Lord Tyree nodded. “A strong and wise response, Milord.” Tyree knew the king cared nothing for Sibylle, but was using the events as an excuse to rid himself of the dragonblood. A dragonblood noble was a threat to his throne, and King Gramalt acted predictably. The heavy-handed response would anger Lord Lamar, further driving a wedge between the king and the kingdoms most important land owner. A wedge that would allow his son Talon to rise to power.
12
The valley was wide with a several small creeks that came together before snaking towards the coast, thousands of acres of fertile land nestled between two small mountain ranges and the eastern coast of Droll on the third side. From the small hill they were on, Lyric, Sibylle and Sir Allan Chestmire could almost see all the way to the coast.
Lyric, with his enhanced senses could see a small section of the coast that wasn’t hidden behind a ridge of mountains and hills that ran up and down the coast.
The land was all part of the Lamar holdings, but only a small portion of the lands were being farmed as the lands were filled with dangerous creatures that roamed the mountains surrounding the valley. Wolves, bears, corca cats, trolls and other creatures were common in the mountain regions of Droll.
As they rode further east, Sibylle explained the problem to Lyric and Allan. “Droll has always been a dangerous place, but its rich and fertile lands have been worth the danger. But according to our record books, when dragons disappeared the number of other predators increased dramatically. Trolls and bears are mostly found in the high mountain regions but occasionally they come down to the plains, wolves like heavily forested regions but they will hunt everywhere, and corca cats go everywhere.”
“What are corca cats?” asked Lyric. “We didn’t have any around Winport.”
“They are ugly bastards,” said Allan. “Like vraber in Solotine but not as lizard like. They are a cousin of cougars. They hunt in packs and are deadly. It is said they are a result of a mage trying to use magic to blend two animals together. I’m not too sure if that is true or not because I’ve seen vraber and they are very similar. Unless the same mages were playing god on two different continents I think they are just abnormal beasts. Regardless of how they came into being they are among the most dangerous creatures alive.”
“That is why this valley is so under developed. The farther you go east the wilder the lands get and the more dangerous it gets. We don’t have the people to protect farms in this valley,” said Sibylle.
Allan pulled out his knife and stabbed it into the ground. He turned the blade and lifted it. Black soil stained his blade. “These lands are far more fertile than the ones my people are currently farming. When they find out how rich these lands are no number of corca cats, trolls or dragons could stop them from coming here.” He grinned. “Lord Falbran thinks he is hurting us by calling in his loans. We are going to end up with better lands and a fairer deal. Sibylle, your father has been very generous in the deal has made with us.”
Sibylle smiled. “It works two ways. Middale is our main distribution center between our trade routes. Once your farms start producing we will have local produce to trade. It is a mutually beneficial deal.”
“Yes, but fair and mutually beneficial deals aren’t the norm in Droll as you are well aware,” said Allan. “You will find that my family does not take such things lightly.”
“Shall we travel further up the valley? There is a spot a few miles from here that would make an excellent location for a village. Two creeks, plenty of trees for building and has a small plateau that could be easily fortified to keep wild animals out.”
Allan nodded. “Lead the way.”
Sibylle and Allan jumped back on their horses. Lyric had chosen to walk. He could keep up to the horses if they didn’t gallop too hard, and even then, he suspected it would be close for a short distance. He was amazed how easily he could keep pace with the horses.
As they went further east Lyric looked around. They were in the middle of the valley, miles from where the hills started climbing into the mountains but he could smell wild creatures from here every time the wind shifted. Something in the hills was watching them. Lyric didn’t know what it was, he hadn’t spent much time in the wild. Growing up in Winport he knew little about wild creatures.
From behind them Lyric could hear pounding hooves. Someone was riding towards them fast. Lyric told the others to stop. It took a few minutes before the rider came up the valley. Lyric recognized him. It was Lord Martelle. One of Lord Lamar’s dinner guests from after the tournament.
“He’s riding awfully hard,” said Allan. “I wonder what is going on?”
