Dragon Defense (Heirs to the Throne Book 3) (18 page)

We’ll be ready in the morning.
  She touched Jordan’s shimmering green image and felt a tingle in her fingertips before he vanished.

*****

Jordan rose before sunrise and carried a parcel to Felesia.  He nudged her awake.  “Your mother insisted that you wear this dress.  Don’t scowl!  She knows you enjoy the comfort of breeches and a tunic, but propriety demands a princess dress for her public.”

Felesia huffed.  “Being a princess is not fun or comfortable!  How can I ride a dragon’s back with my skirt flapping?”

“Tuck the folds around your legs and wear the breeches under the skirt,” Brandon suggested.

“You two both turn around!  I won’t put on a show,” Felesia demanded. 

After she dressed and tied her hair back, Jordan helped her climb onto Blaze.  He watched her guide the dragon to pick up the boat carrying Brandon and enjoyed the frightened expression on Brandon’s face.  He climbed onto Dazzle and told Flash to follow with the other dragons.

The sunrise illuminated a peculiar object that dangled below a large dragon.  As the boat flew across the sky, superstitious villagers dashed into their mountain huts to escape the dreadful sight.  The flock of dragons disappeared behind a mountain before people in Asbohar took notice.

Blaze carried the small red boat proudly in his talons as Felesia rode on his back.  Swirls of red, gold, and blue moved across his billowing wings as the dragon squadron formed a large V across the sky.  When Blaze reached the balcony filled with humans, his eyes swirled with concern, but Felesia sent him mental messages. 

From inside the boat, Brandon shouted and people retreated behind the door.  The balcony barely seemed large enough, but Blaze lowered his burden and opened his talons.  A gust of wind lifted his body away from jagged sandstone rocks overhead, and children peeking out from behind the door gasped.  The dragon crowed to his flock and circled overhead.

When Brandon stepped from the boat onto the balcony, he felt immense relief to be away from those talons.  He turned as children rushed through the door and caught his breath.  A stunning vision of lithe beauty stood before him with bronze rays of sunrise shimmering across jet-black hair and ivory skin.  Her ebony eyes threatened to capture his soul as they held his gaze. 

“You must be Shariel,” he said in a breathless gush.

She nodded and coaxed children toward the boat.  “Shouldn’t we hurry?”

Brandon pushed windblown hair away from his forehead and flashed a beguiling smile, the one guaranteed to make a girl’s heart flutter.  “I’m here to serve, milady.”  He hefted small bodies into the boat. 

“Take a seat on the benches or the floor and tie a rope around your waist.  Ten go on each trip.” 

Wide-eyed children followed orders while they stared at dragons overhead.  “Don’t be afraid.  Send the dragons mental pictures of bright colors and they’ll be friendly.  How many of you can see color in the dragons’ minds?”

Several hands shot up, including older children who stood waiting inside the door.

“Felesia sends pictures and the dragons respond.  That small dragon is Flash.  She’s Felesia’s special friend and loves children.”

Shariel smiled as Brandon helped the children relax.  He caught a glimpse of her smile and nearly choked.  “Will you go in the boat?” he asked.

“No.  Jordan wants me to ride on the back of a dragon.  I communicate with wolves, so I might be able to speak with dragons.  Besides, I need to keep the guards under control until the last minute.”

“I’ll wait and help you climb onto the dragon.”  Brandon glanced at a vacant-eyed guard, who stood inside the door.  “Is he all right?”

“He thinks it’s still dark outside and feels sleepy.  I inherited the power of mind control from my father, and I’m using it today.”

Brandon blinked.  “Your father’s Jarrack?” he asked.  He saw a frown tremble across her lips and decided he must make her smile again.

Children and adults filled the boat.  Blaze folded his wings and dropped in a breathtaking dive toward the balcony, triggering screams from frightened humans.  At the last moment the dragon unfurled his great wings, opened his talons, and grabbed the spar and carried his prize away from the rugged cliff. 

The boat rocked.  Voices squealed but Blaze carried the burden with a steely grip and soared high above the foothills. 

Felesia sent pictures to the wild mind.  Blaze recognized the landscape he’d seen as a fledgling and stretched his neck into the wind.  He banked to find a new thermal and let the warm air lift his body. 

