The Dragons of Ice and Snow Read online

  Aeris hurriedly picked up the spell-book, the new spell and the pencil.

  “I'll leave these on your desk in the study,” he said and zipped out of the room.

  Kronk jumped on to the night table, grabbed the tea cup and looked at Simon worriedly.

  “Will you be all right, master? Can I get you anything?”

  Touched by his concern, the wizard could barely shake his head. The pain was a steady stab at the base of his skull now.

  “I just need rest, my friend, I'm sure. But thanks.”

  Kronk looked at him dubiously but nodded and hopped down to the floor holding the cup over his head.

  “Call me if you need anything, master,” he said as he left the room.

  Alone with Anaposus, Simon lifted a hand at her anxious expression.

  “Before you ask, I'll be fine. But I wanted you to know that you are free to leave at any time now.”

  “Leave? But why? Have I done something wrong?”

  “Of course not. It's not that. It's just that you don't have to stay here if you don't want to. You have helped me with the spell. Certainly I didn't summon you because I was looking for a new servant. Kronk and Aeris are all the help I need.”

  The water elemental's expression was unreadable.

  “And if I wish to stay? Is there nothing I could aid you with? Have you no use for one like myself?”

  Simon almost rolled his eyes but caught himself. He didn't want to insult her.

  “Look, I'm really not focusing too well right now. Tell you what; if you don't want to leave, let's discuss it when I'm feeling better. In the meantime, you are very welcome to stay.”

  Anaposus smiled broadly.

  “Thank you, sir wizard. I appreciate that. Get some rest and we will speak later.”

  She gave him a small wave and glided off of the bed and out of the room.

  Elementals, Simon thought, a bit exasperated.

  Then he slid deeper under the covers, punched his pillows a few times to get them shaped just right and sank into a fevered sleep.

  Simon was standing in a field, somewhere. The air was warm and sweet with the smell of flowers and wild grass. Around his knees, tiny yellow blooms nodded in a light breeze and thick, reed-like grasses clung to his robe.

  The wizard frowned. This place looks familiar, he thought, mildly puzzled. The edges of his vision were fuzzy and he felt a little light-headed.

  And then Simon looked up from the plants at his feet and gaped.

  A wall of angry gray circled the small glade he was standing in. He was in the middle of a funnel of violent winds, trapped in the eye of a hurricane. Looking up, he saw that the swaying, whirling wall of wind extended up for hundreds of feet. Just in sight was a small circle of blue; the distant sky. And yet the winds were eerily silent, as if an invisible wall cut them off from where the wizard was standing.

  “Why do I feel like I've been here before?” he said aloud.

  “Perhaps because you have, child,” someone said from behind him.

  Simon spun around and stepped back involuntarily.

  A woman stood there.

  She was taller than he was, clad in brilliantly bright, silver armor, which was etched with complex symbols inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A long, narrow sword rested at her hip and a shield, also silver, hung across her back.

  Hair so black that it looked purple draped her like a cape and hung behind her to her hips. Her skin was pale, her blue eyes huge and commanding and her expression was one of loving affection.

  “Have you seen enough?” she asked in a gentle voice. Gentle but touched with steel. A voice of command.

  Simon realized that he'd been staring and felt himself getting red.

  “Um, sorry. You...startled me, that's all.” He waved a hand at the surrounding wall of smoky wind. “Where am I?”

  “You are sleeping, child. Perhaps you do not remember, but you have been in this special place before.”

  “I have?” He stood still, wracking his brain. Slowly the memory returned, bubbling up from some dark place. “I have. Once. I learned some spells here, didn't I?”

  She smiled sweetly.

  “You did. One of my brothers gifted you with that knowledge. But like all such gifts, it may only be given once. It is regrettable that that knowledge was lost, but such is life, I suppose.”

  “Lost? It wasn't lost, um, lady. It was stolen by dragons.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  She stepped closer to Simon and he found himself looking up into her eyes, almost mesmerized. It was like staring into two brilliant sapphires.

  “Who are you?” he asked her with child-like wonder.

  Her laughter was like crystal bells ringing joyously.

  “Ah, names. All humans want to name things, do they not? Lady will do well enough. You may name me that. Now, heed me, child. We do not have much time. I am visiting you at great risk. I hope those dark gods, my cousins, do not notice us or the consequences could be unfortunate.”

  “Why would they care?”

  “They want you dead, young one. Surely you must know that by now?”

  Simon shook his head, confused.

  “I don't understand that. I am one person, one little guy who barely knows enough magic to be a threat to anyone. There have to be thousands of humans still in the world, maybe more. Why do they care about me at all?”

  The lady laughed again and the wizard found himself smiling in response. He couldn't seem to help it.

  She reached down and lifted his chin with a finger. Her touch was warm and Simon seemed to hear distant music, the sound of choirs and songs of joy.

  “A little guy? No threat? Child, you have destroyed two of our greatest enemies. Two primal dragons have fallen at your hand. And yet you continue to insist that you are unimportant.”

  She lowered her hand and stepped back. Her face contracted and she caught and held his eyes in a look of intense concentration.

