Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One) (25 page)

Ilsa Ivey gave her dragon partner a quick pat on her neck “I think this is going to be our race after all.” Sennah gave her a backward glance. “No mistakes and we are home free girl.”

The entryway to Greenstone caverns was in sight. Payne made a quick dive for the Demon’s Jaw signaling to Zach and Xandar that the race was on again. The riders both passed down into the green glowing underground tube. There is that smell again thought Zach. Dredd and Payne were leading Zach and Xandar-Sym in follow the leader fashion. They flew swiftly around the many low hanging rock formations and Zach was once again enjoying the ride. As they progressed through, they could see the silhouette of Ilsa and Sennah in the approaching light of the caverns exit.

The last leg of the course was coming fast. Dredd wanted his fourth win and the rewards that came with it, not to mention the parcel of land that he and his sister had their eye on. Ilsa wanted the win to rub it in Dredd’s face, and she would be a part of race history as the first woman Dragon Master Champion.

Shortly they would be bursting out over Boggs Lake and heading towards the finish. Payne led Xandar-Sym up and out of the cavern at tremendous speed. They were keeping pace with one another as they came up over the lake. Crowds cheered the fast charging Race Riders.

Ilsa and Sennah were halfway over the lake and keeping a good lead. The large hot-air balloon turn marker was nearing quickly and Ilsa could taste victory.

Payne and Xandar hit a strong downbeat almost at the same time, propelling them high into the air. Tucking their wings in close, their speed increased incredibly. In an instant, they were rocketing closer and gaining on the leader. Ilsa and Sennah reached the balloon marker first and made a perfect sweeping left turn.

The sight of two massive dragons barreling towards him caused the official in the balloon to brace himself, holding on tight. “Not this time boys!” He yelled determinedly.

Dredd led Zach going around the turn before entering the Crunch. The long, narrow straight was teeming with cheering race fans. Ilsa and Sennah were pushing hard down the flag lined raceway. Holding the lead, appearing as a red-winged streak of lightning, they flew around the giant statue and headed for the finish.

Andi changed back into her race day outfit and went to join Colby as though nothing had happened. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered in his ear. Thomas and Faazen were nearby and nearly hoarse from the excitement of the whoops and hollers. Daisy was there seated next to Thomas and Faazen. Andi linked her arm in Colby’s and winked at Faazen.

The wizard knew she had saved her brother from a certain and sudden death. Yes Miss Domino he thought, you certainly came to the rescue. She needed that moment to find her courage and then act upon it. The brave girl clearly deserved this moment in the sun.

Dredd knew the race was Ilsa’s this time, there was no way he could catch her. He and Zach would finish respectively second and third. Dredd and Payne came around the finish line. Zach and Xandar followed. Lash Beckett and Azzreen were out over the lake. Azzreen’s injury had worsened throughout the race, but he was determined to finish with courage and honor.

Once the Race Riders crossed the finish line, it was customary for them to take a low pass over the crowds. Ilsa and Sennah were in their glory as they cruised above the stunned and cheering fans. Dredd was waving to the people, but he was thinking to himself how the angel of luck had saved him today. Zach and Xandar-Sym were following them. Zach was just pleased to have finished in one piece.

“Not bad for your first race Zach, you showed courage and bravery today.”

“It was amazing Xandar. Thank you.” Zach was glowing with pride.” It was my pleasure boy,” the dragon nodded.

Lash Beckett was making the last turn around the statue and heading for the finish line. Azzreen’s wing was badly torn and the crowd clapped and cheered loudly for the injured dragon. Lash waved and nodded. Being in so much pain, Azzreen landed as soon as they reached the finish line. Beckett dismounted and took a deep bow, thinking the cheers were for him. As Azzreen turned and saw this, he was not too happy. Lash took another bow and as he came back up, the dragon’s tail smacked him solid on the rear and sent him flying a few yards. The surrounding crowd went silent for a moment, and then erupted in laughter and applause.

The orc crew watched the skies looking for Alghern but there was no sign of razorback and his rider. Seeing Dredd finish the race definitely did not bode well for their rider, as they knew what Alghern had planned for him. The nervous orcs snuck through the gathering crowd and vanished into the surrounding forest. Their plan was to get away as fast as possible.

The circling winners each touched down in order of their finish. Ilsa and Sennah, Dredd and Payne, Zach and Xandar-Sym. The fans cheered and threw flowers at their favorites and even though he didn’t win, giggling girls were on hand to welcome back their hero Dredd. They covered him with their scarves in every color of the rainbow. This time Dredd flashed a winning smile and made their hearts flutter. A few girls ran over to Zach, tied scarves on his neck and arms and blew him kisses as they ran back into the stands.

Ilsa was proud and strong as she dismounted from Sennah. She winked at Dredd and let out a low throaty growl. “What do you think now Mr. Domino? Who is the best now?”

Dredd smiled in an offhand way. “Luck is all Ilsa, we’re all winners and losers in a way. Don’t get so full of yourself, you did well. Now just take the compliment and leave it at that.”

“I will take it as a compliment Dredd, thanks.” Ilsa was grateful for his attention any way she could get it. She wanted to beat him so that he would think her a worthy opponent. Now that she was the winner of Dragon Masters, she felt happy and proud. Suddenly a lone fan ran up to Ilsa and shyly handed her a bouquet of flowers. She almost smiled at the surprised young man, “thanks” Ilsa said blushing.

