Dragon Force: The Complete Series

by Lucia Ashta

  It’s all right, Rane, I said. I feel safe with Luma. Perhaps it was more than I should have said; I didn’t want to insult our hostess, after all. But I’d sensed that she and her father were astute, and observed far more than we gave them credit for. It seemed like a better option to acknowledge that, especially since I truly did feel safe with her. That numb edge of fear that clung to my skin, and which I’d previously attributed to a normal self-defense mechanism, was absent. I realized the cause of my fear had been Pumpoo and the tentacles he wove throughout the Ooba tribe.

  Rane, always connected to me, surely sensed the ease too. All right. But don’t be long. I waited for days for you to wake up. I don’t intend to wait much longer to talk to you.

  And oh did we have lots to talk about. Lots and lots. I’ll return to you soon, I promise.

  All right. Be careful, he said, and I thought it was no more than a remnant of the way we’d been raised—in constant fear of repercussions.

  Rane watched Luma lead me away, with Rosie close behind. Right before we took a corner that would remove us from sight, I turned and smiled at him, attempting to convey my tranquility. I did feel guilty for having worried him while I slept.

  The moment Luma pulled me from view, her smile dropped, and she picked up the pace, nearly dragging me.

  Not so fast. I just woke up, and I still feel weak.

  Luma continued to pull me along. I figured you would, but we can’t afford you to be weak right now.

  What are you talking about? I thought we were safe here, and my feelings about things are usually right.

  Your feelings might be right, but they aren’t sensitive enough yet. You need to train your intuition to feel what I feel.

  I waited for her to explain while I allowed her to drag me into the forest that edged the large clearing that housed their people. When she didn’t, I said, I don’t understand what’s going on. Please explain.

  There’s no time.

  What do you mean ‘there’s no time?’ And if there isn’t, then we should have Rane here with us. And Traya. I felt bad that I always thought of Rane before I did my graceful, older sister, but it’s how it was.

  Luma kept pulling. I planted my feet. She was stronger than me in my current state, but I could still make it plenty difficult for her. Look Luma, I like you, and I do trust you even though I barely know you. But I won’t take another step forward until you at least clue me in a little to what’s going on.

  She pulled. I barely budged. Fine. She turned to face me, and I could make out the concern that flitted across her constantly moving features, pleasant except for the worry.

  Oh no. What is it?

  There are those that plot against you and Rane.

  Of course there are, I said, assuming sarcasm carried across mental channels. There have been, even before we were born. Anxiety hit me like a wave. Suddenly, the strength I’d been lacking gave me what I needed to resist Luma and move in the opposite direction—back toward the clearing, back toward my twin.

  No, not now. We’ll get Rane in a bit. Right now, it can’t look suspicious. Pretend we’re just two girls finding a private place to pee.

  I hesitated.

  Trust me. I will help you. I know my people better than you do. I think I might even know your people better than you do. I understand magic in a way you don’t yet. Let me help you.

  I looked behind me, in the direction of my twin, and back at her.

  I’m acting on my father’s orders.

  I wasn’t big on orders, but for some reason that cinched the deal for me. I trusted Luma, and I trusted her father. I’d connected to both of them as we’d sent off the man I killed in a way new to my people. I hadn’t realized it at the time, but I’d accessed enough faithum to be certain of the people I’d shared it with.

  I may have only recently met them, but I did know them—at least, I knew what was important to know about a person.

  All right. Lead the way, but we get Rane to safety the instant the way is clear.

  Done. Trust me, I want him safe as much as you do.

  I believed she did.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Luma positioned herself in a patch of bright sun rays. You’ll be able to see me better like this, she said in my mind, smiling timidly.

  I saw that, I said.

  Aye, well, I’m used to my own people. I don’t usually feel awkward about my shadow; it’s as much a part of me as anything else. But I do realize how strange it must be not to be able to see me clearly.

  It’s a bit strange. I wasn’t going to lie. But hey, I’m plenty used to strange, believe me. Among my people, I’m as strange as they come. So much so that most of them aren’t even allowed to know I exist. I’d started out trying to offer Luma lightheartedness, but I’d drifted into sadness. As much as I tried to accept my lot in life, it didn’t feel good that I couldn’t even be a real part of the tribe I’d been born to—no matter how my role might shift.

  I shook it off, just like I always did. No more delaying. Tell me, what’s going on? What happened while I was asleep? I brought a hand to Rosie, allowing the dragonling’s constant presence to comfort me. I had the feeling I wasn’t entirely going to like whatever Luma had to say.

  There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to come out and say it.

  Great, I thought.

  I think some of your people want to kill you and Rane. There, I said it.

  That’s it? That’s all the news you had?

  I don’t understand, Luma said, and she genuinely looked as if she didn’t. Her features, more easily discernible in the sunlight, looked confused. Isn’t the fact that your people want you dead a big deal?

