Dragon Defense (Heirs to the Throne Book 3)

by Diane Rapp

  Felesia said, “Don’t frighten our guest, Marra. This is Brandon, the man who will take us to see the dragons.”

  She stroked the cat but Marra gazed at Brandon as if measuring the distance to his soft throat. Padding toward Jordan, her body swaying, Marra snarled as she passed the new human. Jordan watched Brandon wipe his forehead with a shaky hand and smiled. Marra might help keep Brandon at a safe distance. Jordan stroked Marra’s soft fur and whispered endearments as she rubbed his leg.

  “How far is it to the ocean?” Krystal asked.

  Brandon shrugged. “With good weather, we should make it in three days.”

  Krystal said, “Good, I’ll be glad for the time. Can you tell us more about the dragons?”

  Brandon watched the panther sprint ahead of the horses and relaxed. “The dragons live up the coast from my father’s castle. They seldom bother fishermen who stay away from their rookeries, but if you trespass into their territory they become ruthless hunters. The dragons are protective of their young. Bother a nest and you’re dead meat.”

  “Can you blame them?” Krystal glanced at Felesia. “I hope Felesia and Flash can communicate with them. I’d hate to place them in danger,” Krystal said.

  “She speaks to Flash, so she might make contact. I don’t know what good it will do.” Brandon gazed at Felesia, riding bareback. She dressed in a short leather tunic with her long tawny legs dangling seductively over the back of her horse. Unaware of her appeal, Felesia tilted her head and basked in the warm rays of the sun.

  Krystal noticed Brandon’s stare. “Do you sail on your father’s vessels?”

  Brandon said, “I spent time at sea. Father claims salt water runs in our veins, and he might be right. While I’m inland