The Chronicles of Dragon Collection (Series 1 Omnibus, Books 1-10) (133 page)

Armored Draykis

CHAPTER 4

Nath felt the full weight of the feline fury on him. Its claws dug into his back. Peeled at his scales. He screamed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gorlee pinned down underneath its other paw, wide eyed.

“Get off me,” Nath said in Dragonese.

The beast stuffed his head into the dirt.

Nath pushed himself up, straining underneath its power and weight, inching his way up off the ground. “I said get off me!” Nath snarled.

The dragon cat clocked him in the back of the head with its horns.

Stars burst in bright spots before his eyes.

“Sultans of Sulfur!” Nath twisted underneath the cat dragon.

It pinned him down on his back, crushing his chest. Its jaw opened and struck.

“Gah!”

It bit down on his arm and flung him away.

He skipped over the ground and into the stream. Slinging his mane of auburn hair over his shoulder, he dashed the water from his eyes.

The feline fury was all over Gorlee. It ripped his armor off and dug its paws into his flesh.

“Great Guzan!” Nath blew a fireball into his hand and flung it at the monster.

The ball of flame exploded into its hide, and it let out a crying, cat-like howl, but it kept pounding away.

Gorlee was up on his feet. In a flash, he drew a gleaming blade from his scabbard. He flashed it at the fury.

It crawled backward, head low, yellow eyes shifting back and forth. They had it flanked.

Nath blew a fireball into each hand.

The feline fury’s ears flattened on its head. It made an eerier howl. It crouched back, ready to pounce.

“You all right, Gorlee?” Nath said.

“I’ve a few hunks out of me, but nothing I can’t heal. This beast, Nath, it’s been hunting me for weeks.” He stepped closer, slicing the blade through the air. “It will notify Selene, Nath. It seems I’m exposed. We both are, for that matter.”

Nath figured Gorlee was right. If Selene found Gorlee, she’d kill him. If they killed the feline fury, she’d know that one of them was involved. Perhaps now was the time to make a break for it? No, with all the dragons and her army, it wouldn’t take her long to hunt him down.

“Gorlee, I think it’s time you left.”

“What?”

“I’ll handle the fury.”

“No, Nath. We’re in this together.” Sword high, Gorlee advanced.

“No! Stop!”

Gorlee froze.

The feline fury drew back, ready to spring at any moment.

Nath flicked the balls of flame into the rippling water. They sizzled and disappeared. He kneeled down, eyeing the dragon cat. Summoning a power he felt deep inside, he said in Dragonese, ““Come. Come, great dragon cat. I’m a friend. You should know that,” Nath added, lying flat on the ground.

“Nath, what are you doing? He’ll gore you.”

Growling at Gorlee, the feline fury eased out of its stance and slunk closer to Nath.

Nath spread his arms wide and welcoming. “Come, great dragon cat. Come.” He felt power. A connection with the dragon. Something he’d not felt before. Unlike Selene’s other dragons, the feline fury had a cunning mind of its own, no longer under the influence of a spell or jaxite stones. He stretched his fingers out as the beast inched closer. “Come, friend.”

“Nath, get away. You’re mad,” Gorlee said in a loud whisper.

Nath felt the tips of the dragon cat’s whiskers and its lava-hot breath on his face. Its citrine-colored cat eyes bore into his. A purr rumbled in its great scaled belly, and it lay down beside him and licked his hand.

“I’ll be,” Gorlee said.

Nath smiled at Gorlee. “Father once told me, ‘You’ll never make new friends unless you try.’”

***

As the dark clouds rolled over the skyline, Nath headed back toward camp, heavy in thought.

Is Selene really going to kill me?

Gorlee had made his case, filling in details Nath hadn’t known. The ruse of Gorlee posing as Sasha in order to gain his trust had infuriated him, but he believed Gorlee now. The changeling had no reason to lie. But how would he deal with Selene?

The feline fury nuzzled past him and took to the air.

