Dragon Redeemed

by Hopkins, Linda K.

  “Favian’s son? The last time I saw him was ten years ago.”

  The door was opened by an elderly man, who peered at the pair for a moment before taking a step back. “Master Drake, come inside.”

  “John, this is my nephew, Xavier,” Zach said.

  John nodded. “Welcome, Master Xavier. I’ll just go see if Master Will is up.”

  “No need, John,” called a voice from upstairs. A man appeared at the top of the stairs as John shuffled away. He sported the same red hair as his father, and shared his large build. “Zach, what brings you about so …” He paused when he saw Xavier, and gave a low whistle.

  “Xavier Drake. So the stories are true.”

  “Stories?”

  “About you. Some even say you are the one they prophesied about. That you will break the curse.”

  “I’m not sure about that,” Xavier said dryly.

  Will stared at Xavier for another moment, then turned to Zach. “I’m about to have something to eat. Want to join me?”

  “Of course.” The two men followed Will into the hall, where John was already bringing a tray of steaming hot food, unperturbed by the two extra diners.

  “I’m assuming you passed Drake Manor on your way down,” Will said to Xavier as he piled food on his plate. “Did Favian come as well?”

  Xavier took a drink of wine. “No.”

  “I’m afraid my father has never quite gotten over your father becoming a dragon. Nor,” he added, turning to Zach, “has he ever quite forgiven your father for keeping it a secret.”

  “Indeed,” said Zach. “Then let’s just forget all our fathers and be friends.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Will said with a laugh, raising his cup. Xavier and Zach clanged theirs against Will’s and drained their drinks.

  “Have you heard from Bronwyn lately?” Zach asked.

  “No. She’s too busy with that soldier of hers.” Will waved a fork in the air. “So what do you think of these rumors? I hear murmurs about dragons everywhere I go these days.”

  “Aaron believes they’re linked to some recent attacks. It seems that dragon hunting is a popular sport these days.”

  “I remember a certain hunter trying to kill us, once,” Will said, glancing at Xavier.

  “Father?”

  “Yes. Took a shot at us in the hills. Remember that, Zach?”

  “I do, but thankfully he missed and everything turned out well.” Zach took another sip of wine. “Zave and I are going to see if we can discover anything new, but keep your ear to the ground, Will, and let us know if you hear anything of interest.”

  “I will. As you can imagine, these rumors have elicited a lot of talk at The Drake recently.”

  “The Drake?” Xavier said.

  “Drake’s Landing. A tavern not far from here. It’s run by humans, but attracts many of our kind. I’ll send word if I hear anything.”

  They fell silent as they cleared the platter of food, savoring the thick cuts of meat and grilled fish, followed by a tray of sweetmeats.

  “I’ve only been to Storbrook a few times,” Will said as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “But I’ve heard Zach tell tales about the trouble he and Lydia got themselves into.”

  “Not me. Just Lydia,” Zach clarified.

  “That’s not what I heard. What about the time you tried to paint the ducks?”

  “It was in the spirit of scientific enquiry!”

  Xavier found himself laughing as Will related one incident after another, until finally, with some reluctance, the two men took their leave.

  “So where to now?” Xavier asked as they stepped onto the street.

  “Rowan Brant, a relative of Max’s. He has a warehouse in the city, and seems to learn a great deal through his contacts.”

  Rowan’s house was close to the river, a short distance from Will’s. He shared the same coloring as Max, but with long, straight hair and a classically hooked nose.

  Zach introduced Xavier, and Rowan examined him closely.

  “Your nephew, you say? Who are his parents?”

  “I only have one sibling, Rowan,” Zach replied.

  “But she’s female!”

  “That is very observant.”

  “But, then … how?”

  “She laid an egg.”

  Rowan stared at Zach for a moment, then burst out laughing. “No, really, who does this boy belong to?”

  “This boy,” Xavier interrupted tersely, “is the son of Lydia and Lleland Seaton. However, I have spent most of my life with my grandfather, Aaron.”

