Becoming a Dragon (10 page)

Have you seen her?
Seth called from behind him. Even from as far as way as he was, his voice was very loud inside John's head.

Yes,
John replied.
She's headed along that path towards the stream. She won't have seen us up here, so let's just wait for her at the end of the path, where it meets the stream.

Crystal disappeared into a wooded area, and was hidden by the trees. John pulled his wings close to his body and dived towards the stream, halting the dive metres above the ground before transforming back to his human form, landing lightly on the ground. Seth's landing was less graceful, transforming slowly after landing. Crystal burst into the clearing by the stream and stared at them with surprise.

"You! What are you doing here?" Her eyes were red and tears were running down her face, but she looked angry rather than upset.

"I, well, we, wanted to see if you were alright," Seth answered sheepishly. He wasn't expecting her to be angry. Crystal ignored him, glaring angrily at John.

"You knew, didn't you?" she said accusingly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I've wanted to tell you many things," John replied. "You told me to leave you alone."

Crystal looked furious. "This! This is different. You've just tried to talk to me about boring things. Yes, you told me we were different. Special. But you could have easily told me how we were different. Rather than letting Kal humiliate me in front of everyone."

"No one was laughing, Crystal," Seth said. "No one likes him, not really."

"Shut up, Seth," she retorted. "That's a lie and you know it. So, what else haven't you told me?"

John shook his head. "A lot. What do you want to know?"

"Well for a start, about interbreeding. You seem to know more about this than anyone. What hasn't that idiot of a teacher told us?"

"Depends what you want to know. It hasn't happened for a long time in this kingdom
—
at least not as far as anyone knows. In the Blue Kingdom, it happens a lot."

"And how would you know that?" Seth asked suspiciously.

"It's military history. Unfortunately, it wasn't known soon enough. No one knows how long it was going on, but the last keeper of records noticed a couple of patterns. When Blue Dragons raided small settlements, they actually attacked in larger numbers than when they attacked cities, which was considered to be very odd. Settlements of up to twenty could be wiped out in a single raid, and in the absence of survivors, the attacks could go unnoticed for quite a while, which we suspect was their intent. When this was finally discovered, something peculiar was noticed. All of the young males were slaughtered, and left where they were, but young females were missing. Shortly after that, in one of our retaliatory raids, three dragons were injured, but managed to crash land without dying. One of the raiders managed to hide before the Blue Dragons found them, but the other two were seen. One of them
—
a male
—
was killed instantly, but the other
—
a female warrior
—
was knocked unconscious, then bound and carried off, which was observed by the hidden raider, who managed to walk to safety and reported the incident. Nothing was thought of it at the time, as it was assumed she was taken for torture and questioning and for no other reason. Then the third and final piece of the clue was a report from another raid, where one of the surviving raiders reported observing two young men with red hair who he claimed both transformed into Blue Dragons. Again, it was dismissed at the time, but the Keeper of Records raised a theory to the council, that the Blue Dragons were capturing females to use for breeding to boost their own population, and had been for a long time. A few raids were conducted to find supporting evidence, and it became clear that there are quite a few Blue Dragons who have red hair as humans. Ever since then, females have not been allowed to go on retaliatory raids, and only serve as defenders. The Blue Dragon population was already much larger than the Red Dragon population. It seems they had found a way to increase their advantage."

"I can't believe it!" Crystal said. "Why would these girls willingly have Blue Dragon children?"

"What makes you think they do it willingly? Red Dragons may be larger and stronger, but there are ways to prevent you transforming. As a human, you're no stronger than they are. As a girl, you're weaker. Anyway, the Blue Dragons seemed to abandon this tactic sixteen years ago, and seemed to stop taking any prisoners, but I think they might have restarted."

Crystal closed her eyes and sat down. "And that is what was done to our ancestors? Prisoners of war taken from some blond-haired race?"

"No, that's not what was done to our ancestors," John replied. "I'm completely certain of that."

"How do you know that?" Seth asked. "You told the Professor no Red Dragon alive knows the answer to that question."

