Destiny of Sapphire - Book One: The Baron and His Elf

Chapter 14 - Death Canyons

Death Canyons

The now light grey baby dragon was with them. A gift from Chessune as he had found them. Blake glanced at his new companion who was by now larger than a Golden Retriever. Even though he had never seen him eat, he seemed to be growing bigger every day. His scales molted off and each time, lighter in colour. As a ray of sunlight hit the scales, Blake found that they were not light grey, there was a hint of gold. Chessune never explained what rare meant; all she said was that the dragon needed a name, only Blake could name him since the dragon had taken to Blake.

“Alfhild, how do I name dragons?”

Alfhild thought for a while, “I have no idea, Sir Blake. I have never had a dragon before.”

“I only know how to name dogs, cats but not dragons. What’s that?” he pointed to the horizon as he saw a change; someone seemed to be there.

Alfhild turned towards the direction he had pointed, “I believe it is my brother, we are near Death Canyons.” At this, the still nameless dragon stopped and backed into the trees nearby.

“What’s wrong?” Blake stopped his horse and looked at the dragon who was trembling. “We have to pass through Death Canyons, I wish I can let you stay here but we have to find Sapphire. Will you please come?”

‘Scared.’

Blake and Alfhild froze, the dragon’s first word. Then Blake spoke gently, “I know, so am I. Please. The world needs Sapphire and I don’t want to leave you here. I’m not sure if this place is safe for you.”

‘Scared,’ the dragon dug his claws into the ground, still trembling.

“You need a name,” was Blake’s abrupt response. Alfhild frowned briefly at the change but it did relax the frightened dragon. “Something that I can call easily. Something that is catchy.”

“Catchy?” Alfhild asked.

“Yes, catchy. Easy to remember,” Blake tapped his chin with a finger, “Bert? No. Andy? No. Emer? No. Salvino. Salvino, yes, that’s it!”

‘Salvino?’

“Yes. Do you like it?” Blake grinned at him.

‘I like, thank you.’

“Let’s go, Sal, we have to save this world.”

The name changed the timid dragon to something else, it seemed that he looked braver although he still trembled but it was less violent than before. Alfhild smiled to herself as they continued their way towards Death Canyons.

Alfher greeted his sister warmly and stopped when Salvino looked at him warily. “Sal, this is Alfhild’s brother. Be nice.” Blake told him sternly. Salvino lowered his haunches but still ready to defend Blake if anything happened. Blake shook hands with the taller elf. “Alfhild mentioned that you are a traveller.”

“Yes, Sir Blake. I travel to see the lands and return to share with King Basil. The elves have been friends with the King for many years and my travels have enabled him to know the lands more. Agron is a huge place and I have yet to learn of places further from the seas.”

“It is good for King Basil to have such assistance, call me Blake. Your sister calls me that too,” Blake smiled warmly; he missed her calling him without a title. He saw her stiffened before relaxing again when her brother turned to her. He had not been able to clarify the issue with Kareema, she had not wanted to speak to him or respond to him at all.

After setting up camp for the night in a cave that Alfher had scouted for any dangers, Blake spoke more with him to understand more about Death Canyons. It was created many years ago when the river was still flowing through. It used to be safe to pass through until deaths occurred. Often, the deaths were so horrible that it was soon called the Death Canyons. Despite the dangers, there were still people passing through as it was the only route to get to the other side. This was also the only route to look and hopefully find Sapphire.