Lord Martelle slowed as he arrived at the group. “Sir Chestmire, Lady Lamar, Master Finch.”
“Hello Lord Martelle. Were you wanting to join us on our ride? We are only going a few more miles today, but you are welcome to join us,” said Sibylle.
“I’m afraid I come with ill tidings. I just came from Swanspire. King Gramalt has declared your marriage to Lyric null and void. He has a witness that claims he spotted Lyric and a young witch in a compromising situation. The king is claiming that he considers you like a daughter and that for Lyric to mistreat you such is an affront to the kingdom. He has declared Lyric an outlaw.”
“What?” said Sibylle. “How can this be?”
Lyric frowned. Compromising situation? What the hell was he talking about.
Sibylle turned to Lyric. “Have you visited Celine since the wedding?”
“Yes,” said Lyric. “I saw her in Middale a few days ago. I tried to talk to her but she wanted nothing to do with me.”
“The witness suggested you walked out of the village with her and were holding her hands. He made it sound like you two were acting inappropriately,” said Lord Martelle.
“We walked up the road for less than a mile. We walked and argued until I grabbed her hand then she held my hand for about thirty seconds while she said goodbye. She then went home and I returned to Redfall. That is all that happened.”
“This is ridiculous. Lyric lived with Celine and her family. There is nothing wrong with them walking together. Holding hands isn’t exactly a crime. Why would the king do this?” said Sibylle.
“I suspect the king wants Lyric out of the picture. It was one thing to ruin his plans for you, but to be dragonblood is quite another. King Gramalt fears the return of dragons, and Lyric as dragonblood is a possible enemy. It matters not if Lyric did anything wrong. The king has his witness and can twist his words however he likes. I hadn’t thought the king would go this far, but he’s been spending a lot of time with his new advisor since the tournament: Tyree Horne.”
“Talon’s father? That ass will do anything to gain power,” said Sibylle.
“Agreed,” said Lord Martelle. “but there is nothing we can do about that now. What matters is that the king is sending a squadron to come arrest Lyric.”
“And if you are arrested by the king, be sure that torture and being stuck in a dark hole never to be seen again is the best you can hope for,” said Allan. “The king goes too far. This is insane.”
“Agreed, but what are we to do? Defying the king would start a revolt. Are we strong enough. There are representatives of three of the noble families standing here now, but is that enough?”
“No,” said Allan. “But it is a start. There are already many that would revolt, we’ll just have to gather them.”
“No,” said Lyric.
The others turned and looked at him.
“I will not have a war started on my behalf. Besides, if the king has annulled the marriage that isn’t the end of the world.” Lyric turned to Sibylle. “You can now marry for love. Surely the king won’t try to force you to marry again. The king got his marriage, but now you are free.”
“He has a point, Sibylle. If the king tried to force another marriage your father would have every right to tell him to stuff it. The other nobles will support that. I will make sure of it,” said Lord Martelle.
“But what happens to you, Lyric?” asked Sibylle. “You can’t sacrifice yourself for me like that. You’ve already done so much.”
Lyric smiled. All the anguish he’d suffered over the marriage was now lifted off his shoulders. “I have no choice. The king has given his order. Our marriage is no longer. If the king intended to make me his enemy no matter what, it is better that he has separated us. This way you and your family are safe.”
“I hate to say it, but I agree with Lyric,” said Allan. “For now, it is better than your marriage has been annulled. We just have to keep Lyric out of jail. We can organize against the king, but that will take time.”
“How are you going to escape the king? He’ll send word to all the ports,” said Lord Martell.
“They would expect Lyric to try flee the isle, so he won’t do that,” said Sibylle.
Lyric frowned. “I won’t?”
“No,” said Sibylle. “You’ve been avoiding it too long. However, now it is time for you to accept your destiny. It’s time for you to go find your dragon.”
Lyric froze and the sense of relief he’d felt disappeared. The only thing worse than being caught in between the two women he cared most about was dragons. “Maybe we could petition the king to reinstate our marriage?”
