by Nathan Roden
“Oh, no, no, no…”
“The battle took place at the river,“ Caleb said. “We lost the dragons. Sterling’s army killed many of them with cannons and catapults. The remnant returned to the Southlands. Our army will make camp where they are, to rest and attend the wounded. They will march for home at dawn.”
“We will also march at dawn,” Robinette said, wiping her eyes. “I will not let one spare second pass before I see my family!”
“Hear, hear!” the others cried.
“Make way!” people shouted. The crowd stepped back as Sara and Zeke ran to Caleb. He knelt and the siblings wrapped their arms around each other and wept.
“Hey! Boy!”
It was Abner again, pushing through the crowd. Abner’s wife and several other ladies scolded him and tried to hold him back.
“Yes, my lord?” Caleb said.
“Sterling,” Abner said. “Who killed him?”
“Simon Morgenwraithe,” Caleb said.
“How? How did he kill ‘im?”
Caleb stood. The crowd waited for Caleb’s answer in a hush. He turned to Sara.
“Sara, I need you and Zeke to go to your happy place—just for a brief moment.”
Sara nodded. She took Zeke’s hand. They sat on the ground and were silent as their eyes rolled up in their heads.
Caleb stepped in front of Abner and bowed.
“I am pleased to make you acquaintance, my lord. I am Caleb Brewer.”
“I know who you are,’ Abner said, uncomfortably. “I’ve seen you around.”
“Very well,” Caleb said. “You see, when Simon and I attacked the Varylquin, Simon was hit in the jaw by a blast from the elder giant wizard. The blast broke one of Simon’s teeth. When we reached Noah Lamont’s ship, Simon spit out the tooth. Boone Blankenship kept it. He put it in his pouch. And that was a mighty good thing, my lord.”
“Yes, yes,” Abner waved his hand. “The boy kept the dragon’s tooth. Bully for him.”
“Sterling would not die easily, my lord, as you might imagine,” Caleb said. “He took an arrow in his side. A dagger wound in his leg. He was trying to choke Queen Jaclyn—”
“What?” Robinette squealed.
“She is all right, my lady. I promise you.”
“Anyway, my lord,” Caleb continued. “Simon was wounded as well. Sterling cut him twice with his dagger. It looked like it might all be over—”
“Now, see here—”Abner interrupted.
Caleb stepped forward again. He stood nose-to-nose with Abner.
“Boone threw the dragon’s tooth into the air,” Caleb said.
“Simon caught it. He jammed it into Sterling’s mouth. He drew back his fist and drove that tooth straight up into Sterling’s evil brain. Blood poured from Sterling’s mouth. His ears. His eyes—”
Abner wobbled on his feet. His eyes crossed—and then he fainted.
Forty-Seven
Zeke rubbed his eyes. Caleb hugged him and kissed him on top of the head.
“Stay with us, Caleb.” Sara said.
Caleb hugged her close.
“I wish I could,” Caleb said. “But the moon will appear soon. I don’t know what will happen. If I become a dragon again, then surely it will also happen to Simon. I will need to join him so that Tanner and Lady Magdalena can remove the spell.”
Sara touched Caleb’s cheek. Her eyes showed a hint of sadness.
“What’s wrong, Sara?” Caleb asked.
“Will you…will you still be able to see?”
Caleb forced a smile.
“I don’t know. Some things…some things have changed already.”
“Yes,” Sara said. She looked at her hands.
“Some of the magic is gone—like what we were able to do for Alice.”
“Yes,” Caleb said. “It is true. Some gifts were not meant to last forever. I am happy that I will know your face forever, my dear sister.”
Zeke clapped his hands to his face.
“Zeke!”
Caleb laughed and tousled Zeke’s hair.
“Yes! I will know Zeke’s face forever, too. And the faces of so many others. It is more than I could have ever asked for.”
“Caleb,” Sara said.
“Yes?”
