How to Kill a Dragon (Heir of Dragons Book 1)

by J. A. Culican

  Finally, the woman's tense shoulders relaxed and she set out across the small room, putting on a number of simple lamps which lent the space a low, eerie glow. She ventured deeper into the abode with soft, almost imperceptible steps on the dusty stone floors, and continued this work further in. There did not appear to be any windows in the place; the habitation's only light came from these staggered lamps, many of them with cracked housings. Just beyond the entryway was a larger room, which boasted an unlit hearth, a bed and some plain wooden furnishings. “Please,” said the woman, motioning to a table and chairs in the corner, “make yourselves comfortable.” As they took their seats, the hostess walked to a small well beside the hearth. Removing the wooden cover, she drew up a pail of water, the contents of which she carefully portioned in three ceramic vessels. She handed two to her speechless guests and then settled down on the edge of the bed, slurping hers down with relish. “Welcome,” she said in the low light, sparing them a tusked smile.

  “Thanks,” said Kaleb, peering suspiciously into the cup before chancing a sip. “That was quite an entrance you made back there. Could've gotten yourself hurt, interrupting our fight like that. You must have something important to tell us if you went to all that trouble.”

  Minx had no time for refreshments or pleasantries. “Where's Mau? Where's my Faelyr? You know, don't you?”

  The tusked woman seemed more interested in relaxing just then, and stretched out a bit. “Is this your first time here? In Karn, I mean?”

  “I've been here once or twice, but this would be a first for my friend,” said Kaleb, answering for them both. He glanced at Minx with a faint smile. “She doesn't venture out of her realm much. She's very respectful of borders, you know?” He spared the Fae huntress a little wink, then continued, “It's quite the city, always bustling. Though, sitting here, you wouldn't know there was a big city just outside these walls. It's nice and quiet.”

  “Most of the time,” replied the woman. “Keeping a low profile helps.” She cleared her throat, motioning to herself. “Anyway, my name is Vevne. And you are?”

  “Kaleb,” said the dragon shifter with a little nod. “And this is Minx.” He hiked a thumb at the Fae huntress.

  Squirming with impatience, Minx leaned forward in her seat. “Right, it's really great to meet you, Vevne, but why did you bring us here? We didn't come here to sightsee. We're on a mission.”

  “Oh, a mission?” asked Vevne, teasing one of her tusks with a clawed finger. “It's funny, I was merely passing through when I heard the commotion at the auction house. I stopped to see what was going on and saw the two of you. I heard you mention the Faelyr and thought I could help. Now, what sort of mission are you on? Is it merely to rescue your companion?”

  Where to begin? Minx grit her teeth as the laundry list of crises and responsibilities sprang to mind. “I need to find my friend Mau and hurry back home to Pandling Grounds. An army, led by the Wuff, seized my mother and other Fae leaders. They're being held hostage until I deliver a dragon's hide, and there isn't much time.”

  At mention of the army, Vevne sat upright. “An army, you say? Led by Wuffs?”

  “That's right,” replied Minx. “It's led by Valry, of the Wuffs. There are Plurn and Krah involved, too. They marched into the Pandling Grounds Trade Center and made off with several hostages. They plan to kill the captives if we don't comply with their demands.” She chuckled impatiently. “So, you know, if we could hurry things along, I'd really appreciate it.”

  “Maybe our meeting is not so coincidental after all...” The tusked woman meditated on this for a moment, nodding to herself and running a scaly hand against her bare head. “Tell me...” she began softly, eyes narrowing, “are either of you seers?”

  “Seers?” asked Kaleb, glancing at Minx beside him. “No... I don't believe so. Why?”

  “I see,” continued the woman, nodding emphatically. “So, it makes sense that you would not have received the visions, then.”

  “What visions?” demanded Minx. It was all she could do to keep from pounding her fist on the table. She despised this meandering back and forth.

  “This army that intruded upon your home,” explained Vevne soothingly, “is soon to be wiped out.”

  Here, both Kaleb and Minx leaned forward.