Sibylle shook her head. “Nice try. Admit it, you are scared of what will happen when you meet your dragon.”
“Scared? I’m terrified. Did you not see the size of that dragon that flew over the tournament? What if I meet the wrong dragon? What if I get eaten?”
“It would be a quicker death than being captured by the king,” said Allan. “Trust me, Lyric, being afraid of dragons isn’t a bad thing. A healthy dose of fear can keep you alive. But not facing your fears is not the way to go. Sibylle is correct, your destiny is tied to dragons. You must go into the mountains and search for your dragon.”
Lyric sighed. He knew the all were correct, but facing a dragon? Alone? He couldn’t imagine a worse thing to attempt. But if he stayed he would be arrested. If he got Sibylle and her father to try sneak him off the isle they could be arrested as well. The answer was there, he just didn’t want to admit it. It was time to find his dragon. “Where should I go?”
“You have a half day, even a full day before the king’s men arrive. Go to Middale right now, buy supplies and head into the mountains,” said Lord Martelle.
Lyric looked to the mountains surrounding the valley. “Which direction should I head?”
“West,” said Sibylle. “I doubt you will find your dragon here, the mountains aren’t as big as the ones to the north west. From Middale head straight west until you reach the mountain pass. Half way up the pass you will see an old black birch tree. Right after the old birch is a path north. Follow that path up into the mountains. That is as good as place as any to start your search. Along the coast is a small secluded village. You can buy more supplies there. But don’t stay there any longer than you must. Keep moving until you find your dragon.” Sibylle hugged Lyric. She whispered in his ear. “You were the best husband ever. I’m so sorry that this happened.”
When Sibylle let go of him, Lyric turned to Allan. “You’ll keep an eye on Sibylle for me?”
Allan nodded. “It has been an honor to get to know you, Lyric Finch. I hope our paths cross again soon.”
“Thank you, Lord Martelle, for coming to inform us of this. I appreciate it,” said Lyric.
“My pleasure, son. I’ve always considered myself a loyal subject, despite my misgivings about how the kingdom was being run. But this is too much. I could not in good conscience stand by and let the king arrest you. Good luck finding your dragon.”
Lyric gave Sibylle one last smile then turned and started running back to town. His mind raced faster than his feet. He would need food, he’d need mountain gear. What did one need for an excursion into the mountains? He wasn’t even sure.”
…
After stopping at Redfall estates to pick up his armor and staff, Lyric headed directly to Middale and the Pig’s Ear Inn.
Valeria Vastel was sitting at the bar talking to Blair when Lyric arrived.
Blair took one look at Lyric and realized something was amiss. “What is going on Lyric?”
“The king has annulled my marriage and declared me an outlaw.”
“What?” said Blair and Valeria in unison.
“Someone from Middale said they saw Celine and I holding hands in the woods. The king decided that was good enough reason to have me arrested.”
“The king fears that you are dragonblood,” said Valeria.
Lyric nodded.
“What is your plan?” asked Blair.
“I am going to find my dragon,” said Lyric. The idea still scared him, but he had few options. Facing a dragon was a better option than getting Sibylle and her family in trouble with the king.
“A good plan,” said Valeria. “How do you plan on doing that?”
“By searching in the mountains. That is why I am here. What supplies will I need to search in the mountains? I was raised in the city. I have no idea what I need.”
Valeria shook her head. “You need more than supplies. You need a guide. Where are you planning on going?”
“Sibylle suggested that I head straight into the western pass, there is a trail that heads north from there.”
“Yes, at the black birch. That is good. It is a trail that is known to few. The Lamars know all the trails around here, but the king’s men won’t,” said Valeria. “Blair, grab Lyric a week’s worth of food and a couple of blankets.”
Blair nodded and went to the back.
