Tova's Dragon (Kingdoms & Legends Book 2)

by Lyndi Lamont

  She heaved a sigh and stared at him. Must he always be so enigmatic? “What on earth do you mean? Everyone knows there are no dragons outside of fairy stories.”

  “Are there not? Did you not see one earlier today?”

  She frowned, thinking back to that afternoon. “I saw a bird, a rather large bird.” She hesitated, picturing the creature in her mind, with its enormous wingspan and barbed tail. She gasped as the truth hit her. “The large, red-gold bird?”

  “That was no bird, Tova.”

  Suddenly faint, she reached out and steadied herself on the large rune stone. When she spoke, her voice was shaky. “You mean… a… dragon?”

  “You saw me.”

  She sank to the floor of the cave, staring up at him, shaken to her core.

  He knelt before her and took her hands. “I am sorry to shock you like this, but you must know the truth. The dragonfolk are called such for a reason. Have you not heard we have the ability to become dragons?”

  “I thought ’twas all folktales. You can fly?” she whispered.

  “Yes. Why else would your Mutti Zee send you to me? ’Tis the only way for us to reach the castle in time to warn the king about Bruno. We must fly.”

  Tova closed her eyes and sought inner guidance. ::Goddess, what should I do?::

  ::Fly. Fly with the dragon.::

  She forced her eyes open. Kane stared at her, an anxious look on his face, his hands still gripping hers.

  “Well, my lady?”

  She tamped down her fear. “I am no lady, but I will go with you.” Goddess help her, what was she about to do?

  The tension went out of his body at her acceptance. He drew her hands to his lips and kissed the back of each. “Thank you for not running away, screaming in terror.”

  Her heart melted a little at his words. How much hatred and rejection had he experienced in his life? She rubbed her cheek against his hand. “I am not afraid of you, my lord dragon, though I am afraid.”

  “I will be there to protect you,” he swore. “Though it cost my life.”

  “I pray it will not come to that.” She sent up a quick prayer. Goddess, keep us both safe, if it please you. So mote it be.

  But she feared to know what more the goddess might demand of her before this was all over.

  *****

  Tova returned to the main chamber, donned her mostly-dry tunic and pulled on her cloak. Her heart pounded erratically in her chest, signaling her dread of what was to come. She was a creature of earth, not sky, and the very idea of defying gravity to soar through the air terrified her.

  Kane entered carrying a small breastplate. He held it out to her. “I think this will fit you.”

  Puzzled, she accepted the piece of armor. “Why do I need this?”

  He helped her don it, fastening it snugly around her middle. “Just a precaution. It will protect your chest and stomach.”

  Her heart rate sped up, and she fought off panic. “You must think someone will try to shoot you out of the sky.”

  “It has happened before.” Though his words were matter-of-fact, she knew he was worried.

  She watched as he packed a pouch with deer jerky and dried berries. His movements were efficient, yet graceful. He was a handsome man in the prime of his life, all long, lean muscle and leashed power. Was it truly possible Kane could transform himself into dragon form and fly through the heavens? It was one thing to hear him say so, but to actually see it… Was she living a dream or a nightmare?

  “Tova?”

  His words interrupted her thoughts. “Yes?”

  “Are you ready to go?”

  She managed to smile at him. “As ready as ever I will be.”

  He smiled back in acknowledgement of her misgivings. “The gods will watch over us, both yours and mine.”

  She swallowed and nodded her agreement.

  He extinguished all but one torch and led her to a different passageway that wound upward inside the cliff. “This way to the castle.”

  She followed him up the narrow passage until they emerged into a large chamber filled with dusty wooden tables. Arms and armor had once hung on the walls, to judge by the marks left on the paneling.

  “The great hall of the castle,” he explained, as he strode across the room. “After my father became lord, he established a school here. In the old days, it was filled with youthful laughter and hope.”

  Her heart ached at the wistfulness in his voice. “Perhaps one day it will be again.”