  “Huh? The Wuffs—Valry and the rest—they're going to get... wiped out?” asked Minx. “What do you mean? How do you know that?”

  “The visions have been experienced by many in this region. Everyone I know with even the slightest seer ability has gotten a glimpse of the rout to come. I suppose it has fallen to me to share these visions with you. Our meeting this day is not mere chance!” There was no joy in her tone as she went on, arms spread wide. “An army of darkness is on its way. It will wipe them out completely.”

  There was a long silence as Minx and Kaleb sought to process this news.

  It was the dragon shifter who spoke up first. “An army of darkness? Whose army might that be?”

  Minx took this report of visions with a grain of salt. So, what? People are having dreams or visions or whatever about some big, nasty army fighting against the Wuffs, Plurn and Krah? Valry's army is no joke—I don't know of any mobilized army out there that could be on its way to strike, unless... “Is it the dragons?” she chanced, dividing her gaze between Kaleb and Vevne. “Are the dragons assembling to fight Valry's army?”

  Kaleb snorted at this. “Wow, thanks. First you accuse me of conspiring against the Fae, and now you think my people are assembling some army of darkness? Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Minx. This is the first I'm hearing about any such army.”

  Vevne shook her head, explaining further. “This is a fearsome army—an army of unbelievable power. They will sweep past the Wuff and march all across the land. No realm will be safe from their reach.”

  The woman seemed very earnest, but Minx still couldn't find it in herself to believe. She hadn't experienced these visions herself, hadn't seen this supposed army and couldn't imagine such a thing rising up to clash with Valry's forces without causing a noticeable stir throughout the region.

  But if there was any truth to what Vevne was saying, then things were about to spin even further out of control. She already had her hands full, trying to get a dragon's hide to keep the warding spell going, and an additional one to trade for her mother's life. Now, she had to worry about a more powerful army showing up—an army that might crush Valry's forces and lay siege to her homeland. If this is true, and the army shows up before I can get the elders a dragon's hide, Pandling Grounds and Heilo Lake will be in major trouble. I didn't think things could be worse off than they were with Valry and the others...

  “When?” asked Minx. “When will this army arrive?”

  Vevne shrugged. “I'm not certain,” she offered unhelpfully. “The visions have been occurring for some time now, but I can't speak to the exact day...”

  Well, a lot of good that does me! Minx stood up, pacing madly through the dim room.

  “It sounds like the Fae are going to have a big fight on their hands,” said Kaleb, arms crossed. “We'll find some way to protect the realm—”

  “I'll say we will,” interrupted Minx. “I'm going to find myself a dragon's hide and get it to the elders before time runs out. That's the mission. Nothing's changed.”

  The dragon shifter sighed, kneading his brow with a few fingers. “We're going to find a way to protect the realm,” he repeated. “Another way.”

  “If we don't reset the shields, then—”

  Kaleb raised a hand to silence her. “You want to protect your home, your people. I understand that. In fact, I respect it.” He donned a genuine smile, motioning at the chair she'd just abandoned. “You know, that's what I was raised to do, too. To defend my kind at any cost. You only get one homeland, one people. Only a coward wouldn't risk everything to defend their own. But what you're asking for...” He shook his head. “There has to be another way. And together, I think we can find it, Minx.”


  She wanted to argue with him, but words failed her. The gravity of the situation hit her all at once and she dropped back into the chair before it could topple her. He says there's another way... but is there? He can keep his hide, but someone else's is necessary for the shielding spell. If we don't have that... She shut her eyes, forcing back images of her homeland engulfed in flame.

  “First things first,” continued Kaleb, looking to their hostess. “You said earlier that you can help us find the Faelyr, Mau. Where is she?”

  “Yes, I believe I can help you. It is no coincidence that we crossed paths. This Wuff army you speak of... there is no doubt that they are a part of the visions.” Vevne nodded firmly. “The Faelyr, a very intelligent one—I know where she's being held. It will be difficult, but I think I can take you to her.”