  It would be if I weren’t so used to it. My people have wanted me dead since I first drew breath in this world. The statement wasn’t entirely fair, since most of the Ooba didn’t even know about me, and those that would want me dead might only have done so because of Pumpoo’s influence.

  But did you know your people want you dead now?

  No, not specifically, I guess. Suddenly, I felt deflated, and took a seat on a rock. Rosie nuzzled me, and I smiled at her—the smile was for her sake, not mine; I really wasn’t into it. I did tell you and your father that twins are forbidden where I’m from, right? I couldn’t remember. The moments since Dune and Luma descended upon us on the backs of dragons were a bit hazy.

  I’m talking about now. There are those among the warriors we’ve invited into our homes that wish to harm you and Rane.

  Does your father know this?

  We didn’t have the chance to discuss it, but if I know, I’m certain he does. He always knows more than I do.

  How do you know this?

  I can listen in on people’s thoughts. Not always, and not with everyone, but when I do, I can hear everything the person is thinking.

  I think Dean only told the warriors we could communicate with you in our minds. I don’t think he told them you could read our thoughts at times. I couldn’t remember what he’d said exactly, and that wasn’t good. I’d have to learn to be more precise in my recollection if I intended a career as a member of the Dragon Force.

  Don’t judge yourself so harshly.

  I snapped my eyes to Luma’s. You’re reading my thoughts right now?

  No, but I’m reading your energy. It’s communicating as clearly as words do, I assure you. I’ve only had the chance to learn little about you. Your brother has shared some things, but mostly the path is open for us to get to know each other, and become friends, I hope.

  I softened my look, and allowed my hope in our friendship to shine through. She got the message, I could tell.

  She said, But I have seen you do incredible things without any training. What you saw me do, or rather heard, was not an accident. My people have been training me to control my magic since I was a young child.

  And how long did it take you to learn to ride dragons?

  Longer than you have to learn it. Her tone was serio
us. We’ll have to find the way to speed up your learning.

  You want me to learn to ride dragons?

  Of course.

  You’re serious.

  Why wouldn’t I be?

  I had no good answer to that. I looked at Rosie and wondered if I’d be able to figure out how to ride the ferocious beasts she resembled so little.

  Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

  I arched doubtful eyebrows at her.

  All right, so it isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible.

  One thing at a time, Luma, I said, mostly because I couldn’t even begin to wrap my mind around dragon riding just then. Tell me what you brought me out here to say. Whose thoughts have you heard, and who wants to kill me?

  I don’t know his name, but he’s the only truly pale one among you.

  Yoon.

  You aren’t surprised?

  I’ve never trusted him. He admired our former chieftain. I always believed he was Pumpoo’s ally.

  And now?

  I don’t know now. Dean trusts him implicitly.

  And Dean’s trust causes you to question your own instincts?

  Aye, because I admire and trust Dean.

  Luma nodded. The shadowed edges of her head seemed to swirl in the sunlight. Seeing her like this, with more of her visible than before, she looked magical. It was almost as if her energy body were on display, in constant movement. I wondered if it could be. I didn’t figure it out when she said, I understand that. I trust my father implicitly. But even he isn’t infallible. I doubt Dean is.

  What did you hear Yoon thinking?

  Something along the lines of twins that would bring destruction to your world, and that if Dean was too enamored of you to do what needed to be done, then he’d have to.

  Enamored of me? Dean isn’t enamored of me.

  No, not in the usual sense. I believe what this Yoon person was thinking was that Dean is blinded to the dangers you cause, and that he’ll be a hero to his people for taking you and Rane out.

  And Dean isn’t here right now.

  No, he isn’t. And Anira?

  Yes?

  Yoon was thinking he needed to recruit people to join him, to make sure he was successful. He was concerned at how many of us there are, and whether we might interfere to protect you and Rane.

  And would you?

  That’s my father’s decision, but I believe he would.

  And your father is gone too.

  Aye, and I don’t know how long he might be gone either. When he left, he felt we were all safe here, yet he left many fine warriors behind to protect us.

  Protect you, not Rane and me.

  Luma sat to share my rock with me. I don’t know what your people are like, but I do know mine. We don’t see division in life, we see unity. All living creatures are connected, that includes you and me. Just because you weren’t born to the shadow people doesn’t mean my people won’t defend you. But knowing Father, he might leave the decision up to them.

  If that’s the case, then why would your people choose to risk their own lives to defend strangers? I realized she’d just given me the reason, but it was so unlike the Ooba—at least under Pumpoo’s guidance—that I struggled to accept the concept.

  Luma seemed to understand. Perhaps you’ll come to see things as we do before we part ways... if we part ways.

  If we part ways? I didn’t know what to think about that.

  The best would be to speak with our warriors and alert them of the situation. They can make up their own minds until Father returns.

  I nodded, feeling numb at the idea that strangers might consider defending me when my own people would condemn me to death.

  But we need to speak with them without this Yoon finding out.

  And whomever he might have managed to recruit.

  Do you know who’s likely to have sided with him?

