It always started this way, and Nana smiled at her special pet, the iridescent green dragon, Benat. Benat’s eyes were sleepy, their lids lowered as he rested his muzzle on her knee. Nana stroked his hide with gentle, soothing fingers before opening the book on her lap.
“A story?” she queried, as she always did.
Benat stretched his wings once, for comfort, and gazed at Nana’s face. He loved her face. So kind. So wise. And she always smelled like springtime, to him. “A story. About a dragon…”
Nana chuckled, a rich sound that pleased the green dragon. “Of course, of course. Aren’t they all about dragons?” For evidence, she lifted the book just enough so that Benat could see – again – the gilt-edged cover with the beautiful golden dragon embossed upon it. Gently lowering the book once more, she hummed under her breath. “Well…which tale shall it be tonight?” Benat didn’t answer, so Nana smiled secretively, closed her eyes, and began…
* * *
Once upon a time, but not such a long time ago that it has been forgotten entirely, there was a brave warrior named Massuch. He’d fought bravely in the battles of his King, and had been rewarded with a castle near the edges of the Kingdom.
What’s the name of the King? Hush, I’ll get to that.
Massuch thanked the King, mounted his proud black stallion, and set off at a slow canter to see his castle. The countryside was beautiful, and Massuch breathed deeply, smelling the bakers’ breads, the rich smell of roasting meats, and later, the wildflowers that lined the wide dirt road.
After a few hours, Massuch came to the flatlands, a wide stretch of country that seemed to be unending meadow, with nary a shadow to darken the green and floral vista. All that split the grasses was a sparkling river.
When does the dragon come in? Hush, I’m getting to that.
Massuch’s horse –
Does the horse have a name? Yes! Now hush!
Massuch’s horse, Lionheart, eagerly led the way to the riverside, where Massuch removed Lionheart’s halter, bridle, and bit to let the hardworking animal drink freely. It could not have been more peaceful.
Until the great, chilly shadow moved silently over them, making it seem like it was night, for the terrified heartbeats that it lasted.
Massuch crouched low in the grass and made himself look up, up towards the maker of the shadow. “No!” he said, his voice hoarse. “It can’t be!”
He had a horse’s voice? How did that happen? I didn’t know horses could talk! Benat! Do you want to hear this story or not? Yes… Then hush!
Lionheart’s withers trembled as he, too, saw the shadow. Nickering softly, he hoped his rider would make the shadow go away.
Massuch’s eyes narrowed as the shadow grew larger and larger, wiping out the soft blue of the sky. Closer and closer the shadow came, descending so that Massuch could see it.
“A dragon!”
Though he was a brave warrior, the tall, black-haired man had never before encountered a dragon. Especially not a mighty green one, with eyes like blue fire and wings that looked as if they could cover a whole town! Massuch felt his muscles tighten with the need to meet the dragon head-on, but he knew dragons were all but invulnerable. How to fight one?
He’s going to fight the dragon? Patience, Benat. Wait and see.
**Warrior!** The word echoed in his mind as the huge, triangular mouth opened wide above him. Then the dragon glided lazily away, showing him the odd pattern of black on the underside of its tail.
Massuch stiffened, turning slowly to pull his broadsword from the sheath on Lionheart’s saddle. “Dragon!”
**Put your pig-sticker away, Warrior,** the flying beast advised, that voice in Massuch’s mind sounding more amused than anything. **You cannot touch me with it.**
Massuch considered for a moment. “I know,” he conceded, lowering the blade. “I have a great respect for your kind, Dragon.”
A draconic snort lit the air like a bright burst of sunfire. **Respect. If your kind had respect for my kind, we would not be at war!**
Massuch planted his sword deep in the earth near his feet, point first, to show he had no intention of using it. It was time, he thought, to talk.
“Will you let me continue on my way, dragon?”
