A roiling silver fin broke the water. “Wow!” Roxanne exclaimed as a large silver fish flopped onto the beach. “It must weigh ten pounds!”
Its scales glowing a delicate rosy color, the fish floundered desperately on the hot sand, gasping for life. Roxanne felt a stab of pity.
Suddenly fishing was not all it was cracked up to be. She was taking a life. A life that was suffering before it died. Roxanne was not used to killing for food. Maybe those energy bars are not so bad after all.
Zoran held the fish down then knocked it once sharply over the head with his cudgel. The fish shuddered and went still.
A strange thought came to Roxanne - What if it was a magic fish? Maybe I should have made a wish and let it go free.
“My soft-hearted Roxanne.” Zoran said, reading her thoughts. “Make a wish on the next fish you catch. We should always throw one back, to thank Rex Mundi, Lord of this World.”
He baited the hook with another small wriggling fish. “You throw out the line this time.”
Roxanne twirled the baited line overhead, faster, faster, then released it. Her heart surged with excitement as the line whizzed through her fingers.
Though the hook didn’t land as far out as when Zoran threw it, it seemed the line barely hit the water before she felt a sharp jerk.
Roxanne hauled this one in by herself. When she dragged the flopping fish ashore, its multicolored scales glowed in the sun, brilliant as a rainbow.
Gasping on the sand, the fish made a hoarse croaking noise.
“He’s talking to you Roxanne. Begging you to set him free. Careful of the spines on its back.”
Zoran held the gasping fish still while she gently worked the hook out from deep within its gorge. When she pulled the hook out, the small bait fish was still impaled on it.
Zoran carried the big fish into shallow water, then moved aside to let Roxanne hold the slippery body.
I wish that Zoran and I could be together. Like this. Forever. With an effortless flick of its tail the magic fish swam away, disappearing into the mysterious deep from which he came.
“It was a magic fish - I feel it.” She said, staring into Zoran’s intense golden eyes, gleaming in the sun.
Moving behind her, he coiled muscular golden arms around her waist. Drawing her against his sun-heated skin, he leaned down, inhaling her throat. “Hmmmh you smell like - fish.”
“I do not!” Smiling she cuffed his shoulder. “Do I?”
“It happens when you go fishing. Besides fresh fish is one of my favorite scents.”
“Oh it is ey? Well that’s reassuring. What other scents do you favor Zoran?” Eyes tilted mischievously she looked over her shoulder into his eyes. Licked her lower lip salaciously.
“I love the scent of a woman in a state of lust. Sends me wild.” He said, dragging his tongue up the column of her neck. Exhaling hot breath in her ear he whispered - “What did you wish for? Hmmm…? Tell me.” His voice a purring growl.
“You know what I wished for. You can read my mind.” She leaned back against him, slightly embarrassed. Maybe he doesn’t feel the same way about me?
“I need to hear you say the words.” He turned her to face him, his fiery golden eyes staring down into her sparkling eyes of sea-green. “Say it. Tell me your wish.” He pressed her lips in a soft kiss.
Roxanne dropped her eyes. “I know it’s crazy - I’ve only known you a few days, but I wished that you and I could be together like this. Always. It’s so much fun being with you Zoran. This is real. Real life.”
“I like your wish Beauty. Let’s see if the magic fish has the power to make it come true.” Golden eyes beaming into hers he took her mouth in a soul-deep kiss. Then pulled away. “Let’s go. The darkness is coming.”
Zoran gutted and scraped off the scales of the two fish with his dagger, then washed them off in the sea. He ran a string through the gills and was about to hang the fish from the end of his spear when he paused. Eyes narrowed he gazed up the beach, body tense. Roxanne followed his gaze.
Indistinct figures were coming down the beach toward them, running along the waterline. Coming fast. Two of the figures were two-legged, with long necks. The other was big and four-legged.
“Spike Beaks. Quick - behind the rocks.” Grasping his spear, Zoran pulled her behind the biggest boulder.