  “I doubt it. My people have found a new home on a remote island far to the west.”

  “The people there accept you?” she asked.

  He opened a door and held it for her. “The island was uninhabited, thus a perfect place for us.”

  “How awful it must be to be all alone.” She remembered what it was like as a child to wander from place to place, never quite belonging, but that was nothing compared to the revulsion and superstitions Kane’s people must have faced. Solitude would be preferable.

  He shrugged. “The dragonfolk treasure freedom above all. On the island, we have each other and the ability to leave whenever we wish. We have always been wanderers, searching for a place to call home. For a time, Velosia was a safe haven.”

  “Goddess grant it will be again,” Tova said.

  He smiled. “You are a treasure, my dear. Whatever happens, I am glad we met.”

  “The goddess usually knows what she is about.”

  He laughed. “I will take your word for that, daughter of earth.” Turning, he led the way up a large marble staircase to a high-ceilinged room. Wide doors stood open, revealing a large balcony carved at the edge of the cliff. The nearly full moon had risen and cast its light on the scene.

  He stopped in the doorway. “I must disrobe.”

  “Now?”

  His laugh echoed in the large chamber. “My clothing will not stretch to contain a dragon’s body.” He removed his clothes, folded them. placed them in his pouch, and handed it to her. “Please keep this safe for me. I’ll need it again when we get to the castle.”

  She took the pouch and looped it over her head and shoulder, trying not to ogle him, but failing. She remembered what it felt like to be in his arms, feel him inside her. Her womb tightened in need, but she repressed the feelings. Now was not the time to be thinking about pleasure.

  Pulling her gaze to his face, she asked, “How does it happen? The transformation, I mean?”

  “I cannot explain it. Stay here while I go out on the balcony. When I have completed the transformation, climb onto my back and hold on for dear life.”

  Her heart raced and her knees weakened. “What if I fall off?” She hated the quaver in her voice.

  “I will fly down and catch you.” He cupped her chin and kissed her on the lips. “I promise to keep you safe, my dear.”

  Throat tight, she could but nod. He kissed her once more, turned and walked to the edge of the balcony. He was a fine figure of a man, tall and long-limbed with powerful arms. The better to fly with?

  He stood for a moment, his back to her, arms and head raised toward the moon, chanting softly. And then he jumped.

  CHAPTER 3

  “Kane!”

  The scream tore from her mouth, and she rushed onto the balcony. Over her pounding heart, she heard the flapping of wings as the dragon flew up and over her head. Transfixed, she stood and watched as it—no, he—soared and glided in the night sky, now visible, silhouetted against the moon, then camouflaged by darkness. A shiver of awe passed through her as he came closer and hovered at the edge of the cliff, staying aloft by the power of slowly flapping wings.

  She backed away toward the castle. Though she had said she was not afraid of Kane, she trembled in the face of this powerful creature. Moonlight glinted on the red-gold scales. The creature was long, with powerful hind legs and a spiked tail. A dark mane covered the back of its long, tapered neck.

  The dragon stepped onto the balcony and crouched down. ::Fear not, Tova. It is
I, Kane.::

  She forced a smile. “I see now what you meant about having to see this transformation for myself.” A laugh echoed in her mind. “Can you not speak in this form?”

  Kane shook his head. ::Only in your mind, but I can hear you just fine.::

  “What now?”

  He lowered his head. ::Hang the pouches around my neck.::

  She picked them up and moved closer to do as he bade. A glint of gold caught her eye and she saw he still wore the chain with the pearl, only now it hugged the narrowest part of his neck instead of dangling down. She touched the pearl. “Shall I put this in the pouch for safety?”

  ::No! It must not be removed.::

  She winced at the shout in her mind. “Very well.”

  He softened his tone. ::Now climb on my back. We must be off.::

  He hunkered down, and she clambered onto his back, clutching the black mane in one hand. It was as soft as his human hair. With her other hand, she tentatively stroked his neck. The scales of his dragon hide were smoother than expected and cool to the touch.

