The Tale of Ragna

By Voldemars Adminis

A young Ragna travels to new lands in search of long lost cities. A land covered by mountains, grass covered plains and deep thick jungles. In his travels he discovers the places of Dark elves. Standing stones, long lost villages and a space craft. Ragna learns of how people populated the world of Danu. In his travels he finds a companion who loves the work he is doing, then loses her. Fighting slave traders and his own yearnings he travels and meets many strange people who guide him in his search to find his lost companion. With the help of dragons and many animals Ragna helps the natives defeat slavers and establishes a school.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Voldemars Adminis
• Release date: Oct 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781999056131

Voldemars Adminis

Worked as a commercial printer for most of my 60 plus years of life. Wrote poetry when I was young but never thought it was any good. I wrote a weekly newspaper column for three years. Was a Scout leader and love the outdoors and all animals. Have a group of deer that regularly visit my yard in the small town I live in. Now that I am retired have time to write down all the images and stories in my head. Never had faith in my writing till I met a very special girl, who convinced me to at least try. Now I enjoy getting my thoughts down that I am at it full time.

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The Tale of Ragna

Published by Voldemars Adminis

Copyright 2019-Walter J. Scott

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This book is licensed for your enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to others. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each additional recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

Mae dis y Dduwies bob amser yn cael eu llwytho

The dice of the Goddess are always loaded

This book is dedicated to the free spirit that is my muse.

The most precious Lina

Chapter One

The wind blew lightly through the porthole as the ship from Enles dropped its sails. Tan! Wake up! Time to get our gear together. We have arrived at Bozail, finally, said the tall dark skinned Ragna, as he packed his things into the canvas pack on the bed that been his for the last several days.

Tan leapt from his bed and looked out the porthole. Just smell the trees. The land. I was really beginning to wonder if we would ever get here.

Don't get to used to steady land under your feet. We still have a long way to go. It should be much calmer on the river. At least I hope it will, Ragna said as he chuckled.

Could it be worse than those two days through the storm? I thought we would have to swim here. A real problem for those of us who can't swim, Ragna.

Yes that does make it difficult, but you would learn quickly. You are a very clever student. Is that not why you are going to Abra Ringle's school.

I am going there to learn of the plants and people here. You know that very well. Abra Ringle has the best school for that, or so the Abra in Enles has said.

The ship tied up at the dock of Port Janio. Crew scurried around, preparing to unload cargo, as passengers gathered along the rail to leave the ship, plus view the green land and bustling town that lay before them. Many had come for business, unlike the two wide eyed young men. One who had come to seek adventure, one to learn at the school that lay far to the west in the high mountains. The dock was bustling with people hustling to and fro selling wares, buying or retrieving supplies that ships from all over the world brought. Other ships were loading to sail to ports in the north carrying the beans that made coffee.

After a few inquiries about booking passage to the west, the men found a place to stay till the next boat went west to the settlement of Ghan. There they would have to find someone to take them to the foot of the mountains from where they would have to walk to their destination. Ragna had travelled the mountains of his homeland many times, so he had more of an idea what they would need there. The younger Tan, who had never been far from the town he grew up in, looked up to his new friend and although they had only met on the ship, he trusted Ragna fully.

The next two days were spent wandering the bustling port and seeing people come and go by ship. Ragna spent time in a tavern or two trying to get information about what lay in the jungles here, but few had ventured far from the rivers so once Ragna left Tan at the school, he would be on his own as he looked for the hidden city he had learned of from a teacher back home. Ever since he had read Habert's writings Ragna had wanted to discover ancient places and travel. Since there were no new ruins left on Enles he came here to achieve his dream. He wondered if he would get more information at the school in the mountains.

