dragons breath 02 - dancing with flames

by Illene, Susan

  Danae gave me a stern look. “I’ll let him know, but you better find some way to get word back to me that you’re okay, or I’ll come looking for you.”

  “I will,” I promised, giving her a quick hug before getting out of the car.

  Chapter 6

  Aidan

  The pendragon’s chamber was brighter and more welcoming than the prior evening. Aidan crossed the stone floor, moving past his father’s empty bed, and headed toward the sitting area. Red curtains made of the finest woven camrium cloth had been pulled back, and the glass doors leading to the balcony were open, allowing the golden, late evening sun to shine within.

  Just beyond the balustrade, he could view the tops of the dark gray fortress wall and the open field beyond where young dragons practiced their flying skills. He also caught the edge of the mountain range to the south. It was a land formation that came with them from Kederrawien—the dimension where Aidan was born. If he stepped outside, as he often did growing up, he could watch the inhabitants of the keep go about their day. The way people interacted and worked with each other had always fascinated him. It was the only time he could sit still in those early years of his life.

  Throm stirred, turning his gaze toward Aidan. He sat on a black marble chair with a high back and wide arm rests that faced the open doors. There was nothing intricate about his seat or the other furniture. It was sturdy and fireproof, which was all that mattered.

  The pendragon had been staring out at the world with a pensive expression on his face. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders and little time to make it lighter before his period on this plane of existence ended. Before long, Aidan’s father would meet with Zorya—the dragon goddess—to fight at her side in the next world. His people believed they must live many lives with various challenges in each before they finally found eternal peace. To them, this was only the second stop in a very long journey for their cryas, or soul, as humans liked to call it.

  “Father,” Aidan said, coming to stand before Throm. He clasped his hands behind him and dipped his head in a show of submission.

  The pendragon studied him for a moment. “I have a task for you.”

  Aidan lifted his head. “What is it?”

  “You must negotiate a treaty with the Faegud clan and finalize it before the Bitkal.”

  Aidan sucked in a breath. “Sire, with all due respect, we have not been on good terms with them in nearly two hundred years. What makes you think I could change that now?”

  “A spy has informed me their pendragon has passed to the next world.” Throm gazed intently at Aidan. “I believe the successor may be more amenable.”

  Long ago, the Taugud and Faegud clans were great allies. Aidan remembered the time well, though he’d still been young. Then a new pendragon—Severne—took over. He did not care for old alliances and sought to expand his territory, including annexing areas belonging to his neighbors. When his army seized part of the Taugud land, a major battle was fought with many dying on both sides. The foolish pendragon not only attacked shifters, but the pure dragon clans as well. Within a few dozen years, Severne had less territory than before, and his people suffered badly for it.

  Aidan had been sorry to lose such an alliance. The Faegud clan was unique from others due to their mixing with shape-shifters millennia ago. While much of that had been bred out over time, some of their members could still shift to human form if they chose. It made them far more amenable to work with than the pure dragons. Even those who couldn’t shift tended to be more civilized and they did not attack humans without just cause.

  “Have you heard anything else about them?” Aidan asked.

  “Very little, though our spy should learn more soon.” The pendragon worked his jaw. “It was not until we expanded our territory to the south that I risked sending her. I must rely on you to find out more.”

  Their last big push had been two weeks ago. His father had chosen to concentrate on gaining land in the countryside before turning their toriq’s efforts to the urban areas. It had been easier to expand that way. The pure dragons were mostly concentrating on the cities and medium-sized towns for now where they could terrorize the humans.

  This was a major task for the pendragon to ask of Aidan. Throm was depending on his youngest son to make an alliance with a clan who’d been their enemy for two centuries. There were those among the elders who had more experience and diplomatic skills.

  Though Aidan felt honored to be given such a mission, he could not help asking the obvious question. “Are you certain I am the best one for the job?”

  “Son,” Throm sighed. “Of all my children you are the most observant and the best at adapting to your surroundings. Do not think I have not noticed the games you play with your brothers. They believe you are a fool, but I know better. You’ve made every effort to appear harmless to them because you are willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Neither Zoran nor Ruari have the patience or tact to work with the Faegud clan, but if I am to meet Zorya soon, I must know at least one of my children can handle such a difficult task.”

  Aidan’s chest swelled. His father rarely gave compliments and even when he did, he kept them brief. Somehow, Throm had seen what Aidan’s siblings had not—except, perhaps, for Phoebe. She had a knack for uncovering the truth no matter how well one cloaked it. Their toriq already had one fine female spy, but his sister would make an excellent second should she ever desire the position.

  “I will not fail you, Father,” Aidan vowed.

  “See that you do not.” Throm gave him a steely-eyed look. “And take Falcon with you. Your journey there will not be without some risk, and it is good to have at least one strong warrior at your side when dealing with another clan.”

  “As you wish,” Aidan said, bowing slightly.

  Throm nodded. “May Zorya be with you, Son.”

  “And you as well, Father.” Aidan exited the pendragon’s chamber.