  “I'd like that very much,” replied Minx. Things were uncertain—frightening, even—but if she could have Mau at her side again, she'd feel better-prepared to handle the looming struggles. “Where is she being held?”

  “There is another market,” explained Vevne. “Not far from here. A particular seller was preparing this Faelyr for auction, if I recall. There was a lot of chatter... a very intelligent Faelyr fetches a great price, you see, and people talk. I know where the merchant is located.” She stood, stretching her powerful frame. “I believe the guards at the auction house have lost our trail by now.” She donned her hood and motioned toward the door. “If you like, I will take you there now.”

  The pair stood at once.

  Finally, thought Minx, we're making progress. Though she hadn't yet been reunited with Mau, the idea that they were finally close to finding her brought a rush of energy. She set aside all this talk of visions, of dark armies spreading across the land and subjugating every territory. Such discussions had left a chill running down her spine—despite the fact she'd had trouble believing Vevne—but in the present moment there was nothing she could hope to do about this yet unseen threat. It would reveal itself when the time was right, when it was good and ready. She only hoped that, when that time arrived, she would be in a position to defeat it. Now was the time to dedicate herself to the things she could change.

  She would focus on saving Mau. That was her top priority.

  And then, together, they would find a way to save her people.

  Chapter 12

  “We can't just mill around like this,” said Kaleb, motioning to himself and Minx. “We're going to have to be a little more discrete, unless we want to stumble into trouble. A disguise is in order.” Already he was ready to leave Karn, to turn his back on this chapter of their journey and move onto the more pressing bits still ahead. An army of darkness? I don't like the sound of that. We need to get moving...

  But a promise was a promise. He'd told the feisty Fae that he'd help her find Mau, and until they'd done so, he'd exhaust every lead in the grimy city.

  The first thing they did before setting out in search of Mau was to find Minx some new gear. “You're going to need a weapon, too” began Kaleb, tapping the space between her shoulders where her quiver usually sat. “Vevne, do you know of a good place around here to buy a bow? A handful of arrows, too. My friend here lost her weapon back at the auction house, and I don't think they're going to hand it over kindly. We'll be better off replacing it.”

  The tusked woman put out the lamps and donned her hood, giving the matter some thought. “There are some skilled bowyers in town. I could take you to them. It wouldn't require a major detour.”

  Minx scoffed, folding her arms. “Something is better than nothing, I guess, but I doubt anyone in this city can make a bow of the same quality as our Fae artisans.”

  Nothing is ever good enough for these Fae, is it? They're such a prideful race. He smirked, urging her toward the door. “Please, Vevne, lead the way. I'm sure we can find something suitable for her royal highness here.”

  “You're not far off,” snapped Minx, shooting him a harsh glare. “I am a royal Fae. My parents are on the High Council.”

  Before they set out, Vevne was kind enough to gift them each one of her old cloaks. Such was the towering size of their donor that the dark brown fabric stretched nearly to their feet as they put them on. Minx, in particular, found herself accidentally stepping on the hem as she sought to adjust the fit. Kaleb cared little for disguises, but there could be no denying that the two of them had made quite a stir in the city. If they went without cloaks, they would certainly be spotted by hostiles before long, and the errand they were embarking on was dangerous enough without such risks.

  The three of them stepped back into the alley, returning to the hum of the city, and they departed through the narrow channel running beside Vevne's place, taking the first right they came across. The edge of the tattered hood Minx wore eclipsed her face completely, and as she walked alongside him, Kaleb noticed she was struggling to see with it on. She bumped into the stony walls, tripped on uneven cobblestones as they went, but still she retained a strong posture, shoulders back. He couldn't help but smirk. She was like a little girl playing dress-up with clothes many sizes too large. Her seriousness was uncommonly endearing.

  They emerged into a quadrant of town Kaleb had not yet seen, a long street lined in boxy buildings. Some were very obviously taverns, boasting so many patrons they were lined up outside the doors to get in. Others, the quieter buildings deeper in, were storefronts. One among them, owned by a human bowyer with a long grey beard and a pot belly, was Vevne's destination. She led them to the wooden double-doors.

