Wings of Flame (The Dragons of Ascavar Book 5)

by JD Monroe

  There were a dozen smoking craters all over the once-beautiful city. Smoke filled the air like a choking fog, with eddies and the occasional flash of scales as dragons tussled. In the distance, Marlena was moving toward the southern border of the city, with a fleet of dark-scaled dragons on her tail.

  He had his mission. Sidran was secured. Viraszel was alive, and she’d make sure he was dealt with. Zayir was alive. Sohaila was safe.

  He snarled. “One last time,” Azeria said. “Then we drink.”

  He flew past the Aesdar, trying to draw it up and away from the citadel. This creature was all that stood between him and rest. Between him and Sohaila and the life he dared to imagine.

  With the thought of her fixed firmly in his mind, he dove at the monster’s face. Its size made it too slow, and by the time it got its claws up to slash at him, he had already driven his talons into its eye, blinding it. It roared, throwing its head back. The motion sent Kaldir tumbling down its back, scrambling to get his footing. Exhaustion swept over him, but sheer determination roared in defiance.

  It was almost over.

  He propelled himself into the air again, heading for the creature’s face. Its powerful wings altered the air currents, making him bob in the air like an unmoored boat. He zipped around the wing, breathing fire onto the thin membrane. A blur of motion caught his eye, and suddenly a massive limb closed around his tail, slinging him in a wide arc. His head spun as he tried to right himself, staring right into its eyes.

  Blue eyes burned into his vision, but Azeria was still strong, her warmth surrounding him like a firm hand. With a growl, he focused his flame into a thin beam, aiming at the third eye on its brow like an arrow of pure flame. White-hot, the fire pierced the orb.

  The Aesdar screamed, then snapped its jaws. He was too close. Teeth as big as a man’s arm pierced through his scales like paper, impaling him. The pain was fleeting, turning quickly to cold shock. He writhed, trying to get free as the creature plummeted from the sky.

  Azeria cried out. She was entirely in its mouth, but Kaldir’s body kept its jaws from closing on her. With a choked scream, she squeezed through the toothy maw. Her eyes were wide and frantic as she hung on to one massive tooth, her body dangling in the smoky air. “Get out! Kaldir!” She thrust her hand into its open mouth again and released a powerful burst of flame. It seared Kaldir’s open wounds, but drove a burst of flame down its throat. It roared in pain, jaws opening wide again to spit them out.

  With agonizing effort, Kaldir shoved himself off the long, sharp teeth, but then he was falling, away from Azeria. Her arms pinwheeled in the air, her voice a diminishing wail. His body was failing, his muscles sluggish and weak. A warm pulse ignited in his chest, and he could have sworn he felt Sohaila’s lips on his, her hands caressing all over him and rejuvenating him. He tucked his wings tight and dove for Azeria.

  Her arms flailed out for him. Her eyes were wide, pleading with him as she screamed wordlessly. She cursed as his claws down raked her arm, but he caught her, then hauled her up against his chest. With all the strength he had left, he spread his wings wide and banked south toward the citadel. He couldn’t beat his wings anymore, just had to trust the wind to carry him. He could get there. He could…

  The large landing platform rushed up to meet him, and he had just enough presence of mind to release Azeria before he slammed into the stone.

  Everything went black, then white, then gently faded into a gray. As the gray turned to a sweet, gentle darkness, he thought of Sohaila, her beautiful eyes, her gentle hands. I wish I could see you one more time. I tried to keep my promise. Please don’t be angry.

  “Sister, please,” Virnan complained. “I swore an oath to protect you, and I am keeping it.”

  She had been pacing in the mess hall, formulating arguments for an hour. Virnan hadn’t budged from his position in front of the door. “I gave my oath to bring Marlena back. What if she gets hurt and can’t fly back here?”

  “Marlena agreed to that risk,” he said.

  “I didn’t, and it’s my word at stake,” Sohaila said. She gently touched his shoulder. “I know I’m being difficult. I just…I promised her.”

  “And this isn’t about your fling with the general?” He raised an eyebrow.

  Her cheeks flushed. “It’s not,” she said. Though she’d be lying if she said he wasn’t running through her mind every five seconds. “Remember the story of brave Enumea, who refused to hide from battle, even when the odds were against her.”

