Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Against the Tide was one of the most interesting works of historical fiction I have read in a while. Filled with fascinating characters and an interesting historical stage upon which the dramatic plot of the story plays out, this book by Elizabeth Camden should be on any story lover's must-read list.

Lydia Pallas grew up on little fishing boat with her family in the waters of the Mediterranean sea. She loved her life, despite the fact that her family was poor and didn't have much. But then one day, they decided to go to America, and her life changed forever. The rest of her childhood was like a nightmare, and had an effect on her that would return to haunt her later in life.

Now a young woman in her twenties, her gift for learning languages and her knowledge of ships has landed her a job as a translator for the U.S. Navy. She feels like maybe she will finally be able to escape the horror and poverty of her past and make a good life for herself. But then a man named Alexander Banebridge walks through the door at work one day and begins to wreak havoc in her life...and her heart.

Bane needs Lydia's help in translating some documents, and is willing to pay her well. Although slightly reserved about working for the mysterious man, her need for money finally causes her to accept the job. But it may end up costing Lydia far more than she ever imagined. She suddenly finds herself caught up in a dangerous plot to bring down a drug lord who is smuggling shiploads of opium into the country. This would have been dangerous enough, but this drug lord and Bane have a history, and neither will stop at anything to bring down the other.

The plot and characters of this story are rich, full, and engaging. I found myself sympathizing with Lydia and cheering on her relationship with Bane, hoping for a happy ending for both of them. I was sad when the book came to an end. It is a well-written story that will keep you turning pages late into the night. I highly recommend Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden.


I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. 

To Save a Dragon Part 4

 Continued from Part 3

           I rose early the next morning. Outside, the sun was veiled by thick grey clouds, lending the day a grim atmosphere. All the shops were closed, for everyone was gathering for the execution. I made my way up crowded streets and joined the silent throng walking toward the green where Sirocco's cage was and where the execution would be held. Stakes had been driven into the ground with rope tied between to keep the spectators at a safe distance. Those lucky enough to live near the site stood at their upstairs windows. Silence reigned; anything that was said was spoken in a whisper, for no one wished to be the one to break the stillness.

           Sirocco was still in his cage, for the king and queen had not yet arrived. We did not have long to wait. A small procession of the king, queen, and their advisers soon was visible coming from the castle. They were all dressed in dark colors and the queen wore a black, high-necked dress and no ribbons in her hair. Upon their arrival, Sirocco was brought out of his cage bound with many chains. He stood stiffly before the king.    

            "Listen, dragon, and hear your charges read," the king commanded in an imperious voice. He lifted a thick scroll, and opening it, began to read. "This dragon, Sirocco, is hereby charged with harboring ill feelings against Her Majesty Queen Daris's chief advisor and murdering said advisor out of spite. Both of these crimes are punishable by death, the sentence of which is to be carried out today." He closed the scroll with a snap then nodded to the two men who held the chain which was about Sirocco's neck. They pulled on the chain, forcing Sirocco's head to the ground and driving a metal stake through each end of the chain to keep his head still.

            A man walked up, dressed entirely in black. A long sword hung at his side, and I realized that this was the executioner. He stood beside Sirocco's neck just below his head and drew the sword.

            The king raised his hand and the executioner raised the sword above his head with both hands and waited for the king's signal. The crowd tensed. The king began to lower his hand...

             "Wait!"

           The queen, who had stood in silence, white-faced and grim, now sprang forward. The executioner slowly lowered his arm to his side with a look of amazement, and the king turned to stare at the queen. She ignored both of them and, running up to Sirocco, she knelt on the ground before him and brought her face close to his. I know not what they said, for they spoke in low voices; but when the queen finally rose, she faced the people and called out, "You are all dismissed. There will be no execution today. Guards, you may release that dragon."

            Shock rippled through the crowd. I drew in my breath. Perhaps what I had said had made a difference! The queen stood, searching the crowd with her eyes. When they lighted upon me, she beckoned me toward her. When I reached her, she laid her hand on my shoulder.

            "So here is the bold girl who was not afraid to tell me what she knew. I am afraid I don't even know your name," she said gently.

            "My name is Gwynnethe, and Your Majesty, I was terrified to speak to you."

