This book is dedicated to Marcia Cooper, who is my companion, best friend, and my life partner.

In addition, my two canine companions, Pumpkin and Shiloh, who are always near for an ear scratch, a tummy rub, and whose soulful eyes tell me so much.

Also, in Memory of Bear, a canine companion of so many years, she taught me so much. Now I have a Bear-sized hole in my heart.

Acknowledgements

Catharine Szlembarski:

I want to express my profound thanks for her tireless help! Her assistance, support, encouragement; and proficiency in English grammar, punctuation, and editing skills, for this story made it what it is. Without her skills, this book would never have been published.

Introduction

A global war and the following geographic cataclysms have killed millions of people. It appears that these extinction level events will wipe out all life on the planet Earth.

One great scientist’s foresight may prevent humanity from going extinct like the dinosaurs. His invention of suspended animation stasis chambers are the last hope of humankind.

Ten thousand years pass, then the last great scientist awakes to find a new world.

Dragons suddenly appear, wielding powerful magic. Is humanity doomed to extinction after all? Find the answer to this question in this spellbinding prequel story of The Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi series.

One

Deep underground in Shelter City One, the master computer awoke, as it had every one hundred years for the past ten millennia, to check the atmospheric conditions. This day was different. Various sensors signalled clean air, pure water, temperatures within normal ranges; so several functions were started at the same time. The Master Computer began to fully power-up; lights, dimmed for ten thousand years, began to glow; a rocket streaked skyward to place satellites into orbit; and the stasis capsule of the last great scientist, Robert Manning, began its wake-up procedure.

When the capsule door hissed and opened, Robert stepped out and looked around, wondering what had gone wrong. He sat down at the computer console and reviewed the many screens until he came to the one that displayed the date.

“Impossible,” he thought, “it couldn’t be that ten thousand years have elapsed since I entered the stasis capsule!” It seemed to him that just a moment had passed.

As he watched, one screen told him the rocket launch had been successful and the satellite deployment had been completed.

Video feeds were coming online from each satellite. He could not believe his eyes. Where there were once large continents only islands and oceans remained. He groaned and looked at the screen that displayed the status of the other nine shelter cities.

Each of the other shelter cities appeared to be functioning and intact, but he noticed that several were now below the surface of great oceans.

His hand moved to the computer keyboard but stopped in mid-motion. “No,” he thought, “I can’t wake any of the other Shelter City operators until I make sure it is safe.”

He scanned the screen that showed atmospheric conditions and breathed a sigh of relief. The air was clean and contained no harmful radiation or deadly material.

Leaning back in his chair, he again looked at what was now his world, displayed from the satellite video feeds. Sensors showed no human life anywhere on the surface of the planet. Millions of people had died in the great final war of humanity and the obvious global disasters that followed. Those in the stasis chambers in each of the shelter cities were all that remained of humankind.

He groaned and, closing his eyes, began to weep. “They really did it,” he thought, “those egotistical politicking idiots destroyed everything.”

Suddenly alarms began to go off and the sensors showed something approaching the Shelter City. The computer snapped on the outside cameras. From the various displays, he could see tiny dots coming towards the city, not on the ground but in the air.

As he continued to watch, the dots grew larger and he could not believe what he was seeing. Five large flying Dragons were approaching the Shelter City. They circled and landed near the airlock door.

As he continued to watch, the Dragons appeared to be looking into the camera. He knew that it could not be detected from outside. Then, in the blink of an eye, the Dragons transformed into human form. They appeared to be three men and two women each in a different colored robe; all had golden hair.

Suddenly the man in the gold colored robe waved, and he heard a voice in his mind. “Come out, Robert Manning, we mean you no harm. We urgently need to talk to you,” it said.

Surprised, Robert quickly got up and walked to the airlock door, opened and closed the inner door, then opened the outer door. He asked inquisitively, “Who and what are you people?”

The man in the gold robe approached and responded, “We are the Elemental Dragons of the Creator of this world, created at the beginning, millions of years before humanity. My name is Spirit.”

Pointing to each of the others, he continued, “The one in brown is Earth; the one in blue is Air; the one in red is Fire; and the one in green is Water.

“I can see that you think this is a dream, but let me assure you it is not. We have watched over this world and all that is in it. When humanity was created we did not interfere, which was a big mistake. We sent our children later to assist some people. Unfortunately, others hated and hunted our children, even though we bestowed great gifts on them and protected them.

