The Protector by Durakthar (e book reader online .txt) 📕

“....Yet still did the mountains tremble and our eyes began to blur as we gazed across the steppe into the mist. Then, like the beginning of night, came the devouring shadow of the horde to conceal our vision of our lands. An infinity of pure evil swept across the hill crests and as thrashing waves of a crimson ocean did they sweep down upon us. Their swirling arrows fell like clouds of stinging bees from the clouded hidden sky. The death bellows of our warriors were overheard by the drumming of immense hooves so that only the endless thunder was heard at the last. Our enemy then arrived above us with a greeting of no mercy. It’s vast form eclipsed the sun from Qwovendiraz, forever....”


The Sacred Valley
“Beware, Avilia,” Whispered Khavraen. He squinted his eyes far beyond the evening moon, gazing at a distant landmass. It drifted serenely above the waters. Their pterodactyl and Pteranodon glided towards it, whirling through the air and skimming their beaks across the water. “The land of Qwovendiraz approaches,” he told her.
Avilia nodded, awakening from a peaceful dream. “The journey has began,” she calmly whispered back.
Waves brushed against the sandy shore, dragging smoothened stones along the waters edge. Khavraen felt revived and battle-ready. He could determine natural stone pillars overhanging at the crest of the mountain. Flowing waterfalls streamed into the depths of a stilled, yet rippling lake.
Aware of an imbalance in climate, the two flying reptilians gave a bewildering screech, and braved the elements. Suddenly, Avilia and Khavraen were being flown in a blazing forest. A smoking tree collapsed, making Khavraen’s mount swoop under it just barely before they collided head on. Avilia had to swerve over it otherwise she would have been scathed by the bare branches.
“Look upon the mountain!” Cried Avilia. Pointing towards a cave forth-flowing a stream, she hollered “We will be protected from the fire in there!”
Dodging other obstacles, they arrived inside the cave and dismounted. While their animal companions drank, Khavraen and Avilia planned on going a different sky trail that was marked on the map.
“Mysterious,” breathed Khavraen heavily. “I’m going to journey to the valley below and seek the grounds for what gave rise of the flames.” “For the grounds here could be unpredictable and harmful.” Getting up from his kneeling position, he stalked towards the outside, stilling at the entrance and scrutinizing the area for any predators, with practiced eyes. Especially for Tyrannosaur footprints.
“Go then, I shall make rest here with these two,” said Avilia stroking her pterodactyl and patting his pteranodon. Handing him a pouch, she said, “Gather a portion of aloe Vera leafs along your way. We may need the healing power in time.”
“I will,” said Khavraen leaving the entrance of the cave.
After bouldering down the mountain on ancient vines, he began to walk around hunting for the fires origin. Arriving at an opening to lakes edge, he saw a pattern of stepping stones weaving in and out of the waters surface. Smoldering across the formation about half a mile was the beginning of the fire. “At last,” exclaimed Khavraen relieved that his search was over. Challenging himself to go over each stepping stone instead of swim, he reached the other side quickly. He immediately stood still. There, kneeling down nestled in a clump of grass was a lone girl cloaked in a purple tunic, holding three scorched rocks. Before her was a burning path. Her body was turned away from him so he could not see her face. Gently, he went over and touched her right shoulder. Twirling around, the girl glanced at him, frightened. She turned again and clambered on a nearby yew tree that was untouched by the flames.
Striding calmly toward her, Khavraen said, “Do not be afraid, young one. I am here only to discover what has made ruin of these trees. Luckily I have found the answer,” he chuckled while picking up the dropped rocks. “Ah, I believe you were trying to make a small warming fire.” Well, the more experience gained, the greater the control of fire.”
“Who are you. How do you know of this island?” Spoke the girl.
“I am Khavraen,” he said. “I mean no harm. However I will not tell you why I am here and how I came of this lands floating destination.
............................................All was silent other then the crackling of leaves and the thudding of fallen branches.
“I will go with you,” spoke the girl, “once you have defeated me in the game called catch.” With that, she leapt down from a branch and began to run into the fire.
“Wait,” bellowed Khavraen, “come back.”
Rushing after her, he grabbed hold of her arm just before she disappeared into the wall of fire.
“Let go of me!” shrieked the girl. “ I am enchantress Nyvana and I command you to let go!"

Publication Date: 05-22-2012

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Dedication:
I praise my ever eternal earth friends that of whom gladly told me stories of their own.