The Fifth Magic (Book 1) (7 page)

"Isn't she a beauty?" Kenward asked.

Strom was impressed Kenward had lived as long as he had with such a terrible mental illness. "Your brilliance is only surpassed by your sheer lack of concern for safety."

"Thank you!" Kenward said with his irrepressible grin. "I knew you would see the beauty in her."

In truth, Strom could think of nothing but getting off this flying disaster before it came unglued. "How long until we reach the Firstland?" he asked.

"Not much longer," Kenward said, either blissfully unaware of Strom's misgivings or in complete disregard of them.

Strom suspected the latter. "Perhaps we should land at the beach. Landing within the hold is risky."

"Oh, but it's so much easier," Kenward said. "You'll be able to step right off the ship and into Windhold. That's how we do things here on the
Serpent.
No long journey's just to board and disembark, no, sir. We come to you and take you directly to where you are going. It's the way of the future, my friend. You just have to see my vision."

Strom was having visions of his own, most of which involved fire and a twisted pile of burning flakewood. Osbourne thought even less of the ship and refused to even walk around the deck. He had remained glued to the deckhouse in spite of the heat, and Strom thought he might have splinters from gripping the planks so tightly.

When the Firstland finally came into view, Strom found himself at a loss for words, despite having seen the Firstland before. No descriptions from fireside tales or books could convey the majesty of the place said to be the cradle of mankind. Osbourne even stood to get a better view, though he remained stuck to the deckhouse. Mountains reached for the sky and pierced the clouds, a natural harbor at their feet.

Strom decided seeing the Eternal Guardians from above was the most awesome way to see them. The entire Valley of Victors was amazing in how real the carvings of men were. Catrin had always said how it had bothered her that there were no women depicted at all, as if they hadn't existed. Unpredictable surrounded the mountains, especially Windhold, which boggled the mind and the eye. The mountain had been carved out to leave only her bones, twisting sweeping shafts of hard rock shaped by forces long forgotten.

The Arghast, who Strom knew he must now think of as Drakon and Dragon Clan, gathered near the largest opening into Windhold. Strom questioned the wisdom of their decision. Gusts blew the ship sideways without notice, and there was little Kenward or anyone else could do about it. Perhaps one could fly without Istra's power, Strom thought, but should one? The answer was clear when the Drakon fled.

"We're coming in too fast," Osbourne shouted, but everyone else had already realized it.

"Vent the steam!" Kenward shouted. "Lower the sails. Brace yourselves!"

The
Serpent
struck Windhold a resounding blow. The mountain didn't budge, and thus the ship and her occupants absorbed the energy. Though the ship was still in one piece, Strom was fairly certain something important was damaged if not completely broken. Black smoke poured from the chimstack, and he just hoped the thing held together long enough for him to get off of it and never get back on again. He would swim wherever else he may need to go if that was what it took. No more flying with Kenward, he promised himself.

The wind bags pressed against the hold by the prevailing wind held the ship in place. Though Strom would have liked to have been the first one off the ship, he couldn't leave without Osbourne. He turned back to the deckhouse, but to the man's credit, he was already walking toward Strom.

"Get me off this ship," Osbourne said.

"Why do people always say that?" Kenward asked. No one responded.

Strom helped Osbourne over the rail, and his friend offered him an arm to grasp as he made his way down. His arms and legs tingled, and he had to take a couple of minutes just to bask in the glory of having survived flying to the Firstland aboard the
Serpent.
Osbourne hugged him in celebration. Kenward shook his head as if they were daft.

"I wish Martik was here," Osbourne said and Strom agreed. He deeply regretted leaving Martik behind but would have to live with his regret. Kenward and his men worked with rope and winches to secure the
Serpent.
The wind bags and the sails were stowed and the fires quenched, though the steam nearly filled the entire hold. The dragons, at least, seemed to like it.