  Rowan stopped laughing and looked at Xavier. “You’re serious!”

  “Indeed,” Zach said, slapping him on the back. “Now don’t just keep us standing. Offer us some ale.”

  Although the dragon rumors were a popular and current topic of conversation amongst Rowan’s clients and employees, he had no further insight as to how they may have started. He did, however, relate another attack that had happened to an acquaintance just a few days before.

  “Used a crossbow. The bolt skimmed the old boy, taking off a scale. He went after the hunter, but they were pretty close to the city so he abandoned the chase.”

  “We’ll get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, let us know if you hear anything.”

  “I will.” He scratched his chin. “You know, I heard something interesting the other day. Completely unrelated to this. Apparently Rolf Bryne has been making some noise about Aaron. Thinks it’s time for a new master.”

  “Everyone grumbles about the master from time to time,” Zach said pleasantly. “I wouldn’t pay it too much attention.”

  “True. But the person I heard it from thought it was more than just complaining. Anyway, thought I’d let you know.”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ll pass it on to Aaron.”

  The conversation slipped into small talk, and Xavier was relieved when Zach kept their stay short. Zach was quiet as they left the house.

  “What is it?”

  “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that Rolf is stirring against Aaron.”

  “You think there’s something to it?”

  “Perhaps. I think he’s gathering his allies and plans to challenge for mastership.” He glanced at Xavier. “Right now he’s the least of our problems, however, and I think we’ve seen enough dragons for one morning. It will just be a few hours before the streets are teeming with the news of your arrival. And your unusual birth, of course.”

  “That was your goal, wasn’t it?” Xavier said dryly.

  “Of course, my boy,” Zach said with a grin. “Rowan is good at collecting information, and just as good at sharing it. Now let’s go check out the market. The village market does not compare to those here in Civitas.”

  Xavier’s eyes opened wide when they reached the center of city commerce. He’d expected the market to be large, but hadn’t imagined the volume of goods that would be on display. Spices he did not recognize tickled his nose. The warm smell of savory pies made his mouth water, until Zach plucked one from a hawker’s tray and tossed it to him. “Perhaps you’ll gain a new appreciation for human food while you’re in the city,” he said with a laugh.

  They paused at the blacksmith’s stall, and Xavier whistled beneath his breath at the range of weaponry on display.

  “You’re busy these days?” Zach asked the blackie.

  “Aye. More ’an usual. People afeared of the dragons.”

  “Dragons? Surely not!”

  “Aye. I’ve heard it said that a whole pack of dragons will be attacking us soon. They’ll ’unt our women and children before setting fire to the whole city.” He glanced around furtively. “Can’t be too careful, neiver. Dragons ’ave spies everywhere. They prob’ly know we know ’bout them and will attack even sooner.”

  “Where did you hear this?”

  “Everyone’s talking ’bout it. The creatures are jes’ waiting for the right time to attack. My wife’s sister even left the cit
y. Went to ’er ’usband’s family up north.”

  “You think your blade could pierce the hide of a dragon,” Xavier asked. He picked up a sword and ran his finger along the edge.

  “Aye. Sharpest blade in the country, that is. Put a little wolfsbane on the tip, and the poison will finish off the beast if the stabbing doesn’t.” Zach sent Xavier a keen glance as the blacksmith scratched his head with the point of a dagger. “I’m s’prised you don’t know all this,” he finished.

  “It’s just that we’ve seen dragons,” Zach said, “and the chances that they’ll attack the city are pretty much nil.”

  “Eh? Well, that’s not wot I ’eard. They’s wild beasts, aren’t they, so ’oo knows what they’ll do. And theys need new ’unting grounds. Prob’ly killed all the people in the places they are now.”

  “I think if dragons were decimating the countryside, we’d have heard about it,” Xavier said dryly.

  “Eh? Not if there’s no one left to warn people, would we?”

  “He has a point there,” Zach said with an amused grin.