He was nervous as the fiery breath of the dragon swooped lower. **Where do you go? Seeking MY kin?** Another burst of flame singed the grass nearest to him.
Did the horse get burned? No! Would a dragon hurt a horse? Well…not on purpose… Right, so hush!
Lionheart rose up on his hind hooves in protest of the dragon’s flaming assault. Massuch was startled to hear the dragon tell the horse to calm down.
Can dragons talk to horses? Apparently. Now listen, we’re almost done.
“I am not seeking your kin, Dragon. I just want to go to my new home. A castle in the West that my king has given me.” He sighed and stretched his neck. Why couldn’t life be more simple?
**You may proceed.** The grudging permission was accompanied by another gout of flame from the dragon’s mouth. **But I shall have my eye on you!**
Massuch bowed to acknowledge the dragon’s warning and hastened to get himself mounted on Lionheart once again.
With a shadow distantly following them above, the knight and his horse cantered more swiftly. There was no time to lose, if they were to reach the promised castle by nightfall.
* * *
The sun was setting in front of him with almost magical intensity. “Lady Renee will certainly enjoy this view,” he remarked to Lionheart. Amazing pinks and yellows painted the clouds in front of Massuch as he reached the landmark he’d been told to look for: an arrow planted in a rock.
How did the arrow get in the rock? It’s a picture, not an actual arrow, silly Benat. Now listen!
Massuch smiled and breathed deeply in some contentment. He’d not forgotten the huge shadow that followed them, but he’d not been bothered by the dragon since the meadow. This had been, the knight thought, a positive development.
“Well, good friend,” he said to his horse, “all that remains is to claim the castle and display His Majesty’s declaration!”
As if he understood, the intelligent animal neighed loudly, proclaiming their presence to any and all in the area. It was fitting, Massuch thought, for them to announce themselves like that.
He was not far from the granite and wood structure when he was startled for the second time that day.
“Rider! You have trespassed on the lands of Count Safin! Possessor of these lands and the surrounding counties and betrothed to Lady Reneé of Southwind.”
The shout escaped Massuch before he could control himself. With a fierce expression, he freed his sword from its sheath and charged the messenger, blood racing in his veins.
In barely the time it takes to tell it, Massuch sliced the messenger’s head from his body. Lionheart snorted his agreement to the attack. They left the arrogant, smirking corpse on the dirt road behind him. The castle! He had to rescue Lady Reneé and gain his home!
**Human. You are in danger.**
Massuch almost ignored the warning in his mind. Almost.
“What is it, Dragon? I have no time for more cryptic games.” Lionheart’s muscles bunched beneath his as the steed prepared to jump a shallow creek in their path. They pushed the air away from them and landed surely on the other side.
**A small army awaits you. They are armed and wish your death. I thought you should know.**
Massuch signaled to his mount to slow the pace somewhat. The green fields beside them had been a blur; now they were more distinct as Massuch communicated with the dragon.
Will the dragon help the knight? What do you think, Benat? I think he will! He sounds like a good and wise dragon! *soft laugh* Well, we’ll have to see.
“I propose we make a pact,” the knight said after some moments spent regarding his castle and thinking of the army that awaited him. He advanced slowly, studying the land as he went, looking for ideas. Could that slight rise to his right be useful? What about the shadow of the castle battlements?
**Then again, Human, you might consider me?**
“You?!” The word came out sounding strangled. “But you’re a dragon?”
Overhead, the shadow swirled, barely seen in the sunset-hued clouds. **Me. I have an advantage.**
I told you he’d help! Yes, you’re very smart. Now listen.
Massuch was indignant, but only for a moment. Had he ever met a foe he couldn’t defeat? No. But, ahead of him was an army, not merely Count Safin.
And Lady Reneé was in danger.
It went against the grain, but Massuch had to concede his need for help. “All right,” he sighed, reining Lionheart to a halt on the path and keeping his eyes open. “What do you propose?”
