The Chronicles of Dragon Collection (Series 1 Omnibus, Books 1-10) (40 page)

CHAPTER 3

“Are you pouting?” Brenwar said.

“No,” I said.

“Don’t lie, Dragon. I can see your brows buckling. Straighten up.”

The ride from Quintuklen wasn’t so bad the first day. It was good being in the company of Bayzog the part elf, Sasha his apprentice and mate, and Shum, one of the Elven Roaming Rangers. It had been a long time since I’d spent time with so many people. Usually it was just me and Brenwar.

I kicked my steed and rode ahead of the party, leaving Brenwar in the rear. The day was dreary, a little chilly, and nothing but rolling green hills and wildflowers lay ahead.

“Don’t leave my sight!” Brenwar said.

I didn’t even look back. Instead, I rode farther out. Far enough until I got the feeling I was alone. As I said, it was nice catching up with everyone, but their chronic presence was disturbing. Every eye seemed to watch everything I was doing, and Brenwar kept commenting on what he thought I was thinking.

“Don’t think you’re gonna sneak off!”

“Stay on this side of the river.”

“Shum, go with him.”

“Bayzog, can you cast a spell that can track him?”

It got old. It was aggravating. I was a man. I was becoming a dragon, and I didn’t need anyone’s protection. Especially now. Now I had two dragon arms, not just one, and I was itching to see what I could do with both of them. I massaged my arms. I loved the slickness and toughness of my scales. And my claws―mostly yellow, but a little gold―came in handy when I gutted fish for dinner. I clicked them together. I loved the sound they made.

Burp.

A white puff of smoke came out of my mouth. My nostrils steamed. I tapped my fist into my chest.

I guessed I’d had too many fish earlier, but I was still hungry. Hungrier than ever. Nowadays I was even eating more than Brenwar, and he always ate a week’s worth.

I fanned the smoke. I didn’t want Brenwar to see. He’d say “Smoking’s bad” or something silly like that.

I had been able to burp smoke a few times when no one was looking, but I hadn’t summoned any more fire yet. I wasn’t certain how I’d done it the last time, but I knew it was in me, brewing. A volcano ready to burst. Remembering the cleric Finnius whom I’d turned into a human roast bothered me, but not as much as it should have probably.

Well, remembering the smell did make me grimace. A little.

I heard horse hooves trotting up behind me.
Oh great.
I hadn’t even been alone for a few minutes and already―still well within eyeshot―I had company.

I turned and yelled, “Will you leave me alone!”
Gulp.

It was Sasha. She sat tall and splendid in the saddle. Her blue eyes were bright and her auburn hair was lustrous. Her apprentice robes hung loosely over her elegant form. She was one of the prettiest women I’d ever seen. And she was smiling.

“No,” she said, smiling bigger.

“What?” I said. “Oh. Well, I’m glad you aren’t Brenwar and I’m sorry that I yelled, Sasha. I’m just not used to having all of this bossing around.”

She rode alongside me, giggling.

“I understand, Nath,” she said. “Even Bayzog is demanding from time to time.”

She called me Nath, and that was fine by me, but I didn’t like it so much when others called me that. Nath was just the beginning of my long name. Longer than a hundred men’s strung together, and whenever I heard Nath, my mind would start running through it.

“I believe you do know what I’m talking about. Bayzog’s rigid as a dwarf sometimes.” I winked at her. “But don’t tell him I said that.”

“I won’t,” she said. “So, Nath, tell me. What’s it like having two dragon arms?”

She caught me off guard with that one. I figured she was going to ask how I was feeling or in her own polite way offer some advice. And I’d hate to tell her I’d had all the advice I could swallow. My father was bad enough, but Brenwar was worse.

“Uh …,” I said, glancing over my shoulder, then back at her, “can you keep a secret, Sasha?”

“So long as it doesn’t place me in conflict with the others,” she said, nodding.

I hesitated. I could see her point, but I didn’t think what I was about to tell her would create a conflict.

“All right … It’s wonderful, Sasha. I feel like I can do things I could never do before. I feel faster. Stronger.” I held my hands out in front of me and gazed at the black scales that shone like black sheets of ice in the sun. “I feel like I could fight anyone, anywhere, and win.” I flexed them. “I was strong before, but now, well, I just want to test them out.”

“Whoa,” she said, “you really are infatuated with yourself, aren’t you?”

“Well, no, it’s not like that. I’m just amazed.”

She giggled. “I’m just teasing you, Nath. I really like them too…”

She trailed off, her light eyes glancing away.

“But?” I said.

