by Bianca D'Arc
The blue-green dragon lowered her head to gaze closely at Lana. “You should not doubt yourself, Princess Alania. You’ll be the best queen this land has seen in many generations. You understand dragons and you’ve seen the hard side of life. Too often in the past the men of the royal line have taken wives who were not their equals. With Roland and you begins the cycle of renewal. You two will restore the balance of dragons and humans in this land, giving hope to both races. Just your presence here has already begun a great stir among dragonkind. Word is already spreading about the half-dragon queen. Your mother and sister were reason enough to hope, but none foresaw that Roland would find you and mate you. We have hope now that the Mother of All has plans for our kind that go beyond merely existing and biding time until the Wizards’ return.”
Lana gasped and Kelzy smiled in her inscrutable way. “What do you mean, the Wizards’ return?”
“Caught that, did you? You’re as bright as your mama. That’s good. Roland will need a clever woman at his side if the prophesied time comes to pass during his reign. The prophecy is kept sacred among the royal lines and we dragons. The Wizards did not all choose to leave this realm voluntarily, Lana. Some will try to return, or so the prophecy states. When that happens, we dragons will stand for humanity, to save them from Wizard tyranny. That’s our purpose and that’s why we did not leave this realm along with the Wizards when they fled. We are Guardians and we have an obligation to fulfill. Until that time, we rest here, among humans, led by a human who is also one of us, as the Mother asked of us.”
“Stars! I never realized”. Lana turned over the startling possibilities in her mind. Wizards were reputed to be the most powerful beings to ever live. Only dragons had magic equal to that of the Wizards, though it was of a slightly different flavor. Without dragonkind, regular folk wouldn’t stand a chance against even one Wizard, much less a contingent of them.
“Had you been raised with your birthright, you would have known all of this from the beginning. You women of the House of Kent bring hope to dragonkind. For many generations now, the black dragons have been in decline. Fewer are born to each generation, and our enemies seek to destroy the lines completely, as we thought they had done with the line of Kent. Finding you, your sister and your mother again gives us hope that the line of black dragons will continue, and so continue the pact made so long ago. You will be a good queen to both humans and dragons, Alania. Never fear. Your love for Roland will see you through.”
“I do love him.”
“Can you imagine living without him in your life?”
“I can imagine it.” She shuddered. “But it’s not pretty.”
“Then you should have no fear. Follow your heart. Be happy. Marry Roland and have babies for us to love, little girls to carry the magic and little boys to fly with.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is easy, girl! Easy as love. If love leads, all else will follow.”
Chapter Ten
“You know, I remember you, Lord Darian.” Roland felt tension in the air as the two older knights waited to hear what he would say. It had been one of the hardest things for him to get used to as king, people hanging on his every word, but he knew these men listened so intently because they worried he might not accept a former Lord of Skithdron. He was happy he could set them at ease on that at least. “My father spoke highly of you.”
Darian seemed to relax a little. “Your father was a great man, sire. I was sorry to hear of his death. Please accept my condolences, late though they are.”
“Thank you, Lord Darian.” Roland eyed both of the older knights. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you two for a number of reasons. First, I would congratulate you both on your recent marriage. If your Adora is anything like her daughter, you will never find a better woman for you, your dragons, your Lair or our land. Protect her well and cherish her.”
Jared and Darian both nodded, but it was Jared who spoke. “The women of the House of Kent are special. Each has a heart of gold and the courage of a dragon.”
Roland liked the compliment in Jared’s eyes as he looked over at the three women across the room. Adora had her arms around her two daughters, their heads close together as they shared the stories of their lives.
“One of the other things I wanted to talk to you two about has to do with the governance of the Border Lair. Jared, I know you’ve been leading the Lair along with Lady Kelzy quite successfully to this point, but now Kelzy and Sandor are reunited through your mating with Adora and partnership with Darian, I’m officially recognizing you all as the elders of the Border Lair. I understand the women and children who live in the Lair already look to Adora for guidance. This will just formalize her role. Do you think she’ll mind?”