  “’Sides, it don’t ’urt to be prepared now, does it?”

  “I suppose not,” Zach said.

  They continued through the market, stopping at a dozen more stalls where they asked the same questions. The general consensus seemed to be that dragons were coming and should be killed on sight, but no-one could provide satisfactory answers as to the source of this knowledge; this man had heard it from his neighbor who got it from his brother-in-law who heard it in the tavern. By the time they left the market, the two dragons were thoroughly frustrated.

  “We’ve learnt nothing new!” Xavier complained.

  “Well, that one merchant mentioned that his brother had joined a friend in hunting dragons.”

  “True, but he had no information on who the friend was or why he was hunting in the first place.”

  They paused at a stone marker at the side of the street. It bore the ancient lettering of the people who had once inhabited those lands, and was now a curiosity for those who were interested in such things.

  “Our ancestors belonged to the same people,” Zach told Xavier, “until they traveled to the mountains to find a new home. Before the curse, of course.”

  “Before they needed to defend themselves against vicious villagers, you mean.”

  “Correct. Now let’s find a drink. I’m parched from all that talking.”

  “What do you mean? You never stop talking!”

  Zach slapped him on the back. “And never stop drinking.”

  The tavern was near the cathedral, where they paused to admire the soaring ceilings and stained glass in the windows. They lit a few candles, and Xavier reverently touched the relics of a holy saint. Once outside again, he stared in amazement at the mummers performing on the stairs before Zach dragged him into the dingy tavern.

  “You’ve seen mummers before,” Zach said. “Mother often brings them to Storbrook to celebrate feast days.”

  “Yes, but there were so many! And they were performing on the church steps,” Xavier replied. “How do so many people fit into such a small space?”

  Zach dropped a coin on the table as tankards of ale were placed before them, foam sliding down the sides. They drank in silence, for which Xavier was grateful. He enjoyed Zach’s company, but the crowded marketplace and bustling tavern had put him on edge, and he longed for an escape to peace and quiet. Zach watched Xavier thoughtfully as they drank.. “There are hills beyond the palace we can escape to for a while if you wish,” he said.

  “Yes.” Xavier downed the rest of his ale and slammed the tankard on the table. “Let’s go.”

  Zach finished his drink and a few moments later they were back on the street. “We need to take a ferry across the river,” he said. They followed the wide, cobbled boulevard that led from the cathedral, then cut through the common, winding between people strolling along the pathways. Weeping willows overhung a stream where children paddled under the watchful eyes of their nannies, while ducks splashed in the water, hopeful for a piece of bread. A young woman, prettily dressed in a pale blue gown, walked ahead of them, her thick curly hair breaking free from the pins and ribbons intended to hold it in place. Xavier smiled in amusement as she pushed the strands back in annoyance, yanking the ribbon tighter. Her scent lingered on the air, mingling with the smell of the early summer blooms and sunshine. The path forked and she took the less-traveled track which led away from the river.

  They reached the ferry and Xavier stepped gingerly into the swaying craft, admiring Zach’s balance. “It comes with practice,” Zach said as they settled onto the plank that served as a seat. The ferryman pushed his pole into the water and they floated into the current, arriving a short while later at the stone steps that led to the palace.

  “This way,” Zach said, skirting the buildings and heading towards the wilderness that lay behind. “There will be no prying eyes once we get beyond the forest.”

  “I overheard Aaron and Aldwin discussing the king’s health recently,” Xavier said as they cleared the palace grounds.

  “King John has been unwell for a while, but he’s holding onto his power tenaciously,” Zach said. “But rumors are swirling that he only has a few months.”

  “His crown will pass to his son when he dies?”

  “Prince Albert. He’s anxious for that day to come, I think. He and his father have been at loggerheads since the boy came of age.”

  They reached the forest and Xavier hastened his step, eager to strip off his humanity and take to the skies. The land beyond the forest was as deserted as Zach had promised, and a short while later there was a bright light as two dragons shot into the air and turned their snouts in the direction of the hills.

