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.

His Love Endures Forever book review

His Love Endures Forever is the third book in Beth Wiseman's Land of Canaan series. (You can find the reviews of books one and two here: See Me With All Your Heart and The Wonder of Your Love ). The first two books were beautiful, moving stories with characters you can relate to and come to feel like you know, and this third installment certainly did not disappoint.

18-year-old Danielle Kent is the "adopted" daughter of an older couple living in Canaan, Colorado. They took her in when she needed a home, and now love her as much as if she truly was their daughter. Although not Amish, the couple has close friends in the local Amish community, and Danielle has made some too. She has even fallen in love with an Amish young man from another town. Then suddenly, her world turns upside down. She finds herself pregnant and alone, the father of her child having run away from her and his child and the Amish life.

Levi is the first person that Danielle confides in about her situation. He is her close friend and she finds comfort in the fact that he doesn't turn his back on her despite what she's done. But she still doesn't know what to do. Then suddenly, an unlikely solution presents itself, taking her completely by surprise.

Can Danielle find the strength to forgive? Can she learn to trust and love God even when it seems like everything is going wrong? And can it be true that God has an amazing plan for her life?

This series is one of my favorites and I would really encourage you to read these beautiful stories of love and redemption and forgiveness. You can find the Thomas Nelson page for the book here: His Love Endures Forever .


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

To Save a Dragon Part 1

To Save a Dragon is an original short story by me, Rebecca Kletzing. I hope you enjoy reading it!          

            My story begins on a bright and beautiful day during that time of year that can be called neither summer nor fall. The leaves had just begun to put on their autumn finery. The nights were cool, but the days were hot. It was the day that my father had promised me the privilege of accompanying him to town. This was a rare treat, for my mother could not often spare me from my chores for an entire day.

            I awoke that morning and dressed quickly in a shirt and pants, then raced downstairs for breakfast. There were chores that had to be done before we could leave, and I wanted to get them done as quickly as possible. I gave a quick wave to my father as he headed to the fields, then went into the barn to begin my chores. They were finished in what must have been record time. I raced into the house to change and wash.

             Stopping in front of the mirror in my parents' room, I rebraided my dark brown hair which fell below my shoulders. If I did not constantly keep it braided, it would tangle badly. When I was young, I did not want to take care of it, so it was kept very short; but now that I was sixteen, I enjoyed caring for longer hair.

            When I was finished I hurried out of the house, past the barn, and to the large round stable, calling before me as I went.

            "Agren!"

            I looked into the stable to find that Agren was not there. I was not surprised, for she spent a good deal of time in the mountains that bordered our farm to the east. I made my way over to the path that led up the mountainside to a clearing where we always met when she was off exploring, and started up it. It was a somewhat long climb, but not a steep one.

            When I reached the clearing, I called her again. No matter where she was she always heard me.

            I had only to wait a moment for her to come. A sound like gentle raindrops on a lake came to my ears, a sound I knew to be that of her wings, and I saw those silvery wings pass overhead. Another moment, and Agren stood on the ground before me.

            She was a dragon. Not a colossal giant like the dragons of old and of legend, but a meredragon, standing about three feet higher than a horse. For the most part she was silvery grey, but her underside and eyes were a deep rich purple. In greeting she breathed fire, a pale blue flame. I bowed my head to return the greeting, then spoke.

            "Today we are going into town with my father."

            "This is wondrous news, Gwynnethe! It has been long since we were in Drelle. I will enjoy this trip greatly," she exclaimed happily.

            I smiled at the sound of her voice. Dragons do not talk with a voice as humans do. A dragon's voice is a sound from nature and  Agren's voice was water. As she spoke, her words flowed from her like a rippling stream, lapping gently upon my ears.

            "I came up to find you because we will be leaving soon."

            "Very good," she said. "I will fly down and meet you at the stable."

            When I arrived back at the farm, she was already there. I saddled her quickly, then mounted and rode over to the barn where my father's horse waited. Father appeared on the porch a second later, a pack of food in his hand and my mother right behind him. When Mother caught sight of me, a frown formed on her pretty face.

            "I will not have you going to town in pants, Gwynnethe. Go inside and change your clothes," she commanded rather sternly.

            "But Mother, you know I can't ride Agren in a skirt," I reminded her.

            Mother looked me up and down, then sighed and pushed her thin blond bangs back off her forehead.

            "It will have to do," she sighed, then smiled. "Have a good time."

