Where the Skylarks Fly

There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. For generations they had threatened our skies but had been driven away by the Skylarks. Until the day they weren’t.

On that day when everything changed I was in my hammock. The gentle swaying of the galleon was lulling me into the fringes of sleep, until Dill shook me out of it.

“They’re coming, Kayt! They’re here.” I swung my legs over the side and yawned. He pushed away a dark curl of hair from his youthful face which was wide-eyed with excitement. “The beacon, it’s lit! they’re here, come on!” Fog still clouded my brain, it took me a moment for it all to click together. They were here. This was it. It was happening. Years of training for this very moment. I dropped from my hammock then followed Dill’s hunched figure up the stairs.

Up on the deck the wind sent chills across my skin. The crew were all over the place, darting to their stations and shouting to each other. Some raced below deck to ready the nines and the nets, others climbed the shrouds. I spotted Dill up on the fore.

When I joined him and peered over the edge of the ship I felt a familiar lurch in my stomach.

I looked north to the Gate and there was a huge plume of flame billowing a trail of red smoke. Beyond that, there was nothing but the green of the forest which steadily rose up either side, giving way to the cool grey of the mountain rock.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Dill said.

I glanced at him and furrowed my brow. “How can you be excited at a moment like this?” I said. The unease in my gut refused to go away. I told myself it was just the height and anticipation.

“How can you not? Finally we’re gonna see them. And we’re gonna fight them. This is what we’ve been trainin’ for. We’ll be actual Skylarks at last!”

“I really worry about you sometimes.”

He clapped me on the shoulder, “and that’s why I don’t. I’ve got you watching my back.” He laughed. “Come on, we need to get geared up.”

*

The suit was easy enough to get on. The grey jumpsuits laced up easily, while plates of salvaged dragon scale were fastened with buckles to the chest, back, arms and legs to still allow for mobility. The last buckle stuck, despite my repeated tugs.

No matter what. Just remember to breathe, Kayt.

My father’s words ran through my mind. I took a deep breath, and the buckle finally threaded. That was supposed to be the easy part. It was the wings that were tricky. They needed a partner to clip them to the shoulders and forearms.

Having finished fitting mine Dill said, “Hey, look at me.” he put both hands either side of my head and brought his forehead in to meet mine. I looked him straight in his naïve green eyes. “We’re gonna be fine Kayt. It’s just like any other dive.”

“Only this time we’re up against things that will fight back.”

“And when have we ever lost?”

“Never.” I said. And that was what scared me. He pressed his forehead into mine gently then backed away. He came back a moment later with a helmet. It felt heavier than I remembered. I checked slit across the eyes for the mesh underneath. Good, I’d be able to see. Dill slid two arm-length blades into his hip holsters, and a pistol across his abdomen.

“How do I look?” He said and twirled around.

“Like you’re ready.” I said. I holstered my own weapons. “Let’s go meet the others on deck.”

Above deck was much quieter, but the chaos had been replaced not with an air of the serene but tension instead. Every sailor was at his post, be it gun, watch, galley or sail. I looked back a the helm, and beside third officer Merne was Captain Blayne, stood tall with arms behind his back, unmoving. I tried to copy him as Dill and I fell in line with the rest of the team.

Commander Spears addressed us. He had his helmet in the crook of his arm. He struck a contrasting figure to captain Blayne, he was thinner and more angular. His dark hair which greyed at the temples was immaculate, just like his suit.

I clenched my fists to stop them shaking.

“Skylarks, listen up.” Spears boomed. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had an incursion.” he strode up and down the line, looking each of us up and down and his frown remained unchanged. “Which is far too damned long. We had a habit of turning them back. I thought they had gotten the message that the Valley was protected. That the valley was untouchable. It seems to me that they have forgotten that.

“Today, we are going to remind them of that. And we are going to make sure that that reminder is a particularly harsh one.” He paused a the Skylark next to me. “Tell me, Skylark Andersen. How will we remind them?”

“Harshly, sir!” Andersen barked back.

“Excellent.” He inhaled through his nose. “Breath in that cool air, Skylarks. It will give you strength. They may be large. But we are faster, and we are nimble and we have the greater numbers. By my count there are five of them. There are nine of us. The Behemoth is sending ‘Larks too, should we require them.”

I glanced outward; coming on the port flank, maybe a mile away, was the Behemoth; a huge hulking galleon with three towering sails just like the Leviathan. I felt the knot in my stomach loosen a little.

“This won’t be easy. It never has been. But if you remember your training and follow my lead this will be a swift victory.” Spears stepped past me and rounded on Dill. “Skylark Sykes. How do we face them?”

“Get in close, avoid the head and the tail. Approach from the sides and attack the base of the wings, the abdomen, or should it present itself, the neck, sir.” Dill said.

“Excellent.” Spears nodded. “Okay Skylarks, helmets on and form up, we are almost at the gate. Be ready to drop! Dismissed!” At that Spears headed for the helm and he rest of us headed to the foredeck where crew hands had the dive plank ready.

