Dragon Redeemed

by Hopkins, Linda K.

  “No further thanks are needed, Mistress, but we would be delighted to accept your invitation.”

  She smiled. “Perhaps you would like to confer with your cousin first?”

  Xavier glanced in Robin’s direction as he replied with a laugh. “I am happy to say that on this matter I am in full agreement, Mistress.”

  “Are you sure your uncle will find the plan acceptable?” Xavier asked.

  “Oh, yes. He’s already told me I may invite whomever I please.”

  “Then we look forward to joining you whenever it suits you.” He gave her a smile. “Until then, Mistress.”

  Chapter 14

  Evelyn sat on the grass, a small easel resting on her knees. On the ground at her side sat three small pots of pigmented ink. They belonged to Suzanna, but she had kindly offered them to Evelyn.

  “I bought them once on a whim, determined to take up art,” she had explained, “but as it turns out I am not much of an artist, so I would be happy if you could put them to good use.”

  She had come to the common determined to draw the daisies that grew in wild clumps between the trees, but her mind had been captured by the birds flitting around the gardens. A thrush held her attention as it pecked the ground a few feet away, and when he flew away, she watched his outstretched wings and streaming tail. Using a new stick of charcoal, she began to sketch and was soon lost in the beautiful flight of the creature taking shape on her page.

  “We should return to the house,” Suzanna said from where she sat in the shade of a nearby tree. “Our visitors will be arriving within the hour.”

  Evelyn glanced at the pots of ink beside her. She had been so engrossed in her sketch, she hadn’t even begun to add color to the drawing. Not that she was in a hurry to finish.

  “Just give me a minute,” Evelyn called back. She smiled to herself as she thought about the evening ahead, and the men who would be attending their table. Robin Jackson was a handsome man, with his dark brown hair and blue eyes. He conversed easily on many subjects, and had a smile that lit his whole face. But it was his cousin who was truly fascinating. His silvery white hair was unlike any she had ever seen, and his eyes, blue and gold, captured her gaze and held her. He was friendly, but each time she interacted with him she had the sense that he was not completely at ease. There was more to the man, she thought, than what he chose to show. She had already seen evidence of his strength and ruthlessness. It was clear that Robin thought highly of his cousin. In fact, she’d even say he was a little in awe of Xavier. It was when he spoke to Robin, however, that Xavier’s tight reserve seemed to loosen slightly. She wondered what it would take to break through the reticence and reach the man beneath. She and Suzanna packed away her supplies and headed back to the house.

  As they walked, she considered what Uncle would think of the two men. His offer that she invite her friends over was clearly intended for female friends, not the opposite gender, as his reaction to her news had made plain. It wasn’t until he learned that the visitors were Suzanna’s kinsmen that he had given his reluctant approval.

  The two women arrived back at the house and headed to their chambers to prepare themselves for their guests. Nan had already laid out a gown for Evelyn, and she arrived a short while later to help Evelyn tie the laces. The lavender linen molded itself around Evelyn’s figure, draping in gentle folds to the floor. Long sleeves covered her hands, and a silver belt sat low on her hips, hanging down the front of the gown.

  As Evelyn sat on a stool before the mirror, Nan brushed and rolled her thick golden curls, laying them over her shoulders. Not for the first time Evelyn wished she had been blessed with hair that was sleek and smooth, rather than the willful mane she had been born with. Using a few strands, Nan braided a circlet of hair, twined with lavender ribbons that hung down Evelyn’s back. A pair of silver slippers completed the outfit, and Nan gave an approving nod.

  “No young man will be able to resist you tonight,” she said.

  “What young man can you be referring to?” Evelyn asked with a blush.

  “Whichever one pleases you, Mistress.”