When the giant dragon swooped down to grab the bar, Brandon ducked.  He stood open mouthed when Blaze angled away from the rocky cliff face and a smaller dragon landed on the balcony. 

Brandon helped a tall boy climb onto Flash.  He looped a long red rope around the dragon’s neck and tied it around the boy’s waist.  “What’s your name?” Brandon asked with a grin.

“Duncan.” The boy’s lips curled into a timid smile.

“This dragon is Flash.  Send her pictures of the spaceport with your mind and hold on tight!” Brandon shouted and gave the boy a “thumbs up” salute.  The dragon launched from the balcony and Brandon heard a peal of laughter from Duncan.  There was no time to waste as another dragon landed.

Dragons knew how to conserve strength and seldom pumped their wings.  Dazzle flanked Blaze with Jordan riding on her back.  He greeted her with swirls of gold and orange and saw Flash fly nearby with a small human on her back.  The boy waved at people riding in the boat.  Blaze heard shouts of encouragement and felt Dazzle’s pride as he carried the burden. 

The dragons enjoyed this new game.

An hour later Dazzle flew back to the balcony with Jordan on her back, carrying the empty boat.  Blaze glided at her wingtip without a rider.  The large female dragon lowered the boat with impressive precision and hovered overhead.

Brandon helped passengers climb inside and saw Dazzle lift the boat without flamboyant acrobatics.  Her wings swirled with blues and greens in a pleasant pattern.

“This is going great!” he said to Shariel but noticed her pale face.  “What’s wrong?”

“I never controlled so many minds at once.  I feel weak, not sure how much longer I can hold them in thrall.”

Brandon glanced at the nearest guard, who stood mumbling.  “Let’s get out of here!  Ask Blaze to land, since we’re the last ones to leave.”

Shariel nodded. 

The dragon’s large body filled the balcony as the guard woke and charged.  Brandon shoved Shariel onto Blaze and scrambled up behind her without stringing a rope.  He squeezed his knees against the dragon’s body and wrapped his arms around Shariel.  “Go!” he shouted. 

Blaze curled his long neck toward the screaming guard.  His wings turned stark white as the dragon hissed and snapped the guard’s pike in half. 

“Don’t anger a dragon!” Brandon shouted as the guard huddled against the door.  Wind billowed under outstretched wings and Blaze lifted straight up along the jagged sandstone cliff. 

Brandon caught his breath and squeezed his eyes shut. 

As Blaze tilted his wings, Brandon held on for dear life.  The dragon circled high up into the clouds while Shariel laughed with delight.  Wind whipping his hair, Brandon relaxed.  Perched on the smooth dip between the dragon’s shoulders, he felt more comfortable than riding under those sharp talons.  A saddle might assure a safer ride.  He’d design an appropriate saddle before his next trip.

*****

While Jordan returned for more passengers riding Dazzle, Felesia opened the spaceport cave’s force field with the crystal embedded in her bracelet.  She helped adults find supplies while children explored the box canyon that formed the spaceport or stroked the necks of their favorite dragons.   

The dragons enjoyed attention, allowing children to climb onto their backs.  They leaned into caresses and dazzling colors swirled through their wings.  Flash strutted around like a rooster, eager to mingle with many friends. 

Felesia felt relieved when Dazzle settled the red boat gently onto the grass and glided to land nearby.  Jordan climbed down and gave Felesia an enthusiastic kiss.  “That was a spectacular rescue!  They’re all safe.”

She hugged him.  “We’ve got a whole bunch of youngsters who agree with you.  The dragons seem to enjoy the attention.”

“We need to get back to Asbohar soon,” Jordan said.  “Your mother gave me strict orders.”

Felesia nodded and brushed away lose strands of hair floating into her face.  “I’m sure she’s worried. I can’t wait to tell her about the dragons and these children.  Maybe we can avoid a lecture.”

“Tell her about dragons?  We’ll show them to her when we fly into Asbohar.”

“What a grand idea!”  Felesia clapped her hands.  “When we turn up with a squadron of dragons, she’ll be too surprised to stay angry.”

Blaze landed a moment later with his two passengers. Felesia pointed at Shariel and Brandon riding together and chuckled.  “I guess we don’t need to worry about him trying to split us apart any more.”

“That scoundrel!  I was afraid he’d make a move on my beautiful sister!” Jordan growled, “I should warn her about him.” 

