Dragon Magic: Lyric's Curse 2 (Dragonblood Sagas Book 4)

by Robyn Wideman

  “Sister? That is interesting,” said Rythin. “Then you should know her father was killed by the Sacred Blood. It that your father as well?”

  Lyric nodded. His father was dead? Lyric felt a wave of sadness, he’d never met his father, but still he’d hoped maybe one day. He’d never known either of his parents and never would. The only family he had now was a half-sister who he’d also never met.

  You’re not alone, Lyric. You have me. We’re family now, Kemoth mindlinked.

  Thank you, Kemoth.

  “Lyric, you mentioned you were being chased,” said Rythin

  “Yes, sir, the king declared me an outlaw and annulled my marriage to Sibylle. Which isn’t bad because we never wanted to be married, but it was better me that someone else.”

  “You were married? Do humans bond so young?”

  “Sometimes,” said Lyric. “It’s complicated. Sibylle from a powerful noble family and the king wanted to strengthen his hold on the country through a royal wedding, but Sibylle didn’t want to get married. She was forced into being a prize bride for a tournament. I won the tournament. Thanks to Kemoth. When you all arrived in Droll you flew over Redfall estates and it triggered my bond. But the king was angry that a commoner like me won, he also hated that I am dragonblood. He sees me as a threat to his throne. Why I don’t know, but he decided to declare me an outlaw and have me hunted down.”

  Rythin nodded. “A complicated situation indeed. The history of royals suggests such behavior is common. Royals often feel threatened by dragonbloods. Some dragonbloods are of noble bloodlines and become rulers. Others live simpler lives. However, it isn’t your royal marriage that concerns me, it is that you were being hunted in these mountains. It would be bad if more humans came here hunting you. I will go and see if I can locate the hunters.”

  Rythin took off to scout for the king’s men, leaving Lyric with Kemoth.

  “I’m sorry, Kemoth, I had no idea how much trouble you and the others could get in for helping me.”

  “Don’t be sorry. We are bonded. It is natural for us to come together. Our rules are strict, but our leaders are fair. Rythin understands why we did what did. It wasn’t blatant disobedience, and it was for a good reason. Ovalia and I both know the risks we took. Ovalia in particular, she knows all the rules far better than I ever could.”

  “What about Apophis? Didn’t she want to not to bond with me?”

  “She wanted time. I am still a youngling, I have much growing to do, and much growing up to do but I won’t let you down Lyric. And I won’t let Apophis down either. I will show her that I’m worthy of the bond.”

  “Is being bonded considered an honor?” asked Lyric.

  “To those who follow Apophis’s teaching it is. Many dragons don’t share the belief that humans and dragons are equals and they don’t trust dragonbloods, but for many being bonded with a human is an honor and a significant responsibility. For dragons and humans to live in peace, dragonbloods must be trusted among their own people and help create understanding. Before the great war, there were many dragonbloods who helped dragons and humans live harmoniously. So, for me, being bonded to you is a privilege.”

  Lyric nodded. He had never fully realized the significance of being dragonblood, and he wasn’t sure he even did now, but he was starting to understand the significance of being dragonblood. He, and the others like him, would be needed to show that humans could be safe among dragons. “I will do my best as well, Kemoth. I will work to show people that you dragons are our friends.”

  Thank you, Lyric Finch, mindlinked Kemoth.

  Lyric appreciated that Kemoth mindlinked his thanks. It was easier to talk than it was to mindlink, but it wasn’t as intimate. Their bond was going beyond just being a physical one that nature or some magical force had created. Now he and Kemoth were becoming friends. One of the most powerful bonds that can be made.

  Leomaris, who’d been down at the sea fishing returned. “What you two little magic beasts doing? You’re supposed to be practicing.”

  “Rythin has returned,” said Kemoth.

  “Oh,” said Leomaris. “Well, you’re not dead, so he isn’t too mad.” Leomaris looked around. “Where is he?”

  “Scouting for the humans that follow Lyric,” said Kemoth.

  “I wonder how far he’ll have to go to find them?”