            She smiled. "But you didn't let it keep you from doing what you felt you had to do, and that's what is important. And because of your courage, my dragon is still alive, and a few of my advisors are going to find themselves accused of treason. I will take care of that today, and tomorrow we will have a grand celebration in honor of you."

            "In honor of me, Your Majesty?"

            Now she laughed. "My dear girl, you don't save the life of the queen's dragon--and perhaps the life of the queen herself--and just walk away unrecognized. Now go and get your things from wherever you are staying and come straight back to the castle. You will be staying there for the remainder of your time in Endkelm."

            I went and got my things and told Dirk what had happened, then returned to the castle. The queen, who had changed into a red dress with white sleeves, took me all around the palace. The tension was gone from her now, and she talked and laughed freely. We even climbed one of the towers, from the top of which there was a beautiful view of the sea. The last room she showed me was my own. My things had already been brought there. The walls were covered with exquisite tapestries, and white, filmy curtains hung at two large windows. There was a thick, dark green carpet on the floor beside the bed, and several chairs were placed around which had cushioned seats of the same color. The bed itself was massive, with a canopy of the same material as the curtains.

            The queen turned to smile at my wonder, then said, "This is where I must leave you. You are free to wander about in the castle gardens. If you get lost on your way down there, just ask a guard."

            I spent a pleasant day in the gardens, with Sirocco as my guide and companion; and that night I fell asleep in my deep, cushioned bed as soon as my head hit the soft pillow.

---

            The next morning I was awakened by a maid who brought me breakfast in bed, then showed me into a room where I took a bath in rose-scented water. When I was finished, I put on the robe that had been laid out for me and went back to my room. The queen was waiting for me. She wore a gown of deep blue with light blue sleeves, and a matching circlet of ribbons crowned her hair. My eyes traveled to the bed and I gasped, for draped across my bed was a gown of silvery grey with deep purple sleeves. I gave the queen a questioning look.

            "Yes," she said with a laugh, "it is yours. I figured you would want something nice to wear today. No, don't thank me. It's the least I could do for you after what you did for me. Now try it on and see if it fits."

            I quickly put on the dress and the queen buttoned the many buttons up the back.

            "It fits perfectly!" the queen exclaimed. She pulled a chair over to a small table where a few things were laid out. "Now sit there, and let me do your hair."

            I sat still, fingering the material of my dress, while the queen worked with my hair. I could not help but marvel at the fact that the queen herself was helping me to get ready for the day by dressing me and doing my hair. I felt something pressed onto my hair and being secured in place, then the queen took me by the hand and led me to a mirror which hung on the wall. I drew in my breath. I hardly recognized myself. The queen had rolled my hair back from my face and secured it in a bun at the nape of my neck. Atop my head sat a circlet of silvery grey and deep purple ribbons, the ends of which hung down my back. As I turned around before the mirror, amazed at how I looked, I noticed that my dress had the same sort of train that the queen's dresses were adorned with. Seeing the colors in the mirror suddenly brought to mind something that, oddly enough, I had forgotten.

            "Agren doesn't even know!" I exclaimed.

            The queen turned to look at me. "Who is Agren?"

            I smiled. "My dragon, and the real reason that I came here. We flew most of the way here and when we were close to the city, I made Agren hide. She is still in the grove of trees where I left her. I wish she could have been here today, but I'm sure there is no time to go and get her now."

            The queen nodded wisely. "There isn't any time to fetch her now, but before you get too upset, have a look out that window."

            I stepped to the window. Looking down into the garden, I drew in my breath. "Agren!" I cried out happily. She lifted her head at the sound of my voice and smiled.

            I turned to the queen. "How did she get here?"

            "I spoke to Sirocco yesterday. He told me all about Agren, though he never told me her name, and I sent him off to get her. She spent the night in the dragon stable."

            "May I go down to her?"

            "Yes," she said, "but wait a moment! I think you'll want to put these on first."

            I was already halfway across the room, but I turned back. She was holding

out a pair of deep purple slippers. I blushed, glancing down at my bare feet. I thanked the queen warmly for everything, then hurried my way down to the garden. Agren and I talked for a long while until a guard came to fetch us for the ceremony.