Sinjin and Kendra approached, and Strom couldn't help but grin. "Look at you," was all he could think of to say. At least he didn't say, "Look how big you've gotten."

"Welcome," Sinjin said, smiling. Then he turned more serious. "Martik?"

"Captured but most likely well cared for," Strom said. "There are things Trinda wants him to fix."

"Fix?" Sinjin asked.

"Remember how well things went when the water got turned on?" Osbourne asked while poking Strom in the ribs. "Those kinds of things."

"What are those things supposed to do?" Sinjin asked.

"Sinjin," Kendra said, "you're interrogating the poor man. It's clear they've had a harrowing journey."

"Yes," Kenward said as he came to join them. "I'm certain the time they spent in the wilderness must have been quite harrowing. How lucky they were the
Serpent
arrived to pick them up."

"And how lucky they were verdant dragons have to eat and sleep," someone behind Kenward said, but he ignored it.

"Kenward," Sinjin said, "I must ask. Why were verdant dragons chasing you?"

"Oh. That," Kenward said. "Clearly a misunderstanding. They think we stole something from them. The crew and I have discussed it, and we have decided we did not steal anything. And yes, thank god and goddess verdant dragons have to eat and sleep." His crew roared in response.

"Please, all of you come in and have some tea," Kendra said. This was the most Sinjin had ever seen her attempt to entertain anyone, and he rather liked it, though he wouldn't tell her that. She might take it the wrong way. What he liked was that she was warm and welcoming, and she wasn't yelling at anyone. The last thought came with a chuckle. His wife was a spirited woman.

"They ambushed us as we were leaving the hold, grabbed Martik, and forced us the rest of the way out. Trinda told us we were never to return, but I'm not leaving it up to her. She even had the guards dispose of our packs and supplies.

"Had to rough it, eh?" Sinjin asked with a smile.

Seeing what the Drakon had done with almost nothing, Strom was ashamed to admit they struggled.

"It took months to get set up well enough I didn't have to worry over our day-to-day survival," Sinjin said.

"You worry too much," Kendra said while adjusting his shirt collar.

Strom looked to the dragon watching him from nearby.

"That's Valterius," Sinjin said. "He likes to know who's in the hold."

"He doesn't talk in people's minds, does he?" Strom asked, unable to hide the worry in his voice.

"No," Sinjin said with a smile. "Sometimes I wish he did."

"Don't wish for that," Strom said. "Trust me."

"What is this thing Martik is working on for Trinda?"

"It's a towering wheel of stone," Osbourne said. "No idea what its purpose is, but Martik is supposed to make it turn."

"Really?" Sinjin asked. "And then what happens?"

"I wish I knew," Strom said. "Martik is still trying to figure it all out."

"I don't like the sound of it," Kendra said. No one disagreed.

"I'm going to see if she'll trade with me," Kenward said. "She's got the perfect airship landing pad--something you need here, by the way, seriously."

"Good luck with that," Strom said.

"She'll do it," Kenward said. "She's cut off from the world, and there'll be things she wants. I might know how to get those things. And perhaps I can get you things."

"We'll talk about that later," Sinjin said. "I could use your advice. The Heights are claiming the ferals are very active, though not in as great a number as before."

"Give them a couple years," Durin said as he walked up. "The place will be crawling with them." He served tea and embraced each in turn, threatening to spill their hot drink.

"Anyway, the Greatlanders want to remain neutral, and the rest want us to fly in support of the verdants, so they can continue vital trade across the Jaga. We're not really fully settled here yet, and that would drain us of resources. What do you think?"

"I think you violated my first rule," Osbourne said. "Never be in charge. Failing that, my second rule is to care for yourself and your family first. If you can help more when those are cared for, then do so."

Sinjin smiled. "I thought so too. Thanks."

"You shouldn't second-guess yourself," Kendra said.

"People's lives are at risk, and these decisions could place a lot more in danger. I won't apologize for seeking good counsel."

"Nor should you," Kenward said. "And I shall give you my advice. Start by having some of your friends help your other friends fix their ship."