Chapter 16
The thudding of running feet slapping along the waterline became louder. As the creatures got closer Roxanne saw two huge flightless birds chasing a hefty pig-like dinosaur. The pigasaur was about five feet at the shoulder. It had long tusks and powerful fanged jaws.
Crouching behind the boulder she drew her pistol, resting it on the boulder as she watched, wide-eyed.
The spike beak’ feathers were a dusky cream and brown. They had fluffy tail feathers and short wings that flared out as they ran on long powerful black legs with big clawed toes. Over eight feet tall, the spike beaks’ heads were as big as a horse. Their huge black beaks ended in a long sharp downward spike.
Though the pigasaur was running with everything it had, it was no match for the swift spike beaks. In a last ditch move, the pigasaur veered sharply left toward the sea, hoping to swim for it. But the biggest spike beak sped up, cutting him off.
Those spike beaks run as fast as a horse! Roxanne thought.
Then the bigger spike beak struck. With stunning speed and power the bird drove its spiked beak into the base of the pigasaur’s neck.
Given the bird’s long powerful neck and the weight of its heavily boned head, the strike had the force of a pile driver with the near surgical precision of a pick ax. Bam! Another strike - Bam!
Stunned, the pigasaur staggered. Stopped. Nearly fell over. Swaying on its feet it turned to face the two birds. Though clearly finished, the pigasaur lunged at the bigger bird, slashing with its tusks.
Coming up behind, the second bird launched a tremendous jump kick, striking the animal’s side with its big clawed feet. The pigasaur crashed to earth. The two birds went in for the kill, ripping and tearing with huge powerful beaks.
As the spike beaks tore out big chunks of bloody flesh, they periodically threw back their heads, clacking those huge beaks triumphantly at each other.
God those birds are smart. Roxanne saw the cunning in their fierce yellow eyes.
Go - NOW - While the birds are eating. Zoran mind-spoke to Roxanne.
Holy Shit. It happened so fast. “What about you?” She whispered to Zoran.
“Don’t worry - I’ll be right behind you. If the spike beaks give chase I will hold them off. You run for the trees.”
“No way Jose’.” Roxanne fingered her pistol. “I am not leavin’ you to the mercy of those terror birds. We go together or not at all. I just found you. I’m not losin’ you now.” She hissed, then kissed his lips.
“NOW is not the time to argue. Do as I say, or bear the consequences.”
“Punish me later. Let’s just get the hell outta here now - Together.”
Roxanne’s heart raced as they ran together over the soft sand toward the White Road. Both keeping a sharp eye out behind.
It was with great relief they entered the cover of the forest. She noted Zoran had not forgotten to grab their fish. They were dangling from his spear. Good. She was proud of her first fish. A sacrilege to waste it.
“I see you didn’t forget about the important things in life.” She teased, eyeing the fish.
But his expression was grim. “Those birds are just one of the reasons you never go out alone or unarmed on Rastabahn.”
She nodded, completely convinced. Rastabahn is fascinating. So tempting. So alive. But you need eyes in the back of your head to survive here.
As they strode along the White Road, Zoran remained distant, his eyes hooded.
“I lost my first love because she went out alone.” He finally said.
“What happened to her?”
Zoran remained silent, until she thought he would not answer. Then he spoke -
Pain and grief flashed through his stormy eyes. It was the first time Roxanne had seen him less than embracing life.
“The Rasta?”
“Rasta are big lizards. Very dangerous. Walk on two legs. If only I had been with her, maybe I could have saved her. But I was up on Kolor Mountain hunting maladit. The Rasta hunt us. Try to force us off of our lands. I hate them.” His expression virulent, venomous.
Roxanne could only listen. What was there to say? Some empty `I’m so sorry’ platitude? She had wondered why such a delectable man like Zoran was not already married, especially in Drakon society. Now she knew the answer.
Deep down Roxanne struggled to repress that ugly green- eyed snake raising its jealous head. His `first love’? He’s still emotionally involved with someone who is gone. I should have known. A man this gorgeous. He has to have women swooning over him. How can I compete with a ghost?
“Are you still in love with her?”