John said nothing for a moment, just staring at Crystal. "No Red Dragon alive does. But what we do know is that there's no record of contact or war with any blond-haired race, so no, that can't have been what happened. Besides which, as I told the class, after three or four generations no traces of the hair colour remains. Blondes, however, have popped up all throughout our history. Something very different explains why we have our hair colour. I'll leave you with Seth now, Crystal. Remember this:  I've told you before; you and I are different. Special. But special in a good way, not the way Kal thinks."

John sprang up onto a rock, and before either of them could reply, he leapt off, transforming instantly and taking to the air. In a few seconds he was out of sight, flying low over the trees.

"How could he know that?" Seth asked. "If it's not in our history books, how could he have the answer?"

"No Red Dragon alive knows the answer, he said," Crystal said thoughtfully. What was John not telling her?

Perak guided his remaining dragons back to their Army Camp, crossing the border with the Red Dragons before midday without encountering any of their patrols, which was very fortunate. Just past the border he met another flight of dragons that reported to him, having arranged for them to wait here in case they needed any reinforcements to handle any patrols.

Take the prisoners and process them, Flight Leader
, he ordered.
I will inspect them later; they had better be in the same condition as they are now.

Of course, sir.
The Flight Leader transformed after they landed, and Perak passed him the gagged and bound prisoner he had gripped in his claws, before transforming himself. He left his men to take care of the prisoners, having left no doubt in their minds of what would happen if the captured girls weren't well looked after, and headed back to the headquarters to report on the success of his mission. Personally he was disappointed to have lost a man, but it would be considered an acceptable loss by his superiors and still far better than most raids on the Red Dragons. Disappointed, but not upset, as the man was clearly a fool and his death was inevitable; Perak's regret was allowing him to take part in the mission in the first place.

As he walked back to the army headquarters, Perak noticed another Squadron Commander ahead of him: Kessick, a loud arrogant fool who had unbelievably managed to keep pace with Perak in his rapid ascent up the ranks. From a young age, Perak and gifted individuals like him had been placed in a separate school, built to prepare them for military leadership, and the best of the school were chosen for a fast-track program to quickly progress through the ranks. Only three from that elite group of gifted young Blue Dragons had been selected for this fast track program, and Kessick was one of them. Perak hadn't understood how he had even managed to get into the school, let alone selected along with Perak and the other student. Where Perak had been chosen based on his strategic brilliance and ability to see past the limited, traditional approaches, Kessick had been chosen solely for his leadership skills. He had become the Squadron Commander of choice for leading big, showy attacks on major cities, endeavours which had the worst ratio for troops lost versus enemy kills. He appeared to revel in his reputation as a leader who took his men on suicide missions, and yet somehow managed to inspire men to volunteer to serve with him, a necessary ability considering the amount of soldiers he had to replace.

Perak never enjoyed his company, so slowed down to avoid meeting him.

Kessick appeared to be heading towards the headquarters as well, but fortunately never looked behind him, just shouting rude greetings at random passers-by. The report wouldn't be required for a few hours; although against his principles, he could delay delivering it to avoid this buffoon. He spied Eric talking to some of the men nearby. Perhaps he could use the time profitably…

"Eric, follow me."

Eric walked over without saying anything to his comrades. "Of course, sir. What are we to be doing?"

"Sword practice," Perak replied. "It's been too long since you trained; I don't want your standards to slip."

"No, sir. Of course."

In reality, it had been just a few days, and Eric was developing into an excellent swordsman. He only had two other students, and they hadn't shown anywhere near the level of discipline that Eric had. They walked silently to the patch of grass behind Perak's tent.

"Take your sword," Perak said, holding out the training weapon. "We will start with some drills…"

"Perak, you're back!" It was Pan, a fellow Squadron Commander that Perak got on well with. A tall, slightly chubby fellow, who was nonetheless an excellent fighter as a dragon. "Successful mission I trust?"

Perak shrugged, lowering his sword. "They'll record it as one, but I lost a man. The end of a good run."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Was he a friend?"

