“No, not all men are like that,” said Kai. He thought Adina was attractive, but the witch didn’t interest him. The woman who interested him was sitting beside him.
“No?” said Raven.
Kai reached out and grabbed Raven’s hand. “No, some men are particular about where their tongue falls. They only dream of one flower.”
“I think you’ve been staring at the ceiling too long,” said Raven, but she didn’t remove her hand from Kai’s.
“Perhaps,” said Kai. “Or I am just a man who knows what he wants. The life of a Dragon’s Tail is complicated, it requires sacrifice and loyalty. Being the protector of a future queen requires sacrifice and loyalty. In that we are the same, you and I. We both understand what our lives are worth. We both will gladly die to protect Isabella. We both understand what it means to be a warrior. I’ve had my heart broken in the past, and I swore never to give myself that way to another again, but now I find myself breaking that vow. I can only take comfort in knowing it is to someone who truly understands me.”
Raven sat there for a moment before speaking. “Us warriors, our hearts are not easily given. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to fully understand that.”
“And sometimes it only takes a moment,” said Kai. “It’s the journey that matters. Just know that the witch or any other woman is of no interest to me.”
Raven leaned over and kissed Kai softly on the lips. “You are forever surprising me, Kai Woods.” She then rose off the bed. “Now get up, and go have a bath. You smell like sweat and medicine.”
Kai grinned. “Join me?”
“Perhaps another time,” said Raven with a wink as she walked out of his room.
Kai got out of bed, he lifted his arm and took a quick sniff. Raven was right, he did need a cleaning. He headed to the fourth floor washroom. Like the kitchens, the builders of the Tower of Kings had used the mountains waterfalls to provide the washroom with running water. A trough of water attached to a chain allowed a man to shower. At first Kai had questioned the design. Having the showers a floor about the kitchen water seemed to be asking for trouble, but once he inspected the waterfall and realized the drains went away from the waterfall and no water from his shower entered the kitchen, Kai decided the designers were geniuses. He could’ve used the large bath barrel to soak in, but he wanted a quick wash. He’d been down for days and there was much to do.
Raven popped her head into the washroom. “Kai?”
Kai turned, he was already standing naked under the shower, washing his hair. His nakedness was exposed to Raven. “You change your mind about joining me?” asked Kai as he washed his hair.
“No,” said Raven with a smile. “I came to tell you to put your fancy clothes on. Your brother warriors of the Dragon’s Tail have arrived.”
“That is good news,” said Kai.
Raven stood at the doorway for a while longer.
“Was there something else?” asked Kai.
“No. I was just enjoying the view,” said Raven before turning and leaving.
Kai smiled to himself as he quickly finished washing.
…
A hundred warriors marched into the courtyard. Kai filled with pride as he watched his fellow brigade members marching. They had answered his call and chosen to believe his word that there was indeed a Dragonblood princess bonded with a dragon. He’d worried that Camdyn would doubt his word and see it as a ploy to separate his old brigade from the prince he hated.
The men stopped in formation in the middle of the courtyard. Behind the columns of men were rows of wagons and pack horses. It looked like they’d move the entire belongings of the Dragon’s Tail Brigade from their previous home.
A rider came along the side of the column of men and rode to the front and stopped in front of Kai. “I always knew you’d figure a way around your banishment, I just never thought you’d go so far as to produce a Dragonblood,” said Camdyn.
Kai smiled. The old man still had his sense of humor. “I wish I’d thought of it sooner. I've wasted was a long number of years. It’s good to see you, Camdyn.”
“So where are you hiding the princess, Kai? I rode a long way to meet the Dragonblood.”
“She’ll be down in a minute. She thought it appropriate that you see her with Sisera first. So there is no mistaking her claim,” said Kai as he turned and pointed up the tower. On the fifth floor balcony stood Isabella with Sisera at her side. Camdyn and all the men looked up and several gasps could be heard. Even with foreknowledge of what they saw, it still shocked many to see a dragon.
