The Riders 2
The Riders
A New Rider
Master Roland
I stand in front of the fireplace trying to get warm. The only thought going through my mind was how I hate the cold. Being a cat from a southern climate, I continue to be uncomfortable in this nightmarishly cold environment. I came here nearly thirty years ago, and I still hate the cold, but it suits our dragon's needs. Wide open spaces, a large hot spring with room for several dragons, acid baths, holding areas as big as the king's castle, what dragon could be unhappy with this lifestyle.
A knock at my door dragged me back to reality. I walked over to the door and opened it. There stood the mail-maiden Bertha. She seemed very excited to be this far up in the castle due to no one usually came up this far except for the masters. She was in her trials to become a mail master, a very prestigious rank.
"Greetings to you Master Roland, may I come in and rest my paws," she asked.
"Yes of course, you are welcome to come in. Allow me to make you a cup of herbal tea, it soothes aches and pains as well as headaches," I said.
"Oh thank you I'd very much appreciate that. Oh before I forget this letter is addressed to you from the king himself. The poor runner ran for nearly a whole day to get it here. He fell flat on his face after he gave me the letter. He's resting in the extra room for runners," she said.
I had taken the letter from her and read it not listening to what she was saying. She often droned on and on about unimportant things and I swear she talked at times just to hear herself do it. I damn near dropped the tea kettle when I read the second to last paragraph. It said they had a Rider or Ridyr. I hope it's a Rider, if it's the Ridyr he must be destroyed before he gains his prowess.
"Here's your tea, feel free to finish the pot, I need to go see Grand Master Galbain," I said heading off out the door and towards the tallest tower.
Upon arriving I walked up to his door. I knocked on his door three times. Finally his old frail voice said, "Enter." I turned the door knob and I saw him sitting at his desk training his writing skills. The room was lavishly decorated, with royal blue wall hangings on every bare surface. This was after much fuss from the Grand Master, who often said one day he'd rip it off the walls if he could. If it were up to him he'd have the room bare, sleep on a bed roll with hay stuffed underneath it and a desk for writing with a single candle.
"Grand Master Galbain, I have news," I said.
"What is it Roland? A new parcel came in the mail," he asked.
"Nothing like that sir, but something you'll definitely be interested in," I said.
"Oh, really? What is it," he asked.
"A new rider may have been found," I said simply.
Turning he said "I like you, straight to the point. Well what are you waiting for? Go, find him and make sure you bring a gift for him. After all it is their holiday season and the twenty fifth of the first cold month is merely three days away."
"What should I bring sir," I asked.
"I have something here, take this, it's my book. It should react to him positively or negatively. Determining whether he is a Rider or a Ridyr, a bad reaction will be instant, the good will take a full minute... you'll know when it happens," he said.
"You aren't going sir," I asked.
"Oh, no I'm far too old to travel, but make sure you bring him here straight away. I need to teach him all I can before I pass on. I'm no spring chicken after all," he said.
"What do you mean sir? You're as healthy as an ox, respectfully you are nearly one hundred and ten years old," I said.
"That's exactly my point. Shiva and I have been getting weaker and weaker every year. She isn't sick, merely dying. So am I, we won't live more than another year. It's inevitable, I'm not upset about it I've seen my fair share of the world, probably more than enough. I've seen tyrants rise and fall and I've seen more than enough aging in my time. I don't regret a single moment of my life," I said.
I finished our conversation ten minutes later. I them started heading down to the dragon stalls. Before I went down there I stopped off in my quarters and gathered up some warmer clothing. I pulled on a thick tunic, heavy pants, put on some gloves, put on a layered cap, and wrapped a scarf around my neck. I made sure to cover the book Grand Master Galbain gave to me with a leather wrap.
Once I finally arrived at the dragon stalls I went to the very last one in the back. The inside of the building was well lit, and it was delightfully warm. Most every stall was filled with adolescent dragons, the ones in the back were filled with the adult dragons, and the very lat stall was the eldest dragon, Shiva.
