further round the cliffs so he could watch the humans leave on their swimming beasts. They were moving faster away then they came. ‘They wont be back for a while at least’ he thought to himself.
Rewana stared, jaw dropped and eyes so wide if they got any wider they would have popped right out of her head.
“Wow, I can do that?†she said quietly. Chefani and a few other dragons stood up so Rewana slipped silently through the ferns back to the forest.
The island was huge, and the group of dragons Rewana knew only occupied a small area of it. Sun Hill, the Great Forest, the cliffs where she had just been, the stream and the nesting caves on the south side of the mountain were all she knew as home. She walked back to the tree she mangled earlier. It was still smoldering with patches of glowing red. She plodded past it and sat down in a soft patch of grass.
A rabbit poked it’s fluffy head out of its warren. Rewana sat as still as she could as it hopped cautiously towards her. With a quick jerk of her neck the rabbit was in her jaws, struggling to break free. She was about to eat it when she thought of Lenera. ‘I’ll take it to her’ She thought.
*
Rewana listened carefully for any sign of another dragon following her, but hearing nothing, she flew over the barrier into the bleak desolate land where her mother lived. Eyes wide and ears tuned to the tiniest of noises she silently crept forward. Ahead of her she saw the dead forest where she was attacked and decided foolishly to venture into it again.
Twigs snapped and thorns bit at her paws as Rewana, still holding the rabbit between her jaws, nervously looked about her. The light was fading into a dull storm and the trees seemed even more menacing in the dimness. Something cracked sharply behind her and he jumped around, dropping the rabbit in her surprise.
“You again…†A familiar growling voice murmured behind her. Rewana recognized it as Codo’s. Codo appeared, his jaw raw and loose, and still weeping blood from her mothers attack. “Looky looky it’s the runt! And this time mummy’s not here to save your pretty hide!†Codo advanced, but Rewana neither felt scared or nervous anymore. She felt the flame welling up in her throat.
“You’d better leave me alone,†she said courageously.
“Or what, you’ll puff smoke at me to death?†Codo laughed, baring his mangled, broken teeth. Rewana stepped forward and growled.
“You really want to be a fried dragon don’t you?†she jeered. Codo looked confused. Rewana smiled, and suddenly erupted. A massive ball of flame shot from her mouth and swirled viciously around Codo. The older dragon screamed in agony as fire licked his scales and burned his skin. His thin frame writhed and twisted in its blazing prison as he struggled to escape. “Stop!†Rewana shouted. The flames disappeared instantly, and she saw Codo in a whimpering heap, blackened from the blaze. He made a noise that sounded like a cross between a snarl and a whimper, and ran away, all that was left of his wings was the spiny skeletal frame; the thin skin had completely burned away.
Rewana was amazed her fire obeyed her command, but had little time to ponder over it as a whiff of her mothers scent played on the breeze. The sniffed the air, and then the ground, and picked up the dead rabbit in her jaws. She followed the invisible trail confidently and without fear. She could look after herself.
*
Tophax lay on the bed of ferns stiff and sore. Shortly after he used his powers he had lost consciousness due to exhaustion. Chefani had carried him to the ferns and let him sleep.
“Wha…Rewana?†he mumbled, urging his limbs to move.
“She’s not here, Tophax,†Said Fessraxar who was sitting nearby. Tophax stood up shakily.
“Did she…did she see…?â€
“No.†Chefani strode forward. Two other dragons behind him were dragging a fresh deer along the grass. As his eyes came into full focus Tophax saw about twelve dragons sitting and talking in hushed voices. He caught whispers about him and shivered involuntarily as he heard a long unsaid name. Tokeni.
“Tokeni?!†Tophax cried suddenly. “What? Where?†He stared at Chefani waiting for an answer.
“He was sighted leaving Tokeni Mountain early this morning, flying towards the Edgelands, then again about an hour ago near Yeomo Lake. I’ve set Watchers about the area.†Tophax sighed wearily and flexed his wings.