  ::Hang on tightly, daughter of earth. I would not lose you.::

  She leaned forward, closed her eyes and grasped his neck with both arms. “Then see you do not.” She felt a chuckle in his throat as he spread his wings.

  His body tensed and then powerful muscles propelled them into the air. A few minutes later, when she found the courage to open her eyes, they were gliding over the mountains, the only sound the flapping of massive wings.

  After a few minutes, Kane felt Tova relax her stranglehold on his neck. “This isn’t as scary as I thought it would be.”

  ::Good.:: He still couldn’t believe she had accepted him; was even now riding on his back.

  “Amazing,” she said in a hushed tone. “I can see everything.”

  She was amazing, so brave. He kept his pace slow and easy, not darting and spinning his way through these mountains he’d grown up in as he usually did. Not with this precious cargo in his keeping. Her courage and trust were humbling. If only all humans were as strong and brave as his Tova.

  No, not his, no matter how badly he wanted her. Having her in his bed for one brief moment was all he would have. They had been thrown together for a purpose, and he dared not hope for more than this brief time. More than that could never be. Not between humans and dragonfolk.

  As they left the shelter of the mountains, he flew faster, savoring the wind in his face, the rush of air under his wings. The clouds had fled, leaving the countryside bathed in the soft moonlight. Here and there he spotted a village or a lone farmhouse. White dots against a dark meadow revealed a herd of sheep. They moved restlessly, perhaps sensing his presence above. He veered toward the forest, lest any shepherds or sleepless farmers notice him against the full moon. He’d forgotten how beautiful Velosia could be, how peaceful and safe.

  Until Bruno came to power.

  His gut tightened at the thought of the wizard who had brought terror to the kingdom. Kane’s people weren’t the only ones who had suffered under his rule, though they were the ones hunted like beasts. He knew Bruno wanted the men for battle steeds and the women to breed a line of dragon warriors. Bruno was the true monster, his heart as black as his hair; evil personified in one man. And now he had returned.

  *****

  Just before dawn, Kane spied the spires of Castle Novita in the distance and slowed.

  “Are we there?” Tova called.

  ::Almost. I need to find a place to land. Hang on.::

  She tightened her grip as he circled lower, looking for a forest clearing big enough for him to land easily. At last he found one and glided to the ground, aware that all was silence, the small creatures of the forest probably frozen in fear when faced with such a large predator. If only he could reassure them he posed no danger.

  He crouched so Tova could slide off his back. ::Are you all right?::

  “I feel wonderful! I’ve never experienced anything so exhilarating,” she said, slipping the pouches off him. “But you must be exhausted. Are you going to shift now?”

  ::Yes.::

  Kane closed his eyes and visualized the unseen energy of his astral form. Slowly he drew it inward, reshaping into his human body. When he opened his eyes, he was a man again. He smiled when he heard birds chirping and the rustle of other small creatures in the grass.

  The morning air was cold on his bare skin, but Tova’s gaze roaming over his body warmed him. He strode to her and reached for his pouch. He dressed quickly and then drew her into the woods. “I will wait here while you go to the castle.”

  “You are not going with me?”

  He cupped her face in one hand. “I dare not. The minute I’m seen in the vicinity of the castle, they will arrest me. Then I’ll be no help to you at all.”

  “But what if someone finds you here and recognizes you?”

  “’Tis a chance I must take.”

  She thought for a moment. “I have a better idea. My mother lives just outside the village. You can stay there. Besides, ’tis too early to call upon the royal family, and in any case, I must change into my gown.”

  He hesitated. “I hate to bring your family into this. Perhaps an inn instead.”

  “No, too dangerous. Mother need not know exactly who you are. She will just be happy to see me with a man. She has been…concerned I have not yet wed.”

  He smiled and stroked her cheek. “Happy am I that you have not.”

  Her sweet smile warmed his heart and stirred his desire, but now was not the time and place for further love play. And she was not a tavern wench, ripe for the taking whenever it pleased him.

