The Chronicles of Dragon Collection (Series 1 Omnibus, Books 1-10)

by Craig Halloran

  The hair on my neck stood up.

  “Where is this?” I whispered over to Bayzog.

  “I don’t know,” he whispered back.

  We stopped. Dark hoods were placed over our heads.

  I said, “You can’t be serious, Laedorn.”

  He said nothing.

  We were prodded along. Prisoners. Our footsteps silent through every twist and turn.

  I couldn’t keep track of where we were going. I was disoriented. And I had to wonder if it was the structure or the hood.

  It tingled on my head. Muffled sounds. At times it seemed to guide me.

  I lost track of time. Seconds. Minutes. Or hours. But my legs didn’t tire.

  KaRoom!

  It was the first notable sound I heard. A large metal door closing. The stuffiness of an enclosed room. Like a tomb.

  My hood was lifted. Laedorn and many others stood before me.

  “We’re here,” he said.

  “Where?” I said. “Our prison?”

  “Sort of,” he said. “It’s a place more secure than a prison, Dragon. It’s a vault.”

  My eyes adjusted quickly. The room was ornate, metal, completely sealed with one door going in and out. Lit by mystic lapis lazuli that hung from chains on the ceiling. Behind Laedorn, the other elves stood on a dais the color of pearl. The elven guards were gone.

  “A vault for what?”

  “Ha! For centuries we’ve been searching. Redeeming ourselves for what we lost. We scoured Nalzambor from one corner to the other. Sailed the waters. Crossed the lava. Tunneled where no elf had been before.” He smiled at me. “And now we have it.” He stepped aside. The other elves parted in the middle. “Dragon, behold the Ocular of Orray.”

  A cluster of diamonds in the middle shone brilliant like stars. Encased in the purest gold and platinum, the Ocular was spectacular.

  Bayzog’s violet eyes were wider than I’d ever seen.

  Shum’s narrow eyes were circles.

  I found myself swallowing a lump in my throat. It was as great a treasure as any in my father’s throne room.

  “How long,” I said, squinting my gold eyes a little, “have you had it?”

  “Not long. Little over a decade,” Laedorn said.

  “Have you used it?” Bayzog asked.

  “Once,” Laedorn replied.

  Bayzog stepped forward, eyes on the pendant.

  “Did it work?”

  “Of course.”

  “And what did you heal?” Bayzog said. “Or let me guess, you won’t reveal?”

  “You are wise, Bayzog,” Laedorn said, shifting his feet a little, “but it’s not anything you should concern yourselves with. It is Dragon and Sansla Libor that you are concerned with.” He looked at me, my dragon arms. Waiting. Studying. “Well, Dragon. Is this what you want? Are you ready?”

  All eyes were on me.

  I wasn’t ready. Not at all. If anything, I’d just gotten used to my dragon arms. My stomach quivered. Knotted a little. What if the Ocular did cure me? I looked at my scaly hands and sharp golden-yellow claws. I would miss them. I could do more good with them. Could I do as much good without them?

  “Dragon,” Bayzog said.

  “Huh?” I replied, shaking the fog from my head. “Oh, well, will it heal me, or send me back in time before the trouble started?” I was buying time now. But I had to be smooth. Make certain no one suspected it.

  “The Ocular heals, that much is certain. But the other effects of the artifact are unpredictable,” Laedorn said.

  The tightness in my chest began to unravel.

  “Well now, that’s the trick, isn’t it? You can’t really guarantee what will happen, good or bad.” I folded my arms over my chest, held my chin in my hand. “I’ve a great deal of thinking to do. Weighing the consequences of this action.”

  “Dragon!” Bayzog stomped his foot. “This is a great honor and opportunity the elves are offering you! This is what we came for. We don’t even have to risk our necks. The gift is there. Your only thought should be to take it!”

  I’d never seen Bayzog angry before. There was fury under his creaseless brown skin that was now crinkled. Fists balled at his sides. His human part had come out. If I hadn’t known him better, I’d have supposed he’d strike me.

  “Easy, Bayzog,” I said. “I’m a dragon. I don’t rush into things.”

  “You rush into everything! That’s what got you here in the first place!” Bayzog said, getting right in my face. “Don’t be a fool, Dragon!”

