Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One) by E.W. SALOKA Page A

around and lightning flew down. The bolts were sharp and jagged as they struck at the dragon. He dropped Thomas who landed in the bushes with a loud thud. The great beast kept whipping his tail and fires spewed forth.
    Thomas got up and shakily made his way over to Faazen. “What happened? I was sleeping and then there was a loud crash, and this foul creature carried me off.”
    “Yes I know, go in now and I will finish this!”
    Rore was unable to take flight as sharp bolts hit him. Every move he made shocked his body and left him paralyzed and pinned down. Faazen held him there.
    “I am letting you go now Rore, go back to Rianor and give him this message. Next time it will be just him and I. “Now leave!” With that the winds died down as the lightning disappeared. Rore quickly flew back to Windsword.
    The wizard folded his arms then looked heavenward. “Oh Wise Souls thank you!” Faazen then went inside; Thomas was at his side immediately firing ten questions at once. “Calm down Thomas, I understand of course you are upset.” Thomas was pacing back and forth, thankfully Zach slept through everything.
    Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead and he mopped at it with his pajama sleeve. What was that and why was it after me?”
    Faazen spoke quietly. “It is just more of Rianor’s scare tactics. I had Rore under control.”
    “Didn’t look like it to me Faazen, he seemed quite the monster. You weren’t trapped in his claws. Its a whole different experience when you are suspended in mid-air!” Thomas’s voice took on a noticeable crescendo.
    “Yes I’m sure old Rore could be fearsome.” Faazen had a serious look.
    “Could be, and is fearsome! I could use a stiff drink. What do you have for me?”
    “I have something you may like.” Faazen went to a low wooden cabinet and behind a small door, a tray slid out. On the tray were two crystal goblets. Faazen passed his hand over them and they became filled with a rich vintage cognac.
    “Now you’re talking my language.” Thomas patted him on the back and then said goodnight.
    Faazen thought it best to stay awake for a while, and retire to the Inner Sanctum. Once there he would enter his chamber and have a wisdom sleep. Tomorrow he would feel rested, refreshed, and filled with the wisdom of the ages. Much was given to him, and with that responsibility, much was required.
    In his room, Thomas sat on the side of the bed trying to piece together the chain of events that led to the attack by the crazed dragon. After letting the cognac warm his bruised body, he got into bed and finally fell asleep.
    Colby Shaw made his way down the road. He was walking slowly and sort of sauntering back and forth, weaving to one side then the other. He had one too many stout ales and he was singing merrily, loud, and especially off-key. Arriving at the Domino farm, he walked over to what he thought was Andi’s window. Picking up a few small stones, he gently threw one then the other hoping to get her attention. Maybe the girl would come down and meet him here in the moonlight. In his mind’s eye, it seemed quite romantic. A few minutes later, someone did come to the window, but it was not Andi.
    “What is going on down there?” Dredd looked angrily at him. “Decent people are sleeping at this hour. Go home, you’re drunk Shaw!”
    Colby apologized profusely, “I am sorry Dredd, I was hoping to see your fair sister.”
    “Well she doesn’t want to see you, I’m sure she is asleep. Don’t let her catch you on our property at night, she might never speak to you again! Up to you, but I would leave.”
    Colby hung his head down sheepishly. “Yes, yes, you’re right I’ll go now. Sorry,” he said slurring his speech.
    Dredd shook his head, closed the window and fell back into bed, muttering under his breath.
    Colby made his way back to his room at Weller’s Tavern . He agreed he did have a few too many drinks tonight, and showing up at the Domino Farm wasn’t his best