Chapter 7

Success lies in the ability to inspire others to action.

--Mother Gwendolin, Cathuran monk

* * *

Strom shook his head, and Osbourne mirrored his concern.

"You're defenseless in here," Strom said, and Osbourne nodded emphatically. "I bet a good storm would chase you out of here."

Sinjin flushed but didn't say anything.

"This place is great as a flight deck, but it's no place to live."

"The Dragon Clan occupies the lower levels of the mountain, and they are a little better protected from the weather."

"But not by much," Kendra said, and Sinjin flushed again.

"The problem with this mountain is it's full of holes," Osbourne said, and all eyes turned to him. "In order to secure it, you'd need to fill far too many openings."

"He's right," Strom said.

"They're right," Kendra said.

"I hear you," Sinjin said. "We cannot defend others until we can defend ourselves."

"Thank you!" Kendra said. "Was that so difficult?"

Strom gave her a disapproving look, and she closed her mouth forcefully.

"We've looked over the island," Sinjin said, "though not as thoroughly as I would like. We've found ruins but nothing more attractive than this."

"Perhaps we should look some more?" Kendra said with a twinkle in her eye.

Sinjin smiled. He loved his wife. "That's a splendid idea. I don't know about you, but I could use a second set of eyes."

Kendra just grabbed Strom by the arm and propelled him to where Gerhonda waited. Sinjin guided Osbourne toward Valterius. Durin was already saddling the dragon, and several people assisted Kendra and Strom saddle Gerhonda and get strapped in. Strom paled. "Perhaps you could just draw me a map," he said to Kendra and Sinjin laughed.

"It's not funny," Osbourne said. "I could make do with a map."

"It'll be fine and there is nothing like seeing for yourself. Am I right?"

Osbourne appeared dubious and looked Valterius up and down. "Do these things have a weight limit? I'm not made of flakewood, you know."

"I think Valterius can handle it," Sinjin said, and his dragon snorted, forcing Osbourne back a step. After climbing up, Sinjin offered Osbourne a hand, and his mother's old friend took it reluctantly. "I won't kill you. Promise," Sinjin said.

With that, Osbourne grabbed tight and pulled himself up. Durin climbed up and got Osbourne strapped in; he also double-checked Sinjin's straps, something Sinjin had grown accustomed to but still appreciated. Once Durin jumped down, Valterius started for the wind channel.

"Are we really ready? Are my straps tight enough?" Osbourne asked.

"You've been cleared," Sinjin said, and Gerhonda fell in alongside Valterius. Before anyone could say anything more, both dragons surged forward and thrust themselves into the warm, blue skies. Lush greenery was already reclaiming the scarred landscape around Windhold. Evidence of the mighty battle was largely obscured, but skeletal remains along with circular impressions left in stone and sandy areas were difficult to miss.

Strom held his breath as the world fell away from underneath him. This was worse than flying with Kenward, as now rock and trees hurtled toward him at incredible speed. When Gerhonda extended her wings, Strom was pressed down into his seat by the force, and he couldn't prevent the scream issuing from his lips. Osbourne, apparently, couldn't either. But then an amazing thing happened, Gerhonda and Valterius found thermals and started riding them in lazy circles. The land below grew farther away and the view even more impressive. They had seen some of this scenery on their approach aboard the
Serpent,
but that had been a very different experience.

Once the dragons had gained sufficient altitude, Sinjin and Valterius turned first and dived toward the twisting valleys. Gerhonda followed and Strom had never felt such a rush of excitement in his life. It was terrifying and thrilling and beautiful all at the same time. Kendra pointed out the second hollow mountain they had mentioned, where the openings were too small for the dragons. He also pointed out the clearly man-made ruins giving evidence of the Firstland's distant past. Beyond that, they had to squeeze through a narrow and twisting valley, and it didn't appear wide enough to accommodate them. With wings trimmed, the dragons narrowly avoided the rocky peaks. As a passenger, it was difficult to do anything but ride along and watch the rapidly approaching trees and rock. Despite that, Strom turned his head and looked about as they flew. Just before they burst forth from the narrow valley, he saw a bright flash of green light.