The large flat boat was loaded with crates, as well as many people who were travelling to the coffee town of Ghan. Tan had learned that no one swam in the river water, as it hid some dangerous fish and animals. He had been told there was a fish further up stream, in the south fork of the river, that could eat a man in less time than it took to greet the goddess. Tan could not believe that such a fish existed but there was no point in taking a chance. Tan could barely swim anyway and though the big animals that inhabited the rivers could be seen, they had the advantage in the water. The one called a water pig, was said to be as big as a horse. Tan was told they would see many at the fork in the river, just before they got to the Ghan docks.

Ragna had read of these creatures and assured Tan that they were real. As were the many colourful birds that flew among the trees that lined the wide river. It took eight men to move the boats' two paddle wheels. Four men for each wheel that they turned. The men chanted rhythmic songs, in a strange language, to a beating drum, as they worked to keep in step with each other. The boat would turn circles if the wheels were not turning in unison. With no rudder this barge like boat used the wheels to manoeuvre, as was demonstrated as it moved away from the dock and started up river. The two men settled down at the bow for the trip, watching everything that passed. Occasionally the barge steered around a large rock but any logs that floated along were just pushed under the boat as it went over them.

Tan spent his time talking to some natives about getting to the school and discovered that because of recent leopard attacks on the mountain trail, no one would go that way. Some had tried to cross the river and use the other route into the mountains. The few that returned told of wild people that killed anyone who got close. After talking with Ragna, it was decided they would rather go past the big cats than tempt fate by challenging the natives across the river. At least they knew the cats only hunted for food. At least that is what they had learned from others. They had no experience with any large cats here and Ragna had only seen the gold mountain cats from a distance in his travels.

Once they were docked they found a place to spend the night. It was very close to a supply shop where they could get the tools they needed for the long trek they would undertake the next day. The extreme heat here was taking its toll as it was much more humid than they were used to, so they went to sleep early. Up before the sun climbed above the mountains, they were outfitted with the large knives for cutting through the dense overgrown trails and the short spears they hoped they wouldn't need, to fend off the leopard. Not one person would guide them, so they set off on their own, after getting a description of what the trail they should follow looked like. It seemed simple enough but they knew they would have to stay on guard once they entered the forest.

The road along the coffee fields was broad and heavily packed by the heavy wagons carrying the beans to the docks. The people picking beans paid no attention to two travellers. Occasionally one would glance at them or wave at them, but other than that they had a quiet walk. Tan had convinced Ragna to walk slower to conserve his strength in the humid heat. They could pick up the pace as they got higher into the mountains where it would be cooler. The sun was low in the east when Ragna noticed a hut or shelter of some sort several feet off the ground in a tree. They had been warned about making beds on the ground in the low lands. There were many night creatures that would enjoy their meat so they knew that sleeping on tree branches may be their only choice.

The tree shelter was better than a branch so using the rope that hung from the platform the men climbed up and had a cold meal before they bedded down for the night. Ragna decided it best to take turns watching for any danger so he took the first shift staying awake. The chatter of the birds was almost deafening during the night but it didn't keep the men from getting sleep, in fact it was soothing. In the morning they slid down the rope and continued their journey. They had not gone far when a deep roar froze them in their tracks. With spears at the ready they scanned the forest floor and saw nothing. The slight movement of a branch caught Tan's attention. There on a large branch, barely visible against the dark green leaves, was a black cat, with glowing yellow and green eyes. It looked as large as a horse but Tan knew it had to be an illusion. Ragna suggested slowly moving further up the trail, which they did. The cat watched them but never made a move towards them.

It was a long time before they relaxed any. Even then they took turns looking back often. Their paced slowed as the trail started to rise rapidly into the mountains. Loose stones made the pace agonizingly slow and since one side was straight down to the river hundreds of paces below, the men had to be very careful about how they stepped. They rounded a turn and there before them was a bridge that neither wanted to cross, but the trail ended on this side so there was no choice. After some discussion it was decided since Tan was lighter he would cross first. He slowly and carefully stepped on the centre rope as he held the side ropes. The strings that held the ropes in place did not look strong but they held. He was shaking as he crossed the half way mark made the rope bridge swing so much, that Ragna had to yell at him to stop and relax a little. Tan bantered back with many foul words, but finally settled down and carried on across.