Zach smiled and waved at Faazen and his granddad. They were in the stands clapping heartily and thumping one another on the back. Zach wished Mella could see this. He would remember it all and tell her about it later in detail. Zach was scanning the area looking for J fire, and there he was lying next to Faazen and actually behaving himself for a change. Faazen turned and patted the little dragon’s head.

Algor Palgon walked to the podium and cleared his throat. “Good ladies and gentlemen. We have a first here at Dragon Masters Championship; Ilsa Ivey is our grand champion!” He walked over to where she stood and proudly presented her with the trophy. Now the trophy was a thing of beauty and an honor to receive. It stood all of two feet, was eighteen karat gold, and finished in pearl mosaic. The winner’s name would be engraved across the bottom after the race. After that, Jessa Palgon came over to the still surprised Ilsa and gave her a long envelope then kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations Miss Ivey on being the first woman to finish as the grand champion.” Ilsa’s fingers trembled as she carefully opened the envelope. Her eyes scanned the document detailing the fine parcel of land and purse of silver. She smiled and waved to the crowds with an air of confidence.

The gnomlie wizard spoke again. “Next, our past champion needs no introduction but we’ll introduce him just the same.” Girls were screaming wildly, “ladies please let me speak. Dredd Domino!” The wizard gave him his trophy and Dredd was pleased to receive an envelope from Jessa Palgon. When he read it, he found a parcel of land given to him as well as a purse of silver too.

Algor continued. “The other riders that finished third and fourth are Zachary Wellington and Lash Beckett, thank you gentlemen and thank you to all the dragons for bringing their riders back safely, especially Azzreen. Although injured badly, he finished the race with great courage. One other thing ladies and gentlemen, it seems we are missing a dragon and his rider.” Algor looked puzzled for a moment.

Dredd looked at Zach and shrugged his shoulders. Zach knew exactly what his friend was thinking.

“Now ladies and gentlemen, I know our younger folks must be looking forward to the annual dance. The older folks such as myself and Mrs. Palgon will gather at the ale gardens and everyone can sample the many wonderful foods and drink from throughout the land.” There was hearty applause as the people started filtering out from the stands making their way through the village to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Twenty - Onto the Evening Festivities

The Race Riders went to their rooms at the inn to prepare for the evening. Zach would be glad to change around and put on comfortable clothes but he knew that Daisy had made outfits for him and Dredd to wear for the dance. Dredd put his arm around his friend, and threw his head back. “Well how was your first race? I think you did well.”

“I’m happy to be alive, you should be too.”

“Yeah I know Zach, pretty scary stuff. Thanks for having my back.” Dredd put out his hand; “you have proved yourself in many ways.”

Zach clasped his hand and smiled. “Really Dredd, there is someone else you should thank.”

Dredd had a puzzled look on his face “Faazen?”

“No, your sister Andi, she was amazing. She shot the orc down over the Everdark Forest and saved your life.”

“Andi?” Dredd half smiled, “she doesn’t know how to climb a tree or shoot a bow and arrow.”

“She sure does now,” Zach said nodding.

“How did she find out about the orc’s plan Zach?”

“Andi overheard the orcs before the start of the race. She told me something was going to happen and to keep an eye out.”

He ran his fingers through his hair and sheepishly grinned. “You’re watching out for me, now that’s something. Being saved by my prissy sister and a green rookie. All right I guess I’ll take it.”

Zach puffed his chest and adjusted his tunic with a comical but intended bravado. “Look at it this way, you’re alive and that’s a good thing. What would those young girls ever do without their handsome hero?”

Dredd punched Zach’s shoulder. “You’re a very funny guy!” They both laughed as they made their way out. Dredd opened the Inn’s heavy door to a throng of partygoers. The first obstacle to wade through was the adoring girls waiting for them. “So this is what it feels like to be a rock- star,” said Zach blushing.

“Yeah, right” mumbled Dredd,

The giggling young women were trying to catch the eye of the rakish Race Riders. “Don’t stop Zach, we’ll never get away.”

“Well Dredd, to me its pretty cool. They think we’re heroes or something.”

“Yeah Zach, or something.” Dredd laughed at his own humor. “Onward, follow me!”

Excitement was everywhere and the place hummed with the charge of it. Hearty thumps on the back and appreciative clapping greeted them every way they turned. Dredd smiled and politely nodded to his fans. Zach was clearly taken by the adoration given him, and was drinking it all in.

“The way you’re slowing us down we’ll never get a drink. Let’s go Zach.” Dredd put his hands on Zach’s shoulders and directed him through the mass of people. The festival was wonderful, all around them were sights and sounds and the aromas were tantalizing. They were hungry, thirsty, and tired but the buzz of the crowd energized them. A large group of musicians on a circular elevated stage played fast tunes. The music had a contemporary sound; it reminded Zach of his favorite music back home. The stage lit with large torches was hypnotic as flames danced in the breeze in muted colors. The effect was dazzling to the eye.

“One of the best groups in the land” yelled Dredd above the music.

“I agree they’re good.” Zach smiled watching the dancers sway to the music.

“We’ll come back and enjoy more of the concert later, they play all night.” Dredd motioned towards the other side of the grounds. “The Ale Gardens” he said with a wink, “that’s where were going.” They waded through the revelers and reached a large and open pavilion. It was in the middle of a huge clearing. It was circular in shape and the top laced with a thick colorful patchwork of fabric. All manner of drink and food merchants had set up smaller versions of their establishments inside the vast and open structure. As they entered the pavilion, Dredd shouted “celebration time!” Zach feigned embarrassment acting like he didn’t know Dredd .