            I always loved being with my father. Perhaps it was because I was so much like him, not just in looks, for I had his thick, dark brown hair and brown eyes, but also in likes and dislikes and loving to laugh. Agren and I did not fly, but rode next to my father so that we could talk. The miles went by and before I realized it, we were riding into the outskirts of Drelle.

            Anyone we rode past looked at us strangely. They would look at Agren, then give me an odd glance. Once or twice I even thought I saw fear in their eyes. It began to make me nervous. In the center of town was a large tree, and nailed to it was a piece of parchment. Father and I dismounted so we could read it. In bold lettering it declared:

TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE KINGDOM OF ENDMERE:

TAKE HEED!

BY THE SUGGESTION OF QUEEN DARIS

AND THROUGH THE ROYAL POWER OF KING LUCHEN

A LAW HAS BEEN PASSED WHICH

FORBIDS

ANY DRAGONS IN THIS KINGDOM.

THOSE WHICH ARE FOUND WILL BE PUT TO DEATH.

=EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY=

            I stood still, shocked, feeling as though I had been punched in the stomach. A low rumble came from behind me, like an approaching thunderstorm. It took me a moment to realize that it was Agren. I turned and stared at what I saw. Agren stood there, every muscle tense, eyes glued to the notice. Smoke drifted from her nostrils and her purple eyes glittered dangerously. I had rarely seen Agren when she was angered. Father laid a hand on my shoulder.

            "I'm going to get the things we need and then we'll head home," he said quietly. "You and Agren stay here."

            I nodded silently and turned back to Agren. She was still staring at the notice. I went over to her and climbed onto her back. After a while she spoke.

            "So much death, Gwynn," she sighed, "so much death will result from this. You read the notice. All dragons in this kingdom must die. Why? For what purpose?"

            "I don't know, Agren. But I will find out if I can."

            My father came over just then. "If you're ready, we can go. I bought everything we need. As soon as we're out of town, we'll stop and eat our dinner, then continue home."

            And that was what we did. No one had much appetite, so it was a rather quick meal. Before long we were on the road home, each lost in our own thoughts. Mother looked surprised to see us home so soon. After taking in our long faces, she turned to my father.

            "What happened, Rodney? You're home early and you look like messengers of bad news."

            "We are at that, Anna," he said grimly. "I'll tell you over supper. I think Gwynn and I are going to try to get some more work done until then."

---

           Father told Mother about the notice while we ate. She looked as shocked as I felt. The table fell into silence when Father finished speaking. At last, when we had all eaten as much as we could, I could stand the silence no longer.

            "Father," I ventured, "do you know why this law has been put in place?"

            "Actually, I do, Gwynn," he said. He lit his pipe before turning toward me and continuing. "I talked to the storekeeper while I was getting what we needed. He said that the notice was brought to town and put up by two soldiers. They stopped at the store because they were running low on food. One of them was well-informed and talkative. He said that there was an incident at the palace a short time back. The queen was waiting for her most trusted advisor, a man by the name of Wallace, to come to her study. He was late, which was unusual. She decided to go in search of him and find out what was causing the delay. As she went, she could find no one around to ask about Wallace. She was nearly at the door which led out into the garden when she heard an awful noise coming from outside. Running to the door, she saw a terrible sight. Her own dragon stood beside Wallace, whom the dragon had killed. The queen started screaming, and the soldier claimed he was one of the first to arrive at the scene."

            "But why did the dragon kill Wallace?" I questioned Father.

            "I don't know. The soldier said that the queen refuses to speak to the dragon. Right now it is locked up in a cage in the middle of Endkelm, the capital city. It is to stay there until its execution. It will be the first dragon to die; then soldiers will go through the land and kill all the others."

            "And when is the execution?" I asked, a plan beginning to form in my mind.

            "In one week," he said.

            "I have to go to Endkelm," I announced.

...to be continued 

Something new is coming...

You know me as the blogger who reads a lot and writes book reviews. But that's not exactly true. Don't get me wrong-- I love to read and I enjoy writing the reviews. It's just not the whole picture.

I don't only read the works of other authors. I am a writer myself. Mostly just little bits and pieces of things that never get any further than random Microsoft Word documents on my computer, and a lot of stories that live in my head. But I've written some complete songs and poems and stories. And after giving it some thought, I want to share some of those with you. :)

And so, very nervously and excitedly, I am here to announce that I will be starting out by posting one of my short stories, a small segment at a time. I hope you enjoy reading it.