  The men arrived shortly after Evelyn and Suzanna made their way downstairs. Suzanna has put aside her gray gown in favor of one in pale yellow which suited her rosy complexion, and the two women shared a smile as the men entered the room. Robin was wearing an embroidered doublet that molded nicely around his neat form, and breeches that highlighted his muscular legs. As Evelyn looked him over, she realized that Robin was a powerful man, diminished only by comparison to his cousin. Xavier, on the other hand, had made little effort with his appearance. The doublet was neat and clean and the cut suggested superior tailoring, but it was plain and unadorned. The leather trousers were the same as he always wore, although he had forgone the leather thong in his hair, and now wore it in a more fashionable queue at the nape of his neck, tied with a blue ribbon which stood stark against his silvery hair. Although he was clearly indifferent to his clothes, it was impossible to be indifferent to the man.

  Uncle arrived in the hall a few minutes later, and Evelyn introduced the two visitors. She noticed that Uncle’s eyes lingered on Xavier for a few moments before moving on to his cousin.

  “Welcome to my home,” he said. “I’m pleased to welcome Suzanna’s family.”

  Supper was served almost as soon as the guests arrived in the small hall. It was usual for Evelyn and her Uncle to share a table with the staff, but with the arrival of guests, the staff turned their attention to serving the others before attending to their own meal. Evelyn sat on the bench beside Suzanna, while Uncle, Robin and Xavier sat across from them.

  “Have you had much chance to pursue your artwork?” Xavier asked Evelyn as a tray of meats was laid on the table.

  “It was such a lovely day today I took parchment and pencils to the common,” Evelyn said with a smile, describing the beauty of the thrush she had been watching. The conversation turned to the new collection of artwork commissioned by the cathedral, and later, Robin regaled them with stories from the wine industry, until the conversation turned to a favorite topic of the citizens of Civitas – their monarch. Although only a boy when he inherited the throne, King John had been king for nigh on fifty years. He had spent those years in indulgent living, providing many entertaining topics for his subjects in his many mistresses, the furnishings in his palace, and the general leadership – or lack thereof – of the country. Uncle remembered the day of the king’s coronation, as well as his father’s before him, and he related the events of the coronation with some relish.

  Although the meal was not sumptuous by any standard, Cook had put in some extra effort for the visitors, adding fine spices to the simple dishes, and the two men indulged themselves on the roasted beef, poached fish and stewed pheasant. Fresh summer fruit had just been placed on the table when Robin turned to Uncle.

  “Master Callaway, what do you think of the rumors in the city about a dragon attack?”

  Uncle slowly sliced a plum before replying. “Dragons are dangerous beasts. It would behoove us to always be wary. The last attack was before your time, but I remember well the terror that spread through the city, and how unprepared we were for such a monster.”

  “So you think dragons will attack?”

  “I think it’s in our best interests to be prepared.”

  “What would you do if you saw a dragon?” Xavier asked, leaning forward to look past Robin. Uncle’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Xavier, and then he shrugged. “I would do what I could to protect myself. I am not unskilled when it comes to weapons.”

  “What kind of weapon would kill a dragon?” Xavier persisted.

  “A longbow can be fairly effective, especially when used in combination with a poison.” Uncle lifted his mug of ale and swirled it reflectively. “My brother was killed by the last monster that ravaged our city. I will do whatever I can to ensure such terror does not grip us again.”

  “My grandfather was killed by the beast as well,” said
Robin.

  Evelyn watched as two sets of eyes swung to Robin. But while both Uncle and Xavier were looking at him, Robin’s attention was only on Uncle.

  “Your grandfather?” Uncle repeated. He sent Xavier a quick glance.

  “On my mother’s side,” Robin clarified. “I understand how you must hate the creatures.”

  Suzanna shifted in her seat, and Xavier sent her a stern look. She stared at her cousin for a moment then turned her attention back to her food in silence. Evelyn watched the exchange in confusion, but returned her attention to Uncle as he leaned back, his gaze speculative. “Just how far does that emotion extend, Master Jackson? Would you kill a dragon, given the chance?”

  “Of course I would.”

  “Even if it is not threatening you at the time?”

  “Yes. I agree that you cannot be too prepared. A peaceful dragon today could be a killer tomorrow.”