She reached over and rubbed my arm. Her eyes brightened when she did it.

“Oh, but nothing, Nath. I trust you and I’m thrilled for you. Who wouldn’t want to be a dragon anyway? And Nath, you know I think the world of you. I always have. You’re a hero. You’ve done great things and you’ll do more…”

She did it again. Trailed off and glanced away.

“But?” I said.

“As long as you stay on the right path. Let us help with that, Nath. Why do you rebel?”

“Because I’m a rebel,” I said, laughing a little. But it wasn’t very convincing. Not to me or her.

“Oh Nath,” she said, “you just have to be careful. This world, Nalzambor, it has a way of changing people who aren’t careful. I lost some family because of that. I don’t want to lose you too.” Her eyes watered up and she was looking right at me.

It got me right in the heart, the dragon heart. And I felt guilty. Unlike the others, Sasha had a way of saying things in a manner that I would listen to.

I think it helped that she was pretty and her soft voice gave me chills.

I cleared my throat. There was a lump in it still. I did it again.

“Sasha,” I said, touching her hand, “you don’t really think anything will happen to me, do you? I’m a good dragon, remember. I’ll never turn evil.” I said it as if I was trying to convince myself. That bothered me. “Look, I know I have to be careful and that I can’t run off on my own like I did before. But, what if it happens anyway? Didn’t you say something about it mattering more what’s on the inside that on the out?”

She nodded.

I went on. “And we don’t know that black dragons were all evil. Maybe just some of them. Aw… I don’t know, Sasha.” I shook my head and ran my fingers through my mane of hair.

I blew a puff of smoke.

“Wow!” she said, “I’m impressed. When did you learn to do that?”

“I’ve been practicing when no one is looking—what now?”

I glanced back. Brenwar, Shum, and Bayzog were galloping toward me. “Aw, here comes another lecture.” I started to fan the smoke away but thought better of it. “All right, there’s nothing I can do about … what’s going on?”

They galloped right past us and Brenwar was yelling.

“Are you coming or not, Dragon?”

Sasha and I looked at each other and then our eyes followed them.

Up ahead, miles distant, was a giant, black plume of smoke.

I might get to test my arms out after all. Whatever it is, I hope it’s big. Dangerous. Because if it is, I’ve got a surprise for it.

“Let’s ride, Sasha! Yah!”

CHAPTER 4

Selene sat with her scaled black tail coiled around her, petting her drulture, as the great doors opened. The lizard men led a large man inside. He wore dark crimson and purple robes and was accompanied by two dragon-like men. The draykis.

The man stopped at the edge of her throne’s dais, kneeled, and bowed his big shoulders. The draykis kneeled at his side.

“I come as you wish, High Priestess,” the man said. His voice was dark and cheerless. “My life is yours.”

It warmed her cold heart whenever he said that.

“Arise, High Cleric,” she said, “and tell me what you know.”

He nodded, rose, and pulled back his hood. The High Cleric’s bald head was covered in colorful tattoos. They moved, shifted, and changed. Different shades. Different hues. The man’s face was hard. Not old. Eyes dark and mean. His hands were thick and calloused. A heavy war mace hung by a strap over his broad shoulders. He looked more like a warrior than a cleric. A destroyer, not a healer.

“The draykis are excellent soldiers. Hunters as well.” He ran his hand over the amulet that controlled them. “Nine dragons have been captured in the last month. Our poachers are in good order.”

“Any unusual run-ins, Kryzak?” she said.

“No, Selene,” he said, “not as I’d hoped to report, I’m afraid.”

“Selene?” she said, leaning forward.

Kryzak shrugged. “You know how deep my love is for you, Selene.” His eyes sparkled and flared. “I’ve died once for you. I’ll do it again.”

She eased back into her chair. Kryzak was the only man who spoke to her so informally. He’d earned it. He used it. She liked that about him. Cold. Confident. Fearless.

“Of course, Kryzak, but mind your tongue. You might lose a soldier if he followed your insubordination.”

“Certainly,” he said, nodding, “And if he did, I’d kill him myself.”

He stood still, chin up, arms folded behind his back, waiting.

She sat, quiet, thinking. Nath Dragon had disappeared once more. But he would show up. He always did. Even Finnius the acolyte had tracked him down, but the High Cleric Kryzak could do better. He never failed any charge. Not once. Not ever. The man was on a mission. Her mission. The mission of Barnabus. Capture the dragons. Sell the ones that could be sold. Kill or turn them. But most importantly, stop Nath Dragon. Run the world.