“Where is Rewana?†he asked.
“Fessraxar saw her last in the Great Wood. I’ve sent Mylaress and Nefora to look for her. Tophax you need to rest.â€
“No, I have to find my daughter…†Tophax trailed off as fatigue took hold of him again. He fought the sleep that called to him silently, but had to give in to blissful unconsciousness as it overtook his body.
*
As the clouds rumbled dully overhead the dragonling followed her mothers scent through the forest. At last the bare trees ended, and Rewana saw before her a steep cliff of grey and brown. At the very bottom holes had been cut to make rough caves. Rewana knew which one belonged to her mother and plodded off into it.
The cave was dark and damp, and strange smells lingered around the cold walls. Lenera was not in the cave, so Rewana decided to wait. She crept to the back of the hollow and lay on her front, watching the entrance. So far back into the rock she was completely hidden, her purple scales losing a battle to the cool darkness around her.
Something moved outside the cave. Rewana was about to jump up and see who it was, but common sense told her to stay; she was in the Edgelands after all.
Her ears throbbed in the silence, when she heard a deep growl echo in the cave. Something huge stopped just outside the entrance, and Rewana was afraid again. The creature lowered its long, thick neck and peered into the cave, growling. Rewana realized with a sickening jolt that this was another dragon, but it was almost twice the size of usual adults. It had deep black scales, covering strong forearms and a huge chest. A deep rumble sounded from its throat and it’s green eyes looked directly at her. Rewana held her breath, shaking with fear. The dragon began to sniff, and it bared its yellow jagged teeth as it searched the cave with all its senses. Rewana closed her eyes and prayed she would not be found out. The massive dragon turned away and she heard it’s wings beating as it took flight. She hardly dared to move, but her body shook with relief. She had never seen such a large and fearsome dragon in her life.
But more fear was to come as she heard more wing beats outside. A purple head poked itself into the cave and Rewana jumped forward with a cry.
“Mother!†Lenera jumped back, surprised.
“Rewana get back in the cave!†Lenera suddenly replied, as sheushered her back.
“Mother?†Rewana asked, puzzled.
“Rewana what are you doing here?â€
“I…. I bought you a rabbit…†She replied.
“You have to go back home now and never come back!†Lenera said. Her eyes were full of fear and concern. Rewana was about to argue, but her mother interrupted. “Tokeni is looking for me.†Rewana gasped. Tokeni!
“Was that…?†Rewana started.
“Yes. He was here. Rewana you must go back!â€
“No!†Rewana suddenly cried. “No I’m not going back. I’m staying with you. I want to stay with you.â€
“But if Tokeni catches you he’ll kill you!â€
“I don’t care! I’m not going back, not now!†Lenera opened her mouth to speak, but seeing the determination in her daughter’s eyes she closed it again. She sighed and moved closer to her, speaking softly.
“If you stay with me we’ll have to move further into the Edgelands. You wont be able to go back.â€
“I know,†Rewana replied, her voice shaky. She looked into her mothers bright eyes and smiled.
“We have to leave now,†Lenera began, but Rewana stopped her.
“You have to eat your rabbit first!†she laughed gently. Lenera smiled at her daughter and laughed.
“gladly!†She replied, beaming.
*
The journey was long and dreary, as rain fell in great sheets. The ground was transformed from a dry dust to a sloppy mud in a very short time. Lenera and Rewana did not fly, they would be too easily spotted, plus the winds were fierce and would easily blow a dragonling off course. Even if the rain pelted her and the wind bit at her eyes, Rewana couldn’t help feeling happy; she was with her mother. They traveled for the entire night, until they came to the mountains. Dawn crept sleepily over the horizon and Lenera struggled to find a cave for herself and her exhausted daughter.
Rewana was nearly asleep on her feet when her mother called to her. She had found a hollow in the rock large enough for them to hide and sleep in.
“I’m sure we’re far enough in not to be found,†Lenera sighed, as Rewana fell into fretful sleep.
I will be posting more soon