            We entered the courtyard from the left side. Two chairs had been placed at the top of the castle stairs, and the king and queen sat in these, the queen on the right and the king on the left. The courtyard was filled with the entire population of Endkelm. Agren and I were positioned to the left of the stairs, across from Sirocco. The sun shown overhead and the brightly dressed crowd buzzed excitedly. I could not help but think how different it was from the gathering the day before.

            The king rose and the crowd hushed. "We are gathered here today to honor someone who selflessly made an effort to save the lives of Sirocco and the dragons of the Kingdom of Endmere. In so doing, she also saved the lives of the queen and myself. So let us honor her. Gwynnethe, step forward."

            I walked to the bottom of the stairs and gave a deep curtsy.

            "Come up here."

            I walked up the stairs.

            "Kneel."

            I knelt.

            The queen rose. She hung a gold medal about my neck, saying, "In honor of your brave deeds, Gwynnethe, I present you with this medal. Rise, Dragon~Friend."

            I rose to my feet, bowed, and turned to go down the stairs. The crowd let out a hearty cheer. I hurried to Agren's side, embarassed. The king opened a scroll and read:

"To the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Endmere:

Take Heed!

By the suggestion of Queen Daris

and through the royal power of King Luchen

the law concerning the forbidding of dragons

 has been revoked.

=Effective immediately= "

            The king sat down, and the ceremony was over. The queen descended the stairs and came to me.

            "The name of Dragon~Friend was Sirocco's idea. Now, will you fly with me?"

            "Oh, yes, Your Majesty, but I can't fly in this dress."

            She gave me a smile. "Ah, but you can fly in that dress just as easily as I can in this one. Watch!"

            She reached behind her and did something. Her skirt became much fuller. She turned around and I saw that the train had simply been part of the skirt pulled back. She walked behind me and released my skirt as well.

   "I have all my dresses made with very full skirts. The train makes the gown more elegant, and it also makes me able to ride Sirocco whenever I want," she explained. "Now let us fly!"

            Holding my now voluminous skirt in my hands, I followed the queen to where the dragons were waiting. During our short discourse, Sirocco and Agren had been saddled. We mounted, then looked at each other.

            "Ready?" asked the queen.

            I nodded. "Ready."

            Sirocco took off first, creating a rush of air with his great wings. Then Agren leapt after him, and we were flying. As I looked down at the castle below us, I couldn't help but laugh.

            "What is making you laugh?" asked Agren.

            "Oh," I said, "I was just thinking about how, when we get home, they'll ask what I did, and what was the most exciting part of the adventure; and do you know, I think out of everything that has happened to me, the thing I'll always remember--the most exciting part--is flying with the queen."

            Agren just laughed.

The End

To Save a Dragon is an original short story by me, Rebecca Kletzing. I hope that you have enjoyed reading it. Please do not copy or use any part of this story without my permission.
 

To Save a Dragon Part 3

Continued from Part 2

            Through Dirk's very good directions I found the dragon easily. He was in a large cage along the road to the castle; indeed, not far from it. He was several feet higher than Agren, and the dark blue of midnight on a moonless night, with his underside the color of a hazy midafternoon summer sky. There was only one guard, who sat dozing on the ground a short distance away. The dragon ignored me as I stood and watched him for a moment. Then I stepped up to the cage and spoke.

            "Greetings, great one. What are you called?"

            His massive head swung around to face me and he regarded me closely. "I can feel that you can be trusted. My name is Sirocco."

            His voice was wonderful. It was like the wind sighing through the grasses in a meadow on a day when the sun is obscured by clouds.  

            I dipped my chin toward my chest, then moved my head outward and up--the traditional dragon greeting. "Well met, Sirocco. My name is Gwynnethe. I have come to help you."

            He regarded me with surprise. "Well met indeed, Gwynnethe Dragon~Friend. What is your plan to help me?"

            "Sirocco, I need you to tell me everything. When I've heard your story, I will go to the queen and try to make her understand."

            "But in order to do that, you would be risking your life for me. Why would you do such a thing?"

            "I would do this not only to save your life, but the life of one who is dear to me. I believe you had a good reason to kill Wallace, and if I can convince the queen of this, perhaps I can also convince her to take back the law which will claim the life of my dragon."

            Sirocco sighed and gazed off into the distance. "Very well, I will tell you. Wallace was involved in a plot to kill the king and queen. Several months ago, I overheard him and a few other men discussing their plans. The very day I killed him, he was on the way to put the plan into action. By the end of the day both king and queen would have been dead by poisoning. And who would have been next in line for the throne? Wallace!"