Before them waited an amazing sight. The Valley of Victors was far more imposing when seen up close than from afar. The dragons flew along the twisting river, the Eternal Guardians rising up before them, only the giant statues were facing the other direction. Even from behind, though, they demanded respect. Strom could barely keep his breath for all the wondrous sights, though his eye was drawn by dark shapes moving through the trees and causing the canopy to shake. When the harbor came into view, shrouded by black beaches lined with glistening bodies, Strom forgot everything else. Corpulent seal-like creatures sunned themselves along the shores and on glistening rock formations.

Valterius winged toward a section of beach free of wildlife. As his shadow approached, many of the distended beasts thrust themselves into the water. With a few flaps of his wings, Valterius slowed and landed on the obsidian beach. Gerhonda landed not far away.

"I thought you might like a chance to catch your breath," Sinjin said.

"Is it safe to be here?" Osbourne asked.

"The dragons will keep most of the wildlife at a distance," Kendra said. "But if you see a big, black fin coming, get away from the water."

"Maybe I'll just stay up here," Osbourne said.

Strom unstrapped himself and climbed down. The flight hadn't been a long one, but it felt good to stretch nonetheless. Eventually Osbourne joined them.

"We considered moving closer to the beaches, where it is easy to land, but there are too many predators at forest level. The hollow mountains are the only inhabitable structures at a sufficient height above the tree line. We can look some more, but I'm not sure how much we'll find."

"It could be nothing," Strom said, and all eyes rested on him. "Have you ever seen green light flash in that gorge?" He pointed to the place through which they had flown.

"No," Sinjin said after turning his eyes to where Strom pointed. "That's a pretty tricky stretch. I've never noticed much of anything going through there. Too busy trying to stay alive."

"What did you see?" Kendra asked.

"It lasted only for an instant," Strom said. "But I saw a flash of green light come from up there, by where that flat spot is, next to the dip. See where I mean?"

No one did.

"If you'll fly us back up there," Strom said, "I'll show you."

"We'll have to get some serious altitude over the sands," Kendra said. "You know how dangerous the air above those peaks can be. One downdraft, and you'll be smeared across the mountainside."

"Maybe we should wait here while you look," Osbourne said. "I'm sure the extra weight just makes it more dangerous."

"Come on, Osbourne," Strom said. "I see a big, black fin coming. Don't get eaten."

"Very funny," Osbourne said until he, too, saw the giant fin racing toward shore. He managed to get back in his place atop Valterius before anyone else. The fin continued toward them, pushing a wall of water with it, and one of the oversized seals was thrown into the air by the wave. The shark's head and gleaming white teeth gnashed the air as the seal writhed, trying to escape its fate. The shark was ready and struck as soon as the creature hit the water. It was over in an instant, and Osbourne paled even further.

Strom wasted no time in regaining the saddle, and the dragons kept close watch on the shoreline. Strom didn't want to think about who would win in a battle between shark and dragon, and he triple-checked the straps holding him in. Kendra checked them herself once, and they were on their way. With a powerful leg thrust and a few wing flaps, the dragons gained the air. Soaring low over the water, they could see oversized shadows moving beneath the surface. Strom didn't want to know what those creatures were. Knowing such massive beasts now ruled the seas and the skies, he felt a great deal smaller than he once had. It was an adjustment all of them had to make. On the Godfist or even the Greatland, humans had been at the top of the food chain. Here the same could not be said. These days, no place was safe.