Suddenly, Isabella stepped behind Sisera and climbed on her back. Sisera flapped her wings and launched into the air. She slowly descended until she touched the ground and Isabella could get off. Sisera then flew back up to the top of the tower.
Camdyn dismounted his horse and walked up in front of Isabella. He kneeled down on one knee. “Your Highness, may I present the Dragon’s Tail Brigade. We are here to serve you.”
“Rise, Camdyn, my lieutenant Kai has told me all about you. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you and the brave men of the Dragon’s Tail,” said Isabella.
Camdyn stood and stepped closer. “It brings joy to an old man’s heart to see a Dragonblood once again in charge of the brigade. Our numbers aren’t what they once were, but I can assure you these are all fine men and excellent warriors who will serve with loyalty and honor.”
“Thank you, Camdyn. If you don’t mind, I’d like to address the men,” said Isabella.
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
Isabella stepped forward, and raised her voice. It rang clear and loud. “I want to thank you all for coming. I realize that many of you must have been troubled by the idea of leaving a king you’d served loyally for years. And probably many of you were even more troubled when you found out that the mighty Dragonblood was only a little girl. Whatever your doubts, you all showed up. You all honored your ancient vows, and for that I thank you. I want you all to know that I intend to do my best to live up to the honor you’ve shown me. I will do my best to grow into the type of leader that makes you proud to serve. However, the first thing I want is to change the name of this brigade.” Isabella paused for a moment.
Kai watch as Isabella addressed the men. Her speech had them captivated, but when she paused at the mention of changing the name of the brigade, Kai saw questioning looks from the men. Kai hoped Isabella knew what she was doing. This name change was not something he knew about.
“Dragon’s Tail is a fine name,” continued Isabella. “And you all have honored it. But Dragon’s Tail is not the original name of this brigade. It is the name given to it after the dragon wars. Before dragons left the lands your brigade carried a different name. With your permission, I would like to go back to the old name.”
The columns of men stood there quietly, until a voice rang out from one of the men at the back, “Daxrah!” Then another man joined in, “Daxrah!” Soon all the men in the company were chanting “Daxrah, Daxrah!”
Isabella raised a hand and the men quieted down. “I’ll take that as a yes. From this day forth, let the men of Dragon’s Tail be known as Daxrah, the protectors of Dragonblood.”
A loud cheer erupted. Kai was relieved and proud of Isabella. She had spoken wonderfully. She had shown leadership skills beyond her years. By asking the men their permission, she let them know their voices mattered. By changing the name back to its original, she let them know that things were going to be different. She was Dragonblood and different from King Ramsey.
Isabella turned to Camdyn. “I’m sure you and your men are tired from the journey. We’ve done our bests to prepare for your arrival. The second floor are to serve as the men’s barracks. Kai and Raven can help you with any questions you have. Their words are to be considered to have come from me.”
Camdyn gave Isabella a formal bow, “As Your Highness wishes.”
Isabella turned to Kai. “I’ll leave you men to catch up. We can all talk again at supper
.” Isabella turned and headed inside the tower.
Kai looked at his old friend Camdyn. The years were showing, but the man still had a spark in his eye.
“By the gods, did she just say that I’m to take orders from you? A banished half-wit, what has this world come to?”
Kai chuckled, “It’s not of my doing, I’ll tell you that. Perhaps you can talk some sense into her.”
“Nonsense,” said Camdyn. “You’ve obviously earned her trust, and I can think of no better man to lead the Daxrah. My years are coming to an end. This brigade needed strong leadership, and will need it even more now that we serve a Dragonblood. We’ll have more enemies than we can count before long. I’m proud of you, Kai.”
Kai’s face reddened at the compliment. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you’d seen me a month ago.”
Camdyn shook his head, “Kai, I’ve been keeping track of you ever since you were banished. I know all about Shelby. You might’ve been a fool to try drown your sorrows in ale, but you were there when Shelby needed you. Then when the occasion called for you to rise above your own demons, you did. That is all that matters.”
It warmed Kai’s heart that Camdyn so easily forgave him. Camdyn was one of the few people in the world whom Kai looked up to. “Thank you, Camdyn. That means a lot to me.”