            I stared, horrified. "Wait a moment! You said that there were a few men involved in this. Are the king and queen really safe?"

            His head swung to face me and he looked me in the eye. "I frightened them by killing Wallace. They knew that if the queen listened to me, they were as good as dead. She was in shock, so it was easy for them to convince her that I had been holding a grudge against Wallace for a long time and had lost control of myself. I doubt that now they would even think of murdering those who have just promoted them. So you see, Gwynnethe, you are getting yourself involved in some very large problems. I will not blame you if you do not wish to go through with your plan."

            I straightened my shoulders and stood tall. "I would not think of backing out. I will go on with it, and if I fail, at least I know that I tried. And if something happens to me..." For a moment I faltered. "...if something happens to me, then too, I will know that I tried to save those I love."

            We talked for a while longer and I told him all about Agren; then, since it was starting to get late, I headed home.

---

            The next morning I dumped out the haversack that Mother had packed for me. I hoped that there was a change of clothes, for I could not appear before the queen in my travel-stained garments. Within that haversack was more than I could even have hoped for. Mother had not only provided me with a clean shirt and pants, but also a skirt, comb, and hair ribbon. I washed as best I could at the basin in my room, then slipped into my clothes and started on the task of putting my hair in order. In a little while I was on the road to the castle.

            The castle was built upon a low hill, which raised it above the other buildings and gave its residents a clear view of the surrounding country. Two guards stood one on either side of the massive gates. When I reached them, the guard on the left stepped forward.

            "What is your business here?" he asked stiffly.

            "I would like an audience with the queen," I stated firmly, despite the nervousness which fluttered in my chest.

            "Follow me."

            He opened one of the gates and waited for me to go in before he himself stepped inside and shut the gate. We were in an enormous courtyard. We crossed it quickly and were admitted into the castle building itself by another guard who opened one of two gigantic doors. We now stood inside a  long, high ceilinged entrance hall. Off to the left a set of wide stone stairs curved upward through the ceiling. A guard stood at the bottom, and it was with him that the gate guard left me before hurrying up the stairs. In a moment he returned.

            "The queen has granted you an audience. Follow me."

            Elation rose within me, suffocating the nervousness. Perhaps this would not be so difficult after all! I had figured that one of the most difficult elements in my plan would be getting the chance to speak with the queen; and I was going to see her the first time I tried. I quickly tamped down my overconfidence. It was one thing to gain an audience with a queen, it was another entirely to convince a royal personage that she was wrong.

            I was shown up the stairs, down a long hall, and through an immense door. As I stepped inside I found myself standing in a large hexagonal room. The walls were bookcases which stretched from the carpeted floor to the domed ceiling and were filled with books, scrolls, and maps and dotted here and there with statues. The wall across from the door was a window made up of two long panes which were swung outward to let in the breeze. The windows led out onto a balcony, from which the observer could watch the ever changing sea. In the middle of the room stood a desk, and behind the desk stood a woman.

            It took me a moment to realize that this was the queen, for she did not look like one. She wore a plain green dress with dark green sleeves. Her light brown hair was pulled back from her face and wound into a large flat bun on the back of her head. She wore a circlet of green and dark green ribbons on her head, the ends of which hung down her back. Her brown eyes were neither friendly nor cold. The only signs of her station were a large gold signet ring and a gold belt studded with many large perfect opals. She had a distinguished quality about her.

            I gave a deep curtsy. She nodded her head in acknowledgement, and sinking gracefully down into her chair, motioned me to sit in the one on this side of the desk. As soon as I sat down, she spoke.

            "Tell me why you have come to see me," she ordered. Her voice held the same quality as the one which seemed to emanate from her.

            I drew in a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Your Majesty, I have come here on behalf of someone. I have spoken to Sirocco, and he has told me his whole story. Forgive me if I seem forward, but I would like to tell it to you, Your Majesty, if I may."

            I saw her go rigid. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, as though she could not speak.

            I told her the story from beginning to end. Several times I thought I saw a look of astonishment cross her face before she could regain her control. When I had finished, she rose from her chair and paced agitatedly to the window.

            "If you will talk to Sirocco, you will find that what I have said is true," I insisted.