  Minx entered first, and Kaleb trailed behind her. Vevne waited outside, uninterested in perusing the offered wares. The shop, scarcely larger than the tusked woman's simple home had been, was absolutely packed with weapons. Handsomely-made bows hung from each of the walls in neat rows, and wide-mouthed barrels full of arrows lined the rear of the front counter. Behind them idled the shopkeeper, stringing a new bow with the aid of thick lenses. “How can I help you?” he asked cheerfully, setting down his work and appraising the hooded newcomers.

  Minx affected a deeper voice and gingerly pulled the tattered edge of the hood from her eyes so as to better appraise the goods. “I need a bow and a quiver full of arrows,” she said flatly. “What's the finest weapon you have?”

  The old man cracked a toothy smile and leaned back on his stool, turning to the wall of displayed weapons to his back. “The finest? Well, miss, I've got many fine weapons in stock, as it happens. But the best fit will depend on your skill. Are you a beginner in archery?” He eyed her slight form, unable to assess her fitness through the baggy cloak. He probably couldn't tell she was Fae—probably thought she was a human child in her father's clothes.

  Before Minx could jump down the shopkeeper's throat for daring to suggest she was a novice, Kaleb placed a firm hand on her shoulder and chuckled. “My friend here is as skilled as they come. A sturdy weapon—as large and reliable as you've got—will do nicely.”

  The old man blinked incredulously. “You want a big one?” He looked to Minx once more, smirking. “I mean, suit yourself, but she doesn't look strong enough to draw my bigger models.” He took a large bow from his collection, testing the tension himself and inspecting the grip. The elegantly-carved limbs had been decorated with neat filagree patterns and the string appeared meaty and responsive. “Try this on for size,” he said, handing it to her.

  Minx took the weapon and stepped toward the counter, inspecting its craftsmanship. She ran the string between her fingers, then motioned to the barrels of arrows behind the counter. “May I have an arrow to test?”

  The old man plucked a blunt-tipped arrow from his stores and slid it across the counter. “Just be careful now—don't hurt yourself. That's a tough bow to draw, little miss!”

  Easing down her hood, Minx nocked the arrow with practiced ease and then turned on her heels, drawing the mighty bow effortlessly. Her two fingers fitted snugly around the back end of the shaft, she exhaled and let the arrow fly, sending its blunted poin
t sailing into the stone wall opposite her. The tip struck the rocky wall, leaving behind a divot of pulverized stone, and the wooden shaft split for the force of her delivery. Lowering the weapon, Minx glared at the shopkeeper.

  “All right, that's enough showing off,” interjected Kaleb, stepping toward the counter. “How much for the bow and a full quiver?”

  The old man rose to his feet, stammering about the prices and very obviously jarred for his dismissal of the Fae huntress. “F-For an archer of your skill, I'm sure we can agree on a very good price, indeed. And I'll throw in the arrows, f-free of charge!” He motioned to a number of hand-made leather quivers stashed to the right of the counter. “Please, select a quiver and I'll fill it.”

  Minx ultimately chose a dark brown quiver marked with the same attractive filagree pattern as her new weapon, and once it had been filled to capacity with the shopkeep's choicest arrows, she removed her cloak long enough to sling it over her head and fix it to her back. Evidently pleased with herself, she slid the necessary coinage across the counter, donned her oversized hood and started out of the armory with her new weapon held low. Kaleb followed, sparing the bowyer a faint smile. You just had to rile her up and test her, huh?

  The two of them joined Vevne outside, promptly resuming their trek without a word. The streets were crowded at this time of day, with rowdy tavern-goers and weapon seekers filling out the narrow strip. The market they were looking for would take them more than a mile from this spot, to a place where the crowds thinned out and many businesses appeared closed. They stepped purposefully from the succession of bars and weapon shops, made their way onto a main strip, and kept to it for several minutes. Finally, cutting to the left at Vevne's direction, they started into a new branch of town beyond the network of grimy houses they'd earlier explored.