Jared smiled. “She may object at first to having a formal title, but she’s been adjusting well to the idea that our people look to her for leadership. She’s a natural when it comes to organizing the Lair folk, though she won’t admit it. She just has a hard time admitting she’s royalty. She sees herself as an ordinary healer.”
“With most extraordinary powers,” Roland chuckled. “I understand. I know Lana feels much the same. Being raised in a simpler way of life has led our ladies to devalue their true worth, but it’s our job to spoil them.” The older men laughed at his candor.
Roland grew serious once more. “I do have one other subject I’d like to discuss. You’ve both done an amazing job on the border, but I could use your expertise here as well. I’d like you to come to the palace every few weeks or so. Sir Jared,”—he turned to face the older knight—“you were Counselor to my father. I’m hoping you’ll take up that role for me as well.” He turned to the other knight. “And you, Sir Darian. Your counsel would also be greatly appreciated. Your intimate knowledge of King Lucan and what he’s become could help us further defend our land and people, if you’re willing to act as Counselor. I’d like Sandor and Kelzy to sit on the Dragon’s Council as well. I need the four of you—your wisdom and knowledge—so I may rule wisely.”
“For myself, I would be honored, sire.” Darian made a polite bow, his blue eyes flashing.
Jared was somewhat more reserved. “I served your father, Roland. I’ll serve you with the same loyalty. I’m honored you would ask.”
Roland reached out to shake Jared’s hand, pulling him in for a quick, manly hug. This man was like a father to him, now that his own father was gone, though age-wise Jared was closer to an older brother.
“You’re family now, Jared,” Roland pointed out. “The Mother of All certainly knew what She was doing. I’ll also need your help keeping my younger brothers in line.” The uncharacteristic roll of his eyes had Jared laughing outright, and Darian smiled as well.
“We saw Nico briefly yesterday, but I suppose he’s off again to parts unknown?” Jared’s eyes narrowed and Roland knew the older man had full knowledge of the pivotal role Nico played in the kingdom.
Roland nodded. “He’s doing some reconnaissance for me, but I expect him back in a few days.”
A commotion erupted from the doorway to the huge hall and all eyes turned to watch a weary young messenger run in to kneel before the king.
“Sire, scouts report Salomar’s army is massing across the Northern border. General Jures sent this letter for you.” The youth propped a scroll on his outspread fingers, offering it up to Roland, though his hand trembled.
Roland recognized the messenger as one of the youngsters from the Northern Lair. He took the letter and broke it open, skimming over the long message quickly before turning back to the boy.
“You’re Benny, right? Lady Alis’s youngest?”
The boy, barely in his teens, gulped. “Yes, sire.”
“You’ll find your Aunt Tilly in the stillroom at this time of day, I think. Do you know where it is?” The boy nodded eagerly. “Go to her. You’ll be staying here at the palace until things are settled up north. Which dragon brought you?”
“Rena, sire. She was too
shy to come inside. She’s waiting in the hallway.”
Roland had to hide his chuckle. The little dragonet was just a baby and very shy, but quite a charmer already. “You did well, young Benny. Thank you for your speedy service.”
He watched the youth scamper off before turning to the collection of knights, ladies and dragons, now silent in the big room. He realized suddenly this huge group was his family. He’d always had his brothers, of course, but for many years now, there were precious few people he could claim as kin. Tor was doing an odd little dance of impatience as he shuffled in place.
“You want to see your friend Rena, don’t you?” he asked softly as Tor nodded and smoked in eager agreement. “All right, but I want you both to stay within sight of my brothers at all times. Agreed?” He nodded to Darius and Connor, and both of them walked out after a bounding Tor, their mission clear—to keep the young dragons safe in their care.
“Well, it seems I’ll need your counsel even sooner than I’d thought.” Roland sighed as Darian and Jared moved forward, Gareth and Lars following only a step behind. “Lana.” He looked around the wall of knights to see his betrothed. “We could use your insight. You know best what Salomar will bring against us.”