  “Simon,” she said and he was jolted at the use of his name. “You are more than just human. You are an empty reservoir, a vessel that could one day be filled with more power than any other wizard in history. Not now, no. And perhaps never, should you die. You have barely tapped into your potential. The dark ones know this as well as we do, those of us who serve the Light. They will continue to try to stop you and we,” she paused and gave him such a loving look that his breath caught in his throat. “we will help you as we can, even at great personal risk.”

  “I appreciate that, lady, but you will forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to my own importance.”

  “Of course. Modesty becomes you, child. Now, time is running. Our business here must be concluded quickly.”

  Simon waited, heart beating fast. What did this woman, no, this deity, want with him anyway?

  “I cannot share knowledge of spells with you. That chance has passed.” She watched him thoughtfully. “But I can give you a small gift, something that will, perhaps, allow you to more safely strike at your enemies.”

  “What gift, lady?”

  She reached down and drew her sword in one smooth motion. Simon swallowed nervously and she smiled at him reassuringly.

  “Step forward, Simon O'Toole,” she said in a suddenly formal voice.

  The wizard slowly moved toward her. One step. Two. Then he stopped at a gesture from the lady and she extended her sword, laying its tip on his right shoulder.

  A momentary flash of silver light shot down the sword and engulfed him. Oddly, although he was sure that he glowed for an instant, Simon felt no pain, or any sensation at all.

  She raised the sword and slipped it quickly back into its sheath and he looked at her curiously.

  “What just happened?” he asked.

  “I have...interlocked? Meshed? I do not know what term will serve. But I have given you more skill to cast the spells you have and the spells you will learn. Now, when you are shielded, you will be able to cast spells through your shield. You will be abl
e to use your spells even if you are moving. And you will be able to remember more spells than before.”

  Simon stared at her in amazement. One of his problems had been an inability to cast spells through his Shield spell. But now, if this being was telling the truth, and he had no reason to doubt her, he could attack while still protected. That was huge.

  He began to stammer a thank you and the lady laughed lightly.

  “It is little enough, child, but it is all that I have to give, for now. But before I release you, I shall give you some information.”

  He waited and she grinned impishly.

  “Your suspicion about the white dragons' weakness is correct. Your new spell will damage them.”

  Simon felt a wave of relief and knew he was smiling foolishly.

  The lady shook her head.

  “Do not become too self-assured. These dragons are much more resilient than any you have faced before.”

  The scene began to fade away from the edges and, as Simon watched, the lady became indistinct and hazy. Her outline began to glow a soft silver.

  “A final piece of knowledge, child,” the lady said, her voice echoing as she disappeared. “Because I am fond of you. A legend walks the Earth again. One that was thought lost has returned. If you prove worthy, you may earn their aid. Be true in all of your dealings and approach all of your allies with a pure heart and you may gain more than you would have ever believed possible.”

  Simon tried to thank her but only darkness remained. He groped around himself, feeling nothing but space.

  Suddenly, a huge crash shook him and he felt himself falling. He cried out and saw a spot of whiteness shooting toward him. He braced himself, sure that he was about to slam into the earth and then...

  “Sorry, master,” Kronk said gently. “I bumped you when I climbed up on the blankets.”

  Simon was lying in bed, staring up at the sunlit ceiling blankly. He turned his head and watched as Kronk set down a steaming cup of tea on his night table.

  “Kronk?” he said, feeling disconnected. “What's going on?”

  “Nothing, master. I heard you stirring earlier and made you some tea. You have slept for an entire day.”

  The little guy watched Simon closely, a worried look on his rocky features.

  “Are you feeling any better, master?” he asked.

  “Feeling better?”

  Simon stretched and threw off the covers. He sat up slowly, listening to his body.

  He felt...amazing. His fever had broken. His head was clear. And he felt energized, as if he'd been recharged by his long sleep.

  “I feel great, my friend. I mean really great!”

  He turned and sat on the edge of the bed. He picked up the cup and gave Kronk an appreciative pat on a tiny shoulder. The elemental smiled widely.

  “That is wonderful news, master! You must have had a...what did you call it once, a twenty-four hour flu?”

  Simon sipped some tea and nodded slowly. The memory of his dream began to trickle into his consciousness.

  “Maybe. Or maybe it was something else.”

  He stood up and crossed the room to his cupboard to find a clean robe. He slipped it over his head and walked to the door.

  “C'mon, let's go downstairs. I want to talk to you and Aeris. And Anaposus, if she's still around.”

  Kronk jumped off the bed and followed the wizard down the stairs.

  “She is, master. She is out exploring the little lake behind the tower.”

  Simon reached the main floor and walked across to the kitchen area.

  “She is? Why?”

  “No idea, master. Water elementals love water. Perhaps she just enjoys it.”

  Simon sliced some bread, spread some strawberry jam on it and sat down at the kitchen table to eat, sipping his tea between bites.

  “Yeah, maybe. Would you do me a favor and see if you can find her? And Aeris too? I know I can just summon them here but I think that's a bit rude unless it's an emergency.”

  “Certainly, master. I won't be long.”