  My belly caught fire. My eyes narrowed on Bayzog.

  “What did you—”

  “I said what Brenwar would say. What your father would say!”

  “It’s not your decision, elf.” I poked him in the chest. “It’s mine and mine alone.” I stepped away from Bayzog’s glare. Faced Laedorn. “What about Sansla Libor?”

  “We’ve discussed this already,” Laedorn said, “and we agree to the following.” He faced Shum and looked up into his eyes.

  Shum stood still, hands crossed over his belly.

  Laedorn said to Shum, “Capture Sansla Libor and bring him to us, and we promise we’ll use the Ocular on him before he stands trial and judgment is delivered.”

  “How can he stand trial for something he’ll have no recollection of?” Shum said, leaning forward.

  “You don’t know that, Shum,” Laedorn said.

  “And if he’s not healed, how do you try him then?”

  “The same as we try any other murderer and monster in our lands,” Laedorn said. “I’m sorry, Shum, but the elves won’t budge on this. I won’t either. Justice must be delivered.”

  Shum’s face drew tight. Conflicted. His loyalty to his king was unquestionable. He’d give his life for Sansla Libor.

  I felt for him. I really did. “Shum,” I said, “what would Sansla Libor do if he were in your boots?”

  “Well said, Dragon,” Laedorn said.

  Shum’s steely eyes drifted onto me. There was sadness mixed with determination. “Are you going to help me find him, Dragon?”

  “I give you my pledge.”

  “I too,” Bayzog said.

  Shum extended his crossed arms to Laedorn and stretched out his hands.

  Laedorn took them in his and nodded. “Agreed, then.”

  “Now, Dragon,” Laedorn said, “what is your decision? Sometimes opportunity such as this only comes once in a lifetime.

  “Give me a moment,” I said, stepping away. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Rubbed my eyes. Raked my claws through my hair. A hundred thoughts simultaneously raced through my head. I felt the greatest decision in my life pressing upon me. At times like this, I would make a mental list. The good side and the bad side of my consequences.

  “Dragon,” Bayzog said, “the elves are offering you a gift. Don’t test their patience.”

  “Another moment, please,” I said, spite in my voice. “What seems so easy to you might not be so easy to me. There are consequences to everything. And Laedorn clearly noted there could be side effects. Did your pointed ears not note that? Because I’m pretty sure everyone else heard.”

  I moved farther toward the corner. I thought of Brenwar.

  If he were here, he’d shove the Ocular down my throat.

  And what would Brenwar say once I left and told him I received an offer of healing and didn’t take it? I’d never hear the end of it.

  And my father. Should I not do it for him? I could be healed and go back to Dragon Home again. I could clean my slate. Start all over again.

  But I wouldn’t be as powerful.

  I flexed my arms. Felt the tough but pliable scales over layers of hardened muscles. It felt amazing. I snorted a puff of smoke from my nose. I would lose that. The fire in my belly that could melt metal bars. I was twice as powerful now as I’d ever been before.

  It was my choice.

  Mine alone.

  I could save more dragons with my black scales than without them.

&
nbsp; I turned. Faced them. Shook my head.

  “I’m not doing this.”

  CHAPTER 26

  The elves in the room had resolve. They weren’t easily rattled or surprised. They weren’t without passion or personality, either, but they were quick minded.

  Brows lifted. Mouths sighed. The expressions on their faces were unforgettable.

  Bayzog sat on the dais, holding his head.

  Shum was the only one who didn’t change at all.

  “Are you certain about this?” Laedorn said, frowning.

  It bothered me. Laedorn always featured a pleasant smile. Nothing ever bothered him. Not a hundred charging orcs. Not a thousand. But this did.

  I stared at the Ocular of Orray.

  It was brilliant. Beautiful. Pure as the face of an elven maiden. It hummed. Twinkled. Stirred the bones under my scales.

  My dragon heart thumped in my chest. “No,” I said. “I’m not.”

  I stepped onto the dais alongside Bayzog and patted his shoulder.

  His eyes looked up at me. Pleading. Do it, Dragon. Do it.

  I could feel the warmth of the Ocular.

  Its glow caressed my scales. Warm. Inviting. A mother. An old friend.

