by Jay Lynn
The duke on the other hand was not thinking as rashly as he normally would. Vincent’s bright smile and twisted laugh brought forth unwanted images of Jade’s vague description of the vile incident. Shaking his head, Edmund swept them away. His attention focused on the warrior glaring at Vincent’s back. This was not how justice was supposed to work.
Fingers curling around the hilt of his blade, Edmund readied himself to strike. A hand gently rested on his arm, causing him to freeze for a second. The duke’s gaze lowered to settle on his wife.
Her large doe-like eyes brimmed with anger and empathy, yet silently pleaded for him to calm himself.
Exhaling with a hiss, Edmund released the grip on his sword. “Very well, Lord Vincent. Since you claim to bear proof of treachery, then I shall hear you out. First, turn your prisoner over to the guard so he can be held for trial.”
Vincent’s men made no sign of relaxing.
“I cannot do that, Your Grace,” the noble announced. “He is, without a doubt, guilty.”
“That is not for you alone to decide,” Roderick countered.
“The nobility cannot act above the laws of our King. It is our job to enforce those laws Lord Vincent, which include a fair trial.”
The noble watched Edmund evenly. “Any means of justice cannot be done for this creature since his dark magic holds all the sway. You are all under his power, and I have come to liberate you of this twisted spell. It is time for Malyndor to see his true colors.”
As Vincent was speaking, Jade and Ariel moved through the crowd. Gasping, a hand flew to her mouth as Jade gazed at the bound warrior. Her mind unwilling to process what she was seeing, Jade couldn’t utter a word as she stood there staring at Alec and the crazed noble lingering close by.
Vincent continued speaking, unaware of his newest guest. “This traitorous slime you revere as a hero is, in fact, in league with the dragons swarming our beloved realm. Only a short time ago, he was in the forest outside Stafford calling for one of them by name. That’s correct; he can speak with the beasts.”
A strained silence filled the room. Exchanging apprehensive glances, those gathered around the space started to talk in low whispers. However, their words were not directed at the supposed traitor. They were aimed at the noble ranting to the duke.
“He is the Dragon Sage,” Edmund replied with forced patience. “It is his duty to interact with dragons.”
“Pray, but you understand not, Your Grace. He does not merely interact with them, he talks to them. I mean truly speaks with them, as if he knows what it is they say.”
Edmund raised a brow.
“Do any of you rightly believe the dragon he faced outside Marcia simply left when the battle was yet to be finished? Or what about the beast he flew from Zerrok? How else would he be able to accomplish such a feat?”
“Because Alec is a gifted warrior and sorcerer,” Roderick answered point-blank.
“No, you blind fool!” Vincent snapped. “This has all been a farce to get him closer to those in power.”
“Tell me, Lord Vincent,” Edmund began, hoping to soon find an opening for his men to move in. “Do you know why the dragons seek to take over Malyndor?”
The noble’s brows lowered into a sharp point. “None of you believe me. I should have known I could not reason with you. His power is far too strong, but I will break this spell.” Twisting about, Vincent addressed his men. “Turn him around.”
Two more men grasped Alec’s arms as they struggled to move him and then hold the spirited warrior in place.
Damn it, I have to stop this, Alec’s mind shouted. Yet, with the anti-magic cuff still on his wrist, the only way to break free would be to prove Vincent right, showing everyone how strange he was. Clenching his jaw, the warrior waited for his mark to be exposed.
Pulling a dagger from his belt, Vincent’s eyes flashed. “You want proof, then I shall give it to you. He is marked by the beasts. See for yourself what this traitor bears.”
Grabbing hold of the back of Alec’s shirt, Vincent slashed the top of it and tore the fabric down to reveal what Alec so carefully hid.
The people standing in the crowds craned their necks to get a better view.
A grin appeared once again on the noble’s lips. Sure enough, there was a pale red dragon shaped birth mark between the warrior’s shoulder blades. Vincent hadn’t been misled by the stranger.
“See, I speak the truth. Alec is a pet of the dragons.”
