Legacy of the Curse

by Deborah Grace White

  The mayor’s eyes flicked to Kincaid and Jocelyn, curiosity behind his measured speech. “Of course. We would be honored to assist you—and your companions—in any way within our power.”

  Elddreki turned to the two of them, seeming to invite them to speak. Jocelyn cleared her throat and urged her horse forward a couple of steps.

  “Thank you for your welcome, sir. Are you well versed in the history of these parts?”

  He gave a slight bow. “I am indeed, ma’am.”

  She nodded. “We would be grateful to have speech with you. We wish to know more of your legends about the great sea beasts, the wyverns.”

  A ripple of excitement passed through the townsfolk. Jocelyn remembered how the mountain people could sense magic, and for a moment she wondered uneasily whether the group was responding to her power rather than her words. But the word “wyvern” was spreading out in increasingly audible whispers. She felt rather than heard Kincaid’s sigh, but she ignored him.

  “I would be delighted to oblige you, dragon companion,” said the mayor. “Allow us first to provide you with food, and accommodation. You must be weary after your travels, and we would be honored to host you as our guests for as long as you wish to stay.”

  “Thank you, Sir Mayor, but that will not be necessary,” interjected Kincaid unexpectedly. “We do not wish to linger. We must be on our way. If you will kindly consent to answer our questions, that will be more than sufficient hospitality.”

  Jocelyn shot him a look of surprise. She had been inclined to accept the offer. The idea of freshening up was very appealing after so long sleeping in the open. She had been careful not to complain, wanting to live up to Kincaid’s early description of her as a remarkable princess. But her time in Valoria had certainly given her a deep appreciation for her luxurious suite in the castle at Kynton.

  “As you wish,” said the mayor with another partial bow. He glanced up at Elddreki, clearly trying to assess the practicalities. “We do not have a building suitable for the purpose here in Arinton, but if you will accompany me to our central courtyard, I will endeavor to answer your questions.” He nodded to some of the townspeople. “If you will dismount, your horses will be cared for while we speak.”

  Jocelyn slid from her mare immediately. She raised an eyebrow at Kincaid, still in the saddle, and after a moment’s hesitation, he followed her to the ground. She shook her head at him. Was he really in such a hurry to ride on? It was clear he didn’t much like Arinton, but she had rarely been more taken with a place. The horses were led away, and Elddreki moved to stand immediately behind his human companions, his vast shadow falling over them.

  At a gesture from the mayor, a clean and well-dressed young man stepped forward and offered his arm to Jocelyn.

  “I would be honored to escort you, ma’am,” he said, smiling personably at her.

  Kincaid shifted slightly on Jocelyn’s other side, his scowl visible even in her peripherals. She ignored him, smiling up at the local. He was dark-haired and broad-shouldered, and quite handsome, she thought.

  “Thank you,” she said softly, accepting the offered arm. She supposed it was primarily due to her connection with Elddreki, but she still felt a prickle of satisfaction to think she was considered worthy of such courtesy, even when no one knew she was royalty.

  The mayor turned, and the crowd parted for him. The travelers followed as he made his way up the broad dirt street, Elddreki bringing up the rear, with a gaggle of curious onlookers trailing well behind.

  “Did I detect an accent when you spoke before?” Jocelyn’s escort asked her in a friendly way. “Are you from Kyona?”

  She smiled up at him. He was tall, and she had to angle her head. “Yes, I am.”

  “How exciting,” he said enthusiastically. “I would like to go there someday. My name is Eric,” he volunteered. “The mayor is my father. What’s your name?”

  Jocelyn hesitated, not wanting to lie about her name, but concerned someone might guess who she was, now they knew she was Kyonan. Perhaps news of the visiting Kyonan princess had spread this far east.

  “I’m Joss,” she compromised. She saw Kincaid’s slight twitch, but she resolutely ignored him.

  “Welcome to Valoria, Joss,” said Eric brightly. He was looking at her in open admiration, and her spirits got another lift.

  “Thank you.”

  “She hasn’t just arrived in Valoria,” said Kincaid shortly. “It’s a bit late to welcome her.”