“We eventually withdrew from this world, waiting for humanity to come to their senses. Alas, things got so bad that they almost destroyed this world and everything on it. You and those who sleep in the Shelter Cities are all that remain of humanity.

“We come today to offer you a new beginning. We will do what we didn’t do before, at the time of creation of humanity.”

Robert considered this revelation. He wondered just how to accomplish this. “Yes, we cannot let what happened before happen again. What do you propose and what can I do to help with your plan?”

Spirit smiled. “You are a wise man. You will be the leader of your people. For this plan to work, there are several things we’ll do.

“First, we’ll bestow our blessings on you and, later, on those you appoint.

“Second, we will send you companions, children of each Element, to guide you.

“Third, we’ll build you a city for your protection. There are now dangerous mutations of creatures living on this world.

“Fourth, we’ll need to hide the entrance to the Shelter City, so that only you or those you trust will be able to enter.

“Humanity must never again develop the dangerous technologies that almost destroyed this world. Magic will be your technology and we’ll train you in its use.

“We are aware there will be some who prefer the evil side; humanity after all is not perfect. The use of magic should minimize the chances of weapons of mass destruction being reinvented. Do you agree to this?”

“Yes, I accept your generous help and will follow your instructions,” Robert replied.

Spirit then put his hands on the scientist’s shoulders and said, “Receive the blessing of Spirit.” A golden glow surrounded Robert.

Each of the other Elemental Dragons did the same in turn. Then Spirit waved his hand and a golden cup appeared; he gave it to Robert and said, “Drink from the cup of forevermore and receive immortality.”

As Robert drank, he briefly felt like he was on fire. He wondered what would happen next.

Two

Spirit surveyed the surrounding area. “It’s time we begin to construct the first city of this new beginning. Since this will be the capital city, I’ve an idea of a simple but graceful design.” With that said, he projected an image into Robert’s mind.

Robert was awestruck by the image that he was now seeing in his mind. “I’ve never seen anything like it before. How will you be able to accomplish such a thing?”

Spirit smiled, “It will be very quick.” He then motioned to Robert to join him. “Come, join our circle, we’ll begin.” Robert rushed to join the circle formed by Elemental Dragons.

“Everyone join hands and we’ll begin this project!” Spirit exclaimed.

As they joined hands, Robert saw a shimmering bubble surround them, and they floated upward. While he watched, a mist began to blanket the ground, and then he heard a sound like the rumble of thunder and saw flashes of light. To his amazement, gigantic walls rose from the earth to enclose a huge square area.

“Your city will be three miles square. That should be ample room to house future population expansion. Now, we will add buildings and an inner sanctum,” Spirit explained telepathically.

Robert still could not believe his eyes, as he watched each building suddenly appear. In a matter of minutes, the city was complete. There were even several gardens and fountains streaming water.

As they floated down and touched the ground, the bubble disappeared. Robert commented, “This is truly marvelous. I still can’t believe my eyes.”

Spirit smiled, “Come, I will show you the details of what we just created.” He led Robert around the city, explaining the purpose for each of the buildings. Near the Northern Gate, a large square contained many booths. Spirit, noting the question in Robert’s mind, commented, “A market for your merchants to sell their goods.”
Robert walked over to the Northern Gate. He examined it and the smooth walls. “I don’t believe how smooth the walls are. They are like glass.”

Spirit nodded and explained, “Yes, they are made so that nothing will be able to climb them. Even a Web Runner could not climb these walls.”

Robert frowned, “What is a Web Runner? Is it some kind of spider?”

Spirit noted Robert’s confusion. “Yes, it is like a spider, but quite large and extremely poisonous. There are many species of both animals and plants that you will need to know about. Some even have developed intellects. Even in the great oceans, there are hostile life-forms. You and your people will be thoroughly taught on all this and more.”

Robert commented, “I’d guess there are many things that I and my people will need instruction for.”

Spirit chuckled, “Yes, that is true.” He pointed to a group of buildings. “Let’s go and take a look at those buildings. I’m sure you will be fascinated by them.”

Robert nodded. “What are they for?”

Spirit explained, “They are merchant workshops. In addition, you will note the large warehouses. You have plenty of room for storage of raw materials and finished products. Let’s visit a few workshops so you’ll be able to see how they have been constructed.”

Robert pointed and asked, “Let’s look in that one first. It has a pair of crossed swords on the sign.”

Spirit smiled, “That will be a sword maker’s shop.”

