Dragon's Prize (Dragons Awaken Book 2)

by Maya Starling

  “Olivia? Are you alright?” Worry was written all over Kaden’s face as he gently squeezed her hand.

  “What?” Olivia diverted her eyes from the siblings to Kaden.

  “We called your name a few times….”

  “Oh! I apologize. I just got lost in thought.” She offered Kaden a comforting smile.

  He nodded and looked back at Marok, Olivia following his lead.

  “As I was saying,” Marok teased. Olivia squirmed a bit with embarrassment as she inched closer to Kaden. “It was an honor having you as our guests. Please, feel free to return anytime. You are now a part of our family.” Chief spread his arms, indicating all of his tribe as his family.

  “I would like to present you with a gift before you go.” The chief unclipped a hand-axe strapped to his side.

  Olivia’s eyes widened and before she could refuse, Marok continued, “We don’t have much to offer, so I present you my axe. Please, accept this gift, it will be an immense honor. After all, you have brought us a dragon… giving us hope and faith.”

  Stunned, Olivia reached for the hand-axe. It was a beautiful, yet simple tool… and a deadly weapon. The head was freshly whetted and polished, and grazes and grooves stood out against the new shine. The dark wooden shaft had intricate designs etched into it and the grip was wrapped in leather, worn out from years of use.

  She knew it would be impolite to refuse it, but at the same time she thought it was too much, not feeling worthy of such a tribute.

  “I… ” Olivia looked up into Marok’s expectant eyes. “Umm… Thank you?”

  Marok nodded. He was surprised when Olivia handed the axe to Kaden, so she could step forward and hug him. “Thank you for everything,” she said, and Marok patted her back awkwardly.

  “I do not have anything to give to you. You have been such wonderful hosts.” Olivia looked between Marok and his wife Kamil, who both had proud smiles on their faces.

  “You have given us much more than you realize, Olivia,” Kamil responded as she pulled Olivia into a warm hug.

  Everyone continued saying their farewells, exchanging presents. Koda gave Kaden a little wooden carving of Olivia, saying it was only right for him to have one of her as she had one of him. Kaden gave Kamil a handful of precious gems. They would serve the tribe well for trade, for tools and weapons.

  Charlie got a wonderful tribal necklace from Kamil, while Cassiel was given a fabulous new cloak with fur trimmings around the shoulders. Although it was not something he would normally wear, he accepted the gift graciously.

  “Oh, I just remembered!” Olivia said as she went over to Kaden’s saddlebags and pulled something out. She knew she couldn’t give it to the chief, but she could always leave a parting gift for the shaman.

  As Olivia walked up to Ma’ad. She presented him with a dagger. “This is the dagger of our escape, it was Magnus’ own possession, please accept it as a gift for the healing you provided.” Olivia was happy with her quick thinking, coming up with the most appropriate excuse.

  Ma’ad’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, what a lovely gift.” He took the dagger from Olivia’s hand. “Thank you.”

  Bast hugged her parents goodbye while Marok offered his last words of wisdom. Shaman Nahane approached Charlie. He really made her feel uncomfortable, because of the way he kept mentioning her red hair. He leaned in closer so only Charlie could hear him, “Remember… her blood flows just as red as your hair.”

  Charlie shivered, feeling that she had just been given a very important piece of incomprehensible information. Not wanting to upset anyone, she simply nodded.

  “Could I please use your dagger?” Charlie had thought of a gift for the shaman; even though he made her uneasy, she did want to thank him for everything they had done for her and her friends.

  Nahane nodded and smiled widely as he handed Charlie a small dagger which had been tucked into his belt.

  It didn’t take Charlie long to cut off a lock of her red hair, handing it and the dagger back to the shaman with a shy thank you.

  Once the farewells were made, Olivia headed towards Starlite while Kaden walked over to Mousse.

  “I am riding Starlite.” Olivia informed Kaden, making him turn around.

  “But –” he started to protest.