  Jocelyn shot him a reproving look, but he showed no sign of repentance.

  “Well, welcome to Arinton, then,” said Eric easily. “It must be incredible to travel with a dragon!”

  Jocelyn smiled encouragingly, keeping her words to herself just in case, but quite happy to listen to him talk. He didn’t seem in the least deterred by her silence, continuing a stream of friendly chatter all the way through the town. She looked around as they walked, admiring the picturesque nature of Arinton.

  The stone buildings looked like they had been there for centuries, and the steadily rising slope meant that any time she glanced back, she was rewarded with a spectacular view of Loch Arine. The water stretched westward, back the way they had come, and she was struck again with the beauty of the countryside out this way. Arinton was clearly a contented place. Faces were light, and even the presence of a dragon seemed to have inspired more excitement than fear.

  “You’d be very welcome here, even without your dragon companion, you know,” Eric was saying. He gave her a rueful smile. “The truth is, most Valorians are a little suspicious of us easterners. They think we’re foolish, believing in wyverns and such. So we don’t get a lot of visitors, especially not pretty young ones.”

  Kincaid grunted, but Jocelyn had no intention of letting him dampen her moment. Eric was smiling winningly down at her, and she looked up with a grin.

  “You’re flattering me.”

  She felt a flicker of power, and for a moment Eric looked confused, but then he shook his head, and the expression cleared. “No I’m not,” he said earnestly. “Not at all.” His smile was more gallant than ever, his tone just the right level of light playfulness to be appropriate to their slight acquaintance. “I think you’re the prettiest visitor we’ve ever had.”

  Jocelyn felt herself warming to the young man. He was clearly not weak-minded, in any event.

  Kincaid wasn’t having the same reaction, judging by his derisive snort. Eric turned toward him, frowning for the first time.

  “That’s not very chivalrous,” he scolded, apparently under the impression that Kincaid was disputing his conclusion. “If you can’t be civil to a lady, you should keep your thoughts to yourself.”

  Kincaid opened his mouth, looking outraged, but Jocelyn cut him off with a grin. “That’s right, Kincaid. Try to be civil.” She gave him a pointed look, and he subsided, although he still looked mutinous.

  They had reached Arinton’s central square by this time, and Jocelyn ignored both men in order to admire it. It was larger than she had expected, and very well situated. The steeply sloping path up which they had just walked ran out from the square in a direct line, affording an excellent view of the water below. A large fountain stood in the middle of the square, water spewing from the mouth of a stone creature that looked like a cross between a dragon and an enormous eel. A wyvern, Jocelyn could only imagine. People had clearly scurried ahead of them, and chairs had been set up next to the fountain.

  Eric gallantly showed Jocelyn to a chair, then sat down next to her, leaving Kincaid standing by a chair on his other side. Kincaid stood for a moment, looking far from impressed, then pointedly walked around to Jocelyn’s other side, drawing up an empty chair next to her. She rolled her eyes at him, but didn’t comment. She had to keep reminding herself not to speak now they were back in civilization. She had gotten too used to the freedom, traveling through the wilderness with only Elddreki and Kincaid for company.

  The air was chilly, even though the sun was shining, a
nd she drew her traveling cloak close around her.

  “You’re cold,” said Eric quickly. “And no wonder, with only that thin cloak.” He clucked his tongue. “And your sleeve is ripped, as well! I hope there wasn’t an accident.”

  Jocelyn hesitated, not wanting to launch into a story that would require excessive speech.

  “She was shot with an arrow,” said Kincaid shortly. “In the North Wilds. They were aiming at our dragon friend.” His eyes strayed to Elddreki as he spoke. The dragon was sitting on his haunches, facing the semi-circle of chairs as if he was preparing to be examined.

  “You took her to the North Wilds?” Eric sounded horrified, and Kincaid’s look of irritation deepened.

  “I didn’t take her there—”

  But Eric wasn’t listening to him, his attention back on Jocelyn, his expression still horrified. “And you were shot with an arrow?”

  “I’m fine,” she said quickly, then clamped her mouth shut at the small swirl of power.