  Lyric frowned. “Not far I’ guessing. He’s already coming back.” From the clouds, Rythin sailed down, and landed.

  “Leomaris,” said Rythin.

  “Greetings, Rythin.

  “We have a problem,” said Rythin. “The humans following Lyric are on the next mountain over. They have wolves and have been using them to track Lyric. It would be dangerous if they came to this mountain. We would have to leave.”

  “Damn. I like it here,” said Leomaris. “The fishing is excellent, and my cave is huge.”

  “You might not have to leave,” said Lyric. “If they are using wolf hounds they have my scent. But Leomaris carried me from the fight to here. They can’t follow my scent.”

  “But we’ve been shifting all over the mountain,” said Kemoth. “If they come to this mountain they’ll know you are here.”

  “Not if I lead them away,” said Lyric. “If they want a chase, I’ll give them a chase. With the ability to shift I can get away anytime I want, but I can run east and give them something to track.”

  “That could work,” said Rythin. “But for how long?”

  “As long as it takes,” said Lyric. “I came to find Kemoth and learn more about being a dragonblood. I needed help to deal with those chasing me, but now I have dragon magic. I will deal with those chasing me. I won’t let them find your homes.”

  “I could come with you, and scare them,” said Kemoth.

  Lyric shook his head. “No. That might work but it would create more problems than it solves. Humans don’t need to fear dragons, that doesn’t help you. I’ll do this myself.”

  “Lyric is correct,” said Rythin. “It is best for all if he deals with the men chasing him.”

  30

  Flying at night was strange. Celine could only see a world of black and grey as Ovalia flew in the clouds. Above the clouds, she could see the stars and both moons but to stay hidden they stayed in the clouds as much as possible. It probably was unnecessary, but Celine understood the risk Ovalia was taking by disobeying Apophis’s order. They needed to be discrete.

  When they arrived at her aunt’s house, Celine had Ovalia land at the pond. It was far enough from the house that if the king had any soldiers watching the house they wouldn’t see a dragon arrive. Celine carefully slipped into the house, and knocked on her aunt’s bedroom door.

  “Aunt Azina, it’s me.”

  Azina opened the bedroom door. “What are you doing here child? Did you find Lyric?”

  “Yes. I did. And we found the dragons. I came back to find out what has been happening here and to talk to you about Lyric.”

  “Very well. I’ll put on some tea. Wake Valeria and we’ll talk.”

  Valeria’s door opened. “I’m awake, and I’ll make the tea. I need something sweet.”

  “Hmmp. Blair isn’t enough?” said Azina.

  Valeria chuckled. “He tries but even he can’t replace a nice hot tea.”

  Celine joined her aunts in the kitchen.

  “Which route did you travel tonight?”

  “I flew on a dragon. We landed at the pond, just in case the house is being watched.”

  Valeria raised an eyebrow, showing her surprise at the announcement while Azina just nodded.

  “Good. They have a spy watching the road from here to Middale. He wouldn’t have seen you come in.”

  “You flew on a dragon? What is that like?” asked Valeria.

  “Flying is the most amazing feeling,” said Celine. She couldn’t help but get excited talking about her new favorite thing in the world.

  “And the dragons?” asked Azina.

  “I haven’t met any adu
lt dragons. Lyric bonded with a young purple-gold named Kemoth. Kemoth isn’t big enough to fly on. Ovalia, the dragon who carried me here is a brown-blue, and Leomaris is a gold-red. They live with Apophis, who is the leader of the dragons, but she was off dealing with an emergency with another dragonblood in Partha.”

  “Lyric’s sister,” said Azina. “Salus mentioned he had concerns about her being a dragonblood.”

  “I believe so,” said Celine.

  “And what of Lyric?” asked Valeria.

  “That is why I came back. I gave Lyric the antidote for the broggins bark potion a day before we met the dragons.”

  “I’m assuming it has started working,” said Azina.

  “That is an understatement. Between the antidote and being close to Kemoth, he has full magical abilities. Well, I don’t know about full, maybe he has more yet, but he is strong. His magic is powerful. He creates aura orbs.”

