Dragons in the Valley

There weren't always dragons in the Valley.

But they’ve been there for several generations before Alenor.

His grandfather would pass on stories to him of a time before they entered the valley. A time when only the humans and the fae lived. Fae that were bent on destroying the human race. Corrupting humans with their way of life. Forcing their genetics onto other humans. Before the dragons soared in with their massive wings to drive out the fae from harming humanity.

Before the dragons were exalted as true saviors and came to be the rightful rulers of the Valley.

History and stories skewed in several perspectives. Stories that weren’t valid in all their retellings. His grandfather’s cynicism of all parties involved corrupted many of the tales told.

Alenor didn’t care either way. His own world inside his mind held more excitement. His world covered in magic.

He glanced up at the shelf to his right. Mismatch bottles and caps. Mislabeled too. The dark brown substance definitely was not toxic. Why he put the toxic label on it, he couldn’t recall. These habits would have to break if he were to pass his test.

A test that had kept him up for the last week. His life had built up to this moment.

His bony fingers quivered, but his stomach was calm. All he ever wanted in life was this. Nothing held more passion, more creativity than magic. He could only ever express himself freely through magic.

Thankfully, not many humans could do it anymore. Before the dragons, chaotic magic plagued all of humanity. No thanks to the fae’s doing. Humans tore each other apart with chaotic magic. Now only humans chosen by the dragon's high council are free to openly practice magic. Alenor knew a person only received one shot at this chance.

The door behind him creaked, snapping Alenor away from his thoughts.

“Are you ready?”

Alenor turned around, facing the two visitors that had come to support him. The girl’s hair had a bright red color to it today. She had tried to hide it under her hood, but Alenor knew his sister too well.

“If anyone should be nervous, it should be me.” He nodded at her.

Brielle tucked a few more locks under her hood, “I can’t help it. I tried meditating and mom almost didn’t let me leave the house.”

The dragon beside her snickered, lightly hopping over to where Alenor stood, “I’m so excited for you, Alenor. I can’t wait for you to ace this test!”

“I thought you were mad at me?”

Dami snorted, “That was yesterday. Today is a new day. I’m no longer mad.”

“Why would Dami be mad at you?” Brielle asked.

“I didn’t answer his favorite question to his liking.”

Dami snorted, “I am only telling you what the elder dragons are going to tell you! You gotta gas them up. Historic retellings are going to be the most important part of the test!”

“I thought the actual magic wielding was going to be the most important part?” Brielle asked, but a smile held her expression.

Alenor’s voice dropped, “Every single part of this test is the most important part.”

Brielle frowned at her older brother. Luckily he had not been inflicted with the same infliction she had. But just as he could read her, she could read him.

She crossed the room’s short area to meet him at the shelves he had been glued to all morning. A perfect place to do any last minute studying.

“Hey, you got this,” She rubbed his arm hoping it would provide some form of familiar comfort, “And if not, you could work for me once I get the shop up and running.”

The smile returned to Alenor, “Ah. Just my calling in life. A tailor.”

Brielle raised her eyebrows as if to retort until she noticed the jagged stitching barely holding the trim to his sleeves. Something she offered to repair a few months ago with no success in getting him to let her. No, her brother’s calling in life would always be magic.

Magic. She had watched her brother learn how to control it all her life. Yet it still felt like an entirely different world to hers.

“Time to go! The test will be starting in a couple of minutes!” Dami jumped up and down near the doorway. Alenor shook his head, trying to clear his mind of all stray thoughts.

The moment had arrived. Stomach churning or not, Alenor couldn’t delay his fate anymore. He forced his legs to move, striding across the room, boasting such confidence as he took each step.

Perhaps he could even fool himself along the way.

The day outside held a cold breeze that hit his bare face. A bit out of season, most people in the town agreed. But today, Alenor’s clammy palms and neck welcomed the cold breeze.

Brielle and Dami kept close behind him. He tried his luck at a subtle shoulder turn to look at his sister. Her hair had turned a dusty blonde. A small chuckle escaped between his dry lips. One would think she was going to take the test.

Several people watched the trio walk down the street. Some waved to offer their encouragement. Others shrank away from the street. Though the city was considered one of the largest in the valley, everyone knew each other's business. Alenor’s life held no exception to the rule. He smiled at the supporters, but paid no attention to those who turned away.

Just like Grandpa. Alenor grimaced at the thought. He worked so hard to keep his grandfather’s whispering voice out of his ear. Today of all days he needed to be focused. He banished any further thought of the old pessimist.

Alenor arrived on the steps of the temple.

He only climbed these stairs once before in his life. Smooth, gray stones that towered over him as a young child. Though the stairs still felt larger than life, they appeared to be an obstacle he could overcome this time. He took each step carefully. All eyes were on him.

“Good luck, bro.”

Alenor turned to give his sister one last look. He smiled and nodded at her before turning back to the entrance. No Brielle, no Dami. Just him and his journey into the start of his life.

The long trek down the entrance hallway of the temple left Alenor more unnerved than he already was. Each tall pillar loomed over him, reminding him of his insignificant size to the dragons. The temple kept a very pristine appearance for being built several hundred years ago. Back when the dragons first entered the land. A tribute from the surviving human tribes as their expression of gratitude for saving them from the monsters.

Alenor had only seen one of the adult dragons a handful of times in his life. Most of the dragons he interacted with were the adolescent ones, like Dami. He knew the dragons liked to keep to themselves unless it came time to serious human affairs.

Now the time had come for him to see an adult dragon again. If all went well with the test, he would be spending a lot more time with the dragons.

The giant doors opened, revealing the grand hall. Each tile that decorated the floors and walls were plated in gold and silver accents.

Alenor’s eyes trailed around the grand room, enjoying the beautiful architecture. How he wished he could bask in its wonder forever.

But the five dragons at the wall opposite of him had other plans.

“Young Alenor Whrightwood of Pluroa Village. Come to us.” The red dragon spoke. She had a soft, soothing voice. Alenor didn’t know how she achieved it, but his nerves were relaxed by just the sound of her voice.

Alenor stepped forward until he reached the circular center of the room. This spot looked to be most ideal for magic tests. Several of the tiles were discolored. Alenor wondered what failed spells caused such tarnishes.

“Are you ready to take this test in becoming a master mage?” The blue dragon asked.

Alenor nodded, taking note of where each master dragon stood. The red dragon of flame, the blue dragon of water, the black dragon of night, the white dragon of light, and the gold dragon of earth.

“Begin the oath.” The gold dragon spoke.

“I, Alenor Whrightwood, swear my life to this oath. To abide by the rules of those set before me. To use magic only in service of the dragons. To always grow my abilities and never stray from the path of magic,”

Alenor took a deep breath.

“And if I am to fail this test, I swear to renounce all magic. I will turn away from all studies and begin a new life.”

The gold dragon reached out his claw, “And do you swear that if you are to break this oath, you will face the justified punishments depending on the crime committed?”

“I do.”

“Then let us seal this oath.”

The claw extended further until it reached Alenor. Taking his own finger, he touched the tip. A large burst of colors erupted from the touch and Alenor felt a surge climb up through his veins.

“It is done. Let us begin the test.”

Alenor zoned his focus on everything he had been preparing.

“Give us the history of Trz the Violent.”

A wave of ease passed through Alenor. The story of the mage who turned himself into a dragon to terrorize the people couldn’t have been an easier topic to start the test off with.

Alenor delivered his brief summary with ease. Each dragon presented a pleased face at his well rehearsed retelling.

The blue dragon of water demanded certain spells that called for cloud summoning or liquid movement. Very basic practices that a beginner learning magic could perform. Alenor danced his hands, making sure his form stayed on point. Each spell left his hands with perfection. Confidence overcame him, unbelieving at how easy the test had been so far.

The gold dragon turned his confidence around on him and tested his recipe knowledge for certain potions. Alenor knew his potion making was the weakest point in his magical journey. The mislabeled jars littered his room. He stumbled through several of the recipes.

“It’s a skill you will have to continue to grow in.” The gold dragon said.

Alenor felt his heart sink a little. He knew his failure didn’t cost him the test. Yet he could feel the disappointment in himself anyway.

“Give us a demonstration of your mage light.” The white dragon spoke.

Alenor perked back up. His mage light kept him company through the long nights of studying and practicing. Once again, the test turned easy. He turned two fingers upward, shooting out his signature ball of light. The floating ball the size of his head had a yellowish hue.

“Turn it into a fireball.” The red dragon was next to speak.

The words barely processed in Alenor’s head. Instead his instincts acted for him. The peaceful ball of light burst into flames before everyone’s eyes.

The four dragons gave respectful nods.

“Very well done, Mr. Alenor Whrightwood.” The red dragon’s soothing voice returned.

Alenor beamed with pride.

“Please demonstrate the Carthon spell.”

Now the black dragon spoke. The inflamed ball of light disappeared, now casting shadow back on the young aspiring mage’s face.

Alenor stared back at the master black dragon, “I…I can not…” He stopped himself mid sentence. This test was meant to push him to the brink. He couldn’t say no to any part, no matter how difficult, no matter if he had never attempted such a spell before, “Yes sir. Just allow me one moment.”

He took a deep breath, clearing all his senses. He practiced a fast hand scan, feeling each tip of each finger, up to each knuckle, until it reached the palm of his hand. Everything felt normal. He concentrated hard on the request. The Carthon spell focused on healing and water. Many advanced mages used it to revive dying house plants. Sometimes it could restore a crop if locus had attempted to consume it instead.

However, the spell could have serious consequences if done wrong. Consequences that were unknown to Alenor. Most of his books warned him of ever trying the spell. His mind lingered on the warnings. He took another deep breath, trying to recall the spell instead.