They watched Shariel slide down from the dragon and run to stroke Blaze’s head with affection.  Brandon stood fidgeting, his gaze riveted on the beautiful girl.  It was obvious the lordling had lost his heart—again.

Felesia laughed.  “Shariel cast a spell over him.  Notice the dazed expression on his face, and see the way she pets Blaze without paying any attention to Brandon?  He’s doomed.”

As he stared at Brandon, the muscle in Jordan’s jaw tightened.  “I’m glad he won’t endlessly pursue you, but I plan to tell her about that rogue.”

Felesia leaned against his side and rested her head on his shoulder.  “A big brother wields powerful influence.  How does it feel to have so many siblings here?  They’ll count on you for guidance, you know.”

Jordan nodded then dodged youngsters barreling past him in a game of tag.  “I knew I had brothers and sisters at the castle, but Jarrack never let us become friends.  He worried we’d band together.”

“You could be powerful in a group.”  Felesia giggled as a young girl hid behind her skirt to escape a rowdy boy.

“It’s important to teach them the proper use of power.  Let me introduce you to my family.” Jordan squeezed her hand and whistled.  He grinned with pride as children stopped running long enough to shake Felesia’s hand or bob a curtsy. 

Fremont felt eager to view the planet Drako.  His pulse raced as the vidscreen exhibited a green planet with blue oceans, a healthy cloud layer, and a large moon.  The moon orbited the planet but a distant red gas-giant looked like a second moon against the black sky.

“Dr. Alexander, I’ll capture you soon,” Fremont muttered with satisfaction.

Captain Ishtarek approached as Fremont turned away from the screen. “Why do you suppose they named this place Drako?” he asked.

“Records indicate the exploration team found several colonies of flying creatures that looked like dragons from Earth’s folklore.”  The Captain’s flat narration sounded like a teacher lecturing a pupil.

Fremont bristled.  “They were stupid to believe in dragons!  Earth had dinosaurs and avian reptiles but no dragons.”

“Yes sir!  I believe we have other problems than aerial reptiles—Drako has an active defense system.” Captain Ishtarek continued, “It’s a class eleven system, almost an antique, but still deadly.  If our ship approaches without transmitting proper codes, the system automatically fires.  That’s the reason a destroyer was lost in this sector.”

Fremont’s stomach tightened.  “Can the system be bypassed?” he asked.  

“It’s tricky but possible,” Ishtarek said without enthusiasm.  “The simplest solution is to request clearance.”

Fremont ground his teeth.  “I’ll judge which solution is acceptable, Captain Ishtarek,” he sputtered.  “Discover a flaw in the antiquated system or we’ll blast our way through.”

Captain Ishtarek’s light green scales darkened and his pupils turned bronze.  “I command this vessel regardless of Institute orders!  I refuse to endanger an entire crew because you won’t call for proper clearance.”

Fremont stared into the captain’s reptilian face.  “Those criminals are clever enough to control communications.  Don’t warn Drako about our approach or plan to defend yourself before a court marshal review.”

Ishtarek blinked and his claws twitched.  “I’ll order the crew to analyze the defense system per your orders, sir.”

Fremont stared at the peaceful planet.  “I won’t let a group of rebels defeat me again!”

*****

Dr. Alexander gazed down at Asbohar.  The caravan crested steep foothills that kept sand from encroaching on the city.  Their horses grazed on sea grass, a shaggy green blanket mesh across sand dunes that allowed windswept cedars to gain a tenuous foothold.  Below brightly clad figures meandered through a maze of crooked streets, dragging carts and baskets of merchandise, while flapping laundry spread color over blue tile rooftops and down white stucco walls.     

Fascinated by the lively city, Lauryn said, “It’s beautiful.”

Dr. Alexander focused on the Shrine of Asbohar, a massive dome built outside the city boundaries. “What is it?” Lauryn asked, feeling dread radiate from the physician.  

“The Shrine of Asbohar is a nuclear reactor.” 

“So?”  Lauryn sensed the serious nature of the comment and gazed at the building.  “It looks harmless.” 

The building nestled in the crook of a sparkling inlet with long white tubes stretched into aqua water.  A ribbon of color, the bright robes of the pilgrims waiting for admission to the shrine, zigzagged along a paved road before the gate.