“Find him, Kryzak,” she said. “Grind him down. Torment his friends. His allies. No mercy. I want him weak. His purpose meaningless. His focus frayed.”

Kryzak caressed the long wooden handle of his war mace. The wood was weathered, the flanges of the head a dark metal. He nodded. “Our spies are everywhere. As soon as he shows, I’ll know. Track him. Trip him. Snare him. Bust him up. Break him. It will be a pleasure.”

“Don’t get too carried away, Kryzak,” she said, “I want him alive, but his friends, his allies―do with them what you wish.”

He patted the head of his mace.

“Then his friends and allies,” he said, glowering, “will be dead. Or horribly mutilated.”

Her black tail uncoiled from her body, stretched out, and brushed his rugged face.

“My resources are yours,” she said. “I have many. Be sure you keep me informed.”

“As you wish, Selene,” he said, closing his eyes. “Your touch inspires me.” He smiled and stroked her scales.

Her tail coiled around his neck and squeezed.

“Do not fail me, Kryzak.”

“Ah,” he moaned, “Your touch is divine, and I won’t fail. When Nath Dragon is in my clutches,” he said, “you’ll be the first to know.”

Her tail slid away and draped over her shoulder.

“You’re dismissed, Kryzak,” she said.

Kryzak bowed, turned, and walked away. The draykis followed. The great doors closed behind them, leaving her and the drulture all alone once more.

Selene let out a sigh and patted the creature’s head.

“I don’t know who to feel worse for: Nath Dragon or his friends.”

The drulture flicked out its tongue and let out a tiny roar.

Selene chuckled.

“No, of course I don’t feel for them. It’s just an expression.” She got up from her throne and walked down the steps. Her tail swished left and right from behind. “Stay, my pet. I have a grave meeting to attend.”

It chirped and growled.

“No, you can’t come,” she said, headed for a concealed exit in the back. “I fear my master might eat you. He’s eaten too many of my pets in the past.”

CHAPTER 5

We rode hard the next few miles. Ahead, a small village was smoking and in tatters. Men labored. Children scurried back and forth and some cried. It must have happened days ago. Beyond the village, the smoke was coming from somewhere else.

“By Guzan,” Brenwar said, “who’d do such a thing?”

“Who, or what?” Bayzog said, pulling a spyglass from his robes.

I hopped off my horse.

Sasha followed me down into the disaster-struck village.

The charred remains of houses and storefronts still smoldered. The farmers, tanners, bakers, herders, and blacksmiths were dirty and drained, milling about and scraping up what was left of their homes. Their memories. Heirlooms and such things. It tugged at my heart. Their peaceful lives had been destroyed.

A farmer, covered in dirt and soot, picked up pieces of a fence and stacked them nearby. A little boy, maybe twelve with tawny hair, wiped his eyes and stared.

“Sir,” I said, “what happened? Who did this?”

The man didn’t even turn. He kept working and told his son to look away.

“Sir,” I said again. I didn’t like to be ignored. I was only trying to help.

Sasha put her hand on my arm and led me away. “They are still grieving,” she said. “And I don’t see the mother. Seeing how they’ve lost a home, you’d think the mother would be near.”

Scanning the village of broken wood and busted storehouses, I noticed something else. I didn’t see a single woman. Dread filled my chest.

“Sasha,” I said, “I don’t see any women at all.”

She pinched her lips with her fingers. “Oh dear.” A crease deepened in her brow. “Perhaps one of them can help,” she said, gesturing toward an organized-looking group of men.

The Legionnaires were a welcome sight. Two soldiers approached on foot, the City of Quintuklen colors and insignia emblazoned over their breast plates matching a small plume on their open-faced helmets.

“Dragon! Is that you? Draaagon!” a man yelled at the top of his lungs.

It was Ben. He ran up to me and gave me a firm embrace.

“Easy, Ben.”

“Oh,” he said, patting my arms, “I’m sorry, I’m just so glad to see you. I was worried.” He gasped, eyes widening. “You’ve got two dragon arms now. That’s incredible!”

“Ahem,” Sasha said.

Ben lost his breath. “Up … er …” He swallowed a lump, took off his helmet, and bowed a little. “So nice to see you again, Sasha. You are even more beautiful than I recall.”

Sasha giggled. “Thank you. It’s good to see you too.”

“Why Ben,” I said, “you really are a soldier, aren’t you?” I patted his armored shoulder. “Complimenting a lady and everything. I’m impressed.”

Ben stuck his chin out and grinned. He’d changed. His armor fit well. He’d thickened up in his chest and shoulders. He looked good. Like a soldier. He was no longer a lanky son of a farmer but a strapping young man with some grizzle on his chin.