  My eyes began to water. The closer I went, the more my stomach turned. A struggle brewed within me. Pride. Vanity. Arrogance. Power. They clashed with all that was right within me. What was left?

  An image of my father formed in my mind. Patient. Powerful. Kind.

  “Do it,” I said.

  The elves encircled me. One twitched his slender fingers. The pendant floated from its station and dropped over my neck. Someone was holding my hands. My arms. Others muttered incantations. Soft. Strong. Melodious chanting.

  I closed my eyes. Exhaled. Let go.

  Warmth coated me from head to toe. Every hair tingled on my head. My legs. My arms. My chest. The mystic power soaked in, washing me from the inside out. I squeezed my eyes shut.

  The light was blinding through my lids.

  I heard voices. Ancient. Wise. In languages no man had ever heard.

  Cleansing energy raced between my feet and my heart. My heart thundered in my chest. Something deep inside me was being dug out. Strong. Dark. Like a tick made of moorite.

  I started to shake.

  “What’s happening?” Bayzog cried out.

  I slung one elf from my arm. Then another. I let out an ear-splitting roar.

  Zzzzzzt!

  The light of the Ocular died. It floated from my neck, back onto the pedestal.

  I fell to my knees. A shaking leaf. A snake’s rattle. My mind a cloud in the air. Time passed. Faces drifted in and out.

  “Dragon, Dragon,” Laedorn said, jostling my shoulder. “Can you hear me?”

  “Huh?” I had a funny taste in my mouth. Unpleasant was more like it. “Yes, yes, Laedorn. I can hear just fine.”

  They were tending the elves I’d slung into the wall.

  Bayzog stood alongside Shum, staring.

  I stood up, gently pushed Laedorn aside and extended my arms. My black dragon arms were as beautiful as ever. Claws still as sharp as knives. I felt my face.

  “Anything happen?” I asked.

  Laedorn eyed me from head to toe. “Nothing at all that I can see. It seems either you’re still cursed or you were never cursed at all. I believe it’s the latter, Nath Dragon.”

  I hid my smile. I was elated. But what should I say?

  “I felt something, though. Old wounds being mended.” I feigned a sigh. “I am disappointed. I really thought this would work. Even though―and don’t tell Brenwar this―I was scared at first.” I patted Laedorn on the shoulder. “I don’t think I’m cursed. I think I am the cure. Thank you for trying, Laedorn.”

  With a thoughtful expression on his face, he squeezed my hand that rested on his shoulder.

  “It was our pleasure, Dragon. And I wouldn’t speak of this to the others,” Laedorn said to everyone. “We prefer that the rumors of the Ocular of Orray being lost remain so. It is a closely guarded secret. Come, they’ll show you out.”

  I shuffled by Shum and Bayzog, head down, hiding the golden glimmer in my eyes.

  ***

  Back at the Place of Meet, Bayzog separated himself from the others in his mind.

  The others talked, partially explaining where they’d been. But it was clear enough. They planned their trek to find Sansla Libor the Roamer King.

  The Ocular of Orray wasn’t mentioned. It bothered him that he couldn’t speak of it to Sasha. What if she asked? What would he say? Wizards were masters of the partly true story. But he couldn’t deceive the one he loved.

  “Bayzog.” Laedorn approached, alone. A solemn look in his eyes. “What do you think?”

  Bayzog said, “I think Dragon is glad he isn’t cured. I think he wanted it that way.”

  Laedorn looked over his shoulder where the others gathered. Dragon was laughing. Joking. All eyes were upon him. Even those of the elven troubadours and maidens.

  “I share your thoughts, Bayzog. And I wonder if the Ocular could cure him and he didn’t let it. The council certainly hoped that it would. This news that it didn’t will be dreadful.” Laedorn shook his head. “Dreadful, indeed.”

  “Why do you say so? What do they know? What do they suspect?”

  “Some of us were still around for the last dragon war. I was younger then. But many saw the black dragons. Nath makes them uneasy. Nalzambor is in unrest. We were hoping to prevent something that might not be preventable.”

  “Are you saying war is inevitable?” Bayzog said.

  “You are as much a great historian as you are a wizard. What do you think?”