I arrived at my dragon's stall, Halzute. His scales were a deep hazel, they glistened they were magnificent. He was still young while but had reached the age that he maintained a dignified air, if a bit of dirt was to get on his scales he would take hours cleaning himself. His eyes were auburn, their depth told of the war he had fought nine years ago. Before that he was like a youth going into a war. After the war he seemed to be a changed dragon, not so youthful, but older and wiser.
"Hey Hal, you ready for a ride to the capital," I asked.
"Of Course I am, I was born ready," he replied mentally.
Jarule
I was learning from the king about my family history. He spoke of my mother as if she was a goddess, and he was fond of my father. Together they cobbled together an army for a revolution; they sacrificed their lives to create a better world not only for me but for everyone. My mother never wanted to get rid of me, but she did it for my own protection. I learned a lot about my family and the revolution. They were very determined.
When we arrived at the capital city I saw there were beggars on the streets. I was deeply upset, I mean after all its one of the happiest times of the year. I mentioned this to the king, and he said there was nothing he could do about it. I didn't like that answer, if the king couldn't do a thing about it, who could? Due to the knowledge that the king could chose to have me put in that situation I did not ask further of the king, I am merely a pup what do I know? My excitement did disappear however, and with it my tail stopped wagging, my ears drooped as low as they could possibly go, and I was pretty quiet after that.
We arrived at the castle later in the day. The inside was decorated in a rustic fashion. Old suits of armor were all over, the carpets were a bright royal blue. The curtains made the place look like a scary place. I suspect most of this hasn't yet been changed since the old king had died. I could be wrong though. The main room in the castle was decorated appropriately for the season, a big pine tree stood in the middle of the room decorated with differently colored glass bulbs, and strands of garland, courteously levitating and glowing from the mages guild. I was really surprised to hear that the king was still unmarried.
This is highly unusual considering his age; while most men in their thirties are married I didn't ask about it, however, I met others who have said finding a mate is tough to do. I was a little surprised to see that the servants were almost all female. They were also quite bold with him as well, reaching out to touch his shoulder and giving him weird sidelong glances, something my foster father called flirty eyes.
"How are you doing today, sir," one of them asked.
"Doing fine today Linda, how about yourself," he asked.
"Doing just fine, after all this week's my rotation to clean your chambers," she said.
That sounded odd coming from the slave so I asked him about it. He said that he had found who he wanted to be with but due to her position as a slave, he would have to work out something so he could be with her. I didn't understand though since he could just change the law as he wished but he said there are always complications.
I tried to understand but I just couldn't wrap it around my mind. We had a late lunch in the kitchen, we had a great tomato soup, with crackers with some celery. He showed me around the entire castle and the last room he showed me was the study. The walls were covered with books from the top of the ceiling to the floor. I was amazed at how many books there were as well as all of the tables placed in the room.
"Can you read Jarule," he asked.
"No I wasn't taught how to. I was taught about currency though sir," I said.
"It's Simon to you or dad if you feel comfortable about it. Come on I'll teach you how to read," he said.
"Are you sure dad," I asked.
"Yes I'm sure. Every child needs to read," he said.
The first letter he showed me was A. He taught me how to write it and pronounce it. We continued on for several hours discussing the words it begins and how it is a vowel. Then he taught me the next letter that followed, B. the hours passed quickly before I knew it was late and we went to dinner. It was a marvelous affair, there was so much food laid-out on the table, people of all different species, and the cacophony of chatter made it seem much more cheery than my meals in the baker's home.
That night I found I was having a hard time getting to sleep in such a large room. It made it seem cold and lonely. I looked out the window and I saw the full moon looking back at me it shining brightly as it stood in the heavens. I longed for the closer walls and warmness they brought. Sure I had a fire burning in the fire place, and my thick fur kept me warm but, it felt colder than ever in the room. I slowly fell asleep; it seemed to drag on forever.
