Sisera's Gift (Dragonblood Sagas Book 2)

by Robyn Wideman

  As Jaime had predicted, a horn sounded and the sound of galloping horses filled the air. King Ramsey was sending his knights in to take out any ground forces hiding behind the walls. Waves of knights rolled into the grounds like high tide crashing into a sand castle. They rode in ten deep. The first riders were almost to the tower itself when the last entered the gates.

  Jaime looked over the wall and then gave Isabella the nod. It was time to drop the barricade. She looked at Raven.

  Raven took her mighty war axe and sliced through the rope. Dropping the makeshift barricade down where the gate had once been. Now the foot soldiers and archers were once again locked out, but the knights were locked in.

  The Daxrah archers in the tower and on the wall opened fire. The knights had no place to go. No way of escaping and their heavy armor and lances, deadly against ground forces were useless against the arrows of the Daxrah.

  Isabella stepped up to the wall, the foot soldiers were starting to push against the barricade. The entire armies of Kosal were amassed there. King Ramsey had left no troops in reserve, all were either in the courtyard or outside the gates. Isabella took a deep breath and concentrated on making a fireball. This time she focused on making as big and powerful a fireball as she could. She punched out, opening her hand and a massive ball of fire erupted in front of her hurling down to the ground below. She did it again and again. The first ones she aimed at the troops at the back of the horde, trapping the rest between the fireballs and the wall itself. Isabella shut out all sounds from her mind, she ignored the looks of sheer terror and screams of despair. She only focused on making as many massive fireballs as she could and hurling them into the enemy soldiers. Soon the entire ground in front of the wall was ablaze. Isabella felt drained, emotionally and magically. She slumped down against the wall, turning in to see what had happened to the knights behind her.

  The courtyard was filled with bodies, those of knights and some of their mounts who’d fallen to the arrows of the Daxrah. King Ramsey’s army was decimated. Almost five hundred knights were dead from the arrows of the Daxrah, but almost two thousand were dead at Isabella’s hand. The deadly fireballs, with the enemy soldiers packed so close together and so close to the wall, had incinerated the soldiers. The only solace Isabella could take in the action was that the intense heat of the dragon magic had finished the soldiers quickly. They wouldn’t have suffered the way a person normally would from being burnt alive. Their deaths were quick.

  Raven came and sat down on the wall ledge beside Isabella. Raven put her arm around Isabella.

  Isabella tucked her head into Raven’s shoulder. She felt numb. So much death. So much destruction.

  45

  “STAY HERE WITH THE COOKS. We cannot have both of us risked during the assault. You had your chance in Prozia, now watch how a king conquers an enemy.” Those were the last words King Ramsey said to Eric before riding off with the knights. King Ramsey himself led the knights through the burnt gates. Eric had bristled at the derisive tone and at being left with the support staff while his father took the entirety of their men into battle. But when the barricade dropped, separating the knights from the foot soldiers and archers, Eric knew his father’s plans were doomed. When Isabella stood at the top of the wall raining down deadly fireballs that pinned the men into a death trap, Eric thanked the gods his father wanted his last shot at glory. It was his father’s mistakes in Prozia that had cost them the battle and now it was his mistakes again that had cost them the rest of his army. It was only fitting he had died in his last desperate attempt at glory.

  Only a few lucky soldiers, those lucky enough to find themselves at the edges of the army when Isabella attacked, survived with minor burns. Barely two dozen men, and half that number being cooks and servants, was all that remained of the armies of Kosal. King Ramsey had walked his entire army into a death trap. It had been so stupid of them. They knew Isabella had a dragon. The old stories of Dragonbloods warned of the power of dragon magic, yet they had continued to treat Isabella like a child and not a powerful enemy. The cost of their arrogance and foolishness had been exorbitant.

  Eric took solace in the fact he was now king. It was a very bittersweet moment. He’d longed for power his whole life, taking his father’s teachings to heart at an early age. Now he’d finally become king, but he’d lost the opportunity for far greater glory. To rule Kosal was his birthright, to rule all of Seron had been his vision. Now that vision was as much ash and dust as the bodies of the soldiers incinerated by Isabella’s fireballs. Such power, thought Eric. If only her damnable mother hadn’t interfered, Isabella would be his wife now. Perhaps that is a blessing in disguise. If he’d treated Isabella as he’d intended to, he’d be the one being burnt alive by the Dragonblood.

  Eric was growing tired of the slow pace of the wagons carrying the supplies and wounded soldiers. He ordered two of the soldiers who’d only suffered minor wounds to accompany him. They could run while he rode. It wasn’t like they had worked hard during the battle. The only thing they did was be in the right spot and run fast enough to avoid the heat of the fireballs. They deserved to run! Eric left Thomas, one of the house servants he knew well, in charge of the wagons and galloped towards Kosal. It was time for him to sit on his throne and work to rebuild the armies his father had lost trying to take the Tower of Kings. Eric smirked to himself as he rode ahead of the tired soldiers trying to keep up. More like the Tower of Dead Kings, thought Eric. Whatever loss he felt about the loss of his father was replaced by the thoughts of his waiting throne. Finally, Eric was a king!

  46

  SCORTCHED EARTH AND MEN BUILDING NEW gates greeted Lady Amelia as she and her knights arrived at the Tower of Kings. What happened here? wondered Lady Amelia as they entered the gates.

  Raven was inside the gates waiting when Amelia entered the courtyard. Raven’s smile, a rare sight, warmed Amelia. It was good to see her old friend again.

  “Raven, it is good to see you. Where is Isabella?” asked Amelia.

  “Queen Amelia, it is good to see you as well. Isabella is out flying with Sisera. They went to the coast so Sisera could eat.”

  “She flies on her dragon?” asked Amelia. It was surreal to hear that her daughter was doing such fantastic things. She had known it was possible, but to actually hear that it was true was still a shock to the system. “That is amazing. What happened to the gates?”

  “King Ramsey happened to the gates. He led his armies here two days ago.”

  Amelia looked around the courtyard, other than the new gates being built, and the blackened ground outside the walls, there were no signs of battle.

  Raven, seeing Amelia’s confusion, explained. “We defeated the armies of Kosal. Lady Isabella devised a plan to trap King Ramsey’s Knights inside the yard where all our archers were waiting in the tower and on the wall. She used dragon magic to destroy the rest of the army.”

  Amelia could not believe her ears. Isabella had organized the defenses and destroyed an entire army? Pride filled her heart. She’d spent much time talking about how to be a queen with Isabella and had Isabella in the room when discussing war strategy, but she’d never known if her quiet little daughter was absorbing those lessons. “Raven, this is no time for false modesty. How much did you have to do with the defenses?”

  “Almost none. Lady Isabella organized a war council when we found out the King Ramsey was marching south, Jaime and Camdyn of the Daxrah, myself and Oshri Cheni discussed the original plans to defend the tower. But truly, it was Isabella who defeated King Ramsey with her clever plan and her fireballs. She and her dragon Sisera flew out early in the battle destroying all of King Ramsey’s catapults. After that, King Ramsey tried a full frontal attack. They were wiped out. By my best guess: almost two thousand men. We lost two and six more are healing in the infirmary now.”

  Such a decisive victory, it was astounding. Amelia couldn’t imagine sweet little Isabella organizing the defenses, let alone destroying an army with dragon ma
gic. What had happened to her little girl? “How is Isabella now?”

  Raven shrugged. “It’s hard to say. She seems to be handling it well. She cried a little after the battle, but I don’t think it will scar her.” Raven paused for a moment. “She’s changed. Bonding with her dragon has changed her in so many ways. It’s brought out the best of her, her wit and people skills are shining, she is proving to be an excellent leader, and her magic gives her immense power, power that we are likely just beginning to understand. She also seems to be taking on part of Sisera’s, her dragon’s, personality. I think the bond is changing her.”

  Amelia nodded. “From what I know of Dragonblood, that is to be expected. The bond affects each human and dragon differently, but they all change in some way. It still seems unfathomable that she’s become a Dragonblood mage.”

  “I’m sorry we didn’t go to Droll as you ordered. We were ambushed coming through the mountains. It was Sisera that rescued Isabella.”

  “It’s okay, Raven. Going to Droll became pointless once she bonded with Sisera. I sent her away to protect her. It would be hard to find better protection than a dragon. Her kidnappers … did you find out who they were?”

  “No, but I don’t think they worked for the Ramsey’s. They were taking her east not west.”

  “I think I might know who was behind it. Prince Ramsey wasn’t the only one with an eye for the throne of Prozia. No matter, now tell me about what my daughter has been doing. You keep referring to her as Lady Isabella, an interesting choice of titles for my daughter.”

  “That was her choice. She refuses to lay claim to these lands. She wants to learn more about being a Dragonblood before making such a claim, but she might not have a choice. The village of Shelby has already pledged themselves to her, and the village of Mirefield is likely to do the same when they see the benefits of having the Daxrah roaming the lands protecting them from bandits.”

  “I see,” said Amelia. It actually was a wise decision Isabella had made. Loyalty earned was worth far more than subservience enforced by strength. The return of dragons was going to cause a significant amount of change. Isabella would need all the allies she could get in the future. Taking her time and learning her powers before taking on more responsibility was wise, again Amelia felt pride from learning how well her daughter was doing on her own. “What leadership structure has Isabella given the tower? You mentioned a war council, what is her normal council?”

  “Kai Woods and I are her main confidants. Oshri Cheni assists her with magic, and she spends a majority of her time with the dragon, Sisera. Kai is responsible for the Daxrah, or Dragon’s Tail as they were named before Isabella ordered their name reverted back to the original Daxrah. The structure has worked well so far. Kai is an intelligent man and we trust him. He’s away on a personal mission, but the Daxrah function well without my interference. They are loyal and worthy men. It’s an honor to fight beside them.”

  Amelia knew Raven well enough to know that she wouldn’t praise the members of the Daxrah so without truly believing her own words. It was reassuring to know that Isabella was surrounded by people she could trust. From her understanding of history, Amelia knew that becoming bonded to a dragon was a blessing and a curse to some. Power, especially great power, had a way of changing people. Sometimes they changed for the better, growing as person and accepting more responsibility. Others changed for the worse, power beget a desire for more power. So far it seemed that Isabella was growing for the better. Amelia hoped her daughter would stay on that path. Amelia saw a wide shadow crossing the yard. She looked up and saw a dragon flying into the tower. It landed on the top floor of the tower.

  “Your daughter has returned. Let us go greet her. I’ll have one of the men look after your horse,” said Raven.

  Amelia nodded and dismounted. Knowing her daughter had bonded with a dragon was one thing. Actually seeing a dragon flying overhead was quite another. It was surreal that Raven was so casual about a dragon flying overhead. Amelia wasn’t sure she’d ever be that casual about her daughter flying around on the back of a dragon, but perhaps that was just her maternal instincts. Regardless, Amelia recognized that her world was different now. She now lived in a world where dragons share the world with them and her daughter was one of the key links between the world of dragons and men. It was something she’d always known was possible, but accepting that in the short time Isabella had been gone so much had changed was difficult.

  “Just so you aren’t caught unaware, Isabella is physically different now,” said Raven as she led Amelia into the tower. She has Dragonscale.”

  Amelia said nothing. She had always known that was possible, besides, no matter what Isabella looked like, Amelia loved her the same and missed her terribly. Dragonscale or not, Isabella was safe and that was what mattered.

  When they reached the third floor of the tower, a streaking form attacked Amelia. Jumping towards her and embracing her in a bear hug.

  “Mother!” said Isabella, who was bouncing up and down in excitement. “Sisera asked me why I hadn’t told her we were expecting company. She said someone who loved me very much had just arrived while we were at the sea. I thought she might be mistaken, but she was so sure, I just knew it had to be you. I’m so glad to see you. I missed you so much!”

  Amelia held Isabella tighter. “I never thought I’d see you again so soon, my love. When I heard you were here, I had to come. So much has happened since we spoke last.”

  “I’ll say!” Isabella broke the hug so she could look at her mother. “I’m bonded, Mother. The prophecy was true.”

  Amelia examined Isabella’s face. Raven had not misspoken; Isabella was certainly different. The Dragonscale was gold with ribbons of purple. If anything, it made Isabella exotic and unique. Amelia ran her hand over Isabella cheek. The Dragonscale didn’t feel much different than the rest of Isabella’s face, perhaps a bit thicker or denser but only the slightest amount. “You look lovely, my dear, gold suites you.”

  Isabella laughed, “That’s what everyone tells me. Sisera insists she’s made me more beautiful, and that I’m forever in her debt for looking more like a dragon. According to Sisera, I don’t have enough dragonscale. I do think she’s a little biased though.”

  “I think you are perfect as you are.”

  “Why are you here, Mother? I thought you didn’t trust Prozia to my stepfather.”

  “I’m told the Ramsey’s attacked here. Well, they started in Prozia. They attempted to assassinate Robert and I. I survived, Robert didn’t. Then they tried to take Prozia by siege. Only to be stopped by the arrival of Isaac Byrne. Who promptly declared himself the new king of Prozia. He used the ancient laws of succession to force his claim. I was able to secure a bit of coin and a number of warriors to be my knights, but Prozia is now under the rule of Isaac Byrne. I am no longer a queen.”

  “You’ll always be a queen to me, Mother. Besides, it matters not. In time, I shall lay claim to the throne of Prozia. Those same ancient laws favor my claim over any Isaac Byrne has.”

  Amelia smiled. Isabella truly had grown in the short time she’d been gone. The woman who stood in front of her now was a beautiful young woman, bright and intelligent beyond her years. “In time, my child. I think this place is as good a place as any. A beautiful and fertile valley, a secure hard to attack fortress and central to the entire isle. There is no reason to return to Prozia. Your future is here in Mara.”

  “Our future, Mother. You are staying!”

  “Of course. You may be the Dragonblood and future ruler of Seron, but I’m still your mother and I shall always be here for you. Now take me to this Sisera.”

  Isabella wrinkled her nose. “Let’s have lunch first. Sisera gets rather gassy after eating sharks. Its best if we let her belly settle before visiting.”

  Amelia laughed. “Lunch sounds fine. Lead the way.”

  47

  THE SWEET SCENT OF HUCKLEBERRY and lavender filled the air. The warm sun caressed them and even t
he birds seemed to be serenading Kai and Rosalie as they slowly rode down the road. Kai stole a glance over at Rosalie. She was as beautiful as ever. The years had not dampened her beauty, instead it added a level of complexity that heightened her beauty. The small little wrinkles around her eyes only brought more attention to how striking and vibrant her green eyes were. The dimples around her soft mouth were deeper, but they didn’t hide her full and plump royal red lips.

  “Are you going to stare at me all the time?” asked Rosalie.

  Kai smiled. “Probably. I’m just reacquainting myself with your beauty.” Kai did worry about what would happen when Rosalie and Raven met. Would it be awkward between he and Raven now? Would Raven be angry that he brought Rosalie to the tower? But for now Kai just wanted to enjoy the moment. He wanted to embrace his love of Rosalie, take in every chance he had to look at her, to smell her, to touch her.

  “How about you reacquaint yourself with my mind. Tell me of this place you are taking me.”

  “Mara. We are going to Mara and the Tower of Kings.”

  “I know that, you big lovable oaf, but tell me more about the place. What is it like?”

  “The tower itself, at first glance looks dull and intimidating. Carved into the side of a mountain, the tower is stone and strength. However, it was built with magic that came alive when Lady Isabella learned how to activate it. Glowing columns, magical illusions that cover the walls and ceilings. The courtyard is barren dirt and rock, but there are plans to make it more hospitable. Lady Isabella wants flowers, gardens, and a woman’s touch added to make the outside as magical and inviting as the insides. The valley beyond the tower is lush and green, filled with wild flowers and game. Where the old castle of Mara stood are ruins that nature has overrun. Old houses with trees growing through them, sections of castle walls covered in moss and vines. To the south of Mara is the Dark Forest. It’s full of Black Sincha trees, they only branch out at the top and cover the forest below in darkness. But inside the forest are luminescent mosses that glow, flowers like nothing you’ve seen before. It’s a strange and yet beautiful place.”