“What’s a nuclear reactor?” Lauryn asked.

Maggie frowned at the reactor.  “That one is a Liquid-Metal-cooled Fast Breeder Reactor, built in the classic Hosler design.  I haven’t seen one in spans.”

“Is it active?”  Dr. Alexander asked.

Maggie said, “Not a chance.  See how the water level receded?  It should stay high enough for turbines to circulate seawater through the cooling system.  If anyone fired it up, there’d be a melt down.”

Lauryn felt curious.  “What was it used for?”

Maggie said, “A LMFRB generates power and the first one was built on Earth in California.  The Hosler design combined a nuclear reactor and a desalination plant to create fresh water, energy, and liquid sodium to cool the reactor.  It was a great idea but the design was flawed.  Corrosive salt water eventually caused structural problems and became expensive to maintain.  Mounting repair costs for a plant of Hosler design eventually exceeded viable income.”

Dr. Alexander frowned.  “I assume corrosion doesn’t stop when operation halts.  Perhaps radiation leakage comes from deferred maintenance.”

Maggie’s face darkened.  “Worse problems exist.  Liquid sodium must remain segregated from the generator steam due to extreme reactivity.”  She noticed their blank stares and said, “It’s hazardous for liquid sodium to contact water.”

Alexander grimaced.  “So radiation leakage is not our only problem?”

“The reactor might become an atomic bomb,” Maggie said.

“What can we do?”  Although she didn’t understand the technical problems, Lauryn understood the situation was serious.

Maggie frowned.  “We’ve got no technical support and a problem of this magnitude…”

“Don’t frighten the girl,” Alex interrupted.  “Maggie’s face always looks gloomy when she works with radiation.  We can’t diagnose the situation from here.”

Maggie nodded.  “You’re right.  A doctor examines his patient first hand so let’s take a look.”

Lauryn rode close to Maggie on the descent.  “Why’d you call the reactor a LMFBR?”

“Scientists use initials rather than a long title.  A HTGR is a High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor, a LOCA is a Loss of Coolant Accident, and an ECCS is an Emergency Core-Cooling System.  Initial-names originated because long names were cumbersome.  Initial-names eased communication until half our sentences were initials.”

Lauryn nodded.  “Well I hope that MTFFS.”

“What?”  Maggie took the bait with a grin.

“It means Maggie’s Team Finds Fast Solutions.”  Lauryn tried to sound pompous.

“Good!  We’ll call ourselves the FST, the Fast Solutions Team.”  They laughed, forgetting the disguise Lauryn carefully maintained.

Salizar watched the doctor’s conference and realized they discussed a serious problem.  He knew the doctor had a special reason to join them.  He used Tamarind as an excuse to violate the shrine of Asbohar.  Salizar eyed the slim boy and recognized the smile of the Havenshire princess.  She wasn’t a common boy. 

*****
 

Fremont memorized the diagram of the Havenshire Castle. “They built this plan?” he asked.

“Archives confirm the castle was built in this configuration.”

“The layout looks strange,” Fremont complained.  “It’s difficult to believe someone approved this project.”

“The design kept technology hidden so the building resembled a medieval castle.” 

Fremont asked, “Are you sure the defense system will admit a two-man shuttle?”

Ishtarek nodded.  “We deployed an unmanned probe to test the settings.  The system permits small repair ships to navigate the shield without triggering the auto-destruct sensors.  We could send two volunteers to the planet.”

“No.”  Fremont’s eyelid twitched and he averted his gaze.  “I’ve waited too long for this and won’t let someone botch it for me,” he muttered.  “I’ll lead the incursion.”

“Let me send a scouting team to ensure your safety, sir.”  Ishtarek’s eyes turned dark brown.

“You’re afraid the Institute will blame you for losing me?” Fremont chided, wanting to watch Ishtarek sweat.  Since reptiles didn’t perspire, Ishtarek’s expression remained placid but his scales darkened.

Fremont said, “I’ll crack the archaic defense system quickly, so stand by for my signal.  If I don’t send you a coded message in forty-eight hours, you must fire missiles at this first list of targets.  Wait another twenty-four hours and hit the targets on the second list.”

Ishtarek’s lips tightened as he read the list.  “We can’t level major population centers without provocation—it’s against military code, tantamount to murder.”