Roderick took a step forward. “Alec’s had that mark since he was in Zerrok. Are you trying to say it was part of his plan to be imprisoned as a slave for most of his life?”
Sputtering, Vincent couldn’t seem to answer.
The duke’s eyes remained on the pale dragon. A frown pulled at the corners of his mouth. He couldn’t place it, but something about this mark nagged at him.
“You have stated your case,” Edmund said at long last. “Now release him to my men’s custody.”
Vincent’s glee was long gone. Scowling, he shook his head. “Why will none of you believe what is before your eyes?” Spinning, the noble’s narrowed gaze locked on his captive. “It would seem I have no choice. If I want to break this spell, I will have to do what he said.” Vincent tightened his grip on the dagger and moved closer to Alec. “This creature must pay for his crimes.”
“He’s no creature. You are the monster here!” Jade exclaimed.
Freezing, Vincent’s eyes scanned the faces of those around him until he found the woman who spoke. Green eyes shimmering like jewels, Vincent never thought she looked more beautiful. How had he missed her arrival?
“Let him go. You have gone too far as it is,” she commanded.
Why is she still defending him? I cannot bear it any longer. This spell must be broken, now, Vincent thought savagely, his free hand curling into his palm.
“Enough!” the man shouted. Before anyone could react Vincent darted forward, seized Jade and pulled her into the loose ring of his men. “Here, take her,” he instructed one of his underlings.
“Let go of me!” Jade shrieked.
A hand went to her belt in vain. I forgot, I am not permitted to have a blade in the castle. Not that it would do her much good as the man watching over her firmly gripped both her arms.
Listening to Jade struggle somewhere behind him, Alec’s pulse quickened. Vincent was hurting her again. The sorcerer’s entire body stiffened. Her cries of distress echoed in his mind. No other thoughts seemed to be able to grasp his attention beyond that of coming to her aid. How dare Vincent lay his filthy hands on his Jade again?
Like a flash of lightning, the atmosphere of the chamber suddenly changed. Tied to his emotions, Alec’s power lashed out on its own. A faint glow emanated from his body prior to a pulse bursting forth in a shock wave which threw the thugs pinning him back.
Jade involuntarily dropped to her knees as the men flew across the room.
Irises blazing white, the sorcerer slowly rose to his feet. All eyes were glued upon Alec. The ropes binding him tore apart like paper. The metal cuff fell from his wrist and the cloth covering his mouth dissolved as he pulled it from his face.
“I warned you to never touch her again,” Alec growled in a quiet, cold voice.
Face pale, Vincent could only gape. As Alec started towards him, the blade in his hand clattered onto the stone floor.
Grabbing him by the collar, Alec picked the noble clear up off the floor. A tense few seconds ticked by as he glared at his deathly white foe before throwing him onto the ground.
Vincent’s body skidded across the stone, landing directly in front of members of the Stafford Guard.
Without so much as looking at him, Alec held a palm out at the thug who dared to harm his Jade. A pulse shot out sending him sailing across the chamber just as the others had.
Eyes locked on the petite woman still sitting on the floor, Alec held out his hand.
“Are you alright, Lady Jade?”
Flashing him a bra
ve smile, Jade didn’t hesitate to accept the hand he offered. Her heart wouldn’t cease its pounding, but it was not fear of her rescuer causing the unusual rhythm. No matter how strange, Alec only ever used his power for good. Jade knew in her bones he wouldn’t harm her.
“I am as long as you are by my side.”
With Jade’s fingers still resting in his palm, Alec peered around the space. Roderick’s men were busy arresting Vincent and his thugs, yet the tension within the space had not dissipated. Everywhere he looked, people were staring at him and not in a good way. Alec fought the urge to cringe. Up until now, Isabelle was the only one who knew the true extent of his abilities. Talking to dragons, casting without spells, she knew it all and had kept his secret. That would no longer be possible. Isabelle he could trust, but the fearful gazes watching him held no such loyalty. Alec wasn’t able to control his power when Jade was in danger and he would have to pay the price for his weakness.
