Several days later, we left Belquecia together for Urkaroth, where we picked up Maluak, the Orc student. From there, we would pass through Angorian, where we were joined by the somber Esporiel, the last one missing to complete the group.
During the long journey to Mazorik's lair in the Badlands, we already began intense and interesting magic lessons by mastering small beasts, turning sand into water when we needed it, and even causing small but timely rains.
Mazorik's wisdom was so great and his kindness and good disposition so high that soon we all began to feel admiration and affection for him.
In addition, among us the disciples began to weave bonds of friendship, some stronger than others, as well as manifest aversions such as that of Jorin, the dwarf, with Maluak, the orc, who took advantage of any excuse to enter into brawls and bragging that Mazorik, always with patience and total justice for both, tried to cut off at the root.
The disciple who aroused the greatest sympathy among all, even in Mazorik, was Masarif, the mediam one. His constant good humor and sympathetic jokes distributed to everyone equally made him soon the most loved, even by Jorin, who, without a doubt, was the shiest and the most difficult in character.
One of the disciples with whom I began to make a good friendship was, curiously, Maluak, the orc, given the mutual aversion that elves and orcs normally profess to each other. But as we got to know each other, we discovered quite a few things in common which, little by little, made it easier for us to forge a strong friendship among ourselves.
Marlen, the human one, being the only lady in the group, was the one who had it bad when it came to establishing friendly ties, although she immediately established a good friendship with Masarif, and with the rest, being a woman with a strong and at the same time carefree character, she answered with audacity and sympathy to "masculine" jokes, achieving a good relationship of camaraderie. Anyway, although it was difficult for us to recognize it, from the first moment Marlen and I crossed furtive glances that, partly because of shyness and partly because of cowardice, neither of us did anything to make them go further.
At last we arrived at the Mazoriks refuge, composed mainly of intercommunicated caves and well adapted for group coexistence. Each had a small alcove equipped with a bed, a table, a chair and all the necessary tools for writing, as well as for small manual work. There was also a fireplace for use as a kitchen and a large table for eating together. One of the larger rooms was used as a classroom for classes and study and had shelves full of books and parchments, maps, alchemical laboratory materials, desks and smooth walls that could be used as slate, writing with charcoal, which only Mazorik was able to clean with a simple snap of the fingers.
A few days later a giant arrived that Mazorik presented us as Garrak, an expert warrior. He told us that the seven stones could only be obtained in the heart of seven magical mountains, far away and in very dangerous places, to which only a giant like Garrak could have access.
We all took his explanation for good and accepted Garrak as another one of ours, although his clumsiness in general and his lack of understanding in intellectual matters made him not get along too much with anyone except Burak, a giant like him.
Garrak disappeared from time to time some days, reappearing with numerous wounds that we healed among all with the teachings of the master, but satisfied, because Mazorik taught us every stone that Garrak provided him and this filled with joy to the enormous warrior.
This is how the months went by during which Mazorik became a great master, teaching us all with patience and pretending kindness when needed and an unbreakable rigidity when necessary to bring out the best in each one of us.
Even today, remembering that time, I do not understand how he could deceive us so well, showing us a false face of infinite goodness when, in reality, he was so evil.
And between Mazorik's classes and Garrak's comings and goings, time passed until only one of the stones was missing. So, I will continue my story on the night that the giant Garrak got the last stone that closed the circle of the seven jewels of magical light that Mazorik needed for his abhorrent plans.
Beneath the Celestial River
Frienia, year 1815 of the second era.
Guided by the White Magician, after two days the princes and their troops arrived at an extensive and fast-flowing river which separated them from the huge mountain that was already about four days away.
How may we cross this river? The other bank is very far away and the flow is very strong, Syriel addressed White Magician.
This is the Celestial River, the widest one of these lands. It won't be long before nightfall, we'll rest here, and tomorrow we'll look for a safe passage. Don't worry, we'll find someone," replied the magician.
While the others were preparing the camp, the princess and Baldrich continued the hard training to which the White Magician had subjected them since they left their den.
Hours later, the group was ready to dine the appetizing fish which they had fished abundantly in the wild river, and which had been roasted and piled up waiting to be shared, but suddenly they all disappeared swallowed by the ground.
As they approached cautiously, they saw a tunnel gradually entering the earth's interior.
Mole-men! Garin said.
Yes, they populate these lands and they're getting more and more extensive. With an extraordinary sense of smell and an insatiable appetite, they will have come to the smell of our supper," corroborated the White Magician.
Are they dangerous? Syriel wanted to know.
They wouldn't be in an open-field-battle, because they are almost blind and very clumsy on the surface. But, well-coordinated, they could sink the ground that supports an entire army in a single instant and leave them trapped in a dead-end," said the magician.
Then, as a precaution, we should move to those rocks," proposed the prince.
It would be prudent, yes," accepted the magician. Although I don't think theyd attack us, they're not violent if they're not disturbed. They are very frightened and slippery, but I will try to ask for their help," said the elf.
Help? Syriel was surprised.
They could solve our problem of crossing the river," said the pearled sorcerer.
A tunnel under the river! Magnificent! exclaimed the prince enthusiastically. I will accompany you," proposed Syriel.
It is better that I go alone, I can guide myself well in the darkness. Carrying torches or any source of light would be taken as a sign of hostility for them. If someone were walking with me, I would only delay and frighten the mole men," concluded the elf magician.