“Do you think they watch over us…Mother, and Father?”
“I believe they do, Sara. I believe they are with us…always.”
Sara smiled. She and Zeke followed Lilly to the castle. Lilly spoke with Esmerelda, asking her to see Sara and Zeke to their room.
A bell sounded from the docks.
“What is this?” Robinette said. Groups of curious people ran toward the harbor. A man from the docks ran up the hill and into the square.
“A ship has entered the harbor!”
Lilly looked to Robinette.
“What can this mean?”
“Oh, no, no, no,” Robinette said, shaking her head. She looked into the sky.
“Please, not more giants…” she whispered.
Lilly grabbed Robinette’s arm. They hurried toward the harbor.
Lilly ran toward a man standing at the end of the docks. He was looking through a spyglass.
“What do you see?” Lilly asked.
“Not sure yet,” the man said.
Lilly grabbed the spyglass with both hands.
“Give me that.”
She snatched it away and put it to her eye.
“Calm yourselves, people!” she cried.
“It is my father’s ship!”
As the ship pulled to the dock, Lilly saw her father and her mother. Between them stood her daughter, Olivia. Lilly could wait no longer. She made a running start and leapt onto the ship’s deck. Lilly swept Olivia into her arms and smothered her with kisses.
“Noah?” Vivienne Bellamy said with a worried look.
Lilly hugged her mother.
“He’s fine. Lord Lamont, as well. The war is over. Sterling is dead and peace will reign in Morgenwraithe.”
“He was a nasty bloke, that Sterling,” Willem Bellamy said. “His gold was good, though.”
Robinette kissed Olivia. She hugged Vivienne and then Willem.
“Lord Bellamy,” Robinette said. “I believe you’ll find that your business will thrive as well as our kingdom.”
Willem laughed.
“I don’t doubt that at all! So, where is Noah?”
“They’ll be making camp for the night,” Robinette said. The victory was won only hours ago. They are a day’s journey away.”
“What?” Willem said. “That makes little sense. How did you learn of these events?”
“I brought the word, my lord,” Caleb said.
Willem bent down, placing his hands on his knees.
“Oh, you did, did you? And who might you be, young man?”
“Caleb Brewer, my lord.”
“Ho, ho, ho! You’re quite the fast runner to cover a day’s journey in a matter of minutes!”
“I did not run, my lord. I had a ride.”
Willem stood straight. His smile disappeared.
“Still too fast for any horse.”
“It certainly is, my lord.”
Caleb looked up and loosed a screech. Seconds later, Mother flew over the village and landed at Caleb’s side. Willem jumped in front of Vivienne, Olivia, and Lilly and spread his arms.
“By the gods! Run!”
Lilly grabbed Willem’s arms.
“It’s all right, Father. This is Mother. She’s our friend.”
“Wh-are….wh-!”
Olivia squealed in delight. She ran around Willem. He lunged at her desperately and fell on his face.
“Calm down, Willem,” Robinette said. “Before you hurt yourself.”
Olivia stood in front of Mother. Mother lowered her head to the ground where the little girl could pat her snout.
Willem pushed himself to his knees. He stared at the dragon and then he stared at Caleb.
“You speak her language? How?”
>
Caleb shrugged.
“I was a dragon only yesterday. But I was able to understand their language before that. I don’t know how.”
Willem stood. Vivienne took his arm to steady him.
“You were a drag—”
Willem looked at Robinette.
“What is this madness?”
Robinette raised her hands.
“It’s all true, Lord Bellamy.
“Welcome to Islemar—and the New Kingdom of Morgenwraithe.”
Forty-Eight
Simon slipped away from the raucous crowd. He passed by the area set aside for the treatment of the wounded. He hugged Helena when she had a free moment. He fetched a cool drink of water for Helena and Belinda Jacobs.
Belinda was exhausted. She wiped a wisp of hair away from her eyes with her arm, but her hands and arms were so covered in blood that she left a red mark on her forehead. Simon wiped it away with his sleeve.