The crowds’ similar expressions were more or less what the sorcerer was expecting and feared. The poison of Vincent’s words were taking root. Some gazed at him as though he wasn’t even human.
Well, I can’t deny what they just saw. I do owe the duke an explanation at least, if nothing else.
Alec couldn’t begin to guess what the noble was thinking. Edmund’s face was an unreadable mask. The duchess surprisingly didn’t appear appalled. However, Roderick seemed to be the only one looking upon him in the same way he always did. It was as if nothing strange happened in his eyes.
Jade intertwined her fingers with Alec’s.
The warmth of her small frame standing proudly beside him gave the sorcerer strength.
“Your Grace—” His words were cut off as a large shadow swept by the windows.
A deep roar filled the air, followed by frightened screams. A horn sounded from the battlements. There was a chaotic shout of commands and the ring of metal upon metal.
Alec jerked around, his eyes widening. “Oh no, Cassidy,” he whispered.
She must think I’m in danger. I have to stop her. His dark brown eyes locked upon the woman by his side.
Offering him a small smile, Jade nodded her head.
Alec squeezed her fingers in thanks. Spinning around, his sight locked on Roderick as he quickly approached.
“Please, look after Jade for me.”
The knight held his unwavering gaze for a moment. “Do what you must. I trust you, Alec.”
“Thanks.”
Kissing the top of Jade’s hand, Alec raced out of the room. The door swung behind him, but didn’t close all the way.
Straightening her shoulders, Jade took off in his direction.
Roderick managed to catch her arm as her father shouted, “Jade what are you doing?”
“Helping Alec. He is used to fighting alone, but he is not on his own anymore. He has me and I shall not abandon him.”
Edmund’s head pulled back as he gazed at the determined light shining in his daughter’s eyes. “Stay with Roderick,” he ordered firmly. “Let us meet this dragon of his.”
Outside, Cassidy was circling back towards the courtyard as Alec flew down the steps. Arrows shot through the air. She dodged them and continued on towards her target. Seeing Alec, she released a fearsome roar.
Along the battlements the heavy crossbows were now pointing at the green dragon starting to land within the castle grounds. One strike from these weapons could kill her instantly.
Acting on instinct, Alec called up a water spell and froze the crossbows in place. Joining Cassidy’s side, he encased her in a shield.
“Everyone stop!” Alec shouted above the chaos. “She’s not going to hurt you.”
There were a few stunned moments before a few of the Stafford Guard lowered their weapons. Not all of them were willing to believe the warrior and remained at the ready.
“Lower your weapons,” commanded Duke Stafford appearing at the top of the stairs.
At last, the remainder of the soldiers complied. Only then did Alec lower the barrier and turn to the green dragon.
“Cassidy, what are you doing here?”
“I felt your power surge. I feared you were in danger.” Lifting a toe to touch the side of his bruised face her yellow eyes narrowed. “It seems I was right.”
“I’m fine,” he assured her.
A low rumble was all anyone else could understand. Another round of whispers filled the space. Soldiers tightened their grip on their weapons and servants backed away, gaping in horror. There were a few Alec noted who didn’t respond with disgust or fear, but not many. Over by the barracks Garth and Nathan pushed their way to the front of the crowd.
The sorcerer’s gaze focused on the duke. “I don’t use dark magic, nor am I your enemy, but Vincent was right on one point. I can talk to dragons.”
Cassidy nudged his shoulder and he patted the side of her face. Taking a deep breath, Alec continued, “I discovered it on my first day in Stafford when Cassidy here, came to my aid. She helped me defeat the bandits attacking Lady Jade’s escort.”
Slowly, some of those watching the scene intently, began to relax. The mumbling changed, shifting more to Alec’s benefit.
“Dragons like Cassidy are not evil; they help protect our Kingdom—”
“See! I told you he was a traitor,” interrupted Vincent’s shrilled voice as he appeared on the edge of the courtyard.
How did he get free? Edmund’s mind demanded. “Arrest Lord Vincent at once.”