Ragna crossed with very little trouble although when he looked down at the river so far below him, he thought for sure there had to be a better way to cross here then three ropes. Once across Ragna quickly found a place to rest before they continued. This far into the mountains he was sure they did not have to worry about danger from anything but the weather. Tan was still shaken a bit anytime the bridge was mentioned. Ragna suspected he had a fear of high places. Tan would not admit it, but all his actions said he did. At least the worst of the trip was now over as the trail went away from the river. The school could not be more than a day's walk up the slope, so Ragna suggested they make camp and rest till morning. There was a spot a few steps from the bridge that seemed to have been used before, as there was a fire pit there and some wood already cut and stacked nearby.

I guess some folks think ahead, unlike us, chuckled Tan.

Yes. It seems once I get you to the school I will have to make more plans for my journey to find the city of Dor if it exists at all, Ragna stated.

I will start the fire if you prepare the meal, Ragna, said Tan as he piled some wood into the pit.

Just don't start a big one. The coals will do the work, replied Ragna as he unpacked food and utensils. With luck this will be our last meal on the trail, before we reach the school.

With a small fire lit and birds singing all around them they commented on the beauty of this wild place. Occasionally a roar was heard in the distance and caught their attention. They never saw or heard any large animal close, but they would stay alert and take turns keeping watch. The men had no idea how close danger was. They did not see all the eyes watching them from the cover of the forest that surrounded them, as they had their meal and lay back to relax. Ragna found leaves and a branch to clean the pot he had used, since there was no water nearby. Tan took the first watch as Ragna slept, although Tan was sure it wasn't necessary to keep watch here.

Animals chattered to themselves or their tribes all night but Tan was getting used to the constant noises of this place and most sounded a long way off. He found it amazing how well the sounds carried through all the dense brush and trees around them. He thought he heard familiar birds but was sure they all sounded like that. In all his time here he had not seen one that looked familiar. Here they were all so colourful, were as back on Enles they were plainer in colouring, except in the mountains, or so he had been told by Ragna.

It was still dark as Ragna woke Tan and suggested they start the last stretch of their trip. The sky started to get lighter as they climbed up the stairs that had been hewn into the mountain side. Tan thought it was for travellers to make the climb easier, but Ragna said, As worn as they are, I am sure they have been here for much longer than the school.

So this land has a history much further back than even the native people know? Is that what that means? asked Tan

I think so yes. I have heard that before the so called dark time these lands were populated by many peoples and since it is said that Bozail survived better than any other place on Danu, I am sure there are much older places to find and learn about. You will learn more at the school, I am sure, Ragna stated thoughtfully.

I look forward to that as long as it does not keep me from learning about the plants. If I can find more plants and grow them elsewhere so all people can benefit from them, I will be very happy. I am sure there is much more here than just the coffee everyone drinks, Tan said as he looked ahead and added, How far do these stairs go? Seems like we have been on them for a very long time already.

There must be an end to them. We are near the top. You can see the flat spot from here. You need a rest Tan, we can stop here for a while if it is too much for your weak little legs, Ragna said as he smiled and giggled slightly.

Tan glared at him and with a sarcastic tone said, I am as strong or stronger than you old man.

Ragna laughed as he sped up to keep close to Tan who was almost running up the stairway. Suddenly Tan stopped and Ragna looked past him to see a large stone structure that rose before them. A solid wall of grey stone rose from the ground only a few paces from the top of the stairs. Ragna was not sure why he had an apprehensive feeling abut the place but he had. There was no other person to be seen or heard.

This does not look like a school. Where are all the people? Let us look around but be careful Tan. I do not like the feel of this place, Ragna said as he walked around the large structure in an effort to find an entrance.

I have a bad feeling about this place too. I will check that small building over there Ragna. It does not look like a stable, said Tan.