Brushing at her skirt self-consciously, Lana stepped forward to Roland’s side, within the circle of men. Roland tucked her close, drawing comfort from her presence. He stood at the center of the knights. The older dragons gathered round as he read through the long letter from Jures, reading portions aloud so all could hear what was going on up north.
When he finished, he looked up at the grim faces all around. The news was not good.
“Sire,” a soft voice came from behind him. He turned to find Lana’s mother and sister hadn’t been idle. They’d moved chairs from the walls and apparently found a table from somewhere.
Roland took Adora’s hand, kissing it respectfully. “You are a treasure, milady. Thank you for thinking of our comfort.” She blushed prettily and Roland saw immediately where his Lana got her grace. She was indeed her mother’s daughter.
Leading the way, he pulled out a chair and seated Lana first, then took the chair at her side. He was only mildly surprised when the other ladies took seats between their knights. The dragons gathered round the table, making themselves as comfortable as possible in the large space.
Thus, they sat for over an hour, going through each paragraph and sentence of Jures’s detailed letter, strategizing and surmising what might come next. Lana’s insight was invaluable. She was able to tell them all she knew about Salomar’s troops, their specialties, their strengths and weaknesses. Roland made special note of how her knowledge meshed with the observations made by Jures and his scouts. One thing was certain, the Northern border was in dire straits.
Roland stood in frustration, pacing behind the table as those around it watched him warily. The dragon within him wanted to roar and flame, but the man needed to be in control for just a little longer. He had decisions to make and they would affect great numbers of people. The responsibility was daunting, but it was one he’d gotten used to over the years.
“I’m going back to the Northern Lair. Tonight.”
“Sire, I don’t think that’s wise.” It was Gareth who spoke. The older knights just regarded Roland with their mouths held in tight, grim lines. “You’re too important to the kingdom.”
“Thank you for that, Gareth, but I must go. I’ll disperse my brothers to the other Lairs in case this is some kind of feint. The youngest of my brothers will stay here at the palace for safety. The line of Draneth will be preserved.” His focus turned to Lana, resigned to what must be. “But Lana and Tor must go north with me. They need to be at the Northern Lair to share what they know about Salomar’s men. They’re our only experts on what’s coming our way and I’ll be damned if I let either one of them go anywhere without me. As it is, if I had any choice, I wouldn’t put them within fifty leagues of the battle, but there’s no other way.”
Roland felt Lana come to his side, her little hand gripping his reassuringly. “You couldn’t keep me away, Roland.” Her voice was low but he knew it carried to all present. “This is one of the few things I can truly help you with. I don’t want Tor in danger either, but we need to do this. Salomar hurt us both too much. Tor and I already talked this over. We don’t want to see Salomar hurt anyone else if we can help prevent it.”
He tugged her into his arms, hugging her tight. His Lana had more courage than fifty knights.
“I understand,” he said softly, his eyes grim. “That’s why we’re all going together to the Northern Lair, but when it comes time for battle, you and Tor are staying in the Lair. I won’t have either of you put directly in harm’s way.”
She nodded solemnly up at him and he kissed her hard and fast, sealing the deal.
They flew far that night, pausing a few times to let Tor rest, but by morning they were at the Northern Lair. Word spread quickly of their arrival. Within moments, Hal and Jures were there to greet them, but Hal’s usual teasing smile was missing. The man had become all warrior now that a serious threat faced his family and the people and dragons of his Lair.
“Welcome back, sire. Thank you for coming.” Jures’s respect was evident in his formal tone as they started walking toward the inner recesses of the Lair.
“What news?” Roland asked as they walked.
“The bulk of the enemy army has settled on a plain not far distant where the river bends and narrows.” Hal spoke from the other side as they continued walking urgently down the wide hall. Lana kept close at Roland’s side while Tor followed behind.
“I know the place,” Roland said tersely, nodding.
“We believe they will try to cross there.”
“It makes sense,” Roland mused, “though why so obvious? Head-on fighting is not Salomar’s style. He’s more devious than that. What deeper game is he playing, I wonder?”