  “Well, I can help with the cold, anyway,” said Eric, pushing himself to his feet. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Is he going to stick to us like bog stench the entire time we’re here?” grumbled Kincaid, as soon as Eric was out of earshot.

  “Be nice,” Jocelyn scolded. “He said the mayor is his father. I’m sure he’s been assigned to entertain us while we’re in town.”

  “Us?” said Kincaid dryly, and Jocelyn grinned.

  “Well, no. Me, most likely.” She shrugged cheerfully. “Men usually have to fend for themselves, don’t they? It’s just ladies who get escorts.” She shot him a cheeky grin. “Particularly the pretty young ones, apparently.”

  Kincaid snorted again. “I didn’t think you were so susceptible to flattery.”

  Jocelyn frowned at his condescending tone. “Why do you have to be such a spoilsport, Kincaid?” she demanded. “There’s no harm in Eric. Is it really news to you that girls like being told they’re pretty? You said it yourself at the market—everyone who’s ever told me I’m beautiful only said it because I’m a princess. Can you blame me for wanting to know what impression I make when no one knows who I am?”

  “That’s not at all what I said!” Kincaid protested, but Eric chose that moment to return with a thick blanket, and Jocelyn didn’t respond. Kincaid made no attempt to continue the argument in the presence of the local man, just watched with a disgruntled expression while Eric solicitously wrapped the blanket around Jocelyn’s shoulders.

  Kincaid’s tunic was as light and thin as Jocelyn’s dress, but for some reason Eric hadn’t brought a blanket for him.

  “Visitors.” The mayor’s clear voice called their attention to him. It seemed whatever important people had to be included in this event had been gathered. “You are most welcome to Arinton.”

  Jocelyn inclined her head graciously as the mayor looked over at them. With a small sigh, Kincaid gave a curt nod. He was still fidgeting uncomfortably.

  The mayor’s eyes settled on Jocelyn. “You said you wished to know more of our legends about the wyverns.”

  Jocelyn nodded, feeling nervous. She was still on edge from the altercation with Kincaid, and she was painfully aware of the power inside her, clamoring for release.

  “What is it you wish to know?” the mayor prodded.

  Jocelyn hesitated, not trusting herself to speak. She cast an appealing glance at Kincaid, and saw that he was watching her, his arms crossed and his expression grim. As the silence stretched out, he raised his eyebrows expectantly. She widened her eyes in a silent entreaty, asking for his help. It was clear he understood her, but his expression remained unyielding.

  She looked around the square and saw that every eye was on her. Eric smiled encouragingly, perhaps thinking she was nervous to address such a crowd, but she didn’t return the gesture. She felt panic rising inside her, and with it an increase in the potency of her unreleased power. In desperation, she met Elddreki’s eyes, hoping he wasn’t as stubborn as Kincaid.

  The dragon tilted his head to the side, holding her gaze for a long moment. Then, with a barely perceptible nod, he came to her rescue.

  “What is the origin of the legend?”

  At Elddreki’s words, the attention of the mayor, and everyone else in the square, transferred to the dragon. Jocelyn breathed a sigh of relief. She could feel Kincaid’s disapproval, but she refused to look at him.

  “Our ancestors saw wyverns from the very time of Arinton’s settlement,” the mayor said simply, in answer to Elddreki’s question. “They have been seen but rarely in recent times, but we do not doubt their continued presence in the waters surrounding the islands.”

  “You speak of Wyvern Islands?” Elddreki asked, clearly remembering Kincaid’s explanation of the eastern legends. “You believe the wyverns to dwell in the ocean?”

  “Indeed, Mighty Dragon,” said the mayor, inclining his head. “Although, according to our oldest records, Arinton’s early inhabitants caught glimpses of them in the loch on occasion. They were believed to have traveled through the underground channel that connects Loch Arine to the sea.”

  “Hm.” Elddreki’s gaze strayed to the fountain in the middle of the square, and Jocelyn’s followed. “Is that effigy intended as a depiction of a wyvern?” the dragon asked.

  “It is, Sire,” acknowledged the mayor. “Although the beasts have never been seen with sufficient clarity to be sure of its accuracy. They are usually spotted from a distance.”

