Elderquest: Book 2 (2021 Rewrite)

Chapter 8 - The Legend of the Red Dragon

My eyes opened back into the bright sunlight of the beach. I looked around, and saw that Master Haji was standing over me, smiling proud.

"Master, why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, sitting up.

"Your training is complete," he said happily, pointing to the ground. I looked, and there was my sword, and every single sandbag dummy on the ground.

"Master, I don't get it. Wasn't I unconscious?" I asked. I remembered lying down inside the hut, working with the spirits. But how I did get out here?

"True. Your mind was asleep, but your body was free to move. It sounds complicated I'm sure, but as you spoke with the spirits, I instructed your body to train harder than it ever has, Master Haji explained. "Now your body and mind are together as one being. No more distractions, only strength and determination."

I looked down at my hands and picked up my sword. I stood up and practiced doing some moves on what was left of the dummies. My senses seemed to be turned to maximum. Every stroke of my sword, every step I took, I felt it all.

"Good, good. You are stronger and more mindful now than I think you will ever be. Your father would've been proud of how far you've come," Master Haji said, "I'd like you to spar with me."

I looked at him like he had a death wish, "You sure you want to? I think I might be a bit better than the last time."

Master Haji just smiled and laughed, "Don't worry, my boy, I've taken a few hits in my day. Come, show me what you have learned."

I got into a fighting stance with my sword held with both hands. Master Haji grabbed his walking stick and held it out. We went at each other like two veteran warriors. I swung, and he jumped and dodged my attacks. He attacked, and I blocked and countered. We went back and forth until we exhausted ourselves, neither one of us able to land a single blow. Ultimately, we called it a draw and sat on the beach, looking at the fish jumping out of the river to catch flies.

"You are a great fighter, Treyan. I think Nazshi might have met his match," Master Haji said, catching his breath.

I wiped the sweat off my head and smiled. I could feel my newfound strength and energy flowing through my veins, my feet felt lighter, and I made better decisions. We watched the sun set over the mountain, the sky becoming different colors of red, orange, and purple. I sat there, letting the fading light and the sound of the water over the rocks calm my nerves. As we walked back to the hut, I felt the need to know more from Master Haji.

"Master, what's the significance of my sword? Lots of people seem to respect it," I asked, sitting down on the mats.

Master Haji lit his pipe and loosened his robes, "Well, Treyan, there is a legend in this land that there was once a great dragon living here hundreds of years ago. When the first settlers landed here, they explored new lands further out from their settlements. One day, the king of the land found a cave while he was wandering. The dragon lord, Azukan, attacked the king. But the king defended himself and explained to Azukan that he and his people meant no harm, and that they were here to vanquish the evil spreading across the world. Soon Azukan and the king became friends and allies. The men gave Azukan great riches and protected him from the dragon hunters that sought to destroy him. And in turn, Azukan helped defend the villages raid dark fortresses."