Valeria turned to Lyric. “It is unfortunate that we didn’t have more time. There are other witches in our coven with dragon knowledge, I would’ve liked to have them teach you what they know. However, Azina felt it most important to start with physical training. She was right, but now you will have to learn more about dragons the hard way.”
Blair came out of the back room with a knapsack. “My old army gear. There is a blanket and a large canvas sheet that can be used for ground cover or as a tent. There is a cooking pot, food and a good hunting knife and a full canteen. It isn’t a complete traveling kit, but the sooner you are gone the better.” Blair handed the full knapsack to Lyric.
“Everything else he needs will come later,” said Valeria. “Lyric, go to the black birch and follow the northern trail for three miles until you get to the creek. Make camp there. Keep your fires small and no green wood. Your mountain guide will meet you there tomorrow.” Valeria hugged Lyric.
Blair clasped Lyric’s hand. “You’ve come a long way from the skinny runt who first came from the coast with Azina. I’m proud to have been you trainer, Lyric. Travel safe.”
“Thank you, Blair. Thank you, Valeria. You all have been so great to me. I hope that I can keep making you proud. Valeria, can you tell Celine and Azina what happened? I want to say goodbye to them, but there is no time.”
“Don’t worry. I will take care of it,” said Valeria. “Now go. The sooner you are gone the better.”
Loading the knapsack and staff on his back, Lyric started heading out the door.
“No, don’t go that way,” said Blair. “Go out the back door. The less people that see you leaving the village the better.”
Lyric followed Blair through the back of the bar.
When Blair opened the back door, he stepped out and looked around. “Good. I don’t see anyone. Go straight past my house and head straight into the woods. No one will see you. Once you are a few miles from the village you can go start following the trail.”
“Thanks again, Blair,” said Lyric as he walked from the bar past Blair’s house and into the woods. While Lyric was no woodsman. He knew a thing or two about going unnoticed. Fast movements brought attention. But a slow deliberate walk wouldn’t catch anyone’s notice. Once he was into the woods, Lyric started to move faster. He wanted to be as far away from the village as possible before the king’s soldiers arrived.
Allan Chestmire watched as the squadron of king’s soldiers came riding into Redfall Estates. The captain didn’t even bother dismounting as he approached the house.
Allan’s eyebrow raised as he watched the display of aggression from the captain. It was rare for king’s men to ride into a noble’s yard unannounced, and when they did it was usually a much subtler approach. Without the support of the nobles, a king was only as strong as his military might. In Droll, King Gramalt had the largest fighting force, but it wasn’t so large that he could fight all the nobles at once and expect to win. That a king’s cavalry captain was approaching the Lamar residence without dismounting was a sign of arrogance and disrespect towards Lord Lamar. Allan was curious as to how Lord Lamar would handle this captain.
“I am looking for the outlaw, Lyric Finch,” said the captain.
“I know no outlaw by that name,” said Lord Lamar.
“Lyric Finch, the dragonblood has been declared an outlaw. I am here to arrest him.”
“What has Lyric done? I don’t recall there being a trial,” said Lord Lamar.
“Consorting with witches, adultery, and other assorted crimes,” said the captain.
“And since when is consorting with witches a crime? Celine Vastel is a friend of both my daughter and Lyric. There was no adultery. And why wasn’t the local magistrate involved?”
“The king felt this a matter of the highest priority. The marriage has been annulled and Lyric Finch declared an outlaw,” said the captain.
“And who requested this annulment? Neither I nor my daughter petitioned the king for such a royal decree,” asked Lord Lamar. Pushing the captain for answers.
The captain sneered. “The king doesn’t need your opinion. Now step aside so we may search this property.”
“No,” said Lord Lamar. “You have my word that Lyric Finch is not on property, and no one here has seen him in the last twenty-four hours. I will not allow I will accept the royal decree annulling a marriage my daughter never wanted. However, I will not be bullied by a piss ant disrespectful captain. You and your men can turn around see yourselves off my property.”
Dragon Magic: Lyric's Curse 2 (Dragonblood Sagas Book 4) Page 7