  “We can say you are a knight who is aiding me in my quest. Come.” She turned and began walking toward the village.

  “What of your father?” Kane asked, as they followed a well-worn path through the forest. The leaves on the trees were beginning their transformation from green to gold, orange or red.

  “Father has been gone for years,” Tova said. “Mother married again, to a goldsmith with a lucrative business. He keeps the court in jewelry. She is much happier now than when my father was alive.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Truly? It seems like a step down in rank.”

  “Yes, but now she has more stability. Father was a wandering knight, with no land and little money. What’s more, he was never content to stay in one place, so there was little hope of an estate. She hated moving about.”

  “In my experience, most women like to nest.”

  Tova smiled. “That describes my mother perfectly. When Father became one of King Helmut’s knights, she told him no more wandering. She loved living in the castle. For a while, she was one of Queen Clothilda’s ladies-in-waiting. That is how Princess Ilona and I became friends.”

  “It sounds like a wonderful childhood.”

  “It was,” she said, “until my father died.”

  “What happened?”

  She stopped in the middle of the forest path to face him, her face pale and troubled. “I had gone into the forest to gather berries when a storm blew in. It was the first time I noticed how the lightning seemed to follow me. I was running back toward the village when Father came looking for me. He was killed by the lightning.”

  “That could have happened to anyone.”

  “No,” she insisted. “He was trying to protect me. I heard him beg Thor to spare me.”

  He pulled her close and hugged her to his chest. “How old were you?”

  She snuggled into his embrace.“Thirteen.”

  “On the brink of womanhood. It makes sense,” he mused. “Latent powers often manifest at puberty.”

  She backed away from him, alarmed by his words. “What latent power are you talking about?”

  “If your father really was descended from Thor, you may have inherited the ability to channel lightning. That is why it seeks you out.”

  She rolled her eyes at his comment. “Goddess help us, you cannot believe such a ridiculous old wives’ tale.
”

  He shrugged. “Why not? I can change at will from man to dragon and back. Why should you not be able to channel lightning? We live in a magical world, do we not?”

  Her frown faded into a more thoughtful look. “I shall have to think on the matter.”

  They walked the rest of the way in silence, until the path ended at the edge of the village. Tova stopped in front of a properous-looking, two-story, half-timbered house. A fence surrounded the property, and the roof was newly thatched.

  Tova paused at the gate. “Mother will be surprised to see me.”

  “It cannot be helped. You had no opportunity to tell her you were coming.”

  She gave him a wry smile. “Mother and I have our differences, but we will be fine, as long as the subject stays away from my father.”

  “You loved him a lot,” Kane observed, “and you think she did not.”

  “Are you always so perceptive?” she asked lightly.

  He twined their fingers together and squeezed her hand. “No, not always. I sense a connection between us, a shared destiny of some kind.”

  He felt her shudder. “I sense it, too, but I dread it.”

  “I will be here to protect you,” he promised.

  “Hush, say no more. Our fate is not in our hands alone, and you must not risk your life for mine. The gods will not like it. This I know.”

  He gave her fingers a quick kiss, but said no more. He greatly feared she was right.

  Tova led him to the house and knocked on the front door, where, in due time, they were greeted by a middle-aged woman with red hair and a shrewd look in her green eyes.

  “Daughter, how good to see you. I was expecting you.”

  “How could you possibly know?” Tova asked.

  Her mother’s laugh was low and throaty. “You are not the only mage in the family, my child. And who is this handsome man?”

  Kane bowed. “Allow me to introduce myself, my lady. My name is—”

  “Kane of Drakkenberg. I remember you.”

  Tova gasped. “Mother, you cannot turn him in.”

  Her mother gave her a brittle smile. “I have no such intention, though I seem to recall there is a substantial reward for his capture. ’Tis good you brought him to me where no one will see him. Bruno is no friend of mine, and what he did to our good king and queen is inexcusable. Come in and rest after your journey. Are you hungry?”