“Are you certain that beast is on our side now?” Gorlee said, marching at his side. “It nearly ripped me apart a few times.”

“Me too,” Nath said. “But he’s an ally now. He’s made his choice. He just needed a reason, and now he has one.” He frowned. “Poor creature. All these years, Selene kept him through fear, rearing him for wrong, but a little kindness, a tad of submission turned him.”

“Do you think that will work with the rest of the dragons that want to tear out our throats?”

“Probably not.”

They walked on, pushing along the path, less than a mile from the main camp now. Inside, Nath simmered. He’d been manipulated. He’d trusted in the Truce, and now he knew it was all a lie. A ploy to keep him on the sidelines. Selene had used him to fool everybody, and it had worked quite well.

“Nath,” Gorlee said. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Deceiving you as Haan.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Gorlee.”

“I was foolish,” the changeling said.

“You were brave. Don’t start doubting yourself now, Gorlee. You risked your life for me. For the land. That’s … well, that’s something.” He slapped his hand on Gorlee’s shoulder. “That’s the mark of a true friend.”

“Thanks Nath,” he said. “So, do you really think we can fool her?”

“I don’t see why not. After all, you fooled me. Plus, now we have another ally in the fury. I think it will be a good one. We’ll see.” Still, something stirred in Nath’s belly. He needed to be at full power, and he hadn’t been for quite some time. Not since he’d flown that first time.

Selene has done something to me. Hah! I’m a fool not to have realized that.

Heavy raindrops began to pelt them from above. Soon the path became muddy. Gorlee kept chattering about things. He talked about Bletver the triant. Even Nath hadn’t heard of such a creature. Gorlee also told him about the heroes in the tavern, the ones who fought in the name of Balzurth. It made Nath’s chest swell. Men, the most unpredictable of all, fighting in the name of his father did his heart good.

“Things are going to have to come undone soon, Nath. The farce called a truce must end. I think that’s on you.”

It seemed sacrifices were being made all over. Nath felt like everyone gave something but him. He frowned as Gorlee continued speaking. He couldn’t stop thinking about Brenwar, Ben, Bayzog, and Sasha. Did they still even live?

As they reached the edge of the camp, a group of acolytes, tattooed and bald, greeted them. “You must come with us, Dragon Prince.”

“Why?” Nath said. “Has something happened?”

“Peace Bringer,” said another acolyte, “High Priestess Selene has an urgent summons. She awaits you in her tent.”

“I see. All right, then.” He glanced at Gorlee, but the helmet on his friend’s head hid any expression. “Let’s go then.” He nodded as he left. “Commander.”

CHAPTER 5

“I see you are well,” Nath said to Selene.

She wore all-black robes traced in gold. Her crown of silver leaves was on her head. She took a seat at a long table inside the tent. There was no one else there but them.

“Please have a seat, Nath. Eat with me.”

“I’m not hungry.” He took a place at the table and pushed a plate of steaming food away.

“Interesting,” she said, placing her cloth napkin on her lap. She took a sip of wine. “Not drinking either, I imagine.”

“I’m fine.” His stomach rumbled.

Her eyebrows lifted. “Are you sure about that?”

“Probably some fish I must have eaten too fast.”

“Fish?” She tapped her fingernail on the glass goblet. “All right, then.”

“Selene, what is this all about? You summoned me, after all, not I you. As a matter of fact, I’ve hardly seen you in days.” He draped his elbow over the back of his chair. “Why is that?”

With a look of sadness, she scooted her plate away, rested her elbows on the table, and locked her fingers together. “Nath, I’ve been avoiding something.”

“Is that why you march this army in circles?”

“So you’ve noticed.”

“I know the land as well as anyone.” He looked at his clawed fingers. “So why is that? Hmmm? I think you are avoiding Gorn Grattack.”

She raised her head. “Why would you think that?”

“We’ve had many conversations, Selene. And you’ve made it pretty clear that you don’t care so much for him. I seem to recall you mentioning that the two of us could defeat him.”

“Oh,” she said with a small smile, “did I say that?”