I could feel my heart thudding in my chest and the knot tightening again. I closed my eyes and took in a breath.

“You okay there, Callandra?” The husky voice was Whistler’s. His helmet did little to hide the bush of a beard creeping out underneath.

“It’s alright, her dad won’t let anything happen to her. She won’t even dive.” Allers said from across the deck.

“Oi, shut up.” Dill said. “We’re all on the same side here.” He turned to me and nodded. “Got your back,” he whispered to me.

“Well if she don’t make it back, her dad best not take it out on us.” Kyle chipped in.

“Just worry about yourself, Kyle.” I snapped. I wanted to add more but gritted my teeth instead.

“Easy there. Save it for them.” Dill whispered again. He put his hand on my shoulder. I could just about feel it through the suit. “Hey, Kayt,” he kept his voice low still, “ this might be a bit of a daft time, but I’ve been meaning to say something to you for—”

“WE GOT MOVEMENT!” came the shout from the crow’s nest. All of us leaned over the side for a look.

Beyond the Gate the five dragons were beating their wings, bringing up plumes of dust and mud. They rose into the air and darted for the Gate. As they reached it they rose up and over it. They flew in a V formation headed along the river.

I heard the captain shout and the Leviathan shuddered as the huge rudders on the hull angled themselves to move the ship. Across the sky, the Behemoth mirrored the movement.

“You know what, it can wait.” Dill said. He took his hand from my shoulder and instead gave my still-clenched fist a squeeze.

“One last thing, Skylarks.” Spears said, now wearing his helmet. “Watch for their fire. It’s more like burning oil than flame. Any gets on you, ditch the armour if you can. If you can’t. You know where the river is. Are you ready?”

“Yes sir!” We all called in unison.

He stood next to Kyle who was the first to dive. “I’m last to drop to make sure you all do. If you don’t, I’ll make sure you’ll wish you had.” He turned to Kyle. “Ready?” The Skylark vigorously shook his head. “Good.” He levelled his arm in front of Kyle. “You go when I raise my arm. Understand?” Another frantic nod.

The commander raised his hand. Kyle did nothing. “GO!” Spears bellowed and the Skylark took three lunging steps along the plank and then disappeared below. “GO! GO! GO!” Spears continued and one by one the Skylarks made their running dives. I watched as Dill went ahead of me as he spread his arms as he leapt and disappeared. Now it was my turn.

My legs wouldn’t move. I couldn’t feel them. My chest tightened. My heart pounded against my ribs.

“Callandra! GO! NOW!” I could hear Spears, but his voice was distant and muffled. I could see him stepping towards me. Gods, no. Come on Kayt. Move. MOVE! He was no more than a step away.

Breathe, Kayt. You can do this.

I heard my father’s voice in my head and the feeling in my legs rushed back. I barged past the commander. He stumbled back as I ate up the space along the deck, stepped onto the plank then jumped.

I closed my eyes as I was welcomed by the open air. I could breathe again. I felt myself smile. Then gravity wrapped itself around me and started to pull.

I opened my eyes and as the ground raced up to meet em I could see the other Skylarks racing ahead of me, bearing down on the huge plain of green split by the thin strand of the river. The wind lapped and pawed at me to no avail.

In my palms were the pull cords. I jerked my wrists and there was a popping sound from my shoulders. I spread my arms as the pack on my shoulders unfurled into a pair of elliptical wings which caught the air. The dive curved upward as I began to rise instead. I looped around and spun as I got a feel for my wings.

A roar brought me back to my senses and a glanced to my right. The five dragons were now a lot closer than before. I banked that way to meet them head on and the rest of the Skylarks dropped into formation around me. To my left was Dill; I knew that form anywhere. He nodded at me and then turned back to face the winged beasts ahead.

In front, Spears raised both fists up and then pointed in opposite directions, at that the group split off into three; Dill and I were with the master chief. He raised his arms again to catch a drag and dropped back in between us.

“Alright you two,” I could only just hear him over the passing wind despite the tight formation. “That big silvery-looking breather in front of us is our target. We meet him head on, and when I duck down beneath it, you two flank.”

“Sir!” I shouted over the wind. My heart was racing again, but this was a rush. I had no doubt that Dill was feeling the same if not more so right now. The seconds rushed past like the wind and the dragon grew bigger and bigger; this one was easily twenty feet in length, but by their standards that was on the smaller side.

Spears dropped and a second later I banked to the right and arced round to hit the dragon from the side. As I bore down on its flank aiming for the neck, I was close enough to see the pattern of scales across its body. I ducked in my arms and drew my blades and drove forward.

A violent gust drove me down into a downward spiral and lost my grip on my left blade. I fought to straighten my arms and pointed my feet to regain control. I saw Dill correcting himself as Spears flew upwards in pursuit of the dragon. I beat my wings to thrust myself into a pursuit and risked a glance around. I saw Kyle’s team try the same move on another dragon and it corkscrewed; its tail wind sent each of them all into frantic spirals. Two of them managed to pull themselves out of it and saw the third—I wasn’t sure who it was—continued to spin faster and faster.