“Nice bow you have there,” I said.

Ben had a full quiver of black-feathered arrows and a short bow. He beamed at me. “It’s not Akron,” he said, “but it’s a good one. I strung it myself. Dragon, I’m actually one of the top marksmen on account of my training and all. The commander says I’ll get to train new recruits in the future.”

“That’s great, Ben.” I tuned my gaze to the soldier beside him. He was stout and short bearded, with a heavy axe on his belt. “And who’s your friend?”

“Oh, forgive me,” Ben said. “This is Garrison. He’s my comrade.”

I nodded and said, “Nice to meet you, Garrison.”

“Aye,” Garrison said. Head down.

“Don’t worry about him, Dragon,” Ben said. “He’s not the talker that I am. But he’s a fine fighter and wrestler. I’ve seen him pin a goblin and an orc. One right after the other.”

“Impressive.”

Sasha nudged me.

“Huh? Oh,” I said. “Ben, what is—”

“No, Dragon, you owe him something else,” she said.

“I do?” I said, looking at her. I didn’t take her meaning right away, but then it hit me. “Oh, I do. I, uh, certainly do.”

But what I owed him didn’t come easy. It was Ben who had dragged me back to the city of Quintuklen after I blacked out. He’d secured the horses as I ordered. Ridden me back to safety. He’d done everything by himself. Done it right. But saying thanks didn’t come easy.

He wasn’t supposed save me. I was supposed to save him.

I rubbed the back of my neck and said to Ben’s friend Garrison, “Did Ben tell you how he saved my life?”

Garrison nodded.

Ben was beaming.

“Ben,” I said, extending my hand, “thanks for taking care of me.”

He accepted my hand. “Well, you taught me. Told me all about adventuring and responsibility. It was easy.”

“Oh, is that so?” Sasha said. “My, you sound like someone I know.”

“Don’t say it,” I said.

“I won’t,” she said.

Ben tried to hug me again but I stopped him. “That’s enough of that. Now tell us, what is going on?”

“Ettins, Dragon! Ettins are doing this!” he said.

Sasha looked at me with a funny look on her face. “Ettins are awfully rare. It doesn’t seem likely that ettins are about.”

I had only seen one once before, and I’d gotten little more than a glimpse. “Really, Ben? How can you be sure? Did you see them?”

He nodded his head with vigor. “I swear it, Dragon! I even shot at one with my bow. My arrow skipped right off it, like its eyelid was made of stone.”

“I don’t know. Ettins are pretty big and slow,” I said. “You only got one shot off? Not at least three or four?”

“Oh, it’s big, all right. At least thirty feet tall.” Ben stretched his arms up and held them wide. “And I only got one shot off because I had to run for my life.”

“Why?”

“They’re like rolling boulders when they run! They would have crushed us,” he said, “so Garrison and I ran. We hid!”

It seemed a stretch. The ettin I’d seen was only twenty feet in height, if that. Maybe just fifteen. “Thirty feet tall?” I said.

Both Ben and Garrison nodded their heads vigorously.

Ben went on in a high-pitched rush. “And it has two heads! Ugly as an orc. Well, kinda. Scary, though. Really scary. It ate a man whole!”

“And they kidnapped the women?”

Again, they nodded.

Ben said, “You believe me, don’t you, Dragon?”

“Sure he does,” Sasha said, “and I believe you too.”

“So,” I said, “where is the ettin you shot at now?”

Ben pointed toward the smoke over the next hill.

“The Legionnaires followed him that way. The commander ordered us to stay put at this village and help out. This isn’t the only village to fall. Another burns. They like setting things on fire. Why do they do that?”

I exchanged another odd look with Sasha. “Have you ever heard of an ettin raiding a village or stealing women?”

“No,” she said. “That makes no sense. Not one bit.”

“What does it look like, Ben?”

“Well, like I said, it’s really tall. Has two heads… ”

“We’ve established that, Ben. Can you tell me a little more? Does it have skin, scales, or fur? A tail? We can’t be sure it’s an ettin.”

“Uh … uh …” Ben’s eyes were growing.

Garrison stepped behind me.

“Dragon!” Brenwar yelled from out of nowhere.

The ground shook under my feet.

Thoom! Thoom!

I whipped my head around. Lumbering downhill it came. Two heads. Thirty feet tall. It had a squirming Legionnaire in one hand and a club the size of a whole tree in the other. It skipped the soldier over the ground like a stone.

“There be an ettin!” Brenwar said. He hoisted his war hammer over his head. “Battle ho!”