  “She is my horse. I have had her much longer than you have had Mousse. We can double up on Starlite, while Cassiel and Charlie take Mousse. Bast said she will walk through the forest anyway, she wants to go and say goodbye to some friends so she will catch up with us at the fringe.” Olivia raised an eyebrow, daring Kaden to contest her decision. Starlite stomped her hoof once, as if agreeing.

  Kaden chuckled. “Yes, love. As you wish.”

  He scratched Mousse behind her ear, “I guess you won’t have to deal with me just yet.” The mare snorted.

  Kaden was alright with not riding her for now, but he knew he wouldn’t ever be able part with the mare. The horse was too much of a character not to have around.

  Mousse quickly proved his point. When Kaden turned to approach Starlite, Mousse nipped at his behind. He jumped, emitting a squeal. It would leave a bruise.

  Everyone laughed, lifting the morose mood.

  “Oh! I already like her,” Charlie said as she petted Mousse.

  “Old hag,” Kaden mumbled as he rubbed the now sore spot.

  “I can kiss it better later.” Olivia whispered to Kaden, then blushed, surprised by her own boldness.

  “Well… I might have a few more bruises here and there that need to be kissed better,” Kaden whispered back as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist.

  Olivia chuckled as she put her hands on his arms. She easily forgot about other people around them, when Kaden was being… so seductive.

  “I have one that needs your immediate care,” he softly said against Olivia’s lips.

  Olivia’s tongue darted out, moistening her lower lip. She pulled it between her teeth. Kaden leaned in, nipping at the tucked lip, capturing her mouth in a tender kiss.

  “Is this how it’s going to be the whole way? You two not being able to keep your hands and tongues away from each other?” Charlie teased, making Olivia and Kaden separate.

  “Kaden! You are doing it again.” Olivia scolded, but her eyes twinkled. She never knew she would be like this, so physical.

  “I told you I would.” He pecked her lips one more time before he grabbed her by her waist and lifted her up on Starlite.

  “You know, I am perfectly capable of mounting a horse on my own.”

  Cassiel, now wearing his breastplate armor, helped Charlie up on Mousse before being helped up himself.

  “I know you are, love.” Kaden mounted Starlite behind Olivia, wrapping his arms around her. “But I cannot miss the chance to touch you.”

  “You and your manly hormones!” Olivia huffed an exasperated sigh. But, she really was reveling in all the attention she was getting from Kaden.

  She took the reins and leaned back into Kaden’s embrace.

  She gazed at the people. She noticed Koda hugging Disa and Pup at the same time, one arm around each, and neither animal complained. He whispered something to them. Olivia frowned in concentration, but she couldn’t hear what was said. He kissed each of their heads.

  “He told them to take care of each other and to be friends.” Olivia felt Kaden’s breath against her ear.

  “He is such a sweet child.”

  They were only waiting for Bast now.

  Bast had changed out of her everyday tribal clothing into something more conservative. She wore long, dark brown leather pants, a beige shirt with a leather vest armor covering it. Her hair was braided as usual, with an arrow tip fastened at the end. Her weapons were strapped to her back along with a quiver for arrows. The short-bow she would carry in her hand. She had also hidden several daggers hidden on her person. Just as she was ready to join her traveling companions, Manu marched up to her, sadness softening his features.

  “Bast?” he said.


  Bast turned to face her lifelong friend. He cupped her cheeks and smashed his lips to hers. She didn’t even have a chance to react before the kiss was over.

  She slapped him.

  Silence hung in the air, wide eyes watching what would happen next.

  Bast and Manu burst laughing.

  “Idiot!” Bast pulled Manu into a hug.

  “Farewell, Bast.” He wasn’t only saying goodbye because she was leaving the tribe for a while, but from the tone of his voice and the sadness in his eyes, it was evident he was letting her go. “Be careful.” He squeezed her tight before releasing her.

  Bast shook her head, still smiling slightly. “I will. I’ll be back soon enough for you to continue chasing me around like a lost puppy.” Everyone laughed. Manu’s tanned cheeks turned a rosy shade. He was glad, though, that things between them were going back to normal. He missed his friend. He would miss her even more now.