  He sighed. “It’s not fair to bring up the Circle.”

  “Isn’t it?” she said coyly. “What if I told you the Skymother had called me?”

  “She didn’t.”

  “You don’t know that,” she said. Her shoulders slumped. “Please. It’s a short flight. And if it’s too dangerous, we can come right back. I just have a bad feeling.”

  The Shrine Warden rubbed his temples, eyes closed and lips moving silently like he was praying for wisdom. Or perhaps he was praying for the Skymother to strike her mute.

  “We’ll fly by,” he finally said. “I’ll go stealthy, and you don’t make a sound.”

  “Agreed,” she said, heart racing in anticipation.

  Outside, Enalah paced the landing terrace with her sword drawn. Citra was inside the outpost, resting until she was needed. Virnan waved to Enalah. “I’m taking her to scout the city,” he said.

  Enalah leveled a glare at him. Like Virnan, she wore her formal uniform, her neatly braided hair a signal that she had no intention of shifting anytime soon. “We had orders.”

  “I’ve been convinced,” he said. “We’ll be back soon.”

  Sohaila dashed through the fort, gathering her leather backpack and a blade she’d acquired from one of the Scalebreakers. After carefully belting her travel cloak, she situated the pack on her back. Virnan eyed the sword. “You are not going armed.”

  “You want to fly me into a warzone unarmed?”

  “Do you even know how to use that?”

  Scowling, she flipped the blade in an arc and let the sharp point rest at the base of his throat. His gray eyes widened. She gently raised the blade, chucking him on the chin before putting it back into its sheath. “I was using this before you were born, my devout young friend.”

  “I’m eighty-two. Not that young,” he protested. “Barely younger than you.”

  “Let’s go, little one.”

  Virnan was sleek and fast, covering the distance to Farath quickly. Well before she glimpsed the cityscape, they saw the signs of battle. Like a massive thunderstorm, clouds of thick black smoke hung over the city. Fire and lightning flashed within the smoke, glinting off scales as dragons clashed. He started to turn, but she kicked one heel gently against his side.

  “You said we’d fly by,” she said. “Get closer.”

  But he stayed south of the city, refusing to go directly into the fray. His wind shield enveloped them, letting them fly undetected.

  The main road leading south, out of the city and into the surrounding valley of stone, was currently occupied by a massive white dragon, wings folded tight against its body. A ring of smaller dragons surrounded it, but they didn’t attack.

  “I think that’s her. Go down please,” Sohaila said. Virnan growled beneath her. “Don’t you growl at me. Take me to her right now!” With a clipped roar, he dove toward the white dragon.

  Blessed Skymother, please let her live, she thought. Below them, a familiar silver-scaled dragon stood near her head, wings spread wide as if to threaten any would-be attackers. Deep wounds stained his scales dark.

  They landed hard next to him, and Sohaila tumbled off his back. Cold air rolled over her. “It’s us!” she shouted as the silver dragon turned to glare at them, ice shards clinging to its huge jaws. The ground below him was frozen, the grass coated in white frost.

  As she shoved her hood back, his blue eyes widened in recognition. She ran past him to inspect Marlena. Her breathing was ragged, every exhalati
on a faint whimper. Her scaled face was slashed with shallow cuts, but her back and belly were torn to shreds. One wing was ruined, the thin membranes torn open like sheer fabric.

  She could still fix this. She made a promise, and she was damn well going to keep it.

  Behind her, a burst of cold air preceded Velati’s inevitable scolding. Sohaila dropped her bag and dumped its contents onto the ground, quickly arranging what she needed. “Sister, I—”

  “If you’re going to scold me for showing up, then save your breath,” she said without looking up. She quickly opened the fragrant sedative that she’d used to bring Enzar back, dipping her hands into it. A quiet growl caught her ear, and she turned to see Virnan looking at her quizzically. “Stay alert. Shield us if anyone comes close."

  He growled in response, then planted his feet wide, spreading his wings. His slender head swiveled slowly, watching the skies.

  Velati’s eyes were wide as he knelt next to her. “I had just sent someone for you.” He brushed her arm. “Just tell me what you need me to do.”

