The Dragon Witches
Die Drachenhexen
Plot Summary
In 2502, with Driver space travel threatened by the loss of Yggdrasil seeds on the sealed-off planet Rorqual, Asen-Ger seeks help from the dragon witches of the Sealed Land on Adzharis. He hires Nell Ohara, a tour guide who smuggles tourists into the Sealed Land, to guide him and Narda to a specific clan family. Unbeknownst to Nell, Asen-Ger and Narda are not who they seem.
Their journey begins with a flight over the Sealed Land barrier. They travel by river, encountering River Dragons. They are then interrupted by Rogan Helmer, a manager from Barnum Seafood Inc., and Roley Anjak from Music Minus One, who are illegally exploring the Sealed Land to turn it into a tourist attraction. Asen-Ger reveals himself as an agent of the Council, but this is a ruse. A fight ensues, and the group escapes, but their boat and supplies are lost.
Meanwhile, in the Sealed Land, Nayala del Drago, a cartographer, learns that Barnum Seafood Inc. plans to abolish the barrier and exploit the land for tourism. She joins a patrol to investigate. Nell, Asen-Ger, and Narda are captured by Nayala's clan. Asen-Ger reveals his true identity and that he is the son of a Dragon Rider. He explains that he needs their help to find David terGorden, the son of Myriam del Drago, who is trapped on Rorqual.
The clan agrees to help if Narda joins them and becomes a Dragon Rider. Narda agrees. A ritual is performed, and Narda, Asen-Ger, and Nayala disappear, presumably to continue their quest for David terGorden. Nell is left behind to learn the ways of the Dragon Riders.
Key Events
- 01 The Council decides to return to Driver space travel due to the Gorthaur attack and the dangers of the Kaiser Force.
- 02 David terGorden flies to Rorqual to retrieve Yggdrasil seeds, but the planet seals itself off.
- 03 Asen-Ger decides to seek help from the dragon witches of the Sealed Land.
- 04 Asen-Ger hires Nell Ohara to guide him and Narda into the Sealed Land.
- 05 The group crosses the barrier into the Sealed Land.
- 06 They encounter Rogan Helmer and Roley Anjak, who are illegally exploring the Sealed Land.
- 07 Asen-Ger reveals himself as a Council agent, but it's a ruse.
- 08 A fight ensues, and the group escapes, losing their boat and supplies.
- 09 Nayala del Drago learns of Barnum Seafood Inc.'s plan to abolish the barrier and exploit the Sealed Land.
- 10 Nell, Asen-Ger, and Narda are captured by Nayala's clan.
- 11 Asen-Ger reveals his true identity and that he is the son of a Dragon Rider.
- 12 He explains that he needs their help to find David terGorden, the son of Myriam del Drago.
- 13 The clan agrees to help if Narda joins them and becomes a Dragon Rider.
- 14 Narda agrees to join the clan.
- 15 A ritual is performed, and Narda, Asen-Ger, and Nayala disappear.
- 16 Nell is left behind to learn the ways of the Dragon Riders.
Characters
Asen-Ger — A man seeking help from the dragon witches. He is revealed to be Ansgar Asenger, the son of a Dragon Rider and related to David terGorden.
Narda — A young woman traveling with Asen-Ger. She possesses exceptional telepathic abilities and agrees to become a Dragon Rider.
Nell Ohara — A tour guide who smuggles tourists into the Sealed Land. She is hired by Asen-Ger to guide him and Narda.
Nayala del Drago — A young cartographer in the Sealed Land who rides a dragon. She is concerned with the safety of her people and helps Asen-Ger and Narda.
Rogan Helmer — A manager from Barnum Seafood Inc. who wants to turn the Sealed Land into a tourist attraction.
Roley Anjak — A man from Music Minus One who is working with Rogan Helmer to open the Sealed Land to tourism.
David terGorden — The son of Myriam del Drago, trapped on Rorqual, and the reason for Asen-Ger's quest.
Igor — A gray-haired man with a stiff leg who used to be a guide and now works as a middleman. He hires Nell for the job.
Haynor — The portly, bald-headed innkeeper of a tavern in Kyriain Bay.
Red Sonja — The new leader of the patrol riders.
Locations
Adzharis — The only habitable planet in the Barnum System.
Sealed Land — A forbidden zone on Adzharis inhabited by the descendants of a failed colonization project.
Kyriain Bay — A bay on Adzharis where Nell Ohara conducts her business.
Transit City — A city on Adzharis near the coastal hotels.
Rorqual — A planet that has sealed itself off, trapping David terGorden.
Belgam Tower — A tower in the Sealed Land where Nayala's clan lives.
Ships & Vehicles
Technology & Concepts
Driver — Individuals with PSI powers who can pilot ships through space.
Kaiser Force — A dangerous force that is becoming increasingly apparent.
Space-Time Stroboscope — A transmitter system used for space travel.
PSI Powers — Supernatural abilities possessed by the inhabitants of the Sealed Land and Drivers.
Barrier — An energy field that seals the Sealed Land off from the outside world.
Laser Rifle — A weapon used by the characters.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of isolation, cultural preservation, and the conflict between technological advancement and environmental responsibility. The tone is a mix of adventure, mystery, and social commentary, with a narrative style that blends action sequences with introspective moments.
Connections
Continues from: Follows the events of the Gorthaur attack on Earth and the failure to secure Yggdrasil seeds from Rorqual.
Leads into: The quest to find David terGorden and the potential for conflict between the Sealed Land and Barnum Seafood Inc..
Related booklets: Likely related to other booklets dealing with the Terranauts, the Sealed Land, and the del Drago family.