Soon black beach rushed beneath them again, and warmer air pushed them upward. Higher and higher they went, and it still wasn't high enough to suit Kendra or Sinjin. Strom's head felt as if it would explode, and he wasn't certain how much more he could take. Kendra showed him how to relieve some of the pressure by holding his nose, closing his mouth, and blowing. Though he felt much better afterward, he still wasn't certain how much more altitude he could withstand. Thin air left him struggling to breathe. Kendra noticed his discomfort and signaled to Sinjin.

"Be careful," he shouted.

Flying through the valley had been a frightening experience. Knowing it was a good bit safer than what they were about to do made Strom's stomach hurt. Clouds obscured much of the landscape below them. The air moved in ripping torrents, sheared by the peaks themselves. Tenacious trees clung to the heights, reaching out to them and coming perilously close. Valterius pulled away from the rocky peak, but Kendra would not be so easily dissuaded. Strom held on with a white-knuckled grip. If she or Gerhonda miscalculated, they could slam into the side of a mountain. Clouds obscured his vision, and he waited for death to come. Instead, they burst into an area almost completely surrounded by peaks. Misshapen spires surrounded a grove, and by their very shape, they directed the persistent wind into the hidden valley, creating a persistent updraft.

Gerhonda floated on the updraft, small movements of her wings allowing her to turn them in a slow circle. Moments later, Valterius burst from the mists, his roar echoing within the sheltered vale. No one spoke as they took in the beauty of the place. At the center stood a clearing of weathered stone with twenty-four towering green crystals on the perimeter. And in the surrounding valley walls were openings large enough to admit dragons. Each one was shaded by overhanging rock that made them difficult to see from above.

Valterius landed first and Gerhonda floated down beside him. The landing was remarkably soft. This time no one hesitated in climbing down and exploring what they had found. It was impossible not to be drawn to the crystals. With flat, glossy faces, they formed geometric shapes with no names. White striations broke up the green. They were beautiful beyond description. Each stone was unique, and the deeper you stared into them, the more texture you found. Strom backed up when he realized all of them were staring directly into the crystals.

"Do not get lost," Strom said. His words echoed.

It took a moment before the others responded, as if they had to cover a great distance to return.

"Wow," was all Osbourne managed to say.

"Beautiful," Kendra said, running her hand along a sheer face.

Strom walked to the center of the vale, to the very heart of the bare stone. Never had he known power like Catrin's, save maybe when her dragon had spoken in his mind or when he was at the forge and swinging a hammer. The world shimmered around him, the updraft warm, almost gentle in its caress. Perhaps it was just his mind playing tricks, but Strom would swear he felt something. This place had such power even he could feel it. For once, he was glad Catrin was not by his side; what might happen if she tapped into this power? He tried not to think about it.

Sinjin stared into the crystals until Kendra went to pull him away. Osbourne joined them. "It's creepy," he said.

Strom knew exactly what he meant. This was so much like the event in the Grove of the Elders all those years ago, yet it was so very different. It smelled the same, as if the air were charged, like right before a storm.

Kendra led Sinjin away from the crystals, but rather than coming to where Strom and Osbourne stood, she took him toward a shaded entrance. Strom moved in that direction, and Osbourne followed, still in an apparent haze. The air was cooler there, and there was less of an updraft. The openings themselves, five of them, were large enough to admit regent dragons, which meant no problems admitting the smaller regal dragons--except all of the orifices were blocked.

Strom whistled when he saw the stones used to block the entryways. The blocks were well cut and would weigh as much as a warship. "They really didn't want anyone getting in there," he said.

Kendra had her arms crossed over her chest, her thoughts clearly intense.

"What would it take to move these stone blocks?" Sinjin asked.

"Dragons--" Osbourne said.

"And Martik," Strom finished for him.

* * *

Martik had never been more frustrated. Trinda had forbidden him to work any more on the great wheel, which continued to turn a little faster every day. He suspected there was a limit to how fast such a colossal stone could turn and not have disastrous consequences. Yet he was denied access to the vast new stores of ancient knowledge found within the hold. Surely there had to be clues if not the answers themselves, and they were just out of reach.