Fremont glared at captain.  “Follow orders, Captain Ishtarek!  No code, military or otherwise, supersedes Institute orders!  Destroy the damned planet if I give that order!  Do you hear?”

“Yes,” the captain murmured.  “Forty-eight hours precisely, according to orders.”

Fremont smirked.  “We picked you as captain because your culture respects authority and will follow orders.  Is that accurate?”

Ishtarek’s gaze held steady.  “We follow orders to the letter.”

Fremont smirked and insolently explained, “If I’m captured, your bombs destroy outlying cities, and the planet’s leaders will submit to my demands.  They won’t let their entire population die for a few criminals.  We’ll demonstrate that I have the upper hand.”

“Yes, sir.”  The captain saluted.  “We’ll launch the missiles at the designated targets, and wait twenty-four hours before a subsequent assault—unless we receive a coded signal from you.”

Fremont examined the map.  “The field next to the castle is an ideal landing site, don’t you agree?” 

Ishtarek nodded without enthusiasm.  “Ideal, sir.”

“Good!  Instruct the pilot to land there.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Mark time, now.”  Fremont set his timepiece and the captain set his.  Fremont enjoyed giving orders to the Gronk!  Resentment of aliens like Ishtarek festered in his mind, so it felt good to make the reptile squirm. The pleasure was nothing compared to the joy that waited for him on Drako.  Soon he’d get revenge by killing Captain Donovan and taking Dr. Alexander prisoner.  

He said, “Allow one hour flight time and begin your countdown for the missile launch.”

*****

Chella worked quietly in Dr. Alexander’s secret laboratory.  Bells chimed and lights flashed.  Paper spewed from the mouth of an ancient machine, landing on the floor next to another paper. 

“What’s this?” she muttered and picked up both messages. 

Message 1:

Unidentified object approaching outer protection zone, vector reading 056-295.  Small power-driven probe with no life signs.  Time 19:64

Message 2:

Unidentified object approaching outer protection zone, vector reading 056-455.  Small power-driven probe penetrating primary planetary defense system with life signs registered.  WARNING…manual override suggested, probe penetrating primary system!  Time 3:22

Chella’s stomach tightened.  “The first probe launched over six hours ago, but no one saw the message.”  She examined the machines for more data, pushed a button and a display lit.  She sat at the console and typed a request for additional data.

The machinery hummed and a starchart of the Planetary Defense System appeared on the screen.  She enlarged the map of the outer zone and realized the first object followed a vector into the ocean. Chella viewed the second object.  A blip showed the object moving toward the planet surface. 

“Bryant should see this,” she said but sat frozen at the screen, watching the second object.  The blip made minor course corrections, confirming a manned ship.  “Someone’s landing,” Chella whispered and then ran to fetch Bryant.

Minutes later Bryant clenched the hilt of his sword and stared at the light moving across the screen.  He cursed Donovan for leaving.  He cursed himself for assuming responsibility for the castle, perhaps the world, as an enemy arrived from space.  He once watched his previous lord, King Halder, stand in this same room fearlessly watching lights, and Bryant remembered that the king moved his hands confidently over those buttons.  What did Halder do to stop the attack?

He stretched a gloved hand toward the equipment but jerked back, afraid to touch the accursed buttons.  “What do you suggest?” he asked Chella. “Can you determine the landing site?”

Chella shook her head.  “I’m not an expert in this field.  If Trenton or Donovan were here, they’d know.”

“How long do we have?”

“According to this readout, it will land in less than an hour.” Chella’s voice quavered.

Bryant said, “King Halder claimed this equipment could stop a ship from landing, but he didn’t show me how it worked.”

Chella sighed.  “The defense system stopped one ship on the day Krystal gave birth.  You remember the explosion in the sky?  The defense system destroyed that ship.  Trenton said the ship launched a message capsule, but he wasn’t sure it would reach the Institute.”

Bryant frowned. “We don’t have much time. I’ll gather those bright lads you’ve been teaching.  Try to discover the landing site, and we’ll be back.”

Chella clenched her jaw, wishing she spent more time on navigation classes.  She rummaged through the dusty bookcase, searching for a manual or keyboard chart.  Her cry of triumph echoed through an empty room.

She read the title, “
The Care and Operation of System X504,
please Lord, help me find a keyboard chart.”  She thumbed through yellowed pages.