  His steps were light as he made his way down the corridor. Not only because his sire entrusted him with such an important task, but also because it supported Aidan’s own cause. The Faegud clan’s territory covered much of northern Texas—if he recalled the map Bailey showed him correctly. It would bring him one step closer to finding a way to take her home after she finished helping Aidan with his plans. Whether he wanted to let her go or not, he had to keep his promise. His honor depended on it.

  Aidan searched the great hall for Kayla. He’d rescued her during a missile attack on the fortress several months ago, and she’d been loyal to him ever since. Though he insisted she owed him nothing, she kept a close eye on his brothers for him and reported anything suspicious. They would never guess the sixteen-year-old girl was watching their every action. Kayla, too, would make an excellent spy for their toriq once she became old enough.

  The human girl had crossed over from Earth to Kederrawien two years ago, before their dimensions merged, and had been with them ever since. He’d offered to take her home to her family after they returned, but she refused to leave. Many humans chose to stay, though they were free to go at anytime. Most said they felt more comfortable and safe within the fortress after spending so much time there. Aidan suspected they were afraid of what they might find if they went home. According to Bailey, the world had changed a great deal in recent months and not for the better.

  He found Kayla at one of the stone trestle tables, kneading dough for the midnight meal that would come in a few hours. She wore a beige camrium tunic and brown pants. Her long red hair was currently pulled into a ponytail, though a few strands hung around her face. Since she first started working with him, she’d put on a little weight and filled out her small figure. Aidan was glad to see her looking healthier now. The missile attack had burned her badly, and even with a healer’s help, recovering took much of her strength.

  As if she could sense him, she glanced over in his direction. Aidan nodded at her, then turned around and walked away. He headed for a little-used chamber down the co
rridor where they used to keep cleaning supplies before relocating them to another room closer to the kitchen. Five minutes later, Kayla slipped inside.

  “Do you have any news for me?” Aidan asked.

  She nodded. “I figured out what tasks your father gave Zoran and Phoebe.”

  After the last time he’d met with the pendragon, Aidan had asked Kayla to see if she could discover which tasks Throm gave his brothers and sister. The only thing he knew for certain was that he was the last to receive his task. He’d heard the summons each time one of his siblings was called to see the pendragon. They wouldn’t announce their individual missions publicly, considering they wouldn’t want their efforts sabotaged and end up looking bad to their father, which left Aidan to figure it out himself—or, rather, with a little help.

  “Tell me,” he said.

  “Phoebe has to preside over the next Judgments Day and prove she can rule fairly.” Kayla cocked her head. “That isn’t too hard, is it?”

  “Actually, it is. She must study each case ahead of time, review all the evidence, and speak with any witnesses. Some crimes are more complex and difficult to judge than others.”

  She frowned. “But I thought they do all that during the hearing.”

  “What you see and hear on Judgments Day is only for the benefit of the people so that they may know all the same information. The one who presides will ensure there is a clear case before allowing the accused to be tried publicly,” Aidan explained. He might never have had to perform the duty, but his father had asked him to look into cases before if there were a greater number than usual. Throm only made the job seem easy.

  “Okay, well, Zoran’s task still sounds harder. He’s got to kill the pendragon’s oldest son from the Shadowan clan—without them knowing he did it.”

  Aidan shifted on his feet. “That will be difficult. Blayze rarely travels alone, and he’s a fierce fighter. Zoran will have to kill him and anyone with him if he doesn’t want witnesses.”

  “Wow, that’s crazy.” She knitted her brows. “And I thought my father was tough. He was always like, ‘don’t sneak out of the house again, Kayla’ and ‘stop talking to that boy, young lady’ and other stuff. It drove me crazy, but I know now it was to protect me, not to put me in danger. You’ve got it way worse.”

  “Where is your father?” Aidan still didn’t know much about the girl, though he tried to ask some pointed questions when the opportunity presented itself—such as now.

  Kayla’s gaze dipped to the floor, and she replied in a low voice, “He and my mom died in a car accident about a year before I crossed dimensions.”

  Aidan wanted to lay a comforting hand on the girl’s shoulder, but he didn’t want to risk burning her. His touch was far too hot. It would only take a few seconds before her skin would start to redden, and in a couple of minutes, it could leave permanent damage.

  He waited until she lifted her head to reply. “I’m sorry to hear that. Who took care of you after they were gone?”

  She shrugged. “I got stuck in foster homes. It sucked.”

  Aidan wasn’t certain what that meant, but he guessed she’d been placed with people who weren’t her family. With shape-shifters, it often happened since they were constantly at war, and children lost their parents. The toriq did its best to see after the orphans, though. They did not struggle to survive, and they were not mistreated.

  He decided it was time to change the subject and give her something to take her mind off of her past. “How would you like to go meet Bailey tomorrow?”

  Kayla’s eyes widened, and her voice came out in a hushed whisper. “The dragon slayer? Really?”

  Aidan had told the girl a few things about Bailey. He wasn’t certain why he opened up to her, but in a way he found Kayla to be a kindred spirit. She was every bit as curious as he was at that age, and he had suspected she’d had a rough time during her childhood like he did, which was now proven true.