“You know you did,” he said. “And I believed you.”

“Believed?”

Careful what you say, Nath. She still has to believe she has you duped.

“Yes. Selene, I think you felt we could take Gorn down together, but now … well, now you doubt me. After all, I can’t even turn into a dragon, and I showed mercy to that rose blossom that wanted to kill me.” He shrugged. “Maybe you fear I don’t have the killer instinct needed to carry out a fight with the likes of Gorn—”

She held up her palm. “Let’s not say his name too many times. His name evokes attention.”

“I see. So, am I right?”

“You are wise as a serpent.”

“Of course, we still have my father’s forces to contend with. They are liable to make another attempt on your life, and we can’t let that happen. Not if we’re going after, well, you know who.”

Selene stared at him with silence. Finally, she said, “I admit I am surprised.”

Not as surprised as I am. I can’t believe she’s swallowing this.

***

They marched onward, mile after mile, league after league. Nath and Gorlee rode on horseback side by side, Gorlee’s lips silent under the ominous metal helm that he wore. Behind them was the rest of the army, troops numbering in the thousands now, their bootsteps splashing through sloppy mud holes. The heavy rain rang off their metal armor. It made for a dreary sound, creating an unforgiving itch down Nath’s spine.

Am I a fool, rushing headlong into the mouth of Gorn Grattack?

And there was Selene.

Why would I believe anything she said? She lied every time before. Does she really want to face Gorn Grattack now?

Faith urged him forward. He didn’t know why, but he had to move on. Confront his fears. Face Gorn Grattack and save the world or doom it. He’d been looking inward for quite some time. Perhaps that was his biggest problem: fear of failure.

Am I to let the world down the same as I did my father?

It ate at him, the thought of not seeing his father again—nor Dragon Home. Nor any of his friends, for that matter.

Guzan! I wish Brenwar were here. He’d be fired up for this final battle.

He glanced at Gorlee.

At least I’ll have one friend to witness my death. I hope it’s a grand funeral.

CHAPTER 6

“Hit ’em!” Brenwar yelled. He hefted up a rock as big as himself. “Now!” With a heave, he hurled the huge missile through the air.

Beside him, Ben nocked an exploding arrow, took aim, and fired.

Twang!

Coming right for them was a hull dragon, bright green and orange scaled, more than thirty feet in height, stomping through the valley.

Brenwar’s boulder rocked it in the jaw.

Ben’s arrow skewered its neck.

Boom!

The massive monster staggered backward and let out an ear-splitting roar.

Ben fired again.

Boom!

Brenwar ripped another hunk out of the ground and said, “Quit showing off!” He chucked it. The rock smashed off the monster’s nose. “Perfect hit!”

With an important look on his face, Pilpin picked up a smaller rock and threw it at the hull.

Around Ben’s arrow, the hull sucked in a mouthful of air.

“Uh oh,” Ben said, “here it comes!”

“Bayzog!” His head whipped around. “Where are you, elf?”

A bluish-green light glowed to life inside the dragon’s great maw.

Brenwar and Ben glanced at one another.

Pilpin made as if to advance on the hull.

“Take cover!” Brenwar yelled, snatching Pilpin by the collar.

“Where?” Ben said, looking around.

The hull dragon’s scales charged with light. Mystic fire dripped from its jaws.

Bayzog dropped from the sky with the Elderwood Staff in hand. “Get down!” he commanded.

Whooooooosh!

A firestorm of energy erupted from the dragon’s mouth.

With a wave of Bayzog’s hand, a great wall of yellow mystic energy formed, shielding them all. The torrential flames sizzled angrily against the wall. Sparks and specks of bright energy burst in the air. Bayzog’s stern face beaded in sweat.

Brenwar could feel the intense heat through his armor. “Get out of there, elf, before it roasts you alive!”

The geysers of flames came on. The shield started to pop and crack.

“Run!” Bayzog said. “Run!”