A few moments later, the White Magician was lost in the darkness of the tunnel.
Elenir perceived as a large group of small minds lurking crouched where they were about to pass: a narrow passage between two elevations of steep rocks.
The princess made an energetic gesture of stop and all the retinue stopped at once, vigilant before an imminent danger.
The mental exploration of the powerful sorceress detected the restlessness of the creatures when they were uncovered, although she was unable to discern the type of enemy that was trying to ambush them, but she did know that they were not of great size and felt safe to defeat the victim who had discovered them, which worried Elenir even more.
After weighing several options, the princess threw two powerful rays of fire upward on each side of the road, causing two landslides and rocks that dragged most of the surprised vermin, killing and bad tempering much of them.
After weighing several options, the princess threw two powerful rays of fire upward on each side of the road, causing two landslides and rocks that dragged most of the surprised vermin, killing and bad tempering much of them.
The dark ones saw that they were horrendous and small beast of the approximate size of an arm, with very powerful jaws of very sharp teeth which would have got them into trouble if they had it not been detected them before.
After finishing off the wounded creatures and making sure there was no more stalking, they proceeded on their way with as much caution as possible.
At dawn, the White Magician returned to the surface, and when he stood before the princes, he informed everyone.
They will help us, but first we have to help them. In one of their galleries a beast has slipped in that terrifies them and does not allow them to pass. If we get rid of that beast, they will dig the tunnel under the river for us," said the snowy wizard.
Do you know what kind of creature it is? asked Syriel.
Well, some people said that he was throwing heat. I've thought of a dragon, although it wouldn't fit in these galleries; maybe it's a baby or maybe some other kind of creature we don't know. In any case, I don't think it's very dangerous, because if it were, there wouldn't be any mole-man alive down there," replied the wise magician.
A few minutes later, a retinue formed by the princes, the White Magician, Baldrich, Bellamir, Garin, five human soldiers and five orcs entered the galleries.
Who is going to lead us to the beast? the prince asked.
They have shown me where it is," replied the magician. I think I will know how to take you there without losing us.
The white-skinned sorcerer brought out of his hands some luminous spheres that floated over the heads of the group and provided enough light for all of them.
After advancing a good while through a labyrinthine structure of tunnels and passageways, the White Magician said to them:
It must be around here, be alert
After taking a few more steps cautiously, the albino magician made a stop sign.
I have detected its mind: it is in that bend, on the right, and it is frightened; its a dragon calf, but already of considerable size. Don't let your guard down. Stay here, if we all go, it would be more frightened," warned the magician in a whisper.
When he was going to continue in search of the young dragon, he heard as Lirieth demanded, hopefully and firmly:
Master, please, let me try first. It's a good opportunity to learn and practice, perhaps the only one we can have.
The snowy magician turned and looked at the princess, who looked back at him expectantly, then at Syriel, who nodded cautiously, and finally at Baldrich, who shrugged.
Then he stepped aside and went to the princess.
"Go ahead, with gentleness, but with confidence and with much caution, the White Magician warned Lirieth, after a slow nod and a deep gratitude, advanced with maximum prudence until she disappeared behind the bend.
The princess continued down the narrow passageway with very smooth and slow movements, without wielding any weapons. Suddenly she heard a slight grunt a few yards further to the right, and suddenly she saw gleaming eyes, expressing more fear than curiosity, staring at her.
She stopped and muttered reassuring words as she approached with extreme caution. The young dragon recoiled nervously and roared menacingly. Lirieth did not give up and continued to move forward energetically, but with much softness and soothing messages from mind to calf. The dragon shook and, moving into the threat position, body stretched and wings open, it tried to blow a puff of fire, but only a jet of hot air came out almost harmless.
Lirieth replied with a calm smile and affectionate cuddle, noticing how the mind of the little one opened with certain doubts, which he took advantage of to infuse her dominion as the White Magician had been teaching her the last days, with sweetness, but without showing fear, and with security and confidence in herself. Suddenly, she noticed as if someone would have opened an invisible door between the dragon and her and felt her mind unite with his.
She sensed the anguish and fear that the young calf felt when it lost all contact with its mother. The princess approached and tenderly caressed the now calmer dragon and mentally told it not to fear anything, that they would help it find its mother. Once she noticed that the beast had calmed down and was beginning to trust her, Lirieth began to walk away, inviting it to follow her. After a few moments of doubt, it advanced towards the princess, with some reserve first, and then with greater confidence.
The White Magician, who detected everything that was happening, indicated to the others, being satisfied:
She is doing very well, soon they will be here. Hide your weapons and try not to frighten the dragon, it has strayed from its mother.
At that very moment they saw the princess appearing, encouraging the dragon to follow her, and in a few minutes, they were all surrounding the young, leading it to the exit.
The dragon was golden-colored and walked on all fours, which ended in strong, sharp claws. Its height was about six feet and almost ten feet long, about half of what it would reach in adulthood. Its mouth was large and elongated with a powerful jaw full of teeth. Its eyes were pure black on a bright yellow background and its head ended in elongated protuberances that could be described as horns, although they did not seem such because they were more like an extension of the skull itself. The skin all over the body was incredibly hard, the length of its open wings was close to fourteen feet and its body ended in an extensive and agile, but very hard tail.