Fridtjof glanced at the door. “Enter, Jadea.”
“This just came for you.” The woman handed Fridtjof a piece of paper. He slid a knife under the wax seal and folded it open. He read the contents and paled.
“Leave us, Jadea and close the door on your way out.”
The woman curtsied and followed his command.
He waited to make sure she was out of earshot before he spoke. Fridtjof sighed. “Magnus, there’s been a development.”
He set his book aside and cocked an eyebrow. “Development?” He felt T’argo walking back and forth across his thoughts.
Fridtjof licked his lips. “Seems Tiernan’s wench is going to have a child.”
Magnus rushed to Fridtjof’s side and pulled the paper from his hand. “How can this be?”
Fridtjof turned to the window. He surveyed the busy courtyard below. “The odds were minimal this could have happened.”
“And yet, it did.” Magnus shook his head. T’argo was dangerously close to surfacing.
Fridtjof glanced at Magnus then looked back out of the window. “This child will either be a problem for us or an asset.” Silence filled the study for several minutes.
Fridtjof returned to his desk and sat down with a thud. He smiled, drumming his fingers on the wood. “Well, it looks like a dragon’s egg is not all Sig will be bringing back with him.”
Magnus knit his brow and frowned. “You plan to steal the woman?”
Fridtjof nodded. “I see no other choice.”
Magnus laughed, his voice carried out of the window and into the courtyard below.
T’argo’s voice suddenly thundered in his head. Tell him. Tell him now that I want a female, or I will eat him, and you will have nothing left, just the Bryahn stone and a cave to live in.
Magnus growled. “Fine.”
Fridtjof lifted a brow. “What now?”
“T’argo wants a mate. Sig should bring back a female dragon.”
Fridtjof leaned forward over his desk. “That’s not a bad idea., but how can he tell the sex from an egg?” Fridtjof leaned forward.
T’argo growled. He’s not worthy to know our secrets.
Magnus sighed, T’argo if you don’t tell him, how can we bring you a mate?
T’argo blew smoke from his nose. Fine, I will tell him, but he is not to share the secret outside this room with anyone but Sig.
“T’argo has agreed to tell you, but it must remain secret. Do you agree?”
Fridtjof smirked but nodded.
Magnus shut his eyes and allowed the red flame to burn through his veins. It reached out to T’argo, coaxing him to show himself in the union. Magnus’ eyes turned orange, and his skin shimmered, revealing a hexagonal pattern of red dragon scales.
Targo’s voice was deep like thunder, as it poured from Magnus’s mouth. “A dragon’s sex is determined by the temperature of the egg. If the egg is cold like snow, it will be male. If it is hot as the noonday sun, it will be male. Sig must find an egg that is cool like the evening breeze, and he must keep it cool, but not cold, or the egg could transition to male.”
Fridtjof sucked in his mouth, revealing his sharp canines. “And how do you expect for Sig to keep the egg at the right temperature, T’argo?”
T’argo narrowed his slanted eyes, “Magnus will prepare a carrier.”
Fridtjof waved his hand. “Yes, by all means, Magnus will prepare a carrier.”
T’argo stretched his neck and back, and closed his eyes, retreating into Magnus’ mind. Magnus shivered. “I’ll prepare a container for the egg.” He paused, licking his lips. “And I’ll tell Jadea to make arrangements for a midwife to join us in Tabharthore Ahn-bahs.”
Fridtjof scrunched his face. “Yes, and prepare for a handfasting ceremony, too. We’re going to legitimize this child as my heir. I’m taking Annielie for a wife.” A smile crept across his face. “You know Magnus; this has turned out to be a surprisingly good day.”
Chapter Six
QUEST
Lucca had commissioned a crew of twenty-five men; including Karn’s Brehon rangers to man a dragonship. They were under specific instructions to take Karn, Lilia, Ian, and Aslaug away from Govansur, and to the isle of Langerhorn. The trip was perilous and took two weeks to get around the horn of Arcadia to the god’s ancestral home.
By the time they reached the shores, Karn was ready to set foot on dry land. The men unloaded supplies and pitched tents for the night. Loegare and Caderyn built a fire, and the crew gathered around it.
