dragon archives 02 - pursued by a dragon

by Linda K Hopkins

  It was a mild evening, and as she approached the inn, Cathryn could see people milling around the old building, some of them loud and raucous. She paused for a moment as she looked for the best route through the crowd, when a figure broke away and strode towards her.

  “Geoffrey,” she said.

  “What are you doing out here?” he asked.

  “Just taking a walk,” she replied, taking a step towards the building.

  “A walk? At night? By yourself?” he said, turning to follow her.

  “Yes,” she replied, hastening her step.

  “Maybe you were meeting someone?” he said. Cathryn stopped, turning around to face him. Did he mean the dragon? “Got a lover, have you? Felix perhaps?”

  Cathryn stared at him incredulously.

  “You have gone mad,” she said with a dry laugh. “Now goodnight.”

  “Not so fast,” he said, grabbing her arm. “You are my future wife, and I insist you tell me where you have been.”

  “Can I make the same demands of you when you are off sneaking around?” she demanded. “If you must know, I went to see the dragon.” He dropped her arm and stepped back, his eyes narrowed.

  “You went to see the dragon? That sounds like a likely story. Why would you do that?”

  “Perhaps I find the company of the dragon preferable to any I might find around here,” she retorted. “Now let me pass. I am going to bed. Alone. With the door bolted and barred.”

  Chapter 25

  The next night Cathryn and her entourage were the guests of Oliver Calder, a wealthy wine merchant. Felix had told her that the term ‘wine merchant’ was to be used loosely when it came to their host.

  “‘Smuggler’ would be far more apt,” he had said, tapping the side of his nose to show that this was a well-known secret. Cathryn had smiled to herself; and tonight, when her host offered her a glass of fine French wine at supper, she bent her head to hide her smile. The hours after the meal were spent closeted in his study as they discussed the terms of the contract, but when they were done, Master Calder offered her another glass of wine before settling back in his chair. A good-looking man, despite his years, Cathryn thought as she watched him over the rim of her wineglass. His brown eyes sparkled as he returned her regard.

  “I understand you are traveling with a dragon,” he said, and Cathryn sucked a mouthful of wine into her lungs. Groping for the desk, she replaced the cup and leaned over as she coughed. Her host was up in a moment, pounding her on the back.

  “Are you all right, my dear?” he asked as she regained her breath. Her eyes were watering, and she could feel the heat in her cheeks.

  “Fine,” she managed. Master Calder returned to his seat, and poured himself another glass.

  “So,” he said when she was finally breathing normally, “the dragon.”

  “Well,” she said, “we are not actually traveling with the dragon. It is more that he is traveling with us. Following us, I mean,” she added hastily.

  “He?” the man prodded gently.

  “Um … it,” she said, looking down at her hands. She waited for him to continue, looking up when he didn’t. He was regarding her with a peculiar expression, but it vanished when he met her gaze.

  “Fearful monsters, dragons,” he said. “I’ve heard horrible stories of how they eat, pillage and burn.”

  “Hmm,” she said, waving her hand vaguely. “I wouldn’t really know.”

  “Wouldn’t you? I thought maybe you did,” he said.

  “I really don’t know much about dragons,” she repeated. “That … creature … keeps following us, and we have grown accustomed to its presence, especially since it has not tried to harm us, but beyond that I know nothing about dragons, or why this one has kept us in its sights. Now if you will excuse me, I should bid you good night.”

  “Before you go,” he said, holding up a hand to forestall her departure, “I was just wondering about something. I happen to know some people who live in your part of the country — perhaps you know them? Name of Drake. Favian Drake.” Cathryn had started rising from her seat, but at his words she felt her legs give way beneath her and she fell back into the seat with a graceless thump.

  “Favian Drake?” she said, her voice unsteady. “I don’t believe I know that name.” She glanced up to meet his gaze before hurriedly looking away again.

  “What a pity,” he said. “I received word that Favian Drake was in the vicinity, so I sent a note inviting him to join us on the morrow. I thought perhaps it would be comforting to see a face from home, but since you don’t know the man …” He waved a hand to dismiss the subject.

  “No,” she said, “I’m afraid I don’t.” She pushed herself to her feet again, holding the desk to steady herself, before nodding at her host. “Goodnight.”

  Cathryn took her time the next morning, changing her gown twice and insisting Hannah redo her hair, until the maid fairly pushed her from the room.

  “You look fine, Mistress,” she said. “Master Calder will be waiting for you.”

  She left the room and slowly walked towards the hall, Hannah close on her heels. As she entered the room, Master Calder waved from a table on the dais at the far end.

  “Mistress Cathryn,” he shouted, making his voice heard above the hubbub. The seat next to him was empty, and he indicated it with his hand. Cathryn responded with a nod, her heart sinking as she saw the person seated to the other side of the empty chair, his eyes watching her carefully as his gaze met hers. She heard Hannah gasp behind her, and Cathryn dropped her gaze as she slowly made her way along the length of the hall and up to the table.

  “Mistress Cathryn,” Master Calder said, standing and making a slight bow. “Allow me to introduce Favian Drake. As I mentioned last night, he lives in your corner of the world.”

  “Master Drake.” Cathryn gave him a quick glance before looking away.

  “Mistress Cathryn,” he said. He had stood at her approach, and now waved a hand in the direction of the empty seat. “Please, won’t you sit down?”

  Cathryn nodded, and moved around the table, catching Geoffrey’s glare; he was seated on the opposite end next to Felix.

  “I trust you had a good night’s rest,” Master Calder said as she took her seat. It took Cathryn a moment to register what he was saying.

  “Uh, yes, thank you,” she assured her host. “I passed a very comfortable night.” It was a lie, of course, but he seemed satisfied. Next to her, Cathryn could feel the heat rising from Favian’s skin. He is too close, she thought. He adjusted his seat slightly, and she felt her heart speed up when his leg brushed against hers.

  “What are you doing here?” she hissed at him.

  “Visiting a friend,” he whispered as he leaned past her to grab the wine. “I hear you are still denying all knowledge of me. I thought we had moved beyond that.”

  “You are incorrigible,” she said.

  “Yes, so you have said before.”

  Favian was so close to her she could feel his breath drifting over her. He brushed against her whenever he reached for something on the table, making her every nerve strain towards him.

  “You cannot escape me,” he whispered when she tried to move away. “I will pursue you to the ends of the earth.” She turned to look at him, the breath catching in her throat when his gaze caught hers.

  She pushed herself away from the table as soon as she could without being rude, and quickly weaved her way back through the room. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Hannah watching her quizzically, and she groaned inwardly as she left the hall. She was striding quickly toward her chambers when the sound of footsteps in the passage behind her made her slow down, and she turned to see Favian close on her heels.

  “Cathryn,” he said softly, approaching her with caution, “the main reason I am here is that I wanted to see you. Like this.” He waved his hands over his form.

  “Oh,” she whispered. Another step brought him close enough to touch, and he looked down at her, his
eyes glowing with the faint sparks of yellow she had seen before. “Do your eyes ever turn to flames when you are like this?” she asked. He took another step closer and took her hands in his, looking down at them as he gently stroked them. When he looked up again his eyes were burning, yellow and orange flames leaping within them. “Oh,” she said again. Lifting his hand, he trailed his fingers down her cheek, before cupping her face in his hands.

  “Every time I see you I want to touch you like this,” he whispered. “You have been so afraid of me. Please tell me that you are no longer fearful.” She looked at him, mesmerized by his eyes, before dragging her gaze away.

  “How do you know Master Calder?” she asked. Favian sighed, dropping his hands from her face.

  “He’s a good friend of the family, and a …” He paused. “We are distantly related,” he finally finished.

  “Related?” she asked softly.

  “Yes.”

  “Then is he …? Does that mean …?” Her words trailed off.

  “Yes,” he said. “Oliver Calder is also a monster.”

  “Don’t say that,” she said sharply.

  “Why not? It is what you think, is it not?”

  “No! Argh, I don’t know any more.” She turned from him with a groan. “Life was so simple before you came along.”

  “Simple, perhaps.” She could hear the amusement in his tone. “But so dreadfully dull and boring.” He pulled away as other footsteps sounded along the passage. “It is my understanding that you will remain here for another night, and Oliver has invited me to stay as his guest, so I will see you around the estate.” The footsteps drew closer. “Mistress,” he said. She turned to see him give a shallow bow before turning away and disappearing down the passage. Picking up her skirts, she hurried down the passage towards her own chambers, her mind in turmoil.

  The remainder of the day was spent at a makeshift table, meeting with the tenant farmers who kept flocks on the estate. With more than five thousand fleeces between them, it made for a busy afternoon. Felix helped her inspect the fleeces as she made notes in a large ledger, while the wagoners tied them into bundles and hauled them onto the wagons. She saw Geoffrey watching her for a while, before he left and walked in the direction of the stable. She could not understand why he was still traveling with them, and she watched his retreating figure in puzzlement. A peripheral movement caught her eye and she turned to see Favian watching her. She felt her cheeks flush as she returned her attention to the ledger before her.

  The sun was already low on the horizon when Cathryn finally slammed the ledger closed. Her hand was stiff, her legs were numb and her back was sore. There was a small pond surrounded by trees at the front of the house, and handing the ledger over to Felix, she headed in that direction. As she rounded the corner of the house, she saw Favian and Oliver standing near the pond. She drew back slightly, watching as Favian ran his hands through his hair in a gesture of frustration, shaking his head at something the other man had said. He stared at the pond as the other man continued speaking, leaning earnestly towards Favian. Once again Favian shook his head. As Cathryn watched, a slight breeze stirred the air, and she saw the two men stop their conversation as they both lifted their heads. Slowly Favian turned to peer into the shadows where Cathryn stood, and she pulled herself further towards the house, until the sound of footsteps on the gravel path behind her made her spin around. She groaned to herself when she saw who it was.

  “Cathryn,” said Geoffrey, coming up to her, “how does Favian Drake come to be a guest of Calder?”

  “I’m afraid I am not privy to the man’s personal affairs,” she replied. She glanced back towards the pond, turning in that direction when she saw that the other men had gone. “I barely know the man,” she said.

  “He was watching you,” said Geoffrey.

  “What exactly are you accusing me of?” she said, turning around to face him.

  “I would just like to know the nature of your relationship with him,” he replied.

  “Relationship!” said Cathryn, her voice rising in pitch. “There is no relationship between me and Favian Drake. I barely know him! He means nothing to me.”

  “Mistress Cathryn.” Cathryn whirled around at the voice behind her, her face paling as she saw Favian. His face was expressionless, but his eyes were dark, the color of stormy waters. She raised her hand to her mouth as she caught her breath, horrified at what he must have heard.

  “Favian,” she whispered under her breath, “I’m sorry.” She could feel the tears gathering in her eyes, and picking up her skirts, she pushed past him and ran towards the house.

  Hannah came to the room a short while later.

  “Please tell Master Calder that I have a headache and won’t be able to join him for supper,” Cathryn said.

  Hannah sat down on the bed beside Cathryn. “Does this have something to do with Favian Drake being here? Because it is not like you to run away.”

  “I know,” she groaned, “but I just cannot face him. Please Hannah, just give my apologies.”

  Hannah nodded and left the room, leaving Cathryn to her thoughts. She stood at the window, listening to the cheerful clamor that came from below as the meal was served. She pulled out her notes, then pushed them away again in frustration, unable to focus on the words on the sheet. Stars began to appear in the darkening sky, and she lay on the bed, but when sleep refused to come, she rose once more and paced the room. She heard the house growing quieter, but she was unable to still her agitated mind. She listened as the house settled, eventually falling into silence, before she carefully opened her door and listened once more. Assured that all was quiet, she crept down the stairs, heading towards the study she was in the previous night. There had been a few books in there, she recalled, and she didn’t think her host would begrudge her borrowing one.

  The door to the room was open and she slipped in quietly, lifting the candle she had brought with her as she sought out the books. A slight noise in the corner of the room had her swinging the candle around in fright, but it was only a mouse scurrying along the length of the wall. She sighed in relief, turning back towards the shelves, when she felt the hairs at the back of her neck rise. Taking in a deep breath, she turned around slowly, holding the candle high again. The single flame did little to disperse the darkness, and she moved forward slowly, holding the light before her. Suddenly, a flame flared ahead of her, illuminating the room, and she staggered backwards, hitting her hip against the desk, as Favian stood before her, a flame burning in the palm of his hand. She stared at it in horror, only looking up at him when he closed his fist around the blaze. Flames leaped within his eyes, and he watched her intently as he stalked closer, taking the listing candle from her hand and placing it on the desk.

  He lifted his hand to her face and trailed his fingers down her cheek and across her lips, and then his mouth was on hers, hard and demanding. His tongue invaded her mouth, and she felt her traitorous body respond to his. Her hands reached up his neck, pushing into the hair pulled back with a ribbon. His kiss gentled but delved even deeper, and she could feel the heat starting in her belly and spreading through her limbs. He pulled away from her mouth, and trailed kisses down her neck and onto her shoulders, before returning his lips to hers. She moaned into his mouth, and he pulled away, panting. His forehead dropped to hers and she heard him groan her name, his fingers caressing her back and neck. His breath steadied and he pulled away, looking at her with eyes burning bright.

  “Does this feel like ‘nothing’, Cathryn?” he whispered. “Can you really say you feel nothing for me?”

  “Favian,” she said, trying to pull away, but his arms gave her no freedom of movement. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I did not know what to say.”

  “How about the truth, Cathryn? You are making both of us miserable by your continual refusal to face the truth.”

  “I don’t know what the truth is,” she said, finally freeing herself from his grasp and turning away.


  “Yes, you do,” he said. “Almost from the first time you met me you have known the truth, but you keep denying it.”

  “And what is the truth?” she demanded.

  “The truth is that we belong together, Cathryn. We are two sides of a coin, and without the other, neither one of us will be whole.”

  “No,” she said, “you are a dragon.”

  “Yes,” he said with exasperation, “and what of it? My father is a dragon too.” Cathryn looked at him in confusion. “My mother is human,” he explained. Cathryn pulled back in surprise.

  “She is? But how is that possible?”

  “Cathryn, only a human woman can bear a dragon child.”

  “But … I don’t understand.”

  “It is the nature of dragons. Dragon woman are unable to bear children.”

  “So you need me for my breeding ability?”

  Favian glared at her in exasperation.

  “Have I not made myself clear?” he growled. “If all I needed was someone to breed with, well, there are many candidates. I love you, Cathryn, and want to spend the remainder of my life with you.”

  “No,” she whispered.

  “No?” he repeated incredulously.

  “I mean,” Cathryn said, “I cannot give you an answer.” She turned around and paced towards the window. “I cannot think!”

  “There is nothing to think about,” he said, coming up behind her. “Just listen to your heart.”

  She knew what her heart was saying, but how could she blindly follow it into the dragon’s den? She turned to face him.

  “I need to go,” she said.

  “Cathryn, don’t deny what your heart is telling you. You know the truth of what I am saying.” He sighed when she didn’t respond. “When we leave tomorrow,” he said, “I won’t be like this.” He waved a hand over his body.

  She nodded. “Leave your clothes in my saddle bag,” she said. “I will keep them for you.”

  “I’ll take that as a promise,” he said with a smile, “that I will see you again.” Dropping his lips to hers, he kissed her gently, before pulling back and allowing her to pass.