  “Interesting,” said Azina. “I wondered what the long-term effects of broggins bark would be on a child with such strong magical bloodlines, a dragonblood like his father, even if he never bonded, has strong magic. Would being repressed for so long diminish the magic, or would it intensify. It was so troubling that he could do zero magic despite all our lessons. Even those without the bloodlines can do some of the magic we trained to do.”

  “It’s impossible to know what the effects were, as we’ll never know what his true potential was and if the poison diminished or enhanced it, but at least we know he has the ability to use magic now. Creating an aura orb? That is powerful,” said Valeria.

  “Yes. He was trying to do the simple flame magic that you taught him, but he can’t do flames. He did the orb instead.”

  “Not surprising, now that we know he’s bonded to a purple dragon. Although that is a bit of a shock. There are no records of a purple dragon bonding with a human,” said Azina.

  “That is what Ovalia said. Even among dragonlore, it’s never happened,” said Celine.

  “Does he have any other peculiarities, besides aura magic?” asked Azina.

  “He can teleport, or space shift as the dragons call it. He got that one from Kemoth. He shifted when he felt Lyric in danger. A pack of corca cats attacked us. Lyric held them off brilliantly while he could, but they were relentless. If Kemoth hadn’t shown up we’d both be dead.”

  “Corca cats hate dragons, natural enemies. They must’ve sensed dragon magic on Lyric,” said Valera.

  “Yes. I couldn’t understand why they were so relentless, but Ovalia explained that to me.”

  “So now Lyric can shift and create aura orbs. Impressive feats for someone who only has had magic back for a few days,” said Azina.

  “Yes. Even the dragons were surprised. They weren’t sure what to do next, and with Apophis gone, we decided I should come to you,” said Celine.

  “A wise choice, risky but wise. Although not for the reasons you might think. I’m not concerned with Lyric’s magical abilities. The training I already have given him should allow him to harness and control his magic. The aura magic is something of a concern, as it can be deadly in the wrong hands, but Lyric is so mild mannered that I am not worried about him turning it into dark magic. He will need more training, but he isn’t an immediate threat to himself or others,” said Azina.

  Celine frowned. “If his magic isn’t the issue then what is?”

  “The kingdom is in upheaval. The king presses on with his tax increases and seems fixated with Lyric. He is losing what little support he has among the lords of Droll. Except the Horne family, who now seem to be cozying up with the king. It is Talon Horne who leads the hunt for Lyric, and his father has been named regent.”

  “Talon leads the chase? Then capture is not what they intend. Talon Horne wants to kill Lyric.”

  “Yes. But I wouldn’t worry about that. Lyric can hold his own. But what is interesting is that Lyric has staunch support now. The Lamar family is firmly in Lyric’s corner, as is Sir Chestmire, who is as important as any lord. And now some of the offspring of Daxrah have been showing up.”

  “Daxrah?” asked Celine.

  “Warriors sworn to protect dragonbloods,” said Azina. “It seems that several of the families kept the old traditions, and passed down the knowledge and responsibility down through the generations waiting for the next dragonbloods to become bonded. The Daxrah that have come looking for Lyric have been taken to Fallstorm. The home of dragonblood who lived in the eastern mountains of the lands the Lamar’s now control. Lord Lamar has deeded those lands to Lyric. He now has his own home. That is where you need to take him.”

  “But what about the king?”

  “Fallstorm is a secret, known only to a few. But I feel the king has bigger problems. The lords in the south and the snakes he’s given power too will be the end of him. The kingdom will fracture. It was only a matter of time, but the return of dragons has brought things to a head.”

  “And if Talon Horne attacks Lyric there?”

  “Then pity Talon Horne. Even without the Daxrah, Lyric is now a dragon mage. His training is incomplete, but his power is formidable. When the time is right I will come to Fallstorm to finish his training, but until then he should focus his attention on his aura magic. The more he uses it and learns to bend it to his will the better for all. Aura magic can be used for shields. You’ve been trained in this. Teach it to Lyric. It is the same concept, it might not work the way a normal magic shield does, but it is a good lesson for him to work on, and it will tell us more about how his bond with Kemoth affects his magic. Dragonblood magic is different than normal magic, and even more so once bonded with a dragon. It will take time and effort to find the extent of his potential.”