Karn addressed his men. “It’s been a long journey for us.”
Ian lifted a glass of dark bitter root. “Indeed it has, brother.” He downed the amber liquid in one gulp and wiped the foam from his lips.
“As you know, Lilia, Ian, Aslaug, and I must travel alone from here. Tomorrow at first light we’ll say our goodbyes, and the trials will begin.” Karn swallowed. “It may be months before you hear from us, but don’t fear we’ll return, and when we do Fridtjof and Magnus will be stopped for good. I’ll send word once we reach the dragon’s keep.” The men nodded.
“Braheil, Drust, and Merek my cabin in Danaarn is now yours. Lay low, don’t draw attention to yourselves. Stay safe.” He paused. “Loegare and Caderyn, Ian and I have talked, and we would like you to make your base near Erisai at Ian’s cabin.”
Loegare’s eyes lit up, his proximity to Erisai meant he would be able to court Clarissa, and perhaps start a family of his own. Loegare cleared his throat, “Ian, we’ll take care of your land. I assure you it’s in good hands.”
“I know you will. I have every confidence in you both.” Ian grinned, “And, Loegare, you have my blessing to make Clarissa a lady. If, she’ll have you.”
Loegare grinned from ear to ear. “That means a lot, brother.”
Ian punched Loegare’s arm. “Just don’t mess it up.”
Loegare nodded. “I won’t.”
Caderyn coughed. “Karn, Ian, would you like us to take Albion and Dragan home?”
Karn glanced at Ian, and Ian nodded. “Yes, Caderyn. I’m sure Albion and Dragan are more than ready to be home. Horses don’t seem to get along too well with dragons.”
Caderyn chuckled. “Consider it done my friend.”
Mercer, Tiernan’s former brother-in-arms, poked at the fire.
Karn walked around the circle to stand beside him. “Mercer.”
He looked up.
“I know you’ve nowhere to go now. There’s room at Ian’s if you’d like to join Loegare and Caderyn at Erisai.”
A broad smile flashed across his face. “It would be an honor, Karn.”
Karn clapped him on the shoulder. “Welcome to the Brehon, brother.”
The sound of beating wings drew their attention to the west, Aslaug swooped down onto the beach, planting her toes in the sand. She studied her fellow travelers for a moment, then yawned. “I’m going to retire.” She crossed the beach and bedded down between two palm trees.
A slight smile touched Karn’s lips. “Guess that’s our cue. Mercer, take the first watch.”
Through an overcast sky, they watched the dragonship leave the harbor and enter the open ocean. Within minutes, the sails were gone from sight, and they were alone.
Karn curled his hand around the shortened staff at his waist then reached into his pocket; He withdrew the map to the first trial.
Lilia stood on one side and Ian on the other. The three poured over the map. Aslaug hovered in the sky overhead, her wings sending downdrafts of wind each time she flapped them.
Karn laid the map on the sand and pulled two sunstones out of his pocket. He placed one on the map, and he held the other to his eye. He peered through it searching for the sun’s light to determine direction, and quickly pulled it away. He pointed to a jutting piece of land on the opposite side of the bay. “Look for that on the map, Lilia.”
She kneeled, and her knees sunk into the sand.
Ian squatted beside her. “Do you see it?”
“Yes. It’s here.” She pointed to a triskele on the map. “It’s our starting point. From there we follow the beach until it cuts back inland.” Her eyes scanned the map, her face full of excitement. “There’s a lagoon where the land curves. It’s connected to the sea, marked with a smaller triskele. That’s it! It’s got to be!” She jumped back up to her feet. “Shouldn’t take more than a day to get there.”
“Good.” Ian stood, then pulled his long hair up into a messy knot on the top of his head. “It’s already hot here, and the sun’s barely up.”
“I agree.” Karn folded the map back up, put it in his pocket, and wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve. “Aslaug, how do you handle the heat?”
She laughed. “I’m a dragon. I breathe fire. What do you think?”
Karn looked up at her. “So, this climate doesn’t bother you?”
She flashed a proudful smile. “No, not at all.”
“Good you’re in charge of supplies.”
