When Wizards Dream - 5

A mini story by S.E.Estes
Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Final

Wizard

The dragon, feeling dreams waking, yawned a little and then told the wizard's tale, "'The dark castle in the rocks is home to fell creatures wielding occult magics who sold their humanity to obtain them. It is said they hold a key that unlocks unimaginable power, they do not possess the knowledge to find the key's lock but it has been foretold that one will come that does. I am that one.' It was a short tale, unsatisfying but a tale nonetheless so I granted its boon, the power of fire was in its hands. It turned to leave, to finish its quest but I stopped it, a talon at the back of its neck, 'You forget one thing, wizard... the curse.' It froze, it had forgotten, and because I was so dissatisfied with its puny tale its curse was to be the meal that would grant me sleep."

Relg understood the point of his story and said, "Since you will eat me anyway, I see no point in asking a favor." "You are young, I am not very hungry and you have made me content. If you wish my power then ask, I will consider the debt paid." the dragon told him drowsily. "And the curse?" He was smart to ask and she was feeling generous, "Your greatest weakness is your curse." "I'll accept and give my thanks for your beneficence." Relg told her humbly and he felt his hands burn with power. He fell to his knees in pain but it soon passed and he stood feeling strong, stronger than his youth could explain. The dragon mumbled, half asleep, "That would be the regenerative part of the gift..."

He needed all of the dragon's gift to get inside the castle, the climb up the harrowing cliff would have been too much for his young muscles but the obstacle at the door was even worse. A wizard of great strength, power crackling in his hands, barred the way inside. "What do you seek?" he asked in a voice of threat. "I have come for the key." the boy told him and the wizard laughed at such an audacious statement from one so young. The laugh died away when he saw the intent in Relg's eyes, "You will die before that happens." he warned the half-wizard. His power flew at the boy but Relg was quick and dispelled it inches from certain death. The wizard was taken by surprise and gave Relg the opening to test the rest of the dragon's bestowment. His hands burned from the power, he wanted to cry out, to writhe in pain but he fought his reaction and pushed the fire away. Even the greatest wizard could not withstand the essence of a dragon's breath and the obstacle to Relg's entry into the castle burned away, as did the door itself.