  “Get the balirash open for me and have it ready,” Sohaila said. She slid her cloak from her shoulders, letting it fall to the ground as she cautiously approached Marlena. Her huge eyes followed Sohaila. The pale blue shifted, like light beneath rippling water. With a heavy, warm sigh, she closed her eyes. “No you don’t,” she said, reaching out to touch her jaw. The sheer chaos and fear rampaging through her mind slammed into Sohaila with the force of hitting a stone wall. The pleasant floral smell surrounded her as she caressed Marlena’s face. “I promised you that I would be here, and here I am. You fought very well, but it’s time to rest now.” The white dragon turned its face away, but Sohaila followed. “There are people here who love you and need you to come back.” A deep growl vibrated through her, shaking Sohaila’s arms. “Come on, my friend. Come back. Let go.”

  Marlena’s form shuddered violently, and she let out a deafening scream. With a sound like a rockslide hurtling down a mountain, her bones cracked and shifted. Sohaila’s ears rang, but she stayed close. “Marlena Nightrunner, I am your friend, and I am right here,” she murmured, over and over. “This is where you belong. This body is yours. We’re waiting for you. Hear my voice and know you are safe.”

  The smell of blood magic, of death and decay, overwhelmed her as the white dragon faded in a humid mist. She couldn’t see through the reeking haze, but she kept her hand on the warm, trembling form. Pain, fear, and anger lashed back at her, and her head began to ache with the effort of keeping up the barrier. But still, she spoke gently, reminding her of her name, of the people who needed her back, of how she was loved.

  As the mist cleared, a familiar form lay in the scorched grass. Her eyes were wild, head thrown back as she gasped for air. Sohaila glanced over her shoulder. “Balirash, now,” she ordered. As Velati rushed toward her, she grasped Marlena’s face and searched for the worst of her injuries. Beneath shattered ribs, both her lungs had collapsed. Her slender frame was shredded, with deep gashes across her belly and legs. Shaking hands pressed to her torn belly, instantly gloved in red.

  “Look at me,” Sohaila said, gently caressing her cheek. She kissed Marlena’s brow, sending a burst of power into her. She looked back to Velati. “Get that on her belly before…”

  Marlena let out a shrill cry as he touched her stomach, smearing the thick paste over the deep wounds. But Sohaila ignored it, leaning in and pouring her power into the other woman. She spoke aloud, as much for Marlena’s benefit as her own.

  “I gave you my word, and I’m here. And so is the Skymother. She holds you in her hands and shields you with her great wings.” Her stomach lurched as she unleashed her power into Marlena, fusing the broken bones. “You have never left her sight.” Her heart pounded. She moved her hands down, sending tendrils of power down into her lungs to heal the torn tissue. The damage was bad, probably more than she should try to fix at once, but she had to do it. She gave her word. Pain lanced through her temples, but she pressed onward. Finally, she felt the sense of integrity, of wholeness. “Breathe, Marlena.”

  The woman drew a shuddering breath, and Velati let out a half-sob. Sohaila bent over her, stroking her hair gently. “Come back to me,” she said. “Say it with me. The skies above are blue and clear for us to fly.”

  “Skies above,” Marlena murmured.

  “Blue and clear for us to fly,” Sohaila said. She grasped the woman’s face gently, staring down into her eyes. “Look at me.”

  “Blue and clear for us to fly,” she said, her speech halting. Her eyes were still the bright blue of the Aesdar, but they slowly faded to their normal shade of green. “Who…” She frowned. “Sohaila?”

  “That’s me,” she said, letting out a sigh of relief. “I know you’re hurting, but you’re going to be fine.” She raised her eyes to Velati. “We need to get her to the healing gardens. She’ll recover better there.”

  He nodded rapidly, but he bent his head to Marlena first. His hands trembled as he touched her face, kissing her gently. “It’s over.”

  “Over,” she whispered.

  Together, they wrapped Marlena in her travel cloak, bundling her battered body tightly. Velati lifted her easily, then frowned. “Virnan,” he said. “Please take us.”