  “Robin,” Xavier said. His eyes flickered to Suzanna, who was staring at her brother. Robin swung to his cousin with a snarl.

  “It wasn’t your grandfather that was killed, Xavier. It was mine. You think that since you’ve seen a few dragons flying overhead, they aren’t dangerous! The last dragon killed dozens of people – men, women and children. So do I want to kill some dragons? Of course I do!” He looked back at Uncle. “I would kill them in a heartbeat.”

  “You don’t mean that,” Suzanna said softly.

  “I do, Sue. I think all dragons should be stopped.”

  “And clearly you don’t agree?” Uncle asked Xavier.

  “I do not. Apart from that one dragon, nothing I have seen or heard has ever led me to think that dragons are dangerous.”

  Evelyn felt relief at his words. For some reason, she did not want Xavier to hate dragons. His gaze flashed to her for a moment, before he returned his attention to Uncle.

  “You know a lot about dragons?” Uncle asked.

  “Enough. I grew up near the mountains and saw them from time to time.”

  “I, too, have traveled to the mountains and seen the dragons there. But the stories I heard in the surrounding villages told of the danger of dragons. There were tales of the beasts burning down homes and snatching maidens.”

  “It is amazing how tales grow over time, isn’t it? I’ve only heard of one dragon who burnt a few houses after the woman he was trying to protect was killed.”

  “Forgive me, Master Jackson,” Uncle said, his tone condescending, “but my own personal experience shows me just how dangerous these monsters are. You are still young, and have much to learn.” He drained the last of his ale and rose to his feet. “If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to. It has been interesting getting to know you. Master Jackson,” he said, looking at Robin. “Feel free to visit your sister anytime. Goodnight.”

  As Uncle left the room, Robin looked at his cousin. Xavier gave a small nod, and a smile tugged at the corners of Robin’s mouth before he turned away. The interaction was barely discernable, and if Evelyn hadn’t been watching them so closely, she would have missed it. Beside her, Suzanna sat glaring at her brother.

  “What was that, Robin?” she demanded. “You want to kill dragons like our uncle? And what were you saying about Grandfather?” Her eyes flicked to Xavier. “He was also – ”

  “Stop,” he warned her. “Just because I’ve never discussed my feelings with you doesn’t mean I don’t want to kill them.”

  Suzanna made a sound of disgust, and Xavier held up his hand with a look of sympathy. “I think we’ve discussed dragons enough for one night. How about a game? Suzanna, I’m sure you have some ideas.”

  Suzanna reluctantly pulled her disdainful gaze from her brother. “How about charades? It’s your mother’s favorite, is it not?”

  Xavier shifted slightly in his seat. “Actually, I’ve never played.”

  Beside him, Robin snorted, and Xavier sent him an annoyed look.

  “Never?” Suzanna said in surprise.

  “I’m afraid not. But I’m a quick learner, so tell me the rules.”

  It didn’t take long for Suzanna to explain the game, and Nan and Henry, the footman, were soon invited to join the fun. A few hours had passed by the time Robin and Xavier finally left and Evelyn and Suzanna headed to their chambers.

  Sleep refused to come to Evelyn, however, as she thought back to the conversation during supper about dragons. Something bothered her, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Suzanna had been dismayed at Robin’s words, and it was clear Xavier disagreed with his cousin – but even so, he had not seemed particularly dismayed at his attitude. Indeed, it was almost as though Xavier approved of Robin’s speech, which made no sense. The evening continued to niggle at her mind until her exhausted body finally succumbed to the refuge of sleep.

  Chapter 15

  A few days had passed when Robin was back at the Callaway house with a package for Suzanna. He was ushered into the hall to wait as Nan fetched her from her chambers.

  “Master Jackson, how fortuitous.” Robin spun around to see Callaway walking towards him. “I was hoping to see you again. Is your cousin with you?”

  “No, just me.”

  “Good. Come into my study. I wish to have a word with you.”

  “Yes, Master.” He set the package on one of the tables and hastened to follow Callaway.