My dreams were haunted by a face, a female's face. Her eyes had different colors, one blue and one brown. Her smile was surprisingly comforting; I liked how her smile was reassuring. I could see tears running down her face; she seemed so sad yet infinitely beautiful. The subtle curves to her face, the soft loving look in her eyes, they signified all beauty to me. Why she was crying I couldn't figure out. I heard a voice saying she loved me.
When I finally woke the fire was out, the sun was up and it was another day. I got out of bed, I found some new clothes placed on the stool in the corner and put them on they were a bit more fancy than I was used to. I still put them on anything to make dad happy. I them walked down to the kitchen and saw dad talking with a strange looking cat. As soon as dad saw me he motioned me over.
As I came closer he said, "Roland I'd like you to meet Jarule. The one I wrote to you about. Anyway how is good ole Galbain doing? I know he's closing on his on one century mark birth year."
"Ah, yes, he is. He's getting sick, he knows it too. Before I left he mentioned he was dying, he knows it's coming," Roland said.
"Ah, it's a pity. But I guess knowing your death is approaching changes how you look at things. Gods I wish I knew when my time is coming," dad said.
"Oh phish posh, you and I both know you'd hate every minute of it. You'd be looking back at all the could-have-been, should-have-been, and would-have-been, it's honestly enough to drive a man mad. I'd rather die without the knowledge of when it happened. I'd be happy having lived the life I have already," Roland said.
"Well put Roland, I never looked at it in that perspective. Would you like to talk to Jarule for a bit I have some things I must take care of," dad said.
"Oh yes of course, in fact Grand Master Galbain had me bring this book," leaning in closer to dad, 'it's to see if he is really a Rider' Hope you have luck in your endeavor Simon. Come on Jarule I want you to see this."
"Well I can't do much more than see. I can't read," I said afraid he'd be disappointed.
"Ah, well no matter it has plenty of pictures particularly the front cover. It shouldn't be dull in the least, you can believe me," he said.
He discussed many things that I didn't understand. I was afraid of disappointing him. I looked at him with this high regard for some odd reason his mysterious look and his intelligence, the deep booming voice that seemed to emanate power. The way he dressed too was odd mostly because he was dressed as if though there was a blizzard outside, the colors were also odd. Usually reds and gold's were held for the royalty.
His room was a standard guest room nothing too extravagant just the basic necessities that everyone needs. He had his bag on the table. It was still closed up; apparently he just arrived not very long ago. He walked over to the desk and undid the clasp on the front. He reached in and pulled out a big heavy book.
"Here hold this. I need to find a key in here," I said.
I reached out and grabbed the book it seemed to be emanating some sort of strange power. I held it all the while but he still couldn't find his key. It was a few minutes later and my paws started to get warm. The sensation kept up until I felt that my paws were on fire. He finally gave up looking for the key and took the back from my paws; on one of my paws was a mark five centimeters in diameter. The top was of a dragon soaring over the land and a lion following below, and below that a devil was vanquished beneath the lions right foot paw.
"Ah, good, that's a good sign my boy," he said.
"What do you mean that's a good sign? It just burned my hands," I asked.
"All in good time my boy, tonight and tomorrow is a celebration.
He was right as soon as dad came back; he had quite a few party guests. Most of which were living on the streets, dad made sure they were treated just like everyone else in the castle. We had a big feast of roast duck, chicken, turkey, fresh salad, and many other delicious foods. I talked with a few of the others there and they said they were looking forward to what the king had in store for the whole kingdom. He said he'd help them all find jobs within fields that they were experienced in.
The party lasted some time it was finally winding down a little after midnight. By then dad and Mister Roland were talking about what Mr. Roland had found. He said I would have to go with him to go get training as a rider. He told dad there were two types of Riders, and Ridyrs, one good one bad. The bad ones, if they won, caused a hundred years of suffering. If a good one won there would be peace in the land. There would always be chaos, but it would be stifled by the Rider, and agitated by the Ridyr.