"No, I don't even know the fool's name. He was a liability and died due to his own stupidity, and quite frankly my command is better off without him. Just spoils my record, that's all."

Pan nodded sympathetically. "Still, less than ten in total so far, isn't it? A record to be proud of, when you consider how many raids you have led."

"He was number seven. I've had a run of five without a loss, which is unheard of in the history of these raids. Now he's ruined it. All because he couldn't follow simple orders.

"Idiots slip through the ranks all the time. But they shouldn't burden you with them.  Men like that should be kept for the city attacks, where they're expected to die."

Perak nodded enthusiastically. "I couldn't agree more! They should have an intelligence test, and all who fail it join the death and glory bunch. But was there something you wanted to speak to me about? I'm about to start training. We can't chat all day."

Pan shook his head. "I can't understand why you work so hard at training with these weapons. I understand your logic and why you favour the sword, but the Wing Commander will never allow them to be used widely."

Perak knew this only too well. He owned the only sharp sword in the division, a relic given to him by his father, and the Wing Commander he reported to only allowed him to carry it as he'd been ordered to by General Zygar himself, the head of the army and ruler of the Blue Dragon nation.

"That will change one day, Pan. Then people like Eric will become essential."

"Yes, I've seen you two train. A real aptitude for the sport, hasn't he?"

Perak winced at the word sport, considering it anything but. "Not really. He has dedication and discipline. Do you know he's never once asked why we do this? He just does." Indeed, he saw Eric as the perfect soldier, demonstrating complete unquestioning obedience combined with intelligence and resourcefulness, qualities that rarely went together. He would ensure that Eric was promoted as soon as possible to a Squadron Commander, once he himself had been promoted.

"Well, I wouldn't mind you teaching me one day, once you're allowed more students. But for the moment, your training will have to wait. They want you up in headquarters. I've been sent to fetch you."

"Really? What for?" Perak asked. He was surprised that anyone even knew that he was back.

Pan shrugged. "They didn't tell me. Like Eric, I just obey."

Pan was right there; he was an obedient fellow. Sadly though, he didn't have Eric's brains, and even the level of Squadron Leader was possibly a promotion above his ability.

"Very well. Another time, Eric. Dismissed!"

He followed Pan towards the headquarters, which was located in the centre of the camp, too near to bother with flying.

"Perak!" A loud voice roared. "Just the man I was looking for."

It was Kessick. Perak's shoulders slumped. He had hoped he had avoided this.

"Kessick," he said with a nod. "Always a pleasure. Can't stop though, I need to file my report."

"That's where you're wrong," Kessick told him with an unpleasant grin. "Summoned by the General. We both have been. I've just been told to fetch you on my way. Can't imagine what they want to see you for."

"Probably to commend him on his successful mission," Pan chirped up.

Kessick turned to Pan and regarded him disdainfully. "Oh, um, Kettle, is it? How are you?"

"Pan," Perak corrected.

"Yes, Pan, I knew it was something to do with cooking. I doubt they're even aware of Perak's mission. I mean, do even the Reds know he was there?" He roared with laughter at this. "Eh? What was it this time, a single house you attacked, or were there two?"

Perak waited for him to stop laughing before replying. "Well, I do prefer it if the enemy doesn't know what hit them. I train my men to operate unobserved, strike the enemy without them seeing it coming. I doubt you've ever managed to anything unobserved have you, Kessick?"

"Why would I? When everything you do is outstanding, you want it seen. Isn't that right, Kettle?"

"Shouldn't you be heading off to see the General now?" Pan asked coldly.

"Yes, yes. No sense of humour, your friend. Come along, Perak. They probably want you to witness my promotion."

"Or maybe your execution for inability to bring any troops back. I wonder if they will take volunteers."

"I doubt it, Perak. I had a standing ovation at dinner after my last mission, and received another commendation. My troops love me, and that's why I get the most volunteers. I doubt your average new recruit even knows your name."

"You get the most volunteers because you need the most. They push them in your direction to replace all the ones you routinely lead to their doom."

"To glory! They know the risks, and those that come back return as heroes. How many of your men return as heroes?"

