THE MAGIC WITHIN
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure
Setting: All over Djinova
Main Characters: read it and you’ll see
Gazing at her hands, Seviara
found she was shaking uncontrollably. She gazed around, but there was nothing
of comfort in the Earth kingdom now. Miserably, she brushed some of the dead
earth aside and placed her hand on it, shuddering at the feelings running
through the earth, feelings of pain, death, and the inevitability of knowing
that it couldn’t survive much longer. She attempted to use some magic, to grow
a small sapling. But to no avail. All she felt was a sigh as the saplings life
left it; mere seconds after her power had given it life. She stood shakily.
Without the Earth spirit, the earth kingdom was doomed. If she didn’t return
soon, Seviara shuddered to think what would happen to her, and the other
spirits that depended on the Earth.
Catriona watched miserably as
Vyrock attempted to light a fire. The cave was certainly warmer than the
temperature outside, but it was still cold. Vyrock gave an exclamation, and a
flare arose in the cave. Catriona moved closer, drawn to the warmth. She
huddled by the fire, the faerie nearby, enjoying its warmth. As she warmed, she
lifted her head and looked around the cave. There was nothing particularly
special about it. As she returned her gaze to the fire, Vyrock leapt to his
feet.
“Somethin’s headin this way!”
Catriona turned and looked at the entrance, just as a gust of icy air swept
through, extinguishing the small fire. Momentarily dazzled from the quick
adjustment from light to dark, Catriona heard something stumble into the cave,
grunting as it crashed into a wall. She felt Vyrock on her shoulder. “We should
leave kiddo!” he whispered in her ear. But Catriona’s curiosity got the better
of her. She was anxious to know what creature had blundered into the cave. But
she couldn’t see it. She frowned, wishing there was some sort of light. As if
from nowhere a glow penetrated the gloom. Catriona had no idea where it had
come from. It was a weak light, but enough for her to see the creature by. Her
eyes
travelled over a muscled, scaly back, gleaming a soft
ruby colour in the light. A large wing flopped on the floor, blue tinted with
the cold, although splashes of orange could be seen in places. A tail lay
across the floor, ending in a spike, and a reptilian head was turned on its
side, neck pressed against the wall where it had crashed, two horns grew from
the top of its head, sweeping backwards. One eye flickered open and a red gleam
could be seen. It opened its strong jaws and gave a moan, showing a row of
sharp teeth, and unleashing a small cloud of smoke. Catriona took the creature
in with awe; she had never a beast more magnificent. She muttered to Vyrock.
“What is it?” the faerie was
trembling, ever so slightly.
“It’s a bleedin’ dragon kid!
Lets get outta here ‘fore it wakes up proper”
“But it could be hurt. Look at
its wing. Its cold!”
“It’ll kill us both!” Catriona
gazed imploringly at the faerie.
“Please light a fire for it!
Besides, I cant go outside until the storm dies down a bit!” the faerie gave a
grunt,
realising he couldn’t win. Grumbling slightly, he set
about lighting another fire
The wood spirit stood,
somewhat shakily. The Earth kingdom was dying, and it scared her. Thoughts that
her very existence was on the line kept flitting through her mind. But it made
no sense. A spirit was not supposed to worry about their existence. What
influence had caused her thoughts to act this way? She was afraid to disappear,
to die like the plants that once made the kingdom so beautiful. She wondered
which way the human and the faerie had gone. Was it to late to find them again?
She stared around hopelessly, trying to figure out her next move.
The huge reptile snorted its
eye flickering. Catriona found herself wondering if they had done the right
thing. Should they have helped the dragon? What if it awoke and attacked them?
She noticed that Vyrock had positioned himself as far away as possible. The
dragon let out a slight roar, before its eye opened completely. Catriona realised she was holding her breath. It lifted its head slowly, turning to gaze
at the girl. Terror overwhelmed her. It was going to attack. But terror rooted
her to the spot, she couldn’t run from it. It blinked slowly, and opened its
mouth. Catriona closed her eyes. The next thing she knew was a piercing pain
through her head. She screwed her eyes tighter.
Is this what death feels like? She thought. A booming laugh resounded in her mind.
Do not be a fool human. I am
not about to kill you. You have saved my life. The coldness was freeing my
blood, causing me to become sluggish. Realisation gripped Catriona. The dragon was speaking to her. She slowly opened her
eyes. It was gazing at her with a grateful, and somewhat amused look in its
eye. She swallowed.
And what now? What are you
planning to do? She let out a yelp as another
flood of pain washed through her mind.
Do not worry. I merely looked
at your memories. So, the spirits have vanished? That explains a lot. Catriona gazed at the dragon, wary of it. Allow me to join you human.
I can be of assistance.
How? Catriona was curious despite
herself. More booming laughter echoed in her mind.
For a start, I can give you
and your pet a lift out of here. You will have a tougher time surviving this
climate than my brethren. Catriona smiled,
telling the dragon he was welcome to join her and Vyrock. The faerie had stayed
hidden up to this point, but now he crept out of hiding, as Catriona related
all that had just passed between the majestic beast and herself.
“Alright, kiddo. I’m gonna
trust ya. But we should rest before continuing.” Catriona nodded and they
settled down to rest, wondering what would happen the next day.
END OF PART 7