             I studied her back closely for any sign of her reaction, and observed that her dress had a short train. When at last she spoke, her voice was strained, and she did not turn to face me.

            "You may go."

            I rose to my feet and made my way to the door, then followed the soldier out of the castle. I made my way toward Sirocco's cage; he deserved to know what had happened.

            "Perhaps something you said will change her mind," he said after he had heard my story.

            "But we're running out of time! The execution is in two days."

            "I know. Listen to me, Gwynnethe. If the queen decides to go through with the execution, take Agren and go home. You said that you live by the mountains. It is on this side of those mountains that the kingdom ends. If Agren lives up in the mountains, she should be safe, and close to you."

            I reached out and laid my hand on his nose.

---

   The next day passed slowly. I tried to distract myself by wandering the city and pretending that I was a grand lady with all the money in the world. I went into almost every shop. The only thing I actually bought was a small vegetable pie to eat for lunch. As the afternoon began to fade into evening, I went to see Sirocco.

            He sat in his cage, and when he lifted his head to look at me, I saw that all the hope had gone from his eyes.

            "I don't think she is going to change her mind, Gwynnethe."

   I hung my head. "I'm so sorry. I should've done more. Surely there was something else I could have done. I didn't try hard enough..."

            "Gwynn!" he interrupted me. "You did all you could, and I am grateful. I ask only one thing: keep Agren safe."

            "I promise you, I will do everything I can to keep her safe."

            "Thank you. It does me good to know that at least one of our race will live on. And now, Gwynnethe Dragon~Friend, I believe it is time to say farewell. I thank you for all that you have done for me, but most of all for your friendship. It has eased these difficult days. Farewell, my young friend." So saying, he bowed to me, the highest honor a dragon can bestow.

            I returned the bow, tears in my eyes. "Farewell, Sirocco. I shall never forget you. I shall make sure that you live on in legend so that everyone may hear of the great Sirocco."

            I saw a small smile hover about his lips. "If you are going to be writing a story, Gwynn, be sure to write yourself into it. The story would not be complete without an account of your courage."

            I returned the smile. "I'll do that."

...to be continued

Read the previous parts here:

Part 1 

Part 2 

To Save a Dragon is an original short story by me, Rebecca Kletzing. I hope you enjoy reading it. Please do not copy or use any part of this story without my permission.
 

To Save a Dragon Part 2

Continued from Part 1

            "I have to go to Endkelm," I announced. At the shocked expressions on my parents' faces, I explained. "I am sure that dragon must have had a good reason to kill the queen's most trusted advisor. If I go there, talk to the dragon, and find out that he did this in good reasoning, perhaps I can speak to the queen and convince her to listen to the dragon."

            Instead of saying that it was out of the question and scolding me for even thinking of such things--the response I had expected--my father nodded slowly.

            "It's a good plan, but I can see some holes," he said. "For one thing, how will you get to Endkelm before the execution? It is a long trip, and dangerous."

            I glanced at my mother before answering. She was standing at the sink with her back to me, washing the dishes. "I had already thought of that. I will ride Agren," I told him.

            He nodded. "I suppose I should have thought of that. But you would have to be careful. Any dragons that are seen by soldiers will be seized. Here's another thing for you to consider. What if the dragon will not speak to you?"

            Here again was something that I had already considered. You can only understand a dragon if it wants you to.

            "I would just have to make it understand that I am a friend."

            Father turned to Mother. "What do you think, Anna? She seems to have everything planned out."

            I held my breath as Mother slowly turned from the sink and dried her hands.

            "I think that sometimes you must do what you know is right, no matter what the consequences may be. You, Gwynn, believe that it is right for you to try to save the dragons, and in my heart I know that you are right. So...I will pack your things and you will leave before dawn tomorrow."

            I leapt up from my chair and into Mother's arms. There were tears in her eyes, but she was smiling. Mother held me for a moment then said, "There is still much to do if you are to leave tomorrow. Agren needs to know, your things must be packed, and most importantly, you must know where you are going."

            I nodded, and taking a lantern, slipped out the door. Agren lay in the round stable, awake, but lost in thought.

            "I have some news," I announced. "Tomorrow we are going to begin a journey to Endkelm, the capital city, so that we can save all dragons."