  Chapter 6

  Xavier walked into the hall of Drake House the following morning, ignoring the pointed look Lleland sent his way. He had spent the night in the hills. Zach had attempted to persuade him to return home at nightfall, but had finally given up with a shrug.

  He slipped into an empty space on the bench beside Zach, nodding his thanks to a serving maid who offered him a cup of ale. He waved away the food; he had hunted in the hills before returning. Max was there in the hall at another table, along with a dragon Xavier didn’t recognize.

  “Who’s that?” he asked Zach.

  “Erik. He arrived in the city a few days ago and heard the rumors of a dragon attack. He’s offered to help in whatever way he can.”

  Xavier studied Erik as he drank his ale. He was a large man, with blond hair that had been pulled into a braid which hung halfway to his waist. He had piercing blue eyes, which held Xavier’s gaze when he looked up. He lifted his cup in Xavier’s direction, then went back to speaking with Max and Aaron. He left with Max a short while later and Lleland turned to Xavier.

  “It’s time you met your family, son,” he said.

  Xavier looked at his father in surprise. “My family? What family are you talking about?”

  “Your human family,” Lydia said.

  “My …” Xavier’s voice petered out when he saw the others watching him.

  “My mother died without ever meeting my son,” Lleland said. “My sister wants to know if she is also going to be denied the chance to meet her nephew.”

  “She knows that I’m not human? That you’re not human?”

  “No, which is why you haven’t met her before. But you’re no longer a child; you’re a grown man and the clan’s future leader. You need to start moving more in human society, and this is a good opportunity for you to get used to being around people as well as to meet your relatives.”

  Xavier crossed his arms on the table and met his father’s gaze. “What if I’m not interested?”

  Lleland was silent, and Xavier looked at Aaron. “Do you agree with him? That I should meet these humans?”

  “Absolutely. As much as you might wish to ignore it, your father was born human, and half your family is human. Humans also make up part of your
clan, and to be a strong leader you must recognize your human qualities.”

  “I was born of two dragons. I do not share the human frailties of other dragons.”

  Lydia leaned forward and placed her hand on Xavier’s arm. “You were born of two dragons, it is true, but both your father and I have humanity coursing through our veins, and so do you. Come with us, son, and get to know your family. They may surprise you. Your father hated all dragons once, and your grandfather hated all humans. But they both realized that embracing these contrasting natures is what makes them truly strong. It’s what sets us apart from all other creatures.”

  Xavier blew out a flame-filled sigh. “Very well. Since I am to be cooped up within the walls of the city, I might as well learn what I can. When do you wish to go?”

  Lydia pushed herself away from the table. “Give me a few minutes to tidy myself, and we’ll be on our way.”

  An hour later, Lleland stopped the group outside a tall-timbered and whitewashed building, the bottom of which housed a wine merchant’s shop. To the left an arched entryway led into a courtyard, where barrels lined the wall. A staircase rose to the second floor, and Xavier followed Lleland and Lydia up the stairs. They stepped into a wide hall a few moments later as a loud shriek came from somewhere above, followed a moment later by a masculine laugh.

  “Robin Jackson, you are absolutely horrid!” a girl shouted as she hurtled down the stairs, with a man in his mid-twenties on her heel. They both skidded to a halt when they saw the newcomers.

  “Uncle Lleland, Aunt Lydia.” The man grinned and passed a hand through his hair. “I’m afraid you caught us at our worst. But please come in. Mother’s upstairs in the parlor.”

  “Thank you, Robin,” Lydia said, “Are you terrorizing poor Bella again?”

  “Yes, he is,” the girl said pertly. Her gaze swept to Xavier, and her eyes widened. “Is this our cousin?”

  “Bella and Robin, this is Xavier,” Lydia said. They were both staring at him, but only a second passed before Robin snapped his mouth shut and stepped forward, hand outstretched.

  “And not a moment too soon. I am surrounded by sisters and could do with some male solidarity.”