The small door on one side of the building was either locked or rusted shut. As hard as Ragna tried he could not force it open, so there was no way in. No sounds came from within. The area around the building showed no signs of activity. The stones in the building's walls looked huge and Ragna could only wonder how anyone had transported and placed such large stones to build it. After a couple of trips around it, he gave up and went over to where Tan seemed to be doing as he had around the smaller brick building.

You find anything here? The big one has a door but I could not open it. There are no other openings visible. I have no idea what it could be, Ragna stated as he walked up to where Tan was looking at what seemed to be a brick door.

This is most curious. There seems to be a house here, yet it is all brick and although there is a door and windows, they are bricked up. There is no handle on the door either. Boost me to the roof. I want to see if it is the same, Tan said.

Ragna interlocked his fingers as he made a step for Tan's foot. Holding the younger man Ragna waited for him to either climb up or step down but all he heard was Tan making a hmm noise. After a time Ragna impatiently asked, Well what do you see?

Quickly jumping down Tan looked apologetically at Ragna as he said, Sorry. Just that there is no roof and everything inside is made of brick. There is a body of a large man or at least that is what it looks like. He was made of what looks like brick too. This is really a strange place.

Sure does seem strange. Since this is not where we want to be, shall we see if we can find the right trail to your school? asked Ragna, as he looked around for a trail from the place they were.

Behind this building there is a gap in the trees. That must be the trail, said Tan.

There was no branch since we left the bridge so it is safe to assume that the trail goes on from here, said Ragna, matter of factually as he strode behind the building, with Tan at his heels.

The trail through the trees was well worn and definitely no animal trail. It was wide and well packed. The men walked side by side slightly down and further across the mountain. They stopped for a drink at a stream that was narrow, they could easily step over it. It was late in the day when they came to a meadow where two deer were grazing. They decided to make camp at one edge as the deer watched them carefully before they bounded off into the trees. The trail crossed the meadow before it went off into the trees again. They had no idea of how far away from the school they were but they would continue to follow the trail till they found it or someone that could set them on the right path.

The morning brought bird song and many deer grazing. As the men packed up to move on the animals barely took notice. They walked across the meadow and heard a strange sound. A bell ringing. They both looked in the direction it came from and there, high on the mountain side, they saw a tower. They immediately knew they were looking at at least part of the school they were heading to. It took them half the day to walk to the school along the round about trail. Just before they reached it the trail they were on was forked by another they assumed was the trail on the north side of the river below.

Tan was given a place in the students' rooms and Ragna was given a guest room in the side building where the maintenance people were housed. Ragna spent many days in the library learning all he could about the native people of this land and where they built settlements and temples. On one map was a temple with no name attached. The longer he studied it the more he was certain that it had to be Dor. It was deep in the eastern jungle. Ragna knew it would be a long hard journey and with all the stories of vicious natives, he had no idea if he would survive to reach his goal but he had to try.

There were natives at the school and he talked to them to learn their language. He also listened to all the stories they told to understand them as best he could. Some of the stories told were about flesh eating and tribes killing each other if they encroached on each others territory. Of course that was long ago and had not happened in anyone's memory. It was three full moons of study and talk before Ragna felt ready to start on his quest for the golden temple or city he sought. He was not sure what he would find, but he was set on one goal and would not be put off by the stories he heard.

Chapter Two

Ragna entered the clearing cautiously. It had been more than moon since he had seen another human. He had left Tan at the school and lived off the land ever since, as he fought his way through the jungle. This was only the second clearing he had seen and the first with huts in the centre. The raised huts were here, but no sign of a person, at first glance. He called out in the greeting he had been taught. The silence was almost deafening. Walking from hut to hut he glanced into each and found they were as if the people had just left them. In one the fire was still warm, so they had not been gone long.