Vincent didn’t cease speaking as men moved through the crowd towards him. “Your Grace would silence me for speaking the truth?”
“You are under arrest for kidnapping and attempted murder of a lord. Do not feign innocence, Vincent.”
“Do none of you see? This creature’s spell is strong indeed. He has you all fooled. He’s in league with the dragons, and if he is not stopped, they will destroy our entire Kingdom.”
Once more people’s eyes shifted warily to the sorcerer standing beside the green dragon. Frightened, they didn’t know who or what to believe. Whispering behind their hands, they questioned if Vincent was right or if the dragons were their friends as Alec proclaimed?
“He cannot be trusted. He’s a traitor,” Vincent continued to scream as he ducked behind a building with several soldiers chasing after him.
“I’m not a traitor,” Alec denied in a steady voice.
Scanning the courtyard, Alec’s eyes paused on Garth with a pained stare.
‘Breathe,’ his friend mouthed, taking a step towards him before saying something to some of the men around him.
Sucking in a shaky breath, Alec’s eyes shifted to the other faces watching him intently. After everything he’d done for them, were they really so willing to think the worst of him just from a few drops of Vincent’s poisonous words? Did people secretly distrust him so much? A pain radiated through Alec’s chest, growing increasingly stronger. The dark glares coming from some of the staff were the sole images boring into him. Hands trembling, Alec curled them into fists as he tried to control it. The cords of his neck pressed against his skin.
“I’m no traitor,” Alec repeated, his voice losing some of its strength. “From the moment I arrived I have protected you, trained you, fought beside you and even bled for you. But—but none of that matters, does it?” he questioned, his voice breaking.
They have betrayed you, the woman’s voice suddenly whispered in his tortured mind.
“You’ve betrayed me,” Alec quietly echoed. “It will never matter what I do to prove otherwise. You will only see me as an outsider…as an enemy…a monster.”
Cassidy made some deep noises in her throat, but shaking his head Alec moved away.
“No,” he told her firmly. “I’m marked. You wouldn’t tell me what it meant, but I know now. Malcolm told me about the prophecy. I can defy the rules of magic, but look at what it has gotten me. See how they fear me. Despise me. I’m tired of people treating me like some kind of creature.”
&nb
sp; Each breath coming out in noisy gasps, Alec fought against the intense stabbing he could feel in his chest. A few drops of blood dripped from his nose. Widening his stance, Alec stretched his fingers and lifted his chin.
“If they want a monster, I’ll give them one.”
Eyes blazing white, Alec’s power lashed out with a torrent of wind that both pushed Cassidy back and knocked everyone to the ground across the courtyard. The stones beneath his feet crumbled to dust as his hands tightened into fists once more. His aura swirling dangerously, Alec channeled his pain into a destructive force.
Still standing at the top of the castle steps, Jade watched the man she loved lose all control. Clutching her stomach, a wave of dizziness washed over her. This is all my doing. If only I had informed Father of Vincent’s evil sooner. Then he might not have brought Alec harm and caused this despair. There had to be a way to bring him back to his senses.
“Alec, you are not evil. You have always used your powers for good because you are a good person,” Jade called out.
Above the castle dark grey clouds threatened to block out the sun’s rays. Rain poured down upon them mixed with the pinging of sleet. Close by, the crack of thunder broke through the howl of the wind. The red stain of blood began to seep from Alec’s ears.
Heart pounding, Jade tried again. “Alec, I know you can stop this. You need not try to force people to despise you.”
“Listen to her Alec,” Garth called as he instructed people to vacate the area. “I swore my loyalty to you and no dragon will change that.”
Nathan nodded his agreement. “Garth’s right, little brother. The stubborn man I know wouldn’t let his power control him. Fight this.”
Leaking from his nose and mouth, a stream of red rolled down Alec’s face like a tear. Slowly shaking his head, he just managed to answer, “It’s too late. I can’t stop it.”
Gripping the sides of his head Alec dropped to his knees. A bolt of lightning shot down in the yard igniting a pile of hay near the stables.