            I saw a glimmer of hope in Agren's eyes. "Tell me everything."

            I sat down on the floor and did just that. She listened to my plan with growing excitement, then followed me back to the house. My mother opened one of the kitchen windows wide so that Agren could see and hear all that went on within.

            While I was talking with Agren, my father had found a map which he now spread out on the table. The map was labeled The KINGDOM of ENDMERE. The mountains beside our farm formed the eastern border of the kingdom. The western border was formed by the sea. Father pointed out first Drelle, then the capital, which sat on the shores of the sea. It was a long journey, and I was thankful for Agren; for if I had not been able to fly I would never have arrived before the execution.

            "You will not be following the roads," Father told me. "They wind about too much. You must follow the Snow-High River, which flows out into the sea only a few miles below Endkelm. It's the most direct path from the mountains to the sea."

            I looked to where Father was pointing on the map. While the roads wound back and forth, the river was almost completely straight.

            "When you leave the river below Endkelm, you should probably go on foot. From there on it will be too dangerous for Agren. Looking at the map, it appears as though there is a grove of trees just before the Snow-High meets the sea. Leave Agren there." From behind us there sounded a low rumble of thunder. Father turned and addressed the thundercloud.

            "I realize you don't like the thought of letting Gwynn travel on the road by herself, Agren, but it will do her no good if you get yourself captured. Besides, it should be a short journey from where she leaves you to the city." He then carried the map over to the window so that she could study it.

            Mother appeared from upstairs, carrying with her a haversack. "I've packed what I thought you would need of extra clothes and such. I'll fill Agren's saddlebags with food."

            "One more thing, Gwynn," said Father, "you would do well to only travel in the dark so that Agren won't be seen."

            I agreed with him, then said that I had better be off to bed if I was to leave well before dawn.

---

            Four hours before dawn the next day found me on my way, following the course of the Snow-High River. Parting with my family had been the thing I was dreading most about leaving, and it had been as difficult as I had expected it to be. But now that we were on our way, the excitement of what we were doing began to rise within me again. When the light became bright enough for us to be clearly seen, Agren landed. We found a safe place to spend the day, then ate a small meal and settled in comfortably. I thought back to the farm. Before I left, I had stood on the porch and memorized what I saw. As I closed my eyes I could see it again. There before me was our farmyard, with the big barn and beyond it the round stable. The barn was not close enough to the house to hide the fields, and they could be seen, stretching away into the distance.

            The day passed slowly, and I was thankful that I was able to get some sleep; for not only would I need to be rested for traveling tonight, sleeping also made the time pass more quickly. When dusk finally began to set in, Agren and I were ready to go.

            The next two days passed in this manner. Each day we made good time, covering more than twice the distance that a rider on the main road would have gone. When we landed before dawn on the fourth day, it was at the edge of a grove of trees. Leaving me on the ground, Agren made a quick flight high into the air. Upon returning she made her report.

            "I saw the sea! It glimmers and shines in the moonlight and seems to go on forever."

            I smiled at the joy in her voice. "It's good we stopped early. I would like to get a few hours of sleep, then once it's light we'll find you a safe place to spend the next several days. I'll leave as soon as you're settled."

            It was light when Agren wakened me. We ate quickly, then set off to find a good hiding place for Agren. We found what we were looking for in a small clearing. It was surrounded by dense brush and could only be accessed through a small hidden break in the foliage and from the air. I stuffed some extra food into the haversack on top of what Mother had packed into it, realizing as I did so that I had not even taken the time to look through what she had packed for me.

            I turned to Agren. "I suppose that the time for our parting has come. I wish it were safe for you to come with me, but I know it's not. I will miss you terribly. Stay safe!"

            Agren stretched out her neck and touched my forehead with her nose. "I stay here only because it is your desire that I stay. If I had my way, I would be going with you! But I will remain here out of sight until you return. Goodbye, Gwynnethe, until we meet again--and may that be soon!"

            I made my out of the forest and started across the fields toward Endkelm. It was now that I got my first glimpse of the sea. It shone like liquid diamond and really did seem to go on forever. Turning north, I saw Endkelm, still small in the distance, but shining beautifully in the sunlight. The far off sound of a bell on the harbor could be heard.