"My men return. Up to today I'd had five missions without a loss. My men know I value their lives enough to not throw them away."

"Ah, so you lost one today, did you? Attacking what? A small logging settlement? At least my men die attempting greatness."

"So you did know what my mission was. A little better known than you made out," Perak commented smugly.

"These men who you love and value. Tell me, what was the name of the one you lost? If it's not too much to say his name. I'm guessing that you're pretty upset about it."

Perak's eyes narrowed. He had no interest in the names of any of his men, or anything about them and Kessick knew it, but he wasn't going to be lectured by a man who threw away valuable resources as casually as Kessick did.

"Look, Kessick, why don't you give the names of the ones you brought back on your last mission, if you love them so much? That shouldn't be too long a list."

"Speaking of what we brought back, how are your trophies from your last mission? You seemed to have taken a lot longer than was expected. Didn't stop on the way back for a little entertainment, did you?"

Perak reddened with anger. "I would never do such a thing!"

"Come now, Perak. Surely you don't expect me to believe that? After all, their very purpose is to breed with the elite of the army, to produce the next generation of expendables. You clearly believe you're a cut above the rest. You really weren't even tempted?"

Perak was furious. "Unlike some, I respect how things should be done. That is a privilege reserved for Wing Commanders and above!"

"Kessick, Perak!" It was their Wing Commander, Jaresh. He was ten years their senior, and had little time for Perak, presumably irritated by his youth, rapid ascent through the ranks and his unconventional methods. Inexplicably he seemed to get on with Kessick though, who was the same age as Perak. "I see you've finally managed to turn up. The General has been waiting. Follow me."

Jaresh led them both to the only permanent building in the camp, a grand old house that served as General Pushak's quarters and his office. It looked out of place surrounded by the sea of dirty brown tents. They followed him through the house to the General's office where he left them to wait for the General. They had to wait for a while, as another meeting was in progress. After two division commanders left the room, the two of them were sent in and were surprised to see that it was General Zygar, not General Pushak in the office. They didn't dare ask where Pushak was.

"Ah, Perak and Kessick; come in," he said, waving them over. "I hear you had another successful mission, Perak. Six captives, wasn't it? One loss and ten killed?"

Perak was taken by surprise. "Yes, sir, but I haven't filed my report yet. How did you …"

"I don't wait for reports!" Zygar replied dismissively. "Those get filed and sent away. I demand immediate updates on all missions. Reports!"

Perak nodded in agreement, not sure what to add.

"So, that makes fifteen of these missions now, Perak. All as successful as you promised. I'm glad I put my faith in you. Don't get me wrong, though. I don't like you, and I don't like this approach. Seems wrong somehow. I prefer a good open fight."

"Couldn't agree more, sir," Kessick commented, sneering at Perak.

"I don't remember asking for your opinion, Kessick. If I want opinions, I'll go to Perak. At least his brain still works. No, I don't like you either, Kessick. Always making far too much noise. Which is why it pains me to have to promote you both. It makes too much sense not to. I don't like your approach Perak, but I do like what it achieves. I think we've seen enough of your experiment to take it to the next stage. I trust you know what's expected of you."

"Yes, sir," Perak replied enthusiastically.

"Hmm, that remains to be seen. I'll assign you to a different division under Devrik. He's fully briefed on what I'm looking for, and of your capabilities. He'll give you guidance, but enough of a free rein to allow you to do what you're good at. Using your brain. Which is the opposite of what you're good at, Kessick."

Perak failed to hide a smirk.

"Not sure what you're so happy about, Perak. Kessick has the skills you are completely devoid of. Charm, charisma, leadership and likability. Well that's what the idiots we recruit think. I think my lunch probably had more charm than he did when it was rolling around in the mud back at the farm eating his own excrement. But these idiots will follow him eagerly to their deaths. That's why you're being promoted, Kessick. You'll do what's asked, and you'll lead. You'll leave the thinking to me, but flying bravely to death or glory, that's what we have you for. You'll stay where you are of course. Wing Commander Jaresh is retiring, so you'll be taking his place and reporting to Moric."