  “Take him to Fallstorm and work on magic shields, sounds easy enough,” said Celine.

  Azina chuckled. “In theory. But you know how things work around Lyric, strange things happen.”

  “True,” said Celine. “Oh, where exactly is Fallstorm?”

  “Go to the eastern valley of the Lamar’s lands. The mountain range on the southern end of the valley, the fortress is in the mountains there. It should be easy to find by dragon.”

  “The mountains to the south of the eastern valley. Okay, I take back my comments about things being easy. Those mountains are worse than the ones to the west. He’ll be having to deal with more corca cats.”

  “And trolls.”

  Celine sighed. “Lovely. What about supplies? We’re fine for a few days.”

  “All you need will be at Fallstorm,” said Azina. “And Celine, it is time you started working on your own magic again. Lyric will need witch who uses magic, not just someone to warm his bed.”

  Celine nodded. “Yes, Aunt.”

  “Don’t worry,” said Valeria. “You aren’t your mother. You are stronger, magic won’t take hold of you the way it did her. And you have Lyric, he will keep you in the light.”

  Celine nodded. “I should get going. Ovalia is waiting.”

  Valeria grinned. “It must be a hardship having to fly on a dragon.”

  Celine laughed. It was anything but a hardship. “I will suffer through it for the good of mankind.”

  Azina smiled. “Just be careful. Danger is everywhere.”

  31

  Shifting to the top of the mountain where Rythin had spotted the hunters. Lyric paused to look down. He studied the terrain while looking for signs of the hunters. He couldn’t see them, but he hadn’t expected to. The spot where he fought the corca cats was much further down the mountain, but he wanted to be sure. He wanted to lead the men away from the home of Apophis and the other dragons, not lead them closer.

  Shifting again, Lyric made his way down the mountain at a pace he never could have managed without magic. When he was almost to the rock outcropping where he fought the corca cats, Lyric paused. He could hear the wolf hounds now. Lyric took a deep breath then shifted again, purposely landing a few hundred feet upwind of the wolfhounds. He then started running. He ran along the s
ide of the mountain getting further away from the wolfhounds but staying upwind from them. It took about twenty seconds for the frantic barking of the wolf hounds to begin. They’d found his scent. Lyric started making his way down the mountain heading east. He’d keep heading east and north, away from the dragons but also away from Middale and the Lamars.

  …

  Talon Horne was frustrated. It had taken days for the hounds to pick up the scent of Lyric, then they’d spent days following the trail. Then suddenly, the trail stopped on the side of a mountain. The bodies of the dead corca cats told a tale of a violent fight, but now the scent was lost.

  Even Deormod, the wolfhound trainer, was flabbergasted. “They’ve never lost a scent before. It is like they disappeared into thin air.”

  Talon didn’t believe they’d vanished into thin air, what was more likely was that they’d realized they were being followed and used blood from the dead corca cats to hide their scents from the wolfhounds. “Make camp, and start working the area in bigger circles. I’m sure the scent will be picked up again.

  Deormod nodded and went to work. The soldiers made camp quickly. They were an efficient lot, and General Jacomus had left ten of his toughest while the rest were split up and strategically placed throughout the mountains. All were closing in on this region while blocking the known passes.

  Talon shook his head. They were so close. Despite the lead Lyric and his companion had, they were gaining on them. Now all they had to do was relocate his scent and close in. With luck, Lyric had been wounded by the corca cats. That they’d even survived was a testament to the boy’s skills. Talon had never had to deal with any of the vicious beasts, but he’d seen the remains of animals that had been attacked. They’d been shredded to pieces.

  The barking of the wolfhounds got louder and more frantic. Talon smiled. “Good doggies. You’ve found his scent.” Talon ran to join Deormod in following the wolfhounds. The hounds were hot on the scent.