He stopped and looked at Roxanne with that 1,000 yard stare.
Of course he is.
The Drakon projected to Roxanne images of a beautiful black-haired woman-child smiling and laughing. Gazing at him with light-filled eyes.
“We grew up together. Her ghost still follows me. Just as she used to follow me when we were children. She was always too bold.” With a sad smile he shook his black maned-head, eyes glazed with memories.
”But I have to let her go now. Since her death, three years ago, I have had no one to fill my days. Or my lonely nights.” Until you. His golden eyes said.
Roxanne was appalled. God - giant snakes, spike beaks, Rasta... I can’t live here. The danger is constant. You can never really relax.
He glanced at her with those perceptive eyes and she knew he `heard’ her. Zoran’s eyes were cool and withdrawn by the time they reached Shebear Cave.
“Keep my fishing gear. You can fish the pools here. Just keep a weapon at hand. I will have Mira broil your fish and bring it to the cave tomorrow.”
Palming her cheek, Zoran gave her a soft kiss. Then he turned and walked on up the White Road toward Drakon village, leaving a hole in Roxanne’s heart. For a few wonderful hours they were a team. Now they were nothing.
Has He given up on me?
But she understood Zoran’s feelings. Why should he let himself become emotionally invested in me when I will be leaving Rastabahn the first chance I get?
Chapter 17
The next afternoon a delegation of Drakon elders arrived at Shebear Cave to chat and just generally gossip. What else was there to do besides farming, hunting, partying and having sex?
Roxanne’s spirits instantly dropped when she saw Zoran was not among them.
“Where is Zoran?” She asked, trying to mask her concern. Has he given up on me?
“He is out hunting. He will return. When he is ready.” Chief Derveesh answered to knowing looks all around.
Given their telepathic sensitivities there could be no secrets among the Drakon. Apparently everyone was in on the budding love affair between Zoran and Roxanne.
Maybe Zoran is with another woman? I wouldn’t blame him. Roxanne wondered with failing heart. But she tried to keep her mask up, to maintain a calm countenance. Despite dying a little inside.
“Many ghosts and animals abide here in Shebear Cave. Why you not come to Drakon village? Live with us?” Derveesh asked
“Where is your village?” Koba asked.
“Not far. Follow the White Road up, into the highlands.” An elder waved in a general northwest direction.
“Life is better up there. Cooler. Not so many dangerous animals. Come to our village. You will be safe there.” Chief Derveesh was adamant.
Roxanne and Koba glanced toward Jivan who sat listening, his back resting against the cave wall.
The captain nodded appreciatively. “Thank you Chief Derveesh for your generous invitation. We will consider it.”
“Does the White Road go only to your village?” Koba asked.
“White Road goes to our village, then on to White City.”
“White City?” Koba asked.
“White City very old. Ghosts, demons abide there. The great temple has gold and jewels. But the Rasta rule White City.” The chief touched the thick gold and ruby pendant around his neck. “I took this from White City. The Rasta chased me for miles. They not catch me though. Hah.” He smiled grimly.
“White City is ruled by the Rasta king and his children.” Another elder put in. “Rasta king very greedy. He wants to keep all the treasure for himself. Our young men steal from the Rasta. If they get caught..” The elder made a throat slitting gesture - “Rasta kill and eat him.”
“What do these Rasta look like?” Koba asked.
“Tall as a man with big yellow eyes. Long neck, big jaw with many teeth. Long thick tail like snake. Walk on two legs. Run, jump, very fast.” The elder scissored two fingers imitating quick steps. “Long claws very sharp. If Rasta catch you, hold you with fore claws, bite your neck, rip out belly with long claws on hind legs.”
“Rasta smart. Hunt in packs.” The chief nodded.
A cold shiver passed through Roxanne. Could Zoran have gone to White City?
“Aye, Zoran went to White City. Alone.” Chief Derveesh shook his head, concern flickering across expressive amber eyes. “I tell him - Don’t go alone. But Zoran thinks he can never die.”
“Why did he go to White City if it’s so dangerous?”