  I don’t. I only just recently joined them. I was invisible to all of them only days ago. You should speak to your people by yourself, so that Yoon and his allies don’t suspect.

  Luma turned to face me. I tried to look into her eyes, but the swirling was too intense; I had to look away before even deciding what color they might be. I’d prefer to do it with you. It would help for you to see a different way of being. But in the circumstances, that might not be possible, as you say. I’ll talk to the warriors in private and prepare them for what might be coming until Father returns.

  They’ll listen to you, a girl?

  Of course they will. Why would you ask that?

  I’m not used to being listened to. In my tribe, girls don’t participate in anything important to the tribe.

  Well then it’s a good thing we’re in my tribe and not yours. Here, we respect everyone, young or old, woman and man, for we’re all an important part of the greater balance, we’re all a piece of the whole.

  It made sense—a lovely sense—and I found myself longing to be a part of the ways of these shadow people. I still barely knew them, but I couldn’t change how I felt.

  Luma stood, and offered a hand to pull me up. I want to do this right away. Yoon might move quickly. If I were he, I would do whatever I planned before Dean and his warriors and my father return. You behave as if everything is well and you don’t suspect a thing. Explain to Rane what is happening. Keep him and your sister safe.

  Except that I had no idea how to do that.

  The sooner we get this dealt with, the better. We have more important things to be doing with our time.

  Such as? I followed as she led me and Rosie back to the clearing.

  Such as teaching you how to use your magic and ride dragons.

  Well, damn, that did sound like a heck of a lot better thing to do with my time. All I had to do now was survive, and I’d been finding the way to do that for nearly seventeen years.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Luma delivered Rosie and me to Rane, and left in search of the shadow people’s warriors, with a lingering look at Rane I couldn’t help but notice. A shadow girl was difficult to see even in the sunlight, but not only could I make out the direction in which her head pointed, but I could sense her attention too. The moment passed quickly, however. She wove her way across the clearing and disappeared from sight, beyond some of the huts.

  “Anira, are you all right?” Rane asked. Concern edged his voice.

  I put a hand on his arm. “Aye, I’m well, feeling much better already. Where’s Traya?”

  “I sent her to rest. She barely left your side when you were passed out, and was looking really worn out. She didn’t want to at first, but I managed to convince her.”

  “Good. It’s important that she rest.” I experienced another pang of guilt, and Rane, who understood me better than anyone else, said, “Don’t feel bad, Nir. It’s totally normal for us to think of each other before anyone else. We’re... closer in age than we are with Traya.”

  Which meant that our conversation could be overheard. I snapped to attention, but tried to pretend I didn’t. “Actually, I feel as if I could use some more rest,” I said loud enough for any potential eavesdropper to overhear. “Will you take me somewhere I can lay down? Somewhere private would be nice, so I could sleep while we wait for Dean to return.”

  I wasn’t sure if Rane was catching on. “Aye, I’d imagine it’s all right to go back to the same hut you were resting in before. I don’t know whose it is, but the shadow leader had you placed there. I’ll take you.”

  “Thank you, and Rane, I’d appreciate it if you could stay with me too. You know the presence of my brother comforts me.”

  “Of course I’ll stay.” He steered me out of the clearing by the arm, Rosie on our heels.

  I walked slowly and carefully, entirely for show. The more alert and concerned for our safety I became, the more my body cooperated. By the time Rane guided me into the hut, I felt fully myself again.

  He led me over to the bed, helped me into it, covered me, and only then returned to the entrance
to the hut and lowered the privacy flap. The moment we were safe from prying eyes, Rane took four long strides to my bedside, and said, What’s going on?

  I should have known he’d realize something was up. Luma tells me that she listened in on Yoon’s thoughts. He’s planning on doing away with us, and the problem we pose, since it looks like Dean’s chosen to ignore it. He thinks that twins are dangerous, and that Dean is unwilling to deal with the situation as he should.

  Well, that’s no surprise, really.

  No, not really. I never did trust Yoon.

  But Dean does.

  Aye, he does, and I’m not sure I understand why. Aloud, I said, “Thanks for helping me, Rane. I think I could really use some sleep. Do you mind sitting with me quietly until I fall asleep?”

  “Of course. Do you need anything?”

  “No, thank you, just sleep.”

  “Then rest and don’t worry about a thing. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Do you really think someone’s listening?

  I’m not sure, but I’d rather be safe. If Yoon is planning on killing us, then the smart thing would be to do it before Dean and Shula get back.

  Right. Rane scowled. That would be the smart thing to do.

  And we’ve seen nothing to indicate that Yoon isn’t smart.

  So we can’t stay here. If Yoon is watching, the easiest would be to take us out while you’re supposedly asleep, and it’s just me in here with you. With Traya resting, and the shadow leader gone, this would be the best time to attack. Are you thinking of sneaking out? Can we even sneak out of here?

  I don’t know. Dangit, I should have asked Luma that. She’s gone to speak to their warriors, to alert them of the situation. She thought they would choose to defend us, but it would be their decision.