  “For my task, I must go negotiate a peace treaty with a southern clan. These things usually take time, but I’m leaving tomorrow and will be gone for a couple of days.” Aidan went on to explain the latest events with Bailey and her current location. “I’ll need you to bring some food and supplies to my lair tomorrow.”

  Kayla grinned widely. “I can totally do that.”

  “You’re certain you can obtain transportation?” he asked. His private lair was only a five-minute flight from the fortress, if one went the direct route—which he never did to be sure no one followed him. Aidan didn’t know how long it took on the ground. He didn’t want Kayla walking alone that far.

  “No problem.” She waved a hand. “We humans have a few cars and trucks stashed away to use when we’re out looking for supplies. There’s always at least one around to take.”

  He nodded. “Good. Now you must be careful while you’re out. You won’t be leaving the clan’s territory, and this area is remote, but there are groups of humans who roam around. They can be dangerous.”

  “I got it,” she said, giving him an impatient look. “I go out more than you realize.”

  That disturbed him, but he could do little to stop her. Humans had their freedom, after all. If the adults among her people let her leave the fortress whenever she wanted, then she could do so without needing a shifter’s permission.

  “Very well, then I will give you the directions.”

  Chapter 7

  Aidan

  Aidan peered around the corner, checking the great hall. It was crowded for the midnight meal, but he managed to catch sight of his father, Ruari, and Phoebe at the high table. They sat eating and chatting with each other. He did not see Zoran anywhere. It was unlike Aidan’s eldest brother to miss a meal, especially on the rare occasion the pendragon made it downstairs. He needed to find Zoran and ensure he was currently occupied.

  Ducking back down the corridor, Aidan headed to the second floor of the castle where both his brothers had rooms, as well as several other important members of the clan. He stopped on the last step when he overheard voices nearby.

  “I’m only going to tell you this once,” Zoran said, a growl in his voice. “Tell the elders you have no wish to participate in the Bitkal.”

  “Or you’ll do what?” The second voice came from Nanoq—the Captain of the Guard.

  Aidan held his breath and took the last step. He inched his way down the corridor until he reached a corner, peeking around it. Down the hall, his eldest brother had a death grip on Nanoq’s neck where he held him against the wall. The Captain of the Guard didn’t show any signs of fear. His fists were bunched, and he appeared ready to strike Aidan’s brother.

  Zoran leaned closer to Nanoq’s face. “Anyone who attempts to take the pendragon seat from me will regret it.”

  “Murder is a crime, you know,” the captain said with full conviction. No one had higher standards or principles than him, which was likely why Zoran felt threatened by him. Nanoq not only led the guards but also conducted most of the criminal investigations for the toriq.

  Aidan’s brother loosened his grip a fraction. “I don’t believe I spoke of murder.”

  “No, but you implied it.”

  “Just stay out of my way.” Zoran slapped the stones next to the captain forcefully.

  Nanoq didn’t flinch. “One day, that temper of yours is going to be your destruction, and I hope I’m around to see it.”

  “That’s rather unlikely.” Zoran gave him a final glare and stalked off toward his room down the corridor.

  Aidan pulled back out of sight. Both males lived in this section of the castle, which didn’t bode well. They’d be in direct competition with each other in the coming weeks. A lot could happen in that period of time, especially with Zoran determined to secure his position and remove anyone in his way. Aidan wasn’t certain if he should be thankful or not that he wasn’t his brother’s only target.

  Nanoq came around the corner, stumbling to a halt when he found Aidan standing there. He was large in his hum
an form, though not quite as muscular as Zoran. The shifter drew little attention from his looks, being considered plain at best, but he had the kind of appearance that led people to trust him. His red camrium uniform—the standard for the fortress guard—was always immaculate, and he kept his hair short and well-groomed.

  When Aidan had been young, it was Nanoq who looked out for him. The captain had grown up with Zoran, their being only two years apart, and he’d been well aware of the mean streak running through the pendragon’s eldest son. More than once, Nanoq had rescued Aidan from a beating he’d done nothing to deserve. They didn’t speak often these days, but a bond still remained between them.

  “Did you hear all of that?” Nanoq asked, lifting a brow.

  Aidan nodded. “Most of it.”

  “If your brother wins the Bitkal, our toriq will be in trouble,” he said, shaking his head.

  “Then let us hope he doesn’t.”

  Nanoq’s expression became determined. “If not me, then I’d rather it be you.”

  A noise came from down the corridor. Aidan clasped the captain’s arm and gave him a meaningful look. “Take care, friend.”

  Nanoq returned the gesture. “And you do the same.”

  Backing away, Aidan hurried downstairs. He’d lost precious time tracking his brother’s whereabouts and speaking with the captain. For what he needed to do next, he had to get it done before the midnight meal ended.

  When he reached the main floor, he headed to the other end of the castle. A row of classrooms for young dragons was on the far side. Aidan passed them and turned left, entering another corridor. Several of the head servants had chambers here. He continued beyond them to the clan library at the far end. The main entrance for it was outside the castle, but for Aidan’s purposes, he needed to use the backdoor. Once he reached it, he pulled out a skeleton key no one knew he possessed and slid open the lock.