They entered and looked around. Spirit explained, “Each shop has been stocked with raw materials and finished products to get the new owners started. Also, you will find the warehouses are filled.”

Robert excitedly said, “This is astonishing! You have created a wonderful city! Thanks to your kindness, we should be able make a fine start in this new world.”

He reflected on all the wonders of the city and what the reaction would be of those who were yet to be awakened.

Three

Several hours later, after an extensive tour of the new city, Robert and the Elemental Dragons returned to the center of the city. The inner walls surrounded a complex of buildings. Spirit explained the purpose of each building as they wandered to the center where a large garden stood with a small building in the center of it.

Spirit pointed to the building, “There is your new home. Notice that it cleverly disguises the entrance to the Shelter City.”

They continued through the garden and into the building. Robert was amazed at how roomy the interior of the building was. He searched through each room but could not find any sign of a door that led to the Shelter City.

With a puzzled look on his face, he asked, “Where is the entrance to the Shelter City? I’ve looked everywhere in this building and I don’t see any entrance. It should be behind this building, but if it’s there, I don’t see it.”

Spirit laughed loudly, “It is very well disguised, is it not? Look closely at the wall in the rear of the building.”

Robert examined the wall but could find no clue that would tell him where the entrance was. The wall was covered with raised images of various animals. In the very center was a golden circle with the five Elemental Dragons on it. “I give up! It should be here, but I don’t see any hint that there is a door.”

Spirit smiled and nodded, “Place your hand on our image and concentrate with your mind on opening the entrance.”

Robert followed Spirit’s instructions. As he concentrated, he heard a click, and the wall slid aside to reveal the airlock door to the Shelter City. “Now, that is a clever piece of engineering! I suppose you want me to start waking people up; but if they come out here, they’ll know where the entrance is.”

Spirit shook his head. “No, we’ll wait awhile to wake them. First, as I promised you, ten of our children are on the way here; a male and female of each Element. They will be the Dragon Council and will serve as your advisors. They will also provide you with training in your new abilities and more information about this world. We’ll meet with them and discuss the best way to proceed with the awakening of your people.”

Four

Several hours later, they decided the children of the Elemental Dragons would transport the people left in the Shelter City, still sleeping, to the courtyard near the Market Square, beginning at sunrise the following day. As the people were transported, their minds would be scanned for knowledge of dangerous technologies. The minds of any found to possess such knowledge would have their minds altered to erase those dangerous memories. In addition, a bright yellow sash would be placed around the waists of those whose minds showed that they had potential talent for magic.

When the transport was complete, Robert stood on a raised platform and looked over the crowd of people, still in stasis, standing before him. Nodding to the Elemental Dragons, he commented, “I guess we are as ready as we ever will be.”

Spirit smiled and joined hands with the other Elemental Dragons, lifted his head and cried, “So I say, so mote it be! Awaken!”

With those words, the crowds of sleeping people were suddenly awakened. People looked around in silence at first, but soon were all talking at once. All were asking questions, but none of them had answers.

As the noise of the crowd increased, Robert raised his arms. His voice boomed over the crowd. “May I have your attention, please?”

Suddenly the noise of the crowd was silenced and all eyes were focused on him.

Now that he had the crowd’s attention, he continued, “My colleagues and friends, I am Robert Manning. I’m sure you remember me, and the project that brought us all together. First, I want assure you that you are safe and the stasis procedure worked without any problems. We have escaped the ravages of a terrible war and massive geographic cataclysms that followed it. Many millions of people were not so lucky and perished. For more than ten thousand years, we have slept in safety waiting for the world to be regenerated. Now we may build a new way of life, one without the terrible technologies that brought us to the verge of extinction.”

He paused, knowing that it was going to take some time for people to get used to all this new information. “I’m sure that you will have many questions, as do I, and I’ll have answers for you. However, please hold off until we can get you settled in your new homes.

“The city, in which you now stand, has been provided by the generosity of the Great Elemental Dragons. Also, thanks to their generosity, it is fully stocked with everything that we need to get started with our lives in this new world.

“In the coming days, it will be up to you to choose the role you will play. We’ll have need of a wide variety of professions.

“The name of our city is The City of the Magi. It is the Capital City of the World and the seat of the World Government. It will also be the central focus of culture and education.

“Those of you with a yellow sash around your waist, please come forward. You have been selected to be the first students of the Academy of the Magi.

“Also, I need James McDermott to come forward. He has been selected by the Council of Dragons to be the first Governor of our Island Continent.”