Aslaug frowned, her eyes turning bright orange. She landed with a thump beside Karn and lowered her head to look him in the eye. “I’m not a pack mule. I’m a member of this company, and I will be treated as such.” She glared at him, blowing faint wisps of smoke from her nose as she growled.
Karn took a step in her direction. “You are a valued member of this company, dragon, but you will carry your weight. You’re in charge of transporting the supplies. Ian and I will be clearing any undergrowth that might pop up, and Lilia is on the watch for anything that might attack, while she reads the map. We all have a job to do, and you will do yours.”
Aslaug blew smoke into his face, and Karn coughed. “I said I liked you human, but you are pushing it.” She scowled, harrumphed, then bowed. “Dragon pack mule at your service, Loch-rognaif.”
Karn laughed as he stored the remaining supplies into a net, and tied it closed with a thick rope. “Like me or not, just do what I say. Every member of this company follows orders and keeping those orders could be the difference between life and death, especially here on Langerhorn. It’s full of booby traps.” He handed Aslaug the rope.
She reluctantly took it between her claws. “Fine.”
Karn reached out to touch her skin, but she slid away just beyond his fingertips. He looked at his empty hand and sighed. “Aslaug, can you find the lagoon from the map in the air?”
She blew smoke from her nose. “Yes.”
“Well, then. Why don’t you take the supplies and drop them off in the clearing by the lagoon, and you can go off and hunt, or do whatever dragons do.”
Aslaug showed her teeth and growled. “Fine.” She leaped up from the ground and took off in a northeasterly direction.”
Ian, Lilia, and Karn watched her fly away.
Hours of walking in the sand was insufferable but not nearly as intolerable as trying to walk through the jungle that covered the land between the beach and the lagoon. Thick brush and creeping vines created an almost impenetrable wall. Karn and Ian hacked through the greenery with their daggers, but the energy spent to clear their narrow passageway was exhausting.
After a few hours trek, the trio rested in a small open area that had enough shade to protect them from the beating sun, but not enough to make a considerable difference in the temperature. Karn pulled a small dried meat chip from his shoulder bag and handed Ian a wineskin filled with dark bitter root. Lilia snored softly, her head on Karn’s knee. He absently ran his fingers through her hair, it was soft and shone like spun copper in the sunlight.
Ian leaned back against a large rock. His homespun shirt clung to his toned chest, and sweat rings circled his neck and traveled down his chest. “This heat is killer, brother.”
Karn nodded. “Yes, especially when you’re used to living in the mountains. What I’d give for some ice and snow about right now.”
Ian sighed. “Me, too. I thought it was hot in the Land of Four Cities, but I don’t think it even compares to this.” He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.
Karn pulled his damp shirt away from his torso and fanned himself with it. “I’ve never experienced anything like it. Perhaps it’s one of the enchantments on the island?” He took a final bite of his meat chip, chewed, and swallowed.
Ian shrugged. “I don’t know, but I hope the lagoon is cooler.” Ian took another swig from the wineskin and handed it back to Karn.
“It should at least have some shade.” Karn took a drink and stored it in his bag. He looked up at the sky. “Guess we need to get a move on. It’s not getting any earlier.” He gently nudged Lilia. “Wake up, dearling.”
Lilia opened her eyes. “Alright. I couldn’t sleep well anyway. It’s too hot.” She sat up, rubbed her eyes, and leaned back against a fallen log. She stretched her arms high in the air and screamed.
Karn turned, dagger in hand. A purple vine had wrapped itself around Lilia’s wrist. It was pulling her over the log. She tried to pry her hand free, but the more she struggled, the tighter it grabbed hold.
Karn hacked it with his dagger, and red liquid oozed from it. He pulled Lilia in his direction, and she managed to break free. She jumped to her feet, as more vines slithered from the brush and into the clearing.
One snaked around Ian’s boot. He cut one after another away and jumped out of reach. He slashed the vegetation that obscured their escape route. Karn rushed beside him, dagger in hand, and hacked the thick reeds.
Lilia stood with her back to Ian and Karn; watching the vines as they slithered closer. Panic filled her voice. “You’ve got to hurry guys.”