“Perhaps he thinks his new weapons will be surprise enough to defeat you,” Lana said, noting all the men were listening attentively. “Or even if they’re not a surprise, perhaps he thinks they’ll cause real trouble for you and your dragons.”
“Could be.” Roland escorted her into a large chamber where a group of dragons and knights already waited, some of whom she knew from her earlier visit to the Northern Lair. The humans stood as Roland entered, making signs of respect, and the dragons bowed their heads slightly as he passed.
This was the war council, the meeting clearly in progress. Roland seated Lana at his side, taking charge of the meeting and going through what they knew and what they surmised from scouts and reconnaissance. Tor walked over to the other dragons, happy enough to settle between Tilden and Rue, who greeted him with soft snuffles and touches of their sinuous necks to his. Roland called on Tor’s expertise as they discussed Salomar’s weapons in much greater detail than they ever had before.
Lana, Tor and Roland stayed closeted with the war council of the Northern Lair for most of the day. Roland seemed to have energy to spare, but Tor and Lana started to feel the strain of the long night’s flight. Roland, apparently sensing their fatigue, called a recess and took the time to escort them to the suite of rooms they’d used before. He settled them both before going off with the knights for more discussions of strategy and preparations for war. Lana wanted to stay with him, but she was just too tired. The momentous events of the past few days had finally caught up with her. She fell asleep between one thought and the next.
When she woke a few hours later, Tor was still curled in his warm wallow, but there was a strange, small black dragon at his side. Cocking her head in question, Lana knew the black dragon had to be one of the royal princes, but from his size, he had to be quite young and to her knowledge, she had not yet met this one.
She had only a moment to consider it, for Roland walked in as she was about to go looking for him. He stopped dead in his tracks as he caught sight of the little black dragon, his eyes flashing fury.
“William
!” he thundered, causing both sleepy dragons to blink blearily.
The little black scampered back from Roland’s obvious wrath. He hopped out of the wallow and changed to human form. Lana realized he was just a boy, maybe a teen at best.
“What do you think you’re doing here?”
“I wanted to meet your girlfriend and the Ice Dragon.”
Roland advanced on the boy, anger in every movement. “We’re about to go to war here, Wil. This is no place for you.”
“You’re here. And so are they.” He looked accusingly at both Lana and Tor before turning back to his brother, courage in every line of his young body. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t be here too.”
“It’s too dangerous. Believe me,” Roland ran an exasperated hand through his hair, “if not for the knowledge they have about the Northern army, they’d be safely back at the castle, where you’re supposed to be. Blast it, Wil! I don’t want any of you here. It’s too dangerous.”
“Sire!” Jures ran into the room. “Salomar’s forces are advancing across the Arundelle.” Lana knew that was the name of the river marking the boundary between the two lands. The battle was beginning.
Roland’s eyes hardened. “I’ll be right there. Form up the ranks.” He turned to Lana and strode forward to take her into his arms. Delivering a quick, hard kiss, he let her go. “I want you to stay here, sweetheart.” He began moving into the short hall leading to the ledge and she followed.
“But—” Suddenly she needed to be at his side, fighting with him. She got the feeling if she wasn’t with him, she would never see him again. The idea made her shiver with fear. “Let us go with you! Tor and I can help. We’ve fought them before.”
Roland stopped in his tracks to pull her against his hard body. “I can’t.” He crushed her to his chest and she felt the tremble of raw emotion in his powerful arms. “I can’t put you in danger, my love. Neither you, nor Tor.” He kissed her roughly, the need to possess seeming to overcome his more civilized human side for a moment. She didn’t mind at all as something wild inside her own soul answered his urgency. “I’m leaving William to watch over you.” He said it loudly, looking over her shoulder to the boy who trailed after them. “Promise me you’ll stay with him and keep each other safe.” He refocused on her, pitching his voice lower. “Please. If you go out with Tor, I’ll have no way of keeping William behind and he’s too young for what we’ll be facing. If I give him the mission of protecting you and Tor, he’ll stay. I need to know you’re safe—all three of you.”