He paused a moment, “Everyone else, you will be led by a couple dressed in colored robes, to your temporary quarters at one of the Inns. Thank you for your attention.”

Robert watched as people began to move and follow the children of the Elemental Dragons. When the square cleared, he pointed at the five Great Elemental Dragons; and addressed those who remained, “Candidates for the Magi Academy, please follow them.”

A few minutes later, everyone had left the square except James and Robert. “Congratulations, Jim!”

James eyed Robert dubiously, frowned, and asked, “Why me, Bob? What do I know about being a Governor of this new order of yours?”

Robert laughed, slapped James on the back, and replied, “Your administrative abilities, while being the manager of the “Space Sleep Project”, will serve you well here. I’m confident you will have no difficulties. I need someone like you for this job. I’m not saying that it will be easy; after all, we’re starting from scratch. We have a unique opportunity to build a culture that will not blow itself up and everything with it. The mistakes of the past have long turned to dust.”

Jim shook his head solemnly, “I’m still having trouble dealing with the fact that ten millennia have passed and millions of people are gone. In addition, you say that there have been geographic cataclysms. Just how bad is it?”

Robert nodded. “Let me show your office and new home, then I’ll show you what the world looks like now.” He pointed across the open square to a building in the northeast corner of the city. “That is your office. Behind it is your new home.”

James’ jaw dropped as he surveyed the office and home. “You have got to be kidding me, Bob. They are fantastic, beautifully designed, and so large. Are you sure that I’m going to need all that room? I hope I don’t get lost in there!”

Robert laughed, “Wait until you see the inside, Jim! There is one thing I’m really concerned about, though, and I’m going to need your help to quickly find a solution.”

James noted Robert’s rapid change to a serious mood. “What’s the problem?”

As they walked over to the Governor’s Office, Robert explained, “The Great Elemental Dragons have advised me that there are some life-forms that are very dangerous. They are mutations and apparently quite large, which is why there are large protective walls around the city. I need you to select some people to serve as guards at the gates. Until we know what we are dealing with, I don’t want anyone wandering off outside the city. We have to select someone to head up the security of the city and make sure that guards are properly trained in the use of the weapons we will be using. Firearms are banned and will not be available. Swords, spears, bows and, as a concession, crossbows are the only weapons available to us.”

James thoughtfully nodded. “It just happens I know a man who will fit the job perfectly. He is highly skilled in martial arts and medieval weapons. He was Chief of Security at NASA and joined our group. You probably remember him, Ron Meckler. A giant of a man, soft-spoken, but looks strong enough to tear you apart with his bare hands.” He shuddered, “I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.” He thought for a moment then continued, “As for selecting guards, why don’t we have a draft of men to serve the city in that role? It would also serve as a way to introduce people to our new weapons.”

Robert smiled and exclaimed, “That’s an excellent suggestion! I know Ron can handle the job without any problem. I’ll leave it to you to implement the draft and get Ron up to speed.” He concentrated a moment then commented, “From the information I just received, you’ll find Ron and his wife at the Lazy Boar Inn. You can’t miss it, it’s right across from the Market Square. They can move into the house right next to yours.”

Robert paused as they entered the new office that would be occupied by James. He raised his arm, and immediately a mist formed with an image of the earth slowly spinning. He heard James take a sharp intake of breath as he saw what the earth looked like now.

James stood dumbfounded for a moment, and then croaked, “Oh my God! I can’t believe what I’m seeing. How could this have happened? How did you do that? Is this really what the world looks like now?”

Robert solemnly nodded, “I believe I mentioned that after the war there were geographic cataclysms that have changed the world as we knew it. What you are seeing is what I saw from the satellites that are in orbit. I am using our new technology, magic, to project this image. I think you’d better sit down before you fall down. You look kind of shaky.”

James abruptly sat in a nearby chair, “Ten thousand years, and now this! It’s hard to grasp it all at one time. This is no joke, is it? This is real?”

Robert again nodded. “I’m afraid this is very real. However, we have an opportunity to begin over and do things the right way. It won’t be easy, but we have the Great Elemental Dragons to help us this time.”

James shrugged, “I meant to ask you, Dragons? Are you saying that those people in the robes are fire-breathing Dragons?”

Robert laughed, “I wondered when someone would ask about that. Yes, they are real Dragons. I’m not sure if they can breathe fire or not. They do have the ability to shift into human form. In addition, they are the Elemental Dragons placed here by the Great God to watch over our planet. I find out more information about them every day.”

