SL Huang - Up and Coming - Stories by the 2016 Campbell-Eligible Authors

“Yes,” I said. Dragonmasters were still born to every generation, but without dragons to be bound to, they also go feral eventually. Just like the green dragon in the story. Most times they retreat into the wilds and are never seen again, but a few lose control in a populated area, and that always results in a violent end to their short lives.

“Is there really no hope for them?” asked Silverleaf.

“None has been found yet,” I said.

“It’s not fair. I’ll find a way to make it right,” said Silverleaf.

The boy had a determination in his voice that was way beyond his years. I almost believed it could happen. He certainly at that moment thought it was true. I wanted to believe, but knew I would be long gone before he was old enough to work on that dream.

Tamerale started to say something, but Nasir placed a hand on his shoulder to silence him. That was for the best, as it was probably some barb, and I didn’t want to see Silverleaf’s dream crushed by childish teasing.

“I believe you could if you set your mind to it,” said Nasir.

“I will, you’ll see!” said Silverleaf.

Myrill called the children to her, and they went off to play and eat dessert, leaving me alone with Nasir. It was time to take care of business.

Nasir was about to leave to help her, but I stopped him and said, “Come with me.”

With my joints warmed some by the fire it was slightly easier to walk, and I led him back to my room. Once inside I barred the door and sat in one of my chairs. Nasir found a second chair and sat across from me. I was worn out from the exertion, but there was more to do yet.

“The story doesn’t really end there,” I said.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“David truly was the last of the greats, the last real hero this world has seen. In his final years, he wanted to make sure the world never forgot the dragons and how we destroyed that noble race. David didn’t disappear. In fact, he became the first storymaster,” I said.

“Really?” he said with surprise.

“Yes, he wrote everything he knew on the scrolls, and we storymasters have kept and copied them throughout the generations, passing them down with great care so that nothing would be lost.”

“Why are you telling me this?” he asked.

“Because you will succeed me as storymaster and you need to know the secrets,” I said.

A look of shock passed over his face. He tried to stammer out words, but was speechless. He was so young to be a father, not even a third of my own age, but he was humble and sharp. He was a good man, and one I was proud to have in the family.

“Don’t look so surprised. You’ve memorized most of the stories already, and you have the gift of insight,” I said.

“But I’m not one of your descendants,” he said. “Don’t I have to be born into the family?”

“Bah, as far as I’m concerned you’re my grandson, and as the oldest living storymaster I get to make the rules. I say that you’ll succeed me, and that is final,” I said.

“I…I’m greatly honored,” he said.

“Now, what you must know is that dragon blood runs strong through our family. It’s practically certain that some of those children running around out there will be dragonmasters,” I said.

“Yes, Myrill warned me,” he said.

“What she didn’t warn you, because she doesn’t know, is that I’m a descendant of David, making your children part of his bloodline,” I said.

“By the gods!” he gasped.

“Yes, you married into royalty, but that’s not the real secret. We call that story ‘David’s Last Ride’ and tell everyone that David flew off, never to be seen again in order to protect a great secret. David left a set of scrolls that no one has opened since his death. He left instructions that one day one of his descendants who is also a dragonmaster should open it, but only one who doesn’t go feral. So far, no one like that has risen up. The storymasters have kept these scrolls secret so that no one violates that order. They have kept a close watch on all of our kinfolk, hoping that each generation would be the generation that it would happen, but so far, nothing. These scrolls will pass from me to you, and you must guard them with your life,” I said.

“But do we have any idea what they say?” he asked.

“No,” I said. I paused and decided I’d better elaborate. “Oh, well, some think they tell of a second age of dragons, but I think that’s just wishful thinking. I don’t blame them. I often dream of what it would be like to fly with the dragons, but alas, that can’t happen this side of the grave.”

I did more than not blame them; I wished they were right with all my heart, but I knew it was impossible. Dragons couldn’t just reappear out of nowhere. You needed mature dragons to make dragon babies.

“I’ll keep them safe,” he said.

There was a reverence in his voice that told me volumes. I had definitely chosen the best man to replace me.

“You will find all my scrolls in a hidden chamber under my bed. Study them often, make copies of the oldest ones to preserve them, and find the other storymasters to cross-check for errors. They’re our stories and must live on, no matter what may come.”

He nodded. “I will.”

“Good. Now please call my granddaughter, as my time is nearly done. I’d like to say goodbye properly while I still can,” I said.

Concern passed over his face and he rushed out to get her. I slowly climbed into my bed. I’d had a good life, and I was ready for my eternal rest. I’d spent each day living the stories for the clan and had grown to really love some of the heroes of old. Soon I would join them on the other side, and it would be like meeting old friends.

Many storymasters had gone before me, and I couldn’t wait to meet them. No one ever told their stories and I wondered what they were like, what they struggled with and, most especially, which stories were their favorites.

My granddaughter came flying into the room with tears already in her eyes. “Papa?”

“My dear, don’t weep for me. I may have a season, perhaps even two more, and then I’m going to a better place, a place where the stories live. But now is the time to set things in order, while I still have my wits.”

“We’ll miss you,” she said.

“Only for a little while, and then we’ll meet again. Perhaps by then I’ll have learned how to ride a dragon. Look, my days are nearly spent and I want you to witness that I’m naming Nasir as my successor, and you both as heir to all that I have left.”

She gasped. “But, Papa…” her reply trailed off.

By naming her husband as my successor, I’d done more than just ensure the stories were carried on. I’d made sure she was provided for. Nasir’s appointment guaranteed him an income for as long as he lived. She cared for me in life, and now I would care for her as I passed.

I just smiled. “Now, please allow me to rest, and when the news spreads please keep everyone at bay. I’d like to spend the last of my days teaching Nasir what I can.”

Originally published by Evolved Publishing, Edited by Philip A. Lee

Nilafay relished her stolen moments in the open air above the ocean’s surface. Today, she stretched out on the field of star lilies, letting her webbed toes spread as she absorbed the warmth of the sun. The lilies adjusted to her weight, undulating with the current to stay afloat. The five-armed creatures overlapped, creating what looked like an expanse of plants from above. Only from beneath could one see their tentacles twist and tangle in the water to absorb nutrients from the bacteria below.