  “Please, sit down,” Callaway said as they stepped into the study. “I was intrigued to hear that your grandfather had been killed by the black dragon, and that you wish to see all such monsters dead.” He picked up a quill and flicked it between his fingers.

  “Yes,” Robin replied. “I apologize for the argument between my cousin and myself, but I have no love for the beasts.”

  “You clearly feel strongly about this, which I completely understand, as I have also lost a loved one to the monster. There are others who think as we do, you know.”

  “Really?” Robin leaned forward in his seat, and Callaway smiled.

  “Men who have trained their whole lives to kill the beasts. Who will be ready when the creatures start their attack.” Callaway’s eyes were intent. “I can see the idea intrigues you.”

  “Indeed. People have forgotten what the last dragon did. They don’t seem to realize the risk we run every time a dragon comes near the city. I am glad to hear, however, that others do take the threat seriously.”

  “Absolutely. And we are gaining knowledge about our enemy every day. For example, we know that they are susceptible to the effects of wolfsbane.”

  “I remember you mentioning a poison. Wolfsbane is hard to come by, I imagine.”

  Callaway waved a dismissive hand. “Not as difficult as you might suppose. There are herbalists throughout the country willing to make a few extra coins.”

  “You have used this poison to good effect?”

  Callaway leaned back in his chair with a grin. “We have.”

  “Then I will seek out a supply.”

  Callaway tapped his chin as he studied Robin. “You know, our group could use some fresh blood.”

  Robin’s eyes widened fractionally. “You wish me to join you?”

  “Only if you’re willing, lad. And if the other members agree. Our next meeting is tomorrow night, so if you’re interested, come by at midnight. But make sure you don’t mention this to your sister or your cousin, neither of whom, I believe, are sympathetic to our cause.”

  “Of course not.”

  “Very well. Your sister is probably wondering what happened to you. I hope you will choose to return tomorrow.”

  “I will see you then,” Robin said. He returned to the hall to find Suzanna staring at his package. She looked up at his approach.

  “Where were you?”

  “Master Callaway wanted a word.”

  She frowned. “Is this about dragons?”

  “Please, Sue, don’t fight with me. There are things afoot that you cannot understand.”

  “Like the story that’s circulating about a dragon attack? D
o you really believe it?”

  “Anything is possible. I agree we should be prepared.”

  “I don’t think Xavier agrees, and it seems to me he would know more about it than you, growing up in the mountains with a man who used to hunt the beasts. And using our grandfather as an excuse – it’s despicable!”

  “Sue,” Robin pleaded, but she was already turning away.

  “Have a good day, Robin,” she said before disappearing up the stairs.

  Robin arrived at the Callaway residence at midnight the following night. He was confident that Suzanna would already be abed, but was still relieved when he entered the study without catching sight of her. As he stepped into the room, six pairs of eyes turned to stare at him. All the men except one were large and brawny, not the sort who would go down easily in a fight. He could feel their gazes sizing him up.

  “Ah, Jackson, glad you decided to join us,” Callaway said. He indicated a stool in the corner of the room, and Robin took a seat.

  “Rat,” said one of the men. A deep scar cleaved his nose in half, and Robin stared at it for a moment, both repulsed and fascinated. “I’ve seen you fight a few times.”

  “That’s right,” Robin replied.

  “Won a fair bit of money on you, too!”

  “Jackson lost his grandfather to the black dragon,” Callaway said.

  “That was over fifty years ago,” one of the men scoffed.

  “True,” Robin replied. “But I was weaned on my mother’s pain and anger, and my grandmother’s hatred. My grandfather was eaten by that beast.”

  The men looked at him suspiciously. “We have no more need of hunters,” said a man with a thick mane of hair who twirled a dagger between his fingers as he spoke.

  “We can always use another hunter, Lowys,” Callaway said. There was some murmuring among the men as Lowys spat on the floor, the glob landing near Robin’s foot. “Those monsters are already within our city walls.”