“To prove himself. Maybe get some treasure.” The elder only shrugged a mysterious look in his eyes.
“Who built White City?” Koba asked.
The chief shook his head. “White City built long ago. It was already here when we came to Rastabahn. We lived in White City once but Rasta infested the land around it. We could not farm or hunt. Finally the Rasta drove us out.”
The brilliant idea of clearing White City of bloodthirsty predators flickered through Koba’s mind. By driving the Rasta out of the ruined city he could win a fortune in gold and jewels, plus earn the gratitude of the Drakon.
“How many Rasta are there?” He asked.
“Oh very many.” The chief responded. “Too many for you to fight Lord Koba, even with your lightning weapons and our spears beside you.”
“What if the Rasta population keeps growing? Keeps pushing you out of your lands?” Koba asked.
Derveesh nodded. “Aye. That is a problem. We have thought much on it.”
The elder was right, Koba knew he could not take on the Rasta alone. No my best bet is to just get the hell off Rastabahn. Come back with a small army of mercenaries.
But Koba was curious to see more of this strange world. He was restless, tired of sitting on his ass.
There was something about Rastabahn. He had noticed the change in Roxanne as well. Maybe it was the high oxygen in the air combined with low gravity, but he fairly bounced with energy and the will to make things happen.
“Can you take me to a place where I can see the White City? Observe these Rasta without being seen?”
“Aye. Kolor Mountain overlooks White City.” The chief nodded. “Balian can take you there tomorrow.”
“How long will it take to get there and back?”
“One day. Half day up, half day back.”
“Tomorrow then.” Koba agreed, a fire burning in his eyes. Only a day’s walk roundtrip? Hell I could run up that mountain.
“What about me and Jivan?” Roxanne tried to keep the whine out of her voice. She was always up for adventure.
“You stay here. Rest up. Neither of you are in any condition to be climbing mountains or fighting off man-eating reptiles.” Koba answered.
“Good.” The chief grunted. “Tomorrow at sunrise, Balian will come, take you to Kolor Mountain.” The chief’s piercing golden eyes gazed at Koba, reading him. “Maybe, Lord
Koba, when you see the Rasta, you will think of a strategy to defeat them.”
“What do you think?” Koba asked after the elders left. “Should we move to Drakon village?”
Roxanne leaned her head back against the cave wall to ponder. “They want our weapons.”
Jivan nodded. “I noticed them looking around. The Drakon could turn on us. Try to steal our weapons. It’s a matter of survival for them. There are some big ass predators on this planet.”
“Yeah.” Koba nodded. “The Drakon are no fools. But if they were going to attack us they would have done so when we were weakest. But they have only helped us.” The image of Mira’s swaying figure carrying food passed through his mind.
“The most important thing is to get that distress beacon up ASAP.” Jivan said.
“Yeah. It’s our only chance of rescue. When I get back from Mt. Kolor we can decide on our next move.”
Roxanne...my beautiful Fisher of Men…Come here... That night Zoran’s subliminal call awoke Roxanne from restless sleep.
Rising in a dreamlike state, Roxanne stood at the cave entrance, gazing out at the scene below. Her heart sparked with joy to see a tall figure standing next to the pool, slivers of moonlight playing over his lithe rippling body.
Her heart dancing, she went to him. Melted into his warm, smiling embrace.
“You have been a bad girl Roxanne.” He squeezed the back of her neck, causing her knees to go weak. She leaned against his muscular chest, inhaling his tantalizing fragrance.
“I have?”
“You caught a big fish in your net of dreams but you will not let him go. Why don’t you make a wish and let him go free?”
“I don’t want to let you go Zoran. But I guess I have no choice. It seems your true heart belongs to a ghost.” Her eyes downcast.
He stiffened at her words, then put a finger under her chin, lifting her lightning eyes to meet his. The intensity in Zoran’s golden raptor eyes was too much. He could pierce her soul with those eyes. Could see how badly, how desperately she needed him.
Eye of the Dragon (Vision of a Dreaming God) (Fallen Drakon Empire Book 3) Page 6