  Kronk left the front door open when he went outside. The day was bright and unseasonably warm and Simon enjoyed the light breeze that blew in and fluttered around the room. He could smell pine tar, young wildflowers and freshly-turned dirt and he guessed that the earthen had been working on the garden while he was sleeping.

  He put the kettle over the fire to make more tea and then made a quick visit to the outhouse.

  When he returned, he made his tea and had just sat down again when the three elementals entered together.

  “I found them, master,” Kronk said proudly as he hopped up on to the table.

  Aeris floated over to join him and clapped his hands.

  “Well done! You found us. What a wondrous feat.”

  “Aeris,” Simon growled at him in warning and the air elemental quieted, although he continued to smirk.

  Anaposus glided up a table leg and joined them. Simon watched, still amazed by how she moved.

  “Good morning, sir wizard,” she said with a small bow. “I am pleased to see you feeling better.”

  “Thanks. Me too. Kronk tells me that you were spending time in the lake?”

  She glanced at Kronk.

  “Yes. I noticed that you rely on water drawn from a well beneath your tower. I thought that I would prove my worth by examining, not only the well, but all of the local water sources.”

  “Really? Well, that does sound useful. So what did you find out?”

  On one side of the table was a pile of paper and some pencils. Anaposus slid a sheet across the table and began to draw on it, explaining as she went.

  “Now, here is your tower, and below it, here, is the well leading down to an underground pool. You see?”

  Simon nodded, watching with interest. Kronk and Aeris moved closer and seemed as fascinated as he was.

  “This is the level of the drinkable water now. And here is the bottom of your pipe leading up to the pump. I am afraid that, if left as it is, you will be forced to find another source of drinkable water in a year or two.”

  “Oh great,” Simon said with a frown. “How am I supposed to do that?”

  “Not to worry, sir wizard. Fortunately for you, I can help.” She looked at Kronk again. “Your earthen friend can dig out a tunnel from the artesian water source that feeds your lake up to your well, with my help. Once this is done, you will have a reliable source of fresh water for many years to come, decades perhaps.”

  “That's amazing, Anaposus. You've just solved a problem that I didn't even know I had. Thank you!”

  She smiled, looking slightly embarrassed.

  “No need to thank me. Any water elemental could have done the same thing. I just happened to be available.”

  Simon sat back and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

  “Maybe. But you also took the initiative and found the problem before it became serious. That shows independence of thought. I like that.”

  “Then perhaps I can have your permission to stay?” the water elemental asked, sounding suddenly nervous.

  The wizard tapped his lower lip and then nodded once.

  “From me, yes. But I don't live here alone. Kronk and Aeris have a vote as well. If they agree, then you may stay for as long as you choose. If not, then I'm afraid that you will have to return to your home realm. I don't want to sound mean,” he added quickly. “It's just that hanging around here with nothing to do all day would become very boring for you after a while.”

  “You're giving us a vote?” Aeris asked. “Since when?”

  “We cannot decide something like this, master,” Kronk objected. “This is your tower, not ours.”

  “Guys, guys,” Simon cut them off, raising his hands. “Look, this is your home too. I will not allow someone new to join us if you don't approve. I need a serene work environment for my research.” He grinned at Aeris, who rolled his eyes dramatically. “Well, as serene as it gets around here. So yes, you get a vote. Make yo
ur choice.”

  The two elemental locked eyes for a long moment, their expressions unreadable. And then they both turned to Anaposus, who was watching them anxiously, and smiled.

  “If you wish to stay, lady elemental, I have no objections,” Kronk told her politely.

  “I quite agree. A female perspective has been sadly lacking in this place for quite some time,” Aeris added a bit pompously, but he was smiling as he said it.

  “There you have it,” Simon said, noting the relief on the water elemental's face. “You are now a member of my household, for as long as you choose to be. Welcome, my friend.”

  Anaposus looked at them all, beaming broadly and then bowed.

  “Thank you, sir wizard. I am overjoyed by your acceptance. I assure you all that I will not be a burden.”

  “I think I speak for everyone when I say that we already knew that.”

  Simon sipped his tea and tried to organize his thoughts.

  “You do realize that all we need now is a fire elemental to join us and we'll completely represent all of the elementals,” Kronk said quietly to Aeris.

  “Shush!” the air elemental said with a quick look at Simon, who pretended he wasn't listening. “Don't give him any ideas.”

  Trying to look serious, the wizard cleared his throat and the three elementals looked at him.

  “Now that that business is cleared up, I wanted to talk to all of you about something. It's about a dream I had last night. Or rather, a vision.”

  Chapter 8

  “A vision, master? What sort of vision?”

  The three elementals stood side by side on the kitchen table and watched Simon closely.

  Kronk was wide-eyed, Aeris listened with his usual look of mild skepticism and Anaposus' face was blank and unreadable, her skin rippling like she was being moved by unseen currents of water.

  “A visit from the gods of Light, I believe. I think that's why I'm feeling so good this morning. A small gift, perhaps.”

  Simon put down his cup and stared at the dregs in the bottom of it.

  “So what happened last night, master? Did the gods give you knowledge of advanced spells again?”

  The wizard shook his head, still looking at the wet tea leaves in his cup.