“How may I help?” Simon asked.
Belinda sighed.
“I’ve made the rounds at least twice. I’ve just about done all I can. There are at least three who won’t survive the night. It’s the best I can do.”
“You’ve been an angel, Lady Jacobs,” Simon said. “The kingdom owes you a great debt.”
“I don’t want anyone’s debt,” Belinda said. “Not anymore.”
“You won’t have to worry about that,” Simon said. “Whatever you’re willing to do for our people for the rest of your days, the kingdom will see to it that you never want for anything.”
“Thank you, Simon. Or should I say, Your Grace.”
“I never want the throne to come between me and my friends,” Simon said.
Belinda kissed Simon’s cheek.
“Would you look at me,” Belinda said. “I’ve gone and kissed the king!”
Simon turned his cheek.
“You haven’t kissed this side yet.”
“That’s what you think.”
Simon slipped away from the crowds. The day’s victory belonged to everyone, he thought. And while these people had been subject to Sterling’s rule every day of their lives, he had lived his days in the dark. In the shadows. Sterling was evil incarnate, but had not been responsible for forcing Simon into a life of lonely exile. His own mad mother had done that.
No, Simon had spent every endless day hoping and striving toward what was now a reality.
He was the King of Morgenwraithe—awaiting only the coronation that would make it official after twelve long years.
Simon was surrounded by friends and loyal compatriots who looked forward to ushering him into power. Yet, he still felt sad. And lonely.
He had reclaimed his relationship with Lucien, his only remaining family. Their victory would never be as sweet as the life he had dreamed of for himself and his brother.
In his dream, Simon would have watched from his throne as Lucien, Jaclyn, and little Nicholas lived out their happy lives before his eyes. As the days wore on, he would have grown accustomed to his new life. He would have formed strong bonds with Lucien and the others. Bonds of family. Trust. Peace. And happiness.
Something else would have happened, eventually. He would have grown fond of a young lass. She would come from a good family. She would be beautiful, pleasant and cheerful. She would have a smile that could light an entire room. Simon would ask for her hand in marriage and it would be granted enthusiastically from the girl and her family. The kingdom would rejoice. The celebrations would know no end.
And then, the babies would come. The royal firstborn would most certainly be a boy child.
And the lineage of Morgenwraithe would continue—far into the unseeable future.
Simon saw Boone walking toward him.
“You’ll have to get used to the crowds,” Boone said.
“Apparently you’re not so comfortable with them either,” Simon said.
“All anyone wants to talk about is our wedding,” Boone said. “I’ve been reduced to a man-slave.”
“That’s not such a bad thing,” Simon said.
Boone smiled.
“No, it’s not, really. I’m…I’m sorry about Lucien. He was really starting to grow on me.”
“What?” Simon said with a laugh. “You two fought like grumpy old men.”
“Of course, we did,” Boone said. “He reminded me of someone I’ve known for a long time.”
“Do you think so?” Simon said.
“Yes. I do. I’d better get back. I have smiling and nodding to do.”
Simon stood alone. He shook his head.
“What are you thinking about?”
Simon turned to find Jaclyn smiling at him.
“Nothing.”
“You’ve never been a good liar,” Jaclyn said.
“It’s just…there is much about this day to ponder,” Simon said.
“I was on my way to the river to fill a skin with water,” Jaclyn said. “Would you like to come?”
“Yes.”
A few steps later, Simon spoke.
“You’re limping.”
“Yes. If you remember, a horse fell on my leg,” Jaclyn said.
“I saw that. Perhaps Lady Jacobs—”
“Lady Jacobs has far more serious injuries to attend to.”
Jaclyn filled two skins with water. She splashed water onto her face. Simon did the same.
Jaclyn avoided Simon’s eyes. Simon took her hand.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“For what?” Jaclyn asked.
Simon cleared his throat.