“Are you going to show me around the tower? Or you going to force a feeble old man to make his own way?”
“Camdyn, you were pulling that feeble old man routine when I was still living in Kosal.”
“Yes, but now it’s much closer to the true, I’m afraid. However, it doesn’t hurt to appear weaker than you really are. An old man must use deception to his advantage.”
“I’ll give you that, but we both know you’ve been here before. You may know the tower better than I. Most of the time I’ve been here has been spent on my back.”
Camdyn eyed Kai. “Why was that?”
Kai lifted his surcoat to show Camdyn his chainmail. The loops where the sword had pierced were still bent out of shape.
Camdyn put his hand on the armor. “A couple of inches to the middle and you’d be off to the next world.”
“I was almost off to the next world, regardless. The blade was poisoned. Luckily, Adina, our new healer arrived.”
“You’ve been busy lad. How’d you manage to find a good healer out here?”
“She’s a witch,” admitted Kai. “But I can attest to her skills. And she brought a mage with knowledge of dragons, Oshri Cheni.”
“I know Oshri. That old goat is still alive? I’ll have to share a mug of ale with him. Now who is this?” asked Camdyn.
Raven was waiting for them at the door to the tower. She’d let them have their reunion in peace. Something Kai had noted and would later thank her for. “Camdyn Porter, this is Raven. She’s Princess Isabella’s protector. She’s also managed to save my own ass a couple of times now. She’s as fine a warrior as you will ever meet.”
Camdyn took Raven’s hand and kissed it. “Forgive me, young lady. I never thought I’d see the day when Kai Woods admitted another warrior was his better, and to have such a beautiful creature as you are is a blessing upon this old man’s heart.”
Raven blushed. “Kai mentioned his teacher was the wisest man he ever knew, he never mentioned how attractive you are. Would you let me escort you to your quarters while Kai sees to the troops?”
“Such an upgrade in company honors me. Sorry, Kai, I’m afraid you’ve been replaced as my guide,” said Camdyn.
Kai smiled. “Such is life.” He turned and left Camdyn in Raven’s capable hands. He looked at the brigade members who were still mulling in the courtyard. Many were talking about Isabella’s dramatic entrance on Sisera’s back. It had also surprised Kai. He’d know that Isabella was going to wave to the men at Sisera’s side, but that she’d fly down to the ground on Sisera’s back had been a bit of a shock. However, the maneuver had the desired effect. Not a single member of the brigade would have any question Isabella was bonded with a dragon. They had ample proof now.
Kai spotted Jaime and headed towards him. “It’s good to see you again, Jaime.”
“Likewise, brother. That was quiet the display. Our dragon is a magnificent looking creature.”
“Yes, she is,” said Kai. “Bring me up to speed on the brigade.”
“Daxrah Brigade,” said Jaime with a touch of pride, has just over a hundred men present. Another ten have been dispatched to the villages and cities that were once supporters of Dragonblood rulers. I suspect we’ll have another hundred in volunteers within two weeks’ time. We have full armor and weapons for a hundred and fifty warriors. Bows for two hundred. Five hundred pounds of flour. A hundred and sixty pounds of salted meat and another hundred pounds of perishables. Our scouts saw plentiful signs of game on our way here, so I believe food is off our immediate list of concerns.”
“Good,” said Kai. “Tomorrow you can send out hunting parties. Today the men can rest and get sorted. The second floor is the barracks. There is plenty of space, but not nearly enough beds. Are Aaron and Jonn still among our numbers?”
“Yes, they’d with the wagons right now. Shall I set them to the task?”
Aaron and Jonn were two members of the brigade who’d grown up as sons of a woodworker. The two men could chop down trees faster than any four men. And when they were done with a tree it was a fine piece of furniture. The old barracks in Kosal have been completely refurnished when the two men joined the racks. They would enjoy the task of building beds for the brigade, and later, they would relish the opportunity to build other furniture that the tower needed. “Tomorrow. Send twenty men and two wagons with them. The Dark Woods are only a few hours away and the brothers will enjoy the task. If the numbers do swell we may have to build outside of the tower, or extend further into the mountain.”