            I was on the main road by mid-day. There were a good many people on the road, none of whom paid the least attention to me. As I drew closer to the capital, I caught my breath. Never before had I seen a city, and compared to Drelle, it seemed monstrous. Endkelm had been built right on the shore. A high wall surrounded the entire city, except for the harbor, which stood outside the wall. Here and there a roof or a tower was visible above the wall. The castle, home of King Luchen and Queen Daris, was closest to the sea. It rose high above the wall, showing off the ornate architecture. Pennants on the tops of rounded towers fluttered in the stiff sea breeze. The city was built of a beautiful tan stone.  I had never even seen a stone building before in my life, and now to see a stone city! Beyond the city rose several mountains, with their feet in the sea and their heads in the clouds. Two hours later I went through the main gate of Endkelm. The gates were massive, carved of stone and overlaid with intricate designs of gold.

            The city was a very busy place. But for my father's good guidance, I would have had no idea where to go. Before I left, Father had told me of a man named Dirk, a blacksmith from Drelle. A few years ago, Dirk and his wife had moved from Drelle to the capital. He and my father had been friends for most of their lives, so Father was sure that he and his wife would be glad to give me a place to stay. I went up to a man who stood in the doorway of a nearby shop. He was quite tall and wore a blank expression on his face. He stared up at the sky.

            "Please," I said nervously, "do you know of a man--a blacksmith--named Dirk?"

            "Sure do," said the man without looking at me. "Best blacksmith around."

            "Could you show me where to find him?"

            "Sure could," he said. He took his eyes off the sky just long enough to glance toward one of the streets as he gestured at it. "Just go straight down that street there a ways, go right, go a bit further, go left, go a bit further, and you'll be right there."

            I thanked the man, who had already gone back to studying the cloudless blue sky, then with his indistinct directions still fresh in my mind, I hurried off down the street he had first indicated. To this day I have no idea how I got there, but a little while later I stood in front of a blacksmith shop. From within came the sounds of pounding. With a deep breath, I stepped inside the shop.

            It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darker atmosphere after the brilliant light outside. When they did, I saw that the noise had come from a man pounding furiously on a piece of metal which was lying on his anvil. I waited until he stopped his hammering for a moment before speaking.

            "Excuse me, but are you Dirk?"

            He spun around with a broad smile. "Indeed I am. How may I help you?"

            "I am from the village of Drelle. My name is Gwynnethe. My father, Rodney, said that-"

            "You're Rodney's daughter? Why of course! I should have seen the resemblance right away. How is your father?"

            "He is quite well."

            He chuckled. "Ah, and you have your mother's manners. Now tell me--what brings you here?"

            I glanced toward the open door, and Dirk must have understood my gaze, for he said, "Let's go into the house. Business has been slow today, and if any customers come, they all know to come to the house to find me."

            He led me through a door out of the shop and into a short hallway. At the other end of the hallway, the door opened into a spacious kitchen. Light poured in through many windows, making the room look bright and cheery. Dirk went over to the huge stone fireplace and added a log to the fire, then hung a kettle over the dancing flames.

            He turned around with a wry grin. "My wife is out doing some shopping, so for now I'm afraid you'll have to endure my tea. Now tell me your story."

            Father had told me that Dirk could be trusted to keep anything I told him to himself, so I told him my whole story: from finding the notice in Drelle to my arrival in Endkelm. He had a good chuckle over the man who had given me directions, then his face turned solemn.

            "I will do everything I can to help you," he said as he rose to his feet, "but you must be careful. Remember that the queen is a powerful person, and a wrong word might put you in prison."

            He poured two cups of tea and set them on the table. I blew into mine to cool it, then picked up our conversation

            "I am well aware of the danger, but that will not hinder me from doing what I believe is right. I would rather be punished for trying than be safe and do nothing at all and have to watch the dragons die," I announced adamantly.

            He nodded thoughtfully. For a moment we sat in silence, then he spoke.

            "No doubt you will be wanting to see the queen's dragon tonight. If you want to get there and back before it's dark you had better leave soon. I can tell you where to go."

            I nodded and took a sip of my tea.

            "Endure was the word for it!" I exclaimed. "Where did you learn to make such awful tea?"

 ...to be continued

To Save a Dragon is an original short story by me, Rebecca Kletzing. I hope you enjoy reading it. Please do not copy or use any part of this story without my permission.