Soon they declared it was time to go to bed and sent me off to my room. When I arrived there I saw a slave girl in my bed. Before I could say it was fine she had already bolted down the hallway. I didn't understand it, but then again I guess I never would. It seems so strange to me all of this, the book, the sudden discovery of my origins, and that the people I lived with my whole life aren't even remotely related to me. It's been a long couple of weeks, as soon as my head hit the pillow I fell asleep.
My dreams took me far away from all of this turmoil. I was standing in a great wide open plain, fresh snow covered the ground. A man in white walked towards me. I could tell he was a lion by his broad shoulders; he seemed to be walking at a leisurely pace. It seemed as if though he had not a care in the world. He stopped a few paces from me.
"Welcome my son," he said.
I asked, "Who are you?"
"Where are my manners? I'm sorry I am the very first of the riders," he announced.
"Must have been something," I said.
"Yes, it was. Well anyway I have come here to tell you, you are indeed one of us and have been accepted into a group that has molded the very shape of the world itself. Take my paw," he said.
I cautiously reached out and took his paw on my hand. I was afraid because he seemed mysterious. As soon as my paw touched his I felt a surge of power. It felt like my veins were on fire. There was light emanating through my fur as if though it were glass. Light was spilling out making the area all around lit up. The funny thing is though it didn't hurt, it actually kinda tickles a bit. Almost as suddenly as it started it ended.
"Your destiny is set, make use of all the strength you have young one. May the winds of fate blow in your favor," he said.
I woke with a jolt. I felt strange, as if my body didn't match me, needless to say that I felt like I was somehow stronger. The sun was just beginning to rise I was happy to see it. With its light, it brings a new day, a new dawn on a bright future. I guess it's odd to think like that, but I always feel like that on Giving Day.
We give our thanks to the people who make our lives important. It all started with a polar bear, who was thankful to everyone and went around the city giving presents to those who he cared for, which was everyone. He eventually started going all around the world and doing it in a single night while we were all asleep. It is said that he is still around even though that was at least four thousand years ago.
I lay in bed from what could only be described as reluctance to get out of bed. Just then the doors opened up and I saw dad and Mister Roland. They both said something about getting out of bed. Then I had to get up and about, the servant dad said he loved was there as well her head resting peacefully on his shoulder. All of us walked down to the main room in the castle. The tree was there and it was still the same tree but it looked different, somehow.
Under it there were several boxes under the tree. There was one addressed to everyone in the whole castle. In the one addressed to me was filled with robes made of the finest silk in the entire kingdom. They were a perfect fit as well; I felt these were too nice for me. I was about to voice my opinion, but then dad put his finger on my lip and told me to hush. Then the others opened their boxes and all were happy with what they received. When I thought we were all said and done, Mr. Roland stopped us all from leaving.
"I have a gift, for little Jarule, well actually two gifts. If everyone will you please gather around," he said. After every one had gathered he resumed, "Once every hundred years we are witnesses to a battle that is as old as time itself. Tens of thousands of years ago, the battle between good and evil was pure chaos. People died every day, some deaths were too horrific to describe. Then thousands of years ago, the dragons had a plan to stop the chaos. Thus the Riders and Ridyrs were brought into being, they were determined to clash with each other no matter what. So every hundred years the old one who lived dies, and the new ones replace them. Jarule is bound to the life of self sacrifice as a Rider. Wherever the other lies today, he will do everything in his power to rise above him. So I present Jarule with his very own dragon egg and, the diary of Grand Master Galbain. So I proudly hand to you, Apprentice Jarule the Grand Masters Diary,"
I looked at him as one would look upon the gods. I thanked him profusely, after which he led me outside where he said his friend was helping keep the egg safe. I followed him to the big corral behind the castle. He went inside and I followed him in there. I was shocked by what I saw next, a beast the size of one of the largest stalls was standing in the middle of the corral. He didn't move to attack me; he just nodded at me to come forward. So I did, when I got there he moved his large tail to reveal a large round egg, it was speckled with bits of green upon it. Mr. Roland told me to touch it and I did. Another surge like the one from the book hit me and I fell to the ground and blacked out.