There was no way they were getting out of that.

Our dragon roared again as it turned in the air and dove. It passed Spears who managed a glancing blow on its midriff. The beast roared and veered off course. Dill was caught by one of its flailing wings.

Dill’s wing had snagged in its claw. He was being pulled along with it. I pulled my arms in and dove again, picking up speed as I raced down and after the beast. I could see Dill struggling in vain to reach his snagged wing. I wasn’t going to catch him. I screamed Dill’s name as if it would help.

Then I heard the bang. I looked up to see a green plume of smoke and sparks. Gods, no... not now! I couldn’t go back, not without Dill. But then the thought occurred to me that the Leviathan would be faster back to the Capital. I could catch up to him on the way!

I banked towards the galleon as fast as I could and came to a sudden skidding stop on the deck. I saw the commander with captain Blayne, the both of them looking behind me, and went straight to him.

“Dill, He was snagged by one of them. We have to help.” I told them.

“Dillion Sykes is the least of your worries right now, Kayt.” Blayne said gruffly. The old captain pointed behind me. I turned around and the feeling in my legs evaporated again.

It was like no other I’d ever seen before. Not even in any of the texts. There were legends of course, and stories we’d be told as children when we wouldn’t go to sleep. But it couldn’t be. It even from that distance its size was obvious. It’s deathly-grey scales shone glistened blue as they caught the light.

“It’s gotta be what… a hundred feet? It… it can’t be.” Spears said.

“At least.” Blayne said.

“All Skylarks on board sir,” called a hand. Blayne’s head turned swiftly as if sprung from a spell.

“Full speed to the Capital!” There was a chorus of aye sirs as the ship heaved with the sudden thrust. The Behemoth was already a fair way ahead of us. I couldn’t help but think of Dill, and what be happening to him.

“Hey Kayt,” it was Andersen, “where’s Dill?” All I could do was shake my head. She looked at me puzzled, “but they said all ‘Larks were on board?”

I took my helmet off. “Well he’s not.” Was all I could manage.

Everyone watched the growing shape of the dragon. Once we reached the city it surged past us and the push of its tailwind shook the whole ship. It circled the Citadel, lowered itself and dug its talons into the tower, grinding rock and stone as it found purchase. Great chunks fell away below. It lowered its head over a platform that protruded from the top of the tower.

As we got closer to the tower I could see figures peering up at the beast. Around them, the other dragons circled above. Amongst the crowd of people I saw my father.

“Father!” I yelled. I went to put on my helmet but Spears plucked it from my grasp.

“By the Gods what do you think you’re doing, Kayt?” He snapped.

“More than I can just standing here.” I looked around. “Who will help me?” I was met with shocked and sorrowful faces. Dill would have volunteered. But he wasn’t here. I couldn’t help him, but I could my father.

“Just calm down, Kayt, we will figure out a pl—” I didn’t let him finish. I leapt over the starboard side.

I dove straight down, cutting through the air between me and the Citadel then opened up my wings and caught the draught. It slowed me down enough to land right in between the group and the dragon’s head. I immediately drew my pistol and aimed for the its eye.

“Kayt?” My father said. “What are you doing?”

I pulled back the hammer on the pistol. One shot. That’s all I had to at least give them a chance to run.

“Kayt put the gun down.” My father’s voice sounded so calm. “Now.” He said. I turned to him, adorned in his immaculate uniform with its red sash. His bodyguards all stood in armour, their rifles and their swords by their sides. “Stand down, Kayt. That’s an order.”

“Yes, child.” Said a voice that rattled every bone in my body. “Do listen to your father.” Slowly, I looked up. The dragon cocked its head and one side of its mouth lifted as if it was… smiling? The gun clattered to the floor. “Thank you. Oh, and I do believe this might be a friend of yours.” A smaller dragon swooped toward the garden. The guards raised their rifles as it flung something—no, someone—onto the stone. Someone with wings.

“Dill!” I ran over to him and sank to my knees. I checked for a pulse and found one, thank the Gods.

“Consider that a token of good faith. Despite your provocations we come here in peace.” The dragon said.

“I see that,” father said as he glanced at us. “Then why is it you’re here?”

“I bring grave news. You thought you could hide in your mountains here. Alas, between your little rocks, you are uncovered. Cornered in your little valley as the world starts to fall around you.”

“And yet we live. Why?”

“I believe you know that already, human.”

Father rubbed at his chin. “They have awoken.”

“They have indeed.” the dragon’s lips peeled back to reveal a toothy grin, each one of them the size of me. “If we have found you. It is merely a matter of time before they do as well.” It leaned its head down until it was a mere metre from my father. He did not flinch. “Tell me, human, what do you know of the Immortal Giant?”