Dragonia: The Dragon Stone

Chapter 4

4

Devarius stood next to Paedyn at the top of the hill observing the dragomen. They continued to train, with the exception of three whom Devarius selected to refrain from using the wyvern oil. He’d selected the five at random, or mostly random—he did choose Cederic, the shoemaker, who’d been the first to use it. It was more at Naveen’s request though than his own idea. She’d admitted to Cederic being more irritable and quicker to anger since first beginning his use of the wyvern oil. Devarius wondered if Cederic’s anger was a side effect of using the oil itself, or if something else was the cause. He decided to speak to close family and friends of the others who used the oil to see if they reported similar claims.

Cederic was at the practice field, speaking with the lead trainer. He didn’t look happy, as spit came from his yelling mouth. Cederic glanced up and noticed Devarius on top of the hill, watching him. He turned away from the trainer and stomped his feet as he approached Devarius.

“Be ready,” Devarius whispered.

“You don’t expect him to attack you, do you?” Paedyn asked.

“I don’t know what to expect.”

“Why am I restricted from wyvern oil?” Cederic demanded.

“We need to do further tests to make sure the oil is safe,” Devarius said.

“Then why is everyone else still allowed to use it? Why am I being refused? It is because of me we’re using it at all. It is because of me that we defeated the empire at Saefron.”

“You aren’t the only one. We’ve restricted it from a few people to determine whether it’s safe.”

“So, what? I’m your lab rat? How dare you? Who do you think you are to determine whether or not I am able to use wyvern oil?”

“I—”

Cederic’s fist slammed into Devarius’s jaw. Devarius slumped to the ground. Paedyn jumped in front of the shoemaker, holding his wrists in his hands.

“Whoa, whoa, Cederic. You need to calm down. We are testing the safety of this oil, and you’re proving the point that it’s dangerous.”

“There is no danger,” Cederic growled through clenched teeth. “I have been just fine using it.”

Devarius stood, rubbing his jaw. “What about when you’re not using it? It seems to me you’re addicted to it.”

“I am not,” Cederic snarled.

“Then, why is there a problem? If you’re not addicted, why are you fighting this?”

“Because it’s not fair. I am the one who began this, and you’re taking this away from me. You haven’t taken it away from anyone else.”

“Yes, we have,” Paedyn said. “There have been several, and it seems they’re just as upset as you.”

A few others began to approach them, all people who were forbidden to use the oil.

“Devarius …” Paedyn whispered.

“Look,” Devarius called. “You’ve all been selected to cease using the wyvern oil temporarily so we can decide how dangerous it is to keep using it.”

“This is bull—” Cederic began.

“And as you’re all proving, this substance is addictive when you stop using it. It’s leading to rage. Tell me, please, what other side effects are you noticing?”

“Give us access to the wyvern oil,” one of the men said.

“Not until we understand the consequences of this wyvern oil,” Devarius said.

“You have no right!” Cederic shouted.

The five men jumped at Devarius and Paedyn. Punches flew. Two men tackled Devarius to the ground, while a third began throwing punches into his jaw.

Cederic and another tackled Paedyn, beating their fists into his forehead. He was caught by surprise at first and couldn’t get out of their grip. Paedyn rolled on the ground, trying to move his head out of their reach. After several attempts, he twisted himself to where he could slam his elbow into the first opponent. With a little extra room, he twisted and slipped out of Cederic’s grasp. Paedyn crouched, then swept his leg into Cederic’s feet. Cederic collapsed to the ground. Paedyn unsheathed his rapier and slammed the hilt against Cederic’s forehead, then he did the same to his other opponent.

When Paedyn stood, he saw Devarius still on the ground—being held down by two opponents, while a third continued to pound a fist into his nose. Blood smeared his entire face, and even though he struggled against the two men, his strength was failing.

“You no-good dirt-colored—” the man punching Devarius snarled.

Paedyn slammed the side of his rapier against the side of the man’s temple. The man collapsed to the ground, a welt forming across his forehead. The two holding Devarius down staggered to their feet. Paedyn didn’t give them time to gather their focus. He slammed the hilt of his rapier into the skull of the one on his left, spun, then stabbed his rapier through the stomach of the second one. He hadn’t wanted to damage either of the men, but he ran out of time to save Devarius. Both men collapsed onto the ground. He rushed forward, smacking the hilt of his weapon against both of their temples several times until they were rendered unconscious.

When Paedyn got back to his feet, he noticed the practice field of dragomen had stopped practicing and all rushed toward him. He hoped they weren’t there to attack him as well. Paedyn dropped his rapier and backed away a few steps.

“What happened?” the trainer asked.

“These dragomen were upset they were prevented from using the wyvern oil while we determine if there are any side effects to being off of the substance. I believe, if I’m not mistaken, they were wrong. I believe they are being affected with withdrawals since they decided to try and murder us with their fists.”

“Bind them,” the trainer said.

“Who?” one of the dragomen said.

“The dragomen who dared attack the leader of the resistance.”

The dragomen retrieved rope and tied up the five rogue dragomen with their hands behind their back.

“Take them to isolation, a jail, cages, whatever we have to restrain them,” Paedyn said.

“What is to become of them?” the trainer asked.

“When Devarius recovers, he can decide,” Paedyn said.

The trainer nodded, then he motioned for his trainees to follow him.

Paedyn knelt by Devarius’ side as the dragomen departed. He ripped the front of his shirt off to clean off Devarius’ bloody face. Bruises were already beginning to form on both of his eyes and his cheeks. Cuts covered his forehead, cheeks, and his lips.

“Devarius, are you all right?” Paedyn asked.

Devarius panted heavily. “I’ve actually had better days.”

“Come on, let’s get you an ale. It’s on me.” Paedyn helped Devarius to his feet, put his arm around his neck, and led him toward the center of the village.