* * *
“King Taramar will never believe this,” Massuch muttered from behind the rise that he’d noticed earlier. “His own gifting, overrun by Safin!”
Safin had a filthy reputation in the Kingdom, but that wasn’t as much on the knight’s mind at the moment. Death was no stranger to the Count; neither were murder or the violation of innocents. Massuch was conscious of the wicked reputation and aware that it was well-deserved. The bits of news he’d received over the years combined with the dragon’s reports to clench his guts and make every muscle in his body tighten.
This would only work once.
**I know, Warrior.**
“So I’m back to being a warrior, am I?”
**You are thinking like one. Be alert. Your enemy does not lead his men. He waits in the rear with his hostage.**
Reneé! Massuch made himself calm down and stay hidden.
**She is not harmed. She is well. He gloats, thinking you will be easy prey.**
Anger made Massuch growl low in his throat. “Easy? I’ll show him easy!”
The ground rumbled under the knight’s belly as he lay low on the grass. Lionheart was further below him, with instructions to stay. Being a trained warhorse, the huge black animal was accustomed to these directives and obeyed readily.
More insistent, the rumbling. And now, there was noise! The raucous call of the army on the move to slay an enemy. “Maaaaaassuch! We come for you!”
With iron will, Massuch made himself stay where he was. Closer, he thought towards Safin’s men. Just a little closer…
**I come!**
Triumph, true and earned, rang in the warrior’s mind as the green dragon with eyes of blue fire descended upon the advancing army. Flame appeared as if out of thin air, into the deepening dusk of the late spring evening. The shadow had ceased to exist; the dragon was flame!
The armies taunts changed to shouts of sheer terror and pain as flame consumed them. Surprisingly, none of the horses were injured beyond minor singeing. They tore off across the grass, riderless, their hoofs digging up chunks of earth in their passing.
“Reneé!”
“Massuch!” Hearing his lady’s voice gladdened the knight’s heart and he ignored the vicious gratification in the dragon’s voice. Massuch called Lionheart and jumped on the broad black back in one smooth motion. He was going to claim his lady and his home!
“Massuch!” A scream followed this darker, more evil calling of his name and the knight paused.
What’s happening? I thought you said it was almost over but – I know, but sometimes these stories take a life of their own. Now hush!
“Safin! You are a usurper and a thief and I claim my castle and my lady!”
A scorn-filled laugh carried over the lessening distance between the lone Count and the tired knight. “Your castle? Says who?”
“Our lord, King Taramar, King of all these lands to the Caspian Sea!”
A snort. “Yes, do honor our King, Massuch. He can do you know good from there.”
**But I can!**
Then, Count Safin felt true fear freeze his innards and even his horse froze in place. Reneé squirmed to free herself, but perhaps the dragon spoke to Ladies, too, for she halted as soon as her feet touched the scorched earth.
**Bind him, Warrior. He is not of your ilk. You, though, have my trust. You did not raise your hand to me, and you trusted me to help you. That is all I, or most of my kindred, have ever wanted.**
* * *
“And that’s the end, dear Benat,” Nana said, closing the book and smiling contentedly.
“But what about the Lady? And Lionheart? And did they get married? Did the dragon have to help him again?”
Nana laughed softly, her voice soothing to the sleepy young dragon. “We may hear more about him, another day. But now, it is time for sleep.”
His mind whirling with images of heroic green dragons and brave warrior-knights, Benat turned slowly and, balancing himself with his wings, walked to his velvet-lined couch.
“Good night, Nana,” he murmured, resting his head on his forepaws.
“Good night, dear one,” she sighed.
Then, her face still smiling in the wise way she had, Nana blew out her candle.
Lord Belmundus – The Omnibus One is a compilation of Books 11 through 15 of The Adventures of Lord Belmundus, a remarkable tale of other worlds, strange customs, beauty and warfare; and, in its grips, lands a young celebrity, who has the chaps to pla
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