  “I think I’d better keep a close eye on him.”

  Laedorn looked hard into his eyes. “I think we all better do that.” Laedorn slipped a bracelet over Bayzog’s wrist.

  “What this for?”

  “Keep me posted, Bayzog.” Laedorn turned to walk away. “I wish you all the fortune in Nalzambor.”

  CHAPTER 27

  The ride out of the Elven Lands was quiet. Steady. A soft rain accompanied us after the Elven Guard departed. For some reason I felt happy, but the others’ expressions weren’t so bright.

  Shum was determined to find Sansla Libor.

  Bayzog, I could clearly see, was disappointed. He hardly even spoke to me.

  Up ahead, Brenwar slowed. Allowed me to catch up. Wrung the water out of his beard.

  “What’s the plan?” Brenwar asked. “We taking the boys back north or do we follow Shum, after Sansla Libor?” Brenwar’s brown eyes narrowed as he gazed after the big-boned elf. “What happened with those elves, anyway? Back in Elome. No one’s talking. And I’m not stupid, Dragon. You’re holding back something.”

  He looked me in the eye. His stare hard. Penetrating.

  I couldn’t lie to Brenwar. But I could keep a secret. I could tell part of the truth. Not all.

  “I’ve agreed to help Shum find his king for now. Bring him back to the elves for trial.” I looked away and rode on. “My problems will just have to wait until later.”

  Brenwar came right after me. “Am I to understand we no longer search for this Ocular? That’s all we talked about on the way here!”

  “Plans change,” I said. “It can’t be all about me, you know. Now keep your voice down.”

  Brenwar harrumphed. “What do ye mean, keep my voice down?”

  “Just do. I don’t want to have a group discussion about it, if you don’t mind. I just want to ride. Find Sansla. Save some dragons along the way. It’s bound to be a long journey.”

  “Most journeys are—pah—when you don’t know where you’re going,” he said. “And you, Dragon, don’t know where you’re going. And I know yer hiding something. I can feel it in my bones.” He rode off toward Shum. Far enough ahead where I could barely see him in the fog and rolling mist.

  Ben and Garrison rode up alongside me, excited looks on their faces.

  “Look
at this, Dragon,” Ben said. He had a horned rabbit skewered on a stick. “Snared the both of them we did. Just like you taught me. Like I taught Garrison.”

  Garrison had another one.

  “Somebody’s going to eat well tonight,” I said, “and those pelts are worth a week’s pay, I bet. Each, I’d say.”

  “Told you,” Garrison said. “Say, what’s wrong with Brenwar? Does he always get mad at everything you say?”

  I laughed. “That’s a good observation, Garrison, but you’ll get used to it.”

  “Are all dwarves like that?” Garrison asked.

  “Some more so,” I said, “but most not nearly so bad.”

  Garrison shifted in his saddle. Eyeing me. Catching my eyes, then looking away.

  “Is there something else you wanted to ask?”

  The young Legionnaire brushed his bangs from his forehead. Wiped the water from his face.

  “Who’s Sansla Libor?”

  “Yes, Dragon,” Ben said. “Tell us about that?”

  I didn’t see the harm in telling Ben and Garrison about it. They’d need to be prepared for such things in case he showed up again. But I wasn’t going to tell them the part about him being the Roamer King.

  “He’s a monster.”

  “What kind of monster?” Ben said.

  “Give me a moment. I just started.”

  Garrison hit Ben in the shoulder. Motioned for me to continue.

  “Ahem. A winged ape. Bigger than me. Fast as a cat and powerful as an ogre,” I said. “It drops out of the sky as quiet as rain. Snatches its prey up like an eagle does. Sweeps them away, never to be seen again. I faced it twice. Took my lumps, I did. But the next time I face it,” I held out my claws, “I’ll break it.”

  We rode on. The rain was a drizzle now. Silent until someone spoke again. It was Garrison.

  “What do the elves want it for?”

  “Murder,” I said.

  “It killed elves?” Ben said.

  “That and other things. And we have to stop it before it kills again.”

  “Well, I’m ready,” Ben said, sticking out his chest.

  “You’re going home,” I said, bothered. “It’s back to the Legionnaires where you belong, Ben. This mission’s dangerous enough already.”