  Sohaila climbed onto Virnan’s back. With a growl of effort, he lifted off and grabbed Velati and Marlena in his front claws. His shimmering shield surrounded them, rendering them invisible as he flew north over the city. A spiraling formation of black and red dragons swirled around the citadel, clearly defending it. The gold markings on their throats marked them as the Iron Blade.

  Virnan rose over them, descending toward the landing platform atop Adamantine Rise. Below them, a red dragon was curled on the landing platform. Someone was screaming. Torchlight gleamed off rich red hair.

  Her heart thumped. She knew that hair, and she knew that voice. “Someone help him, please!” a strained voice screamed. There was a flurry of movement around the red-scaled creature. “Please!”

  Dread washed over her as Virnan landed, letting Velati down gently. Sohaila slid off his back and dashed toward the red-scaled dragon. Two soldiers in blue were staring down at the still body, helplessly covering deep punctures in its chest and belly as blood poured from the open wounds. Disheveled and bloodied, Azeria stroked his head, crying openly.

  “No, no,” Sohaila said as the world tilted on its axis. Azeria let out another sharp cry as heat burst from him. Red scales disappeared into bruised, bloodied skin. His face was slack, his beautiful eyes closed. He hadn’t transformed intentionally; his body was failing. Puncture wounds as big around as her arm formed a crescent from his shoulder to his hip. The wet pink of his organs glistened through the huge wounds. “Don’t you dare do this to me,” she wailed.

  Without even thinking, she shoved Azeria away and fell to her knees. His skin was far too cool. Kaldir was always warm and alive. Not now. His life energy was fading like the final echo of a temple bell. Her vision blurred as she traced his internal organs and the delicate blood vessels that were torn open. Too many to fix. But her power was still there in him, wrapped around the fading spark of life.

  My little spark.

  Fumbling into her bag, she scooped out the remains of the balirash and slathered it over the worst wounds. She scraped out the jar, but it wasn’t enough. She let out a wordless shout of anguish as she pawed through the bag. A firm hand closed on her arm, and a small jar appeared in front of her. Azeria held out the jar Sohaila had given them before the battle. “We didn’t use it,” she said. Her eyes were red. “Help him. You have to fix him.”

  Sohaila grabbed it and dumped it over the deep, ugly wound on his belly. Gritting her teeth, she wove her power into him, focused on his heart and his brain. He jolted under her touch. As she tried to knit him back together, she kissed his cool lips, giving him as much of herself as she could. She held nothing back, opening the conduit and praying the Skymother would make up for what she lack
ed.

  Hands fell on her shoulders. “Sohaila, let him go,” Velati said.

  She didn’t break contact as she kept sending the protective power into him. “Get away from me.”

  He grabbed her arm roughly. “He wouldn’t want you—”

  “Don’t you dare tell me what he would want,” Sohaila seethed. “I kept my word to you. I brought her back. Who are you to stop me?” He recoiled like she’d slapped him. She glared at Virnan, who still hovered at the edge of the platform. “Go get someone. Bring Irazia. Bring them all.” With a growl of acknowledgement, Virnan grabbed Marlena in his front claws and shot downward. Pain exploded between her temples, and she knew she was on the brink. “Please stay with me,” she murmured. She kissed his brow, never releasing the flow of healing energy. “You promised we’d go see everything.” Blood spilled over her scarred lip and onto his chest.

  Cold arms closed around her. She writhed violently, slamming her head back into Velati’s chin. He grunted, but didn’t release her. “That’s enough, Sohaila.”

  She twisted in his grasp and punched him square in the nose. As he reeled backward, she grabbed Kaldir again. Her vision was going black. A sharp pain stabbed into the base of her skull, radiating down her spine.

  There was no pain or fear in Kaldir, just stillness. There was too much damage for her to fix. He was going to slip through her fingers again, and he would soon go where she couldn’t reach him. She would lose him again.

  Then she lost the connection again as Velati grabbed her, this time lifting her entirely off the ground and pinning her arms to her chest. She cried out in a wordless wail as he hauled her away, doubled over in his grasp. Her voice broke. “I love him.”

  He gently stroked her hair. “I know you do,” he said. “But do you think he wants to live with the burden of your death? Do you think he would ever forgive himself?”

  She was silent, slumping in his arms. “I don’t care. I just want him to stay.”