  “I guess this is it,” Bast said as she stepped away from her family and closer to her new, small nomadic tribe.

  “Not yet.” A deep voice boomed and everyone’s eyes turned to Kaden. Amber eyes once more surveyed the crowd. He sat straighter behind Olivia, his arms not as tightly wrapped around her.

  Her scent reached him though, and he liked it.

  “This is not goodbye, only a farewell, for we will see each other again. It is merely a temporary leave of absence. My… humans have yet to fulfill their destinies, but I will make sure we return, maybe even for good.”

  Olivia had the urge to turn around and question him but he pulled her a bit tighter against his chest. “Not now, Little One,” he whispered in her ear. Olivia shivered.

  “Thank you for helping them. Thank you for abiding by the old ways and for keeping the amulet safe… and most of all for believing we would return one day. You have nothing to fear, for if you are ever in danger, I will call upon the other dragons and we will come to your aid. A new era has begun.”

  He let his gaze settle briefly on each and every person gathered around them.

  “I wish you well.” Órva’ar bowed his head as the people of the tribe wished him a safe journey ahead.

  He blinked once and Kaden was back. His posture relaxed as he kissed the side of Olivia’s head. “We will talk later.”

  Olivia nodded and took hold of the reins more firmly.

  “Farewell,” Olivia called out as she guided Starlite to turn and head out of the village, Mousse and her riders following behind.

  Most of the people followed them to the edge of the village, where they continued in the company of a patrol. It didn’t take long for Bast to head her own way, promising once again to meet them once they left the forest.

  The patrol lead them through a short cut, so they wouldn’t have to backtrack to Magnus’ now abandoned camp.

  It was a silent journey. Olivia pondered what lay ahead of them. Would their future be as bright as this day? The sun’s rays peeked through the branches, a slight breeze ruffling the leaves. She pushed back the lingering doubts and Magnus’ threats hovering over her like a heavy, ugly cloud. Leaning back into Kaden’s chest, she enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful scenery of a forest in the spring bloom. She would allow herself to enjoy this piece of serenity for now, hoping it would last.

  A few hours later they left the cover of the trees, as well as the patrol behind them, while Bast and Disa rejoined them.

  “Do you wish to ride, Lady Bast?” Cassiel was the first one to speak up after a while of riding in silence.

  Bast snorted. “No. I’m fine. I am used to walking for hours.” She warily eyed the horses. “I never was much of a rider.”

  “We will ride a bit faster on parts of our trip… and spending days on end trying to keep up with us will tire even you.” Kaden warned. He didn’t want her to slow them down. He knew how important it was to Olivia they got back as fast as possible.

  “You can ride with me once we get more horses.” Charlie piped in. “Cassiel here isn’t really cuddly… I mean, comfortable to ride with… what with all that armor, no offense, Cass.”

  “None taken, Charlotte.”

  “See? I know how to ride and I won’t mind sharing a horse with you.” Charlie smiled, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

  “I will learn to ride!” Bast announced suddenly. Olivia and Kaden chuckled.

  “We’ll need a horse that won’t be afraid of a wolf and a mountain lion.” Cassiel added. “Luckily these two have gotten used to them.”

  “Oh… nothing can faze Mousse.” Kaden chuckled. “She’d probably be able to scare away a pack of hungry wolves. We can always count on her if we encounter bandits… which reminds me, we’ll have to be careful of those.”

  Olivia nodded. “Where will we spend the first night?”

  “I know the perfect place and you’ll get to meet someone… interesting.” Kaden thought back to when he met Sophie again.

  “Who?” Olivia tried to look over her shoulder at Kaden.

  “Remember that little girl I saved from a fire… when I was still a dragon?”

  “Yes.”

  “Her name is Sophie, and she’s all grown up now.” Kaden said nostalgically.

  The pang of jealousy surprised Olivia.

  “All grown up?” She couldn’t resist asking.