James looked dubiously at Robert. “It’s hard to believe, but so are many things today.”

At that moment one of the children of the Elemental Dragons appeared. “My Lord, First Seer; my father, Spirit, asks that you come to the Magi Academy to address the students.”

Robert nodded his acknowledgment. “Jim, I’ve got to go, but I’ll check back with you about sunset.” He raised his arm and the image of the Earth disappeared. Then he concentrated and disappeared from sight.

Five

Robert appeared in the Magi Academy and quickly walked up to Spirit. “I’m getting the hang of using magic to move around. It sure beats a lot of walking!”

Spirit smiled, “I’m pleased to see you are practicing your instructions. You’ll find that it will come as second nature to you as you progress. The reason I summoned you here was to reassure the students and perhaps answer some of their questions. They appear to be a bit unsure of what is expected of them. I’m sure you can put their minds at ease.”

Robert nodded approvingly, then walked to the front of the room and stepped up on the platform. He raised his hands and his voice boomed out over those present. “Welcome, Students of the Magi Academy! Please take your seats, and I’ll try to explain what is going on and perhaps answer some of your questions.” The people immediately found their seats.

Robert continued, “I know that you may find all of this a bit confusing. Please bear with me a moment.

“First, you have been selected because you have latent, powerful, magical powers.

“Second, our old technologies have been banned. They will be replaced with magic. Before you ask, yes, there is nothing that cannot be done with magic that was previously done by our former technologies.

“Third, the Great Elemental Dragons and their children will be our teachers. You have a unique opportunity to be in the forefront of this.

“Fourth, this is not mandatory. You have the right to say “No, I”m not interested’ and walk away. However, I hope that you accept the selection and thereby contribute to our new world.

“The people in the robes are called Elemental Dragons and will give you a detailed interview, answer your questions, and plan your course of study.

“I will be available to talk to you individually, now and in the future, if you feel the need. Thank you for your attention.”

Robert quickly walked to the rear of the room and took a seat in one of the alcoves.

Six

Later that day, after sunset, an exhausted Robert met with James and Ron in the Governor’s Office. As he entered, he greeted them, “Greetings, Lord High Governor and Lord High Marshall. I see you gentlemen have been busy and are getting settled in your new jobs.”

James and Ron both frowned. James rose and said, “Those are some pretty fancy titles you’re handing out.”

Robert snapped back, “They go with the job, you might as well get used to them.” He looked Ron up and down. “I see that you are dressed for the job. The mail outfit and the sword suit you.”

Ron laughed, “One of the children of the Elemental Dragons helped me in picking them out and outfitting our troops. It’ll take a bit getting used to, but I think we’re going to do okay. I’ve got guards assigned to each gate and a few walking the battlements.”

Robert nodded approvingly. “Well, let’s take a walk around and see how things look. I want to make sure that nobody wanders outside of the city until we know what’s out there and can provide for their safety.”

Ron solemnly agreed. “I received a briefing and I agree with you. There are some dangerous creatures out there. The unprepared would end up as a meal for one.”

Robert suggested, “Let’s go up on the battlements, which would give us a good view of everything.”

As they climbed the steps to the battlements, James exclaimed, “Look at that, the city’s lighting up.”

Robert nodded, “Yes, the Elemental Dragons explained it to me. There are devices all around the city that look like torches, which will light at sunset and extinguish at sunrise. They are also in all homes, shops, and buildings. Those can be turned on and off with a simple touch of a plate on the body of each light.”

Ron commented, “I must say that I’m impressed with the design of the city and the buildings. They are simple but functional.”

As they walked along, Robert noted with approval the guards at the gates and those walking on the battlements. “You did a fine job, Ron.”

Ron responded, “Well, it’s a beginning.”

Robert smiled grimly, looking over the walls to the forest outside the city, “Yes, and a new beginning for us all.”

Not “The End”!
To be continued!

About the Author

Frank A Herda

Frank retired from the Department of Defense after 33 years of service as an employee of the Federal Government. He is also a veteran of the US Army, having served in Viet Nam as a combat infantryman. His medals for valor include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

He is an avid reader of Science Fiction/Fantasy. He began reading in this genre at a very early age. He continues to enjoy these books even after so many years. He reads at least an hour a day.

His hobbies include coin and stamp collecting, archeology, animal rights advocacy, environmental concerns, and online MMOG games. His favorite on-limes games include World of Warcraft, and EverQuest.

He currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio.