Blood Bond

by Susan Leigh Noble

  Soren opened his mouth to object, but Emery rushed forward, guiding him back to his chair. “Don’t argue,” she whispered. “It just has to work.”

  Cane pulled out a dagger. Suddenly, Soren felt dizzy. He had felt so energetic moments early. Now he was drained. He sucked in his breath as Cane cut the palm of his hand. He heard him say something about the guana extract being temporary. He laid his head down on the table. He fought the wave of sleep thinking he needed to get back to Dex. He had promised. But he couldn’t move. His limbs felt heavy. His eyes closed as sleep over took him.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  He felt comfortable and warm. His body moved to the natural rhythm of the rise and fall of Dex’s breathing. It was a familiar feeling to wake up leaning against the dragon. He stretched, opening his eyes. Glancing at the sky, he noted the sun was well up. That didn’t make any sense. It had been late afternoon when he and Emery had entered Camden. The image of Dex, sprawled on the dirt, his hide almost white, flashed before Soren’s eyes. His stomach tightened as he sat up. He swung around to look at Dex. The dragon lay as he always did when he slept with his wings and tail tucked around his body. His hide was no longer white but the pale pink it had been after they Blinked to Halo.

  Soren laid his hand on Dex’s side as relief washed over him. He noticed Agnot and Warnox lay nearby. But it was the guards who caught his attention. There were several patrolling the camp perimeter. Bevin sat under the closest tree. The guard looked up. Surprise or perhaps relief passed over his features as he leapt to his feet.

  “Soren! You are awake.”

  “You sound surprised.”

  “It’s been three days, Soren.”

  His mouth dropped open as he stared at Bevin. “Three days? What do you mean?”

  Bevin grabbed a flask and handed it to him. “You and Dex have been asleep since the battle. That was three days ago.”

  Soren took a drink of water as he tried to process what Bevin was saying. Three days. His mind attempted to adjust to the passage of time. He ran his hand over Dex’s side.

  “He hasn’t woken up?”

  “No.”

  Warnox raised his head. “His color has improved.”

  “Will he wake?”

  “I cannot say. Blinking that many times drained him. I would say it should have killed him, yet he lives.” The dragon’s eyes moved from Dex’s still form to Soren. “I believe you made the difference. You can thank Emery for insisting they bring you back here, letting you rest on Reddex. It is that contact, the one you have been sharing for weeks, that may have made the difference. In sleep, I believe, you have shared your strength with him.”

  “He shouldn’t have done it.” Soren laid his cheek on Dex’s side. “He shouldn’t have Blinked. I didn’t ask him to.”

  “He did it to save you.”

  At that moment, Emery entered the camp carrying a bag. She dropped it and ran to him. She fell to the ground, wrapping her arms around him.

  “Soren, I’m glad you’re awake.” She jumped to her feet and retrieved her bag. “I have food. I’ve been bringing food every morning hoping to find you awake.”

  He grabbed her hand. “Thank you, Emery. Thank you for making sure I got back to Dex as I promised.”

  She ducked her head. “I knew it was what you would want.” She glanced at Bevin. “Have you told him?”

  Bevin shook his head. “He hasn’t been awake but a few minutes, Emery.”

  As they ate, Emery and Bevin filled him in on the events from the past days. Soren’s blood had succeeded in destroying the scepter. Free, the Southern Dragons had left the battle. It was in that moment the tide had changed. The Walencroft and Rison guards had beaten back the southern invaders. Many had surrendered. The ones that ran were now being tracked down by the Walencroft guards and the other dragon riders.

  “What of Samaren and Kallen?” Soren asked.

  “Kallen was killed in the battle but Samaren escaped,” Bevin said. “A few reports have her running south. Her face is disfigured.”

  Soren glanced around. “And the other dragon riders? You said they were hunting down the remains of the army?”

  “Kincade and Aria lead a few of the others on that chore,” Warnox said. “Your training paid off and almost all the riders and their dragons came through the battle unhurt. Bryce took an arrow to the leg, and Parr and his dragon Ebron took a direct hit with a fireball. They suffered some burns.”

  “They are already doing much better,” Emery said. “Elden used magic or something to keep them both asleep while the healers worked on them.”

  Soren’s eyes met Warnox’s. “And the other dragons? Are they…I mean how…”

  “Yes.” Warnox bowed his head. “We lost a few but not nearly as many as at Baycliff.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  The crushing sound of someone approaching had them all turning. Darvin entered the clearing. The guard smiled as he rushed forward to grasp Soren’s hand.

  “It is good to see you awake,” he said. “The King was happy to hear it. He wants to talk with you.”

  Soren shook his head. “I won’t leave Dex.”

  “I’ll stay with him,” Emery said.

  Darvin held up his hand. “You have time. Finish your meal and I’ll escort you back. I am sure you will want to clean up before you meet with the King.”

  “Can’t this wait?” Soren asked. “I would rather not leave Dex.”

  “The King has already waited three days.”

  Soren frowned. “How did he hear I was awake anyway?”

  Darvin nodded to the guards patrolling the area. “One of them sent word as they were instructed to do.”

  Soren watched the five men circling the area. “Why are they here?”

  Darvin exchanged a glance with Bevin. “You didn’t tell him?”

  “We haven’t had the chance.”

  “The guards are here to protect you and Dex,” Darvin said. “You see the day after the battle, King Edric sent his men to kill Dex. Luckily, Bevin, Emery and Agnot were here. Agnot called the other dragons and a few of the dragon riders. They got here in time to stop them. King Arden was furious. Of course, King Edric denied knowing what his men were doing. The King didn’t believe him. A Rison guard also came forward about Captain Pratt’s claims about you stealing that dagger. It seems he had overheard King Edric and Captain Pratt planning it. Pratt had met your father earlier in the day. Something about him ranting about you stealing something. From there the plan must have developed to frame you. The guard’s conscience got the better of him, and he went to King Arden. After that, King Arden ordered King Edric to leave. In fact, he sent guards to escort him out of Walencroft. But in case he had any more plans to harm the dragons, he has ordered guards to protect them and you.”

  “King Edric is gone?”

  “He is,” Warnox assured him. “And King Arden has expressed an interest in keeping our alliance intact, but I think he is waiting to talk with you.”

  “King Edric surely will withdraw his alliance with Walencroft if that happens.”

  “Let him,” Darvin said. “If he does so, he will lose trade with our country and the protection the Accords offer. Everyone knows it is Walencroft with our salt mines that is the real powerhouse here.”

  Soren turned back to Warnox. “Wait. You said the King wants to speak to me about the dragon alliance. Why?”

  “As a dragon rider, and our chosen emissary, you speak for us.”

  Soren sighed. He had never asked for this role.

  ***

  An hour later, Soren rose from the tub in the bath house. He felt better after the warm soak. His legs shook as he pulled on the pants Darvin had laid out for him. The window behind him creaked open. He whirled around as a small figure slid into the room.

  “Kiara! What are you doing?”

  She looked him up and down. “What? You are mostly dressed.” She laughed as he pulled on his shirt. “This was the only way I figured I would
get to see you. The guards wouldn’t let me return to your camp.”

  He reached out, barely touching the bruise on her cheek. He glanced down at the bandage on her forearm. “Are you all right?”

  Kiara shrugged. “Just a few bruises and a cut. I heard you woke and wanted to see for myself. How’s Dex?”

  “Still asleep, but his color is improving.” Soren reached over, picking up his necklace. As he went to put it over his head, he hesitated. He held it out to her. “Here.”

  Kiara took the necklace. She fingered the trinket. “Why?”

  “You deserve it. You retrieved the scepter.”

  “No.” Kiara slipped the necklace over his head. “No, you keep it. We had an agreement.”

  A thought occurred to him. He reached down to his soiled pants. He stuck his hand in the pocket and pulled out the dragon scale he had yanked from his boot back on the banks of the Thane River when he first met Dex. He ran his thumb over it.

  “If you won’t take it, how about this? It is one of Dex’s dragon scales.” He grabbed her hand and put the scale on her palm before curling her fingers around it. “Take it to remember Dex and I.”

  Kiara held it up. “Thank you,” she said, throwing her arms around him. She laughed when he patted his pockets and ensured he still had all his belongings. “Take care, Soren.”

  She lifted herself through the window. Soren turned as the door opened. Darvin peered into the room.

  “Are you okay? I thought I heard voices.”

  Soren grabbed his belt, fastening it around his waist. “You must be hearing things.”

  Darvin’s eyes searched the small room. “Let’s go. King Arden is waiting.”

  Soren followed the guard to the room where King Arden, General Thayer and Rodar were meeting.

  “Soren,” King Arden said, rising. He turned toward the others. “We can finish this later.”

  General Thayer and Rodar stood up. The General frowned, shaking his head as he passed him.

  Rodar gripped Soren’s arm. “Good to see you up.”

  Soren nodded. He watched as the old man left. Darvin followed, closing the door behind him. King Arden walked around the table and held out his hand. Soren grasped it.

  “How is your dragon?”

  “It is too early to say.”

  King Arden indicated Soren should sit as he walked around the table. “I have something for you.” He picked up a book and handed it to Soren.

  “My grandfather’s journal.” Soren flipped it open, smiling. “Thank you.”

  “No, it is I who should be thanking you. Without you and the dragons, we wouldn’t have defeated that army. The work isn’t done but the tides have changed in our favor. You took a great risk to get the scepter, and I appreciate it.”

  Soren opened and closed his mouth. He bowed his head.

  “I did,” King Arden continued, “send some of the dragon riders to chase down the rest of the invaders. I would have discussed it with you, but that wasn’t an option.”

  “Discuss it with me? Why?”

  “You’re the dragon rider. The dragons are your responsibility. I wouldn’t send troops out with discussing it with General Thayer. And that same courtesy should have been extended to you.”

  “Warnox said something about continuing the alliance.”

  “The dragons have proven themselves useful. A continued alliance could be beneficial.”

  Soren glanced at the door. “I am sure not everyone agrees.”

  “General Thayer worries what will happen with King Edric, but I think he also fears not having one of his best soldiers back. If Warnox agrees to continue the alliance, I want you to lead the dragon riders.”

  Soren shook his head. “I am not the one you want. I fail at…at everything.”

  “You haven’t failed at this. You retrieved the scepter and helped end what could have been a devastating battle.”

  Soren didn’t know what to say. He wanted to disagree but to continue arguing with the King didn’t seem wise.

  “I can see your hesitation. What holds you back?”

  Soren couldn’t put into words all the reasons he shouldn’t be in charge. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He shook his head.

  “Perhaps it isn’t that you always fail,” King Arden said. “Maybe you haven’t found what you were meant to do yet. If you so desire, you can return to your village, to your old life. Or you can help reunite man and dragon.”

  Soren’s mind whirled with doubts and questions. He thought back to an earlier meeting with General Thayer. The man was unlikely to change his opinion on him or of the dragons. He had only begrudgingly agreed to any of Soren’s demands. If he led the dragon riders, Soren would have to interact with the General.

  “If I agreed,” Soren said, hesitanting. “Would I have total control over the dragons and who becomes a dragon rider?”

  King Arden nodded.

  “Even if it was a woman?”

  “It would be your call.” The King smiled. “Does this mean you will do it? I need to know which you want, Soren. Do you want your old life? Or do you want to be a dragon rider?”

  “Soren?”

  He nearly jumped out of his chair. “Dex? You’re awake!” The fear that had pressed on him since he saw Dex’s lifeless form eased upon hearing the dragon’s voice. “Oh, I’m sorry, Dex. I said I would be there. I’m coming.” He looked at King Arden. “I am sorry, your Majesty. It’s Dex. I have to go.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  Soren froze. “What? No. You need to rest.”

  “I need to stretch my wings.”

  Soren rushed to the door. “I was so worried. You shouldn’t have done that, Dex. You shouldn’t have Blinked.”

  “You were in pain. I had to help. I couldn’t lose you.”

  “Soren,” King Arden said as Soren reached for the door knob.

  He looked back at the King.

  “You didn’t answer me.”

  Soren smiled. “I am a dragon rider.”

  He rushed out of the building, skidding to a stop when he saw Dex landing. He raced forward, throwing his arms around his dragon. His last words to the King echoed in his mind. He was a dragon rider.

  ###

  Thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment and leave me a review at your favorite retailer.

  Thanks!

  Susan Noble

  About Susan Leigh Noble

  Susan Noble has always loved dragons and magic, so it is no wonder that she became an author of fantasy novels. As a cat lover, she also had to throw in a telepathic cat to the mix in her The Elemental trilogy.

  When she isn’t writing, Susan is an active volunteer in her neighborhood and at her children’s schools. She lives with her husband, two children, three cats and two Cocker Spaniels in Texas.

  You can find out about Susan on her blog Into Another World.

  Follow me on Twitter or Like my Facebook Page

  Other Books by Susan Leigh Noble

  The Search (a short story prequel to The Elemental series)

  Summoned: Book 1 of The Elemental

  Quietus: Book 2 of The Elemental

  Destiny: Book 3 of The Elemental

  The Heir to Alexandria

  Sample Chapter of The Heir to Alexandria

  Please enjoy the first chapter of The Heir to Alexandria.

  Chapter One

  The rough hand pressed down over her mouth. Alista’s eyes flew open. With the moonlight behind the large figure, she couldn’t make out any details of the man hunched above her. But his foul breath washed over her making her stomach flop. He rolled her onto her back, pinning one arm to the ground.

  The vision hit as Alista struggled to reach her knife hidden under her bedroll. She saw the man’s sinister smile as he attacked a woman. The images of his past came fast. She felt the fear of his victims, the pain he bestowed on them and his pleasure at his actions. Her stomach turned. A wave of nausea swept over her as t
he vision ended.

  The man climbed on top of her, pinning her to the ground. He moved his hand away from her mouth, caressing her jaw with his coarse fingers. Alista heard movement in the camp, but the man didn’t turn. The sound of someone rifling through her bag reached her as her fingers found the cool handle of her dagger.

  A scream pierced the cool night air.

  The man on top of her twisted around to look behind him. Alista took the moment of distraction to pull out the knife. She jabbed it forward, sinking it into the man’s belly. He turned to face her, a gasp escaping his lips. Shaking, Alista wiggled out from under him. The man clutched at the blood gushing from his stomach. Her own stomach lurched at what she had done. She scooted away as the man staggered to his feet.

  She tore her eyes from him to the large wolf standing on the other side of the dying fire. Its jaws were still clenched on the throat of a second intruder. The wolf’s yellow eyes briefly met hers and then flickered to the man beside her. The wolf released its hold on the dead man’s neck. It leapt toward the wounded man, knocking him to the ground.

  Crack!

  Alista gasped as she heard the wood break. The man pushed at the wolf as the beast sunk its teeth into his neck. She barely heard the gurgling sound as she reached forward and pulled the broken basket from beneath him. She cradled it in her arms. Tears streamed down her face. What once had been a beautiful, handcrafted basket was now nothing but a heap of wood fragments.

  She looked up to see the wolf watching her. In the moonlight, she could see the two lifeless bodies. An image from her vision flashed before her eyes, and she knew she was lucky to be alive. The men had no intention of only robbing her camp. She shuddered. The wolf had saved her again.

  “Thank you,” she murmured as the wolf disappeared into the forest.

  She sat the basket down and reached for her bedroll. She began to roll it. There was no way she could stay here tonight. Quickly, she put away her supplies that had been dumped on the ground. She glanced at the body lying next to them. She couldn’t bring herself to look at his torn throat. She kicked dirt onto the dying fire until the flames disappeared. In the moonlight, she surveyed the camp one more time before hefting the pack onto her back. With one last glance at the bodies, she began walking.