Karn made a final thrust with his dagger, and Ian stumbled forward. He grabbed Lilia’s hand and pulled her through the brush. They ran, jumping over rocks, and ducking beneath branches. They only stopped when they heard the sound of running water on rocks.
Ian panted. “Think we’ve made it?”
Karn cut away several large palm leaves that obscured their vision and smiled. “I think we have, Ian.” He motioned through the space between the thick brush. “Look.”
Lilia slowed her breathing, trying to slow her heartbeat, then glanced through the clearing. “It’s amazing.”
Karn nodded. “Yes, it is.”
Towering trees covered in deep emerald green moss stood as sentries around the lagoon. Boulders of every size poked out of the water, covered in soft green and yellow hues of lichen, and the rushing rumble of a small waterfall filled the air. The lagoon itself was a deep blue sapphire, and soft wisps of fog rolled across its glassy surface.
Surrounding the water were majestic flowering trees. Royal poincianas, hibiscus, plumeria, and hydrangea created a stunning bouquet near the edge of the forest. The heavy floral scent of the blooming flowers was pleasant but slightly overpowering. However, their presence only increased the majesty of the hidden lagoon.
Ian stepped forward and into the garden-like space around the blue lagoon. He glanced over his shoulder. “Your dragon’s here, Karn.”
Aslaug frowned. “I belong to no one.”
Ian laughed. “Not meaning to offend, Aslaug.”
She dropped the tip of her tail into the water, causing water to rocket into the air, and spray Ian. She cackled, her voice like rolling thunder.
Ian wiped the water from his face and tucked a wet strand of hair behind his ear. “Just what I needed! Thanks, dragon.”
Aslaug growled, then swiped her tail through the water, sending a sheet of water in Ian’s direction, and knocking him over backward. She laughed again.
This time Ian stood, taking a step toward her. “Not funny, dragon! Once was enough.”
Karn and Lilia stepped into the clearing. Karn’s deep voice rumbled with laughter. “I thought it hilarious, Ian.”
Ian shook his head. “You would, brother.” He walked away from the water and out of reach of Aslaug.
Karn crossed the short distance between the entrance to the clearing and his dragon companion. “Have you seen any evidence of a water dragon?”
Aslaug shook
her head. “No, but water dragons live deep down in the water, besides I doubt we’d know if there was one watching us just below the surface. This water is too murky to see very far into it.”
Karn stepped to the water’s edge and looked into its depths. “That water could be a few feet deep or as deep as the sea as far as I can tell.”
Lilia scooted up beside him and ran a hand across the water. “Aslaug, is it safe to swim?”
“For me, yes. I’m not sure about you. Wild dragons are notorious for kidnapping beautiful women.” Aslaug flashed Lilia a toothy grin.
Lilia blushed and glanced at Karn. “Perhaps you could draw some water so that I can bathe? I’d love to get this sweat off me.”
Karn bowed. “As my lady wishes. Consider it done.”
Lilia kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear. “Wash up yourself, and perhaps you and I can enjoy some time alone this evening.”
Karn grinned, and the blue flame danced in his eyes. “Sounds like a deal to me.” He looked back to Aslaug. “Is it safe to camp here tonight? If so, we can call out to the dragon in the morning when we’re all refreshed.”
She stretched her wings. “I believe you’ll be safe from the dragon, but I’d set wards to protect you against this island. Elanvanin’s traps are everywhere.”
Ian grimaced remembering the last couple of hours. “We found one of them, crazy crawling vines.”
Aslaug looked up at the sky, it was growing dark, and the first lights were visible in the night sky. “The vines are the least of your worries, Ian.”
Ian gulped and ran his hand across the hilt of his dagger. “I’ll take first watch.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Karn rummaged through the supplies that Aslaug had set near a tree several yards from the lagoon and found a large cooking pot, and bowl. “Lilia, can you start the stew while I get water?”
“Of course.” Lilia set up a workstation and busied herself cutting vegetables, while Karn fetched water in the cook pot. By the time he returned, she’d nearly had everything prepared, and Ian had started a fire. They ate voraciously, before settling in for the night. The howling night wind sang them to sleep, as the stars kept watch.
Quest: The Clans of Arcadia Page 4