Ragna sat near the fire circle in the centre of the village and had his evening meal of a small animal he had caught the day before. He was aware that eyes were on him but he would not make a move toward them. They would have to make the first move. It was their home and he was intruding. He remembered all that he had learned at the school and knew if the people did not return, he had to move on and make his bed in the jungle. As he finished eating a small dog slowly came toward him, or at least it looked like a dog but had such a long snout, he wondered if it was. It eyed him and slunk close but stayed just out of reach, when it stopped.

You look hungry. You want these bones and what meat is left? Ragna asked as he held out the remains of his meal. The dog's tail moved from side to side in a very slow wagging motion. Tossing the meat and bones at it, Ragna watched as it almost devoured it all in one bite. You are hungry. Guess you don't get much to eat.

A short man wearing nothing but a cloth around the waist, carrying a long pole as a walking stick, strode from between the huts toward Ragna. Ragna stood and with open hands showing, as he had been taught at the school, and said I greet you as friend.

You from mountain place. They always say that. The man smiled as he looked Ragna over. What you want?

I am looking for the old city of Dor. I only wish to know if it is close or far and what direction. If you could give me any information it would be appreciated, said Ragna.

As the man raised the pole and stretched his arm out to point, he said, You go see shaman. He know all. Trail take you there.

Ragna gathered up his pack and thanked the man. He walked into the forest along a narrow but well wore trail. Pushing aside some branches and chopping away others, he finally came to small raised hut. Outside of which sat a very old, wrinkled man. He had his entire body covered in painted symbols. There were many hand made decorations hanging around the small clearing and on the hut. Some had skulls of animals in them but the one over the door with a human skull caught Ragna's attention the most. The scene before him made the hair on his neck bristle. The old man raised his arm and motioned for him to come closer.

Ragna slowly moved closer and sat before the old man. The man tossed some bones on the ground and mumbled some strange words as he waved his hands over the small bones. Ragna wanted to ask about the place he sought but the old man seemed so occupied, he did not want interrupt. After a few moments of waving hands and chanting, the old man looked at Ragna and with the hint of a smile, reached behind him and produced a long stemmed pipe. He offered it to Ragna who took it and as the old man lit the tobacco, puffed on it. After a few puffs Ragna passed it back to the old man who placed it on the ground beside him without taking a single puff.

Ragna looked curiously at him and decided he had to know what knowledge this elder knew about Dor. He cautiously asked, I am searching for Dor. You know the place?

In a hurry are you? Not good in this land. Hurry will end your life. Go bring us drink. the old man said as he pointed to a large jug at the side of the hut.

As Ragna handed the dark liquid filled shell to the old man he sat down again and sipped his drink. It was a very bitter drink that almost choked him. Although he had homemade drink before, it was not even close to the strength of this. The old man chuckled slightly. Dwarven ale takes time. he said as he took a long drink. Now you tell Kinak. Why seek Dor? You know what it is?

I am curious. Some stories I have heard say it is made of gold, but I doubt that. I do not seek the riches anyway. I do wish to see how people lived and where. I enjoy seeing what was. The old cities, homes and how people lived. Where I came from there are many old cities and I have seen them all. I want to see more. Can you help direct me? Ragna said.

Drink more. You need it. There is much danger for you. This leaf. Look. Learn well. Save life it does. Kinak said as he handed Ragna a dark green leaf from the bag at his side.

The leave was shaped like a heart and had veins of yellow on it's dark green surface. There was a light fuzz on what seemed to be the back. How will this save me? he asked.

Kinak explained how to use the leaf if he was bitten by any of the many snakes that lived in the jungle. He also made sure Ragna knew what else he could eat and what animals never to hunt, since they were poison to humans. Then he told him to avoid Ba'Kor. The old man explained how Ba'Kor was an ancient black dragon, although he called it a giant flying lizard, Ragna knew the description well. It had roamed the eastern jungle and had for longer than anyone could remember. To the best of his knowledge it only came out at night, or when anyone got too close to its lair. Kinak had seen it when he was much younger as his tribe hunted that area. The natives still reported sightings