Koindras: A DragonRaid Tale

Chapter 4

The floor in Professor Wulf's office always creaked.  There was also the odor of musty books.  To most of the senses it gave the feeling of an ancient and forgotten room.  However, the sense of sight countered the conclusion made by the other senses.  Professor Wulf's office was always clean and orderly and while it was ancient looking, it was anything but forgotten.  Professor Wulf, likewise gave the appearance, at first glance, like one who had walked EdenAgain for many years past his prime.  He too, like his office, was ancient and well-worn, but his days of use  and service were far from over.

As Quid entered the office, he noticed that additional chairs had been moved into the already cramped room and they were all already occupied.  

"I'm sorry to inform you Pelquidette that it is now standing room only."  Professor Wulf smiled from behind his desk and chuckled.  "If you are able to possibly shut the door, I believe that we are all here, and I can begin."

Quid contorted his body and was barely able to close the door.  As soon as the latch clicked he heard Professor Wulf clear his throat and begin to speak in a serious, low voice that Quid remembered was reserved for only the gravest of matters.  As he focused on the others seated around the professor's desk, he noticed his close friends Ian, Drake, Dianna, and Pequilla.  Also seated in the corner was a person that Quid could not recognize because his features were silhouetted by the morning light coming in through the window behind him.  The stranger in the shadow appeared to be older than Quid and fully outfitted for adventure.

"You have all earned your graduation from the Academy and a well-deserved rest."  Professor Wulf said as he glanced at Quid and his companions.  "I am fully aware of all of your qualifications and gifts and that is why I have asked you all to come here this morning.  I have received from President Talin III, himself, a mission of the utmost importance."

Quid sensed a movement in the room as he and his friends instinctively leaned forward as they stared at Professor Wulf.  The old man, again, glanced at each former student in turn before continuing.  The stranger in the corner shifted in his chair.

"I am certain that you have heard of Seabring.  It is the infernal metropolis along the southwestern coast of the Dragon Lands.  We have heard word of an evil Warlock that has risen to power.  He is simply known as the “Wizard on the Coast”.  His stronghold’s location is not known, and until recently, his presence was obscure.  But now, he has made some moves that has brought attention to him and has confirmed some suspicions about the aims of his activities.  There are some Salt Warriors that live in Seabring that those who go on this Raid will meet for more direction.  We believe that the Wizard on the Coast is aware of our knowledge and that our response will be a Raid.  But regardless, we must act.  This has been made very clear to us through prayer and fasting."

Professor Wulf turned toward the stranger in the corner and nodded.  The man in the shadows stood and moved slightly forward where the light from the room revealed his features.  Quid and his friends drew in their breath in awe for before them was Ethanul, the Guardian of the Light.  

Many times, Guardians taught the LightRaiders at the Academy.  However, Ethanul was one that Quid and his friends had only heard and read about during their time of study at the Academy.  Ethanul had been used mightily by the OverLord on many occasions in the Dragon Lands.  While it was rare that a Guardian of the Light went on DragonRaids, Ethanul was one that had been sent a number of times to rescue DragonRaid parties that were in dire need of help or rescue.  He had always returned with his mission accomplished from perilous Raids that were expected to end in Everlasting Departure.  He had even earned the title of DragonSlayer.  The glory Ethanul had brought to the OverLord with his service, his love for the Once Born, and his hatred toward the dragons and dark creatures was an aspiration for all LightRaiders.

Seeing Ethanul in person was an honor and promptly Quid and his friends were greeting him and thanking him for his service and testimony.  He humbly acknowledged them and raised a hand for them to settle back down.  He smiled and took a deep breath before speaking.

"LightRaiders, I thank you for your service and testimony.  It is an honor for me to stand in the presence of young TwiceBorn who have endured the long training and have overcome.  Likewise, to be called upon by Professor Wulf for a Raid of this magnitude while being fresh out of the Academy is a testimony unto itself.  May the OverLord be praised."  Ethanul smiled and nodded as he looked at each of those in the room.

Ethanul put his hand on the hilt of the sword at his side.  "As Professor Wulf has indicated, your being called here is concerning a DragonRaid to the city of Seabring.   Unfortunately, I am not able, at present, to divulge the specific details of this Raid, other than those that Professor Wulf conveyed.  Needless to say, it will be perilous.  I would tell you more, but I am bound to secrecy about its details to only those LightRaiders that have accepted the mission.  I know this is not the typical mission proposal, but if you accept to go on the mission you will understand the need for this precaution.  I do not want an answer now, but I would request that you discuss this together and pray and seek the OverLord's will for you concerning it."

The room was silent as all pondered these words.  Then Ethanul continued.

"If you are willing, we are to leave at first light tomorrow morning.  I understand that you will need to pray about this and seek the OverLord's will for you.  If you have peace in your heart and will join me on this Raid, meet me at the Academy stable at first light.  We will be equipped and Professor Wulf will have final instructions for us before we leave for the Passage Lakes."