“Yes, sir,” said Jaime with a grin.
“Sir? A little formal coming from you, Jaime.” Kai had been above Jaime in rank before, but they’d never used formal language. The brigade was very informal compared to other military units.
“That was before you became the leader of the Daxrah. Besides, there are many new recruits since you left us. Having them hear me show you formal respect will solidify that you aren’t an outsider forced upon us. Once everyone understands the new hierarchy, we can lose the formality so they know you are one of us.”
Kai thought about Jaime’s logic. Kai wasn’t comfortable with being called “sir” all the time, but on the other hand it wouldn’t hurt for the new recruits to see some formal structure. Now that he was in charge of the brigade his role was different. He would need to be close to the men and get to know the new members, but he would have to be able to step back and make decisions that would cost men their lives. Camdyn had been an excellent leader and Kai intended to lead the same way Camdyn had. Camdyn knew every man by name and spent individual time training each of them. Kai would train with the men and get to know them. “You’re right, Jaime. That isn’t the worse idea you ever had. But keep the ‘sirs’ to a minimum. The brigade won’t be changing much under my leadership.”
“Won’t be changing much? New leader, new home, we have a Dragonblood and dragon. Everything’s changed!” said Jaime with a big grin. “Seven hells, man, we even have a new name. It’s a great day to be Daxrah!”
Kai had to smile at Jaime’s infectious positive attitude. He was glad that the man hadn’t changed. “I agree it is a good day to be Daxrah. However, we will assuredly have bad days ahead. King Ramsey will not take this well.”
“What, losing their scouts or the prince’s bride? There is no doubt that they will want revenge, possibly war. And there will be others who will see a Dragonblood as a threat. But that is what makes life interesting. These are exciting times, my friend. History will look back at the return of dragons and it’s our actions that will help write that story! What more could a warrior ask for?”
“Is this the same Jaime who declared a warrior’s most
important tasks were finding good wine and a woman to share his bed?”
“Ha! Those are still a warrior’s most important tasks. I don’t suppose you have some hiding away here?’
Kai said nothing.
Jaime’s eyes lit up. “You do have a woman! Is it that giant who escorted Camdyn inside? She’s a beautiful woman, even dressed as a warrior!”
“Her name is Raven, and no she’s not my woman. But she’s all warrior, that one. I wouldn’t want to face her on the battlefield. I watched her take a man’s head right off with that war axe, and that was just before she saved me from a bandit’s sword!”
Jaime winked and nudged Kai. “Perhaps she’s not your woman, but there is a spark there. I can tell. Jaime always can tell! Don’t you worry, friend; I’ll save my affections for the village girls. There has to be a few kicking around this valley that can’t resist a beautiful man such as myself.”
“I see you’ve grown modest in the years I’ve been gone.”
“Oh, I have, I’m a much more modest and intelligent man now. In fact, I’m even more beautiful than before as well. I’ve grown so much since you left.”
Kai shook his head and laughed, “I missed you, brother. Now let’s get to work.”
Jaime smiled and then turned to the men. His smile disappeared as he barked out. “Alright, you knuckleheads. Most of know Kai, for the new recruits, our new leader is the second best man in this brigade right behind yours truly, so treat him with respect. Now unload those wagons. Take the livestock to the stables and then start organizing this mess. Braxton, take two men and start organizing the kitchen, I want a decent meal, we’re celebrating tonight! Aaron and Jonn, you two go inspect the barracks. Tomorrow you’ll be organizing a wood cutting party. Brad go find out where they’re putting Camdyn and take his gear up for him. Let’s get moving!”
Kai watched as the men jumped into action. Jaime then turned back to him. “Should we go over the defenses?”
Kai nodded and walked to the outer wall. He led Jaime up the stairs to one of the lookout posts. From there he pointed to the other posts. “Ten positions on the wall. But for sentry purposes we’ll only use two men.”
Sisera's Gift (Dragonblood Sagas Book 2) Page 17