“About Lucien.”
Jaclyn closed her eyes.
“You’re sorry for me? He was your brother. You also suffered loss.”
Simon paused.
“I lost him…twice.”
“But you were together in the last days,” Jaclyn said. “You were growing close again—no one can ever take that from you.”
“Yes, but—”
Simon bit his lip.
“Don’t do that,” Jaclyn said.
Simon wiped his eyes.
“Do what?”
Jaclyn put her hand on Simon’s chest.
“Don’t bury your true feelings because you think it not comely for a king. Don’t hide your feelings because you want to appear to be a strong man. Don’t mistake tears for weakness. You are a good man,” Jaclyn said. “You have done what it takes to reclaim this land for the benefit of all. I lost my husband. Our son lost his father. And you lost a brother. If you ignore your feelings, you dishonor his memory.”
Simon looked into Jaclyn’s eyes. His lip quivered. Tears swelled in his eyes.
Simon and Jaclyn fell into a tight embrace watered by their tears.
Simon stepped back and dried his eyes.
“Thank you,” he said.
“I didn’t do anything,” Jaclyn said.
“Yes, you did. My Queen. You might be the wisest of us all.”
“I’m tired,” Jaclyn said. “Aren’t you?”
“I…yes, I am very tired,” Simon said. “But I cannot sleep now.”
“Why?”
“The moon will appear in a few minutes,” Simon said. “The same as it always does.”
“Oh,” Jaclyn said. “I forgot. Will you still be tired after—after you change?”
“Yes. It brings no energy with it. I will see you in Islemar.”
Jaclyn paused.
“Can I…can I wait with you?”
Simon started to object, but he stopped himself.
“If you want to. I would like that.”
Jaclyn leaned against a rock. She squinted but did not turn away as Simon Morgenwraithe the man became Simon the Dragon.
“That was incredible,” Jaclyn whispered.
“I am certain it is a sight to behold,” Simon said. “But unfortunately, it has always meant a return to my prison for the next month.”
Jaclyn stepped in front of Simon. She waved her hand.
“Bring me your face.�
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Simon lowered his head. Jaclyn kissed his mouth.
“I met you when you were in this prison. It has never mattered to me. I fell—”
Jaclyn kissed him again.
“I will see you in Islemar,” she said. “And we will tell your prison goodbye.”
Someone hurried to join them. It was Ben Blankenship.
“Ah, it happened again, eh?”
“Yes.”
“Boone said you and Caleb are going south for something.”
“That’s right.”
“Could I ask a favor?” Ben said.
“Might that favor involve a certain beautiful little girl?” Simon asked.
Ben smiled.
“Yes, it might.”
“I will take you,” Simon said. “It will be my pleasure.”
“Let me gather a few things,” Ben said. “I won’t be but a minute.”
“There’s no hurry,” Simon said.
Ben hurried away.
“Won’t you miss it?” Jaclyn asked.
“Being a dragon?” Simon said. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I must admit,” Simon said. “I will miss the flying part. The views are spectacular. And the freedom—”
Jaclyn laughed.
“I think you will miss it more than a little.”
Simon paused.
“The worst part was the loneliness. I would sometimes go months without engaging another soul.”
“How did you keep from going mad?” Jaclyn asked.
“It was the books that saved me,” Simon said. “Well, the books and Boone Blankenship.”
“How did you get books?” Jaclyn asked.
Simon turned and snorted a little blast of fire.
“We…borrowed them. Usually, it was Boone, because—”
“Because he has fingers.”
“Yes. Several times we spent the night of the full moon adding to my…collection.”
Jaclyn said nothing. She sensed that Simon had more to say.
“There were times…I remember one time in particular, Boone’s father had beat him the night before. Boone’s face was bruised and swollen. He was limping badly, yet he still came to find me. He said he knew where there were books to be found and he insisted we spend the night searching. I couldn’t talk him out of it. He said…”