  “Yes… she’s not my little Sophie anymore. I met her on my way here. What a happenstance that was! She provided me with shelter for a night. That’s why I actually resembled a human being once I reached you.” Kaden chuckled, he remembered Sophie telling him how much he had been stinking up her place.

  “Oh…” Olivia said.

  “You’ll love her.” Kaden assured her as he laid his chin on her shoulder.

  That first day was quite uneventful. They talked, getting to know each other more and Charlie kept flirting with Bast. She just couldn’t help herself; she was already head over heels for her own personal Goddess.

  As the sun started setting, they noticed angry grey clouds gathering in the sky. Kaden hoped they would reach Sophie’s hut on time.

  When Kaden noticed Sophie’s little home in the distance, at the edge of a smaller forest, he let out a long exhale, his muscles unwinding. The relief was short-lived, however, as a hard rain started pelting them, and lightning rippled through the sky.

  “It’s right over there… Hurry up!” Kaden yelled back as Olivia urged Starlite into a gallop. He wrapped himself around her, trying to protect her from the onslaught of the rain as much as he could. Cassiel had given his new cloak to Charlie and she covered them both with it. Bast was already running ahead, ignoring the rain wholly soaking her.

  Once they reached the hut, they quickly dismounted. Cassiel was unloading the horses, storing their belongings on the dry porch under the overhang. Kaden knocked on the door with Olivia right by his side.

  He knocked a second time. “Sophie! Are you in there?”

  He knocked again and sighed in relief when he saw the small light of the lantern moving about through the window.

  “Who goes there?”

  “Sophie! It’s me, Kaden. Please open up?”

  “My dragon!” they heard Sophie exclaim as she scurried to open the door. “You know, this old body is not,” the doors rumbled and squeaked open, “as nimble as it used to be. Oh! You brought me some company! Come on in. Out of the rain with you. Ladies first.”

  Olivia smiled gratefully as she and Charlie entered the little hut and stood to the side, waiting for the others.

  “Boy!” Sophie called out to Cassiel. “Put them horses in the stalls, there’s enough space and they can stay dry. You’ll find some grain and hay in there as well.”

  “Yes, my lady!” Cassiel took the horses’ reins and led them to the small barn. He would continue unsaddling them there.

  Disa followed Bast up the porch stairs.

  “Oh nay! No animals in the house. They can go with the horses, but that thing better not eat my cow or you’ll be buying me a new one
.” Sophie stood in the way, blocking Bast’s entrance as Kaden scooped up their belongings.

  Bast simply nodded, pointed Disa towards the barn and gave her a command. Pup looked at Kaden pleadingly. “Sorry boy, you know how it goes, off to the barn with you too.” The little wolf shook the water off his fur right beside Kaden and ran after Disa.

  Sophie looked Bast up and down. She grunted but let her through, Kaden soon followed.

  “Cassiel will be inside in a bit. He is taking care of the horses.”

  “Alright,” Sophie said as she closed the door. “Go put your things in the room and get the fire going; I’ll take the ladies to the kitchen to warm up.” She walked away with Bast and Charlie following, only Olivia lingered.

  She was a miserable sight, lost and confused, almost undecided.

  Kaden gathered her into his arms. “Go on. Everything’s fine.” He brushed the wet strands of hair off her face. “You need to warm up and dry off; I’ll be there in a bit.” He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Olivia dragged her feet to the kitchen, shoulders slumped.

  Sophie made Olivia, Charlie, and Bast change into dry clothes before the men came back. She had the women sit at the table while she made tea, heating up some water so they could clean themselves up. Their clothes hung near the kitchen fire to be dried.

  “So, you’re Sophie?” Olivia said. She blew away the steam from her cup, occasionally breathing in the scent of jasmine.

  Sophie stood at the stove. She glanced back at Olivia. “Aye… I’m Sophie.”

  “Thank you for welcoming us into your home. I am Olivia and these are Charlie and Bast.”

  “Are those pants really comfortable for you, girlie?” Sophie asked Bast before she turned back to her cooking. She was heating up the stew she had made yesterday. It would’ve lasted her for a few days, but not with the new mouths to feed.