  “That’s not what my ma says,” called a voice from the crowd, unexpectedly. The mayor frowned at the speaker, a young boy, but didn’t contradict him.

  “It is true that one of our residents claimed to have a sighting less than a year ago. She was on a boat on the loch, and she said a wyvern broke the water only a stone’s throw from her. The only part of it to emerge was its head.” The mayor hesitated. “Apparently the beast spoke to her.”

  The mayor spoke mildly, but for all his insistence that wyverns were real, Jocelyn could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced this woman had told the truth.

  “And what did the creature say?” Elddreki asked curiously.

  The mayor hesitated again, and the boy hastened to fill the gap. “The wyvern offered me ma long life and great power! It said it could grant her greatest wish!”

  “Hm,” said Elddreki again. Glancing at Kincaid, Jocelyn saw him roll his eyes, and she had to agree. It sounded like a tall tale to her, too.

  “And what did your mother say?” Kincaid interjected dryly.

  The boy transferred his attention to Kincaid before answering. “She didn’t say nothin’ as such,” he said proudly. “She screamed loud as she could an’ paddled for shore.” He grinned as he spoke, clearly delighted at being the center of attention.

  “I’m sure,” said Kincaid flatly. He looked around. “Can we ask her more about what she saw? Where is she?”

  “Nah, she’s gone,” said the boy matter-of-factly, and Jocelyn gasped.

  “She died?” She had spoken before she could stop herself, and she winced slightly at the burst of power. She was sure Kincaid felt it too. She could feel his eyes on her, and she pulled Eric’s blanket tighter around herself.

  “What?” said the boy, startled. “Course she didn’t die. At least,” his expression became alarmed. “I don’t think she did.” He brought his gaze back up to Jocelyn with an effort. “I just meant she left Arinton for a bit. Thought people outside Arinton would have to believe about the wyverns once one had come so close. There are them who’ll pay handsomely to hear from someone who’s actually spoken with a wyvern.” He frowned, still looking unsettled as he muttered to himself. “But we haven’t heard from her in a while.”

  Jocelyn opened her mouth, then closed it again, miserable. It was clear she had planted the idea of his mother’s death in the poor child’s mind, but she knew trying to fix it would just make it worse.

  “Yes, well, thank you Alec,” said the mayor repressively. He turned to Elddreki again,
reclaiming control of the conversation. “I know of no other legends of wyverns speaking to humans, but the sightings are well recorded. The rest of Valoria might scorn us for it—” Jocelyn noticed Eric directing a less than friendly look toward Kincaid, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “But no one in Arinton doubts they are out there,” the mayor finished.

  Elddreki was silent for a moment, pondering, and the whole square seemed to hold its breath. “Can you sense magic from the beasts?” he asked at last.

  “Sense…magic?” the mayor repeated, sounding confused. “I don’t know…that is, there are certainly signs of their presence. Like the impenetrable waters surrounding the islands. Regardless of wind or current, no vessel can get within two leagues of the rocks.”

  Elddreki’s eyes strayed to Jocelyn and Kincaid, and she nodded in silent agreement. If the wyverns were dragons, it seemed Valoria’s eastern people did not share the ability of Kyona’s mountain people. They might be staunch believers, but it was more a matter of tradition than experience. They couldn’t actually sense the dragons’ power. Jocelyn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. No one was likely to notice her power, then.

  Elddreki pushed himself fluidly to his feet, and the onlookers drew back in a synchronized movement. The dragon walked a few paces toward the fountain, twisting his neck this way and that in order to examine the statue from every angle.

  “Hm,” he said again, sitting back on his haunches. “It does look similar enough to be credible.” He turned his gaze unexpectedly on his human companions. “What do you think?”

  Jocelyn shrugged one shoulder, not wanting to speak again. Kincaid frowned at her, then followed Elddreki’s example and studied the statue for a moment.

  “It’s possible,” he said curtly.

  “What’s possible?” asked the mayor, bewildered.

  “I am searching for my lost kin,” answered Elddreki placidly. “We suspect the wyverns you speak of may actually be a colony of dragons. We have come to this place in order to investigate.”

  There was a moment of stunned silence, then whispered conversations broke out all throughout the square.