“I’m not running!” Brenwar picked up his war hammer. “Forward. Onward,” he said, still holding Pilpin back by the collar. He wound the hammer up, spinning it like a pinwheel.

The shield crackled and wobbled. Bayzog drifted to the ground. Flames spilled through the shattered holes, setting fire to his lily-white robes.

“Mrurumrah Hooooooooooo!” Brenwar bellowed. Then, with all of his bracer-enhanced might, he let the ancient hammer fly. It burst through the shield and straight through the flames. A great clap of thunder popped the air and shook the ground.

Kra-boooooooom!

Bayzog’s shield dissipated, and the dragon’s fiery breath was gone, leaving only a smoky mist that covered almost everything.

Somewhere in the mist, the hull dragon made an awful moan, and a tremendous
thud
shook the ground.

Brenwar scurried forward and lifted Bayzog back up to his feet.

“I better not have lost my hammer.”

Bayzog dusted off his robes. “I didn’t think dwarves ever lost anything.”

“Hrmph,” Brenwar and Pilpin both said.

The four of them stood on the cliff’s edge in silence. A stiff breeze cleared the air, revealing the monstrous form of the hull dragon collapsed on the earth. Trees and branches were crushed beneath it.

“Do you think you killed it?” Ben said, leaning over the edge.

“Why don’t you go down there and tickle it?” Brenwar said. “Or pinch its scales, maybe.”

The great monster didn’t stir, not in the slightest. It was tons of scales and muscle, with great armored fins on its back, wingless and formidable. Brenwar looked at the bracers on his wrists, the ones that Balzurth had gifted to him. They pulsed with an eerie yellow light. It gave him a rush. Filled him with power. With the war hammer and the bracers, he felt like he could take out an entire mountain. With the hull dragon down, he practically had.

Filling his lungs full of air, he pounded his chest and let out a tremendous bellow.

“Hoooooooooooooooooooo!”

“What are you doing?” Ben said, covering his ears. “Are you trying to wake it?”

Brenwar’s great voice continued to fill the valley as he broke out in song.

“
Home of the Dwarves! Morgdon! Home of the dwarves! Morgdon! We have the finest steel and ale! Our weapons will never fail! Morgdon!
”

“Look,” Bayzog said, pointing down at the great dragon.

Brenwar stopped and looked.

The hull dragon was moving.

“By my beard!” His brows buckled as his eyes scanned for his war hammer. “Fetch my weapon, mage!” he yelled at Bayzog.

The dragon snorted a blast of smoke and let out an angry groan.

“He looks mad, Brenwar,” Ben said, loading up Akron. “I don’t think he likes your singing.”

“Aw, shut it, human,” Brenwar said, scraping a hunk of stone out of the earth. The sound of hooved feet caught his ears, and he stopped.

Shum and Hoven galloped by, holding up spears at least eight feet long. Dragon Needles.

“Don’t you dare kill my dragon!” Brenwar shouted, but they were gone.

Each Roamer leapt off his horse and climbed up the dragon. Without hesitation, they rammed their Dragon Needles into the dragon’s armored chest. The tips pierced the thick hide and plunged straight into the heart.

The dragon’s bright eyes glared with intensity. It lurched a few times, but then the eyes went dim.

Brenwar was furious. In a rush, he stormed down the hillside and greeted the Roamers alongside the dragon, shaking his fist at them.

“That was my dragon!”

Shum twirled his Dragon Needle around—once, twice, three times—shrinking it. Looking over his shoulder, he said, “You can still have it. Just so long as you remember it was us who killed it.”

“Why you pointy eared, fat—”

Shum lowered the tip of his spear in Brenwar’s face. “Watch what you say, dwarf.”

Brenwar slapped it away. “Don’t ever stick that stick in my face again, pot belly!” He stormed away and scoured the valley until he got his hands back on his war hammer. He hugged it to his chest and stepped alongside the head of the hull dragon. Its magnificent horn was cracked off at the top of its head, which had a dent in it. “You did that, not them,” he said to the war hammer. “Dragon Needles? Pah.”