He lifted his right hand up towards his face. All he needed to do was create that special blue ball of light. He concentrated hard on his palm, closing his eyes to the distractions around him. A painted picture entered his mind. He pictured crystal blue water, lapping at soft light colored dirt. Sand was what the travelers called it. He often dreamed of such a place. A place he had never been himself. Perhaps once he became the mage he always wanted to be, he could travel to these beaches he heard so much about.

The crystal blue water swirled with purples and oranges. Life exploded in all different directions. Colorful fish danced within the waves. Alenor could see it perfectly. The more he saw the fish alive and dancing, the stronger the sensation in his palm got.

His eyes peaked at his palm. A large, overpowering blue light had come over it.

Alenor jumped at his own power, his fingers starting to shake. His breath left his lungs and the light burned brighter. Soon the entire room filled with the blue hue.

The dragons yanked their necks back, shielding their eyes from the blinding light. Alenor cried out at the power. Never had he achieved a powerful spell before. Instead he just watched in horror as his hand shook violently under the intensity.

A new feeling came from his palm. It felt alive. Tiny soft appendages that wiggled. Silky wings.

The blue light calmed down, shining only a few beams to reveal a small bug-like creature that now rested calmly between his fingers.

He stared at the creature. It had a pair of tiny silver wings. Its snake-like body and dozens of legs offset the whimsical appearance.

How could something look so cute and creepy at the same time.

Alenor studied it a bit further, getting a better look at it. The creature’s coloring didn’t appear normal. It instead had a pinkish tint to its jet black exoskeleton.

Alenor felt his heart stop.

Fae.

FAE.

I just created a fae creature!

Between his two fingers was a fae creature. Yet it looked so peaceful. His stare turned to awe as he took in the beautiful little creature. He didn’t understand how this peaceful creature could be considered a monster. It hadn’t tried to attack him. Instead it curled itself up in his palm, as if to take a nap.

He looked back at the five dragons. Each one held a stern look.

Until the black dragon’s mouth curled at the corner.

“Well done, Mr. Alenor Whrightwood. You masted this test with high admiration from this council.”

Alenor’s face relaxed as his own smile began to overtake his face, “Really? I’m a mage now?”

“Correct, Alenor. Many congratulations for your success and hard work thus far.”

Alenor turned back to the little creature. Its tiny body rose and fell, taking deep calming breaths as it slept. He stared in awe at the lifeform. He couldn’t believe he created such a beautiful creature.

A new companion for me while I work. He thought to himself. A few names popped in his head of what to call the creature. Perhaps he would wait until it woke up so it could contribute an opinion to a name.

“Come to us, Alenor.”

Alenor’s step had more speed to them than when he first entered the temple. He walked up to the black dragon in the center.

“Lightly toss the creature into the air. We wish to get a look at it.”

Alenor obeyed, lightly jerking his hand upward. The creature sprang back to life, catching itself from falling. Its tiny wings began to work hard at keeping it hovered in midair. He tilted his head, returning back to the state of awe over the creature.

The black dragon snapped his massive jaw around the creature, trapping it inside of his mouth. The dragon yanked his head back, swallowing the creature down.

Alenor stood in shock, slightly shaking his limbs subconsciously.

“Wha…”

“Please wait here while we fetch one of our high mages to take you to your new living quarters.” The gold dragon swung his tail to tap on a few of the wall tiles in a rhythmic fashion.

Alenor continued to stand in absolute shock at what had just happened.

“You…you ate my…” Alenor could barely get the words out.

The black dragon looked back down at the young man, still trembling.

“Of course I did.”

Alenor looked at the black dragon in return, “why?”

“Foolish of you to pursue the art of magic. You humans will always be gullible when it comes time to playing with forces larger than yourselves. But us dragons are always thankful for it.”

The blue dragon turned his head down to Alenor, “We thank you for passing your test and look forward to your mastery of the Carthon spell. The larger the creatures you can conjure, the better you will please us. I’ve been craving unicorn meat for far too long.”

Alenor shook his head, “You want me to conjure Fae creatures…so you can eat them?”

Silence fell over the room.

Alenor looked back at his palm. Up until this point he hadn’t the faintest clue that the Carthon spell created Fae creatures. Let alone that he casted it without any problems going awry.

“I won’t…I can’t do that for you. I want to use my magic for something to help humanity with. It seems cruel to just summon Fae creatures for them to be consumed minutes after getting a chance at life.”

The red dragon’s voice lost its silky touch, “You are under oath to serve us.”

Alenor’s thoughts swirled around in his head, filling his mind with fear.

“But…I…” Alenor’s thoughts were interrupted by several men now entering the room. All wearing large robes and walking towards him.

“Welcome to your new life, Mr. Alenor Whrightwood. We look forward to all the creatures you provide us with.” The black dragon’s smile curled back around his face.

Grandpa couldn’t be right…