Part Four – Into the Shadows
Four Years Ago
“Lord Nate,” said Picks. “There are concerns about the western border from some of the farmers.”
“What kind of concerns?”
“Some who live there feel the border is not secure like it is in other places. They feel the Echo River is the weakest part of DragonVale.”
Lord Nate thought for a second. “Yes, I agree the Echo River is sensitive to attacks. But I think the land beyond the Echo River is just dead space. I talked to Liber and he agrees it is dead space too.”
“Well,” said Picks. “If it really is dead space, then I agree. Let us hope DragonVale truly is safe. If not, the Echo River is where the first battle will be.”
- - - - -
Picks and the Protectors of DragonVale rushed towards the Echo River. They flew on panlong dragons provided by Targen. Time and a large donation of gems from friends had allowed him to rebuild his legendary army. The entire army of the rare breed now escorted the protectors towards the western border.
Michael Zilla was the first to arrive. As the others started flying in, he surveyed his surroundings. The Echo River was engulfed in flames creating a wall of fire that seemed to stretch infinitely in both directions. Beyond the Echo River, Michael could see Losas casting spell after spell upon the waters. The leader of the protectors thought he could hear the Echo River crying from the relentless attacks from the Lord of Sun and Shadows.
“WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?!” yelled Picks with fury.
The Lord of Sun and Shadows emerged above the wall of flames. With a gesture, the sun disappeared from the sky. The only light came from the fire. Even the Celtic Star vanished from sight.
“Watch your tone,” said Losas menacingly. “You have demonstrated to me you will not hail me as king willingly. That matters little. You will hail me as lord one way or another.”
As Losas laughed, Pokey flew his panlong forward and drew his sword. The Lord of Sun and Shadows began to inch back until he was behind the Echo River. As Pokey flew closer and closer, Losas eyes began to widen and a smile appeared on his face.
“Pokey, don’t…” said Andy Khaos. It was too late. His rival in the dragon races flew past the Echo River beyond the borders of DragonVale. When Pokey realized what had happened, he tried to turn back.
It was too late.
Stretching out his arms, Losas pulled Pokey and his panlong dragon towards him. With a chanting of words in a language the protectors could not understand, Pokey and his dragon vanished into the darkness.
The Lord of Sun and Shadows laughed. “Picks…how many more loved ones do you want to lose before you bow down to me as your master?”
With that, Losas stepped further back into a pitch black portal. The portal began to shimmer and slowly shrink in size.
Picks swallowed. He had only an instant to think. Realizing this might be his only chance while accepting what the cost of his decision might be, he placed his hand on his panlong dragon’s neck and flew forward.
Without hesitation, Michael Zilla did the same as did the rest of the protectors.
“For DragonVale!” yelled Michael as the group flew forward past the flames.
One by one, the farmers and their dragons entered the portal. As the last one, Gummoo, flew through the hole, the portal disappeared along with the flames. The Celtic Star returned to the sky and the Echo River appeared calm again. It was as if nothing had happened there for years.
From a distance back, King Mee and Targen watched the events unfold. The king looked all around him. He saw the beautiful farms in the nearby islands. He admired the decorations each farmer and placed around their habitats. He watched now as children were told by parents to stay away from the borders. He watched farmers and dragons prepare their gear for battle in the event the protectors did not return. His heart sank. The peace the farmers had fought so hard to earn was being threatened before his eyes.
He looked towards Targen, whose expression was also one of sadness. The king knew what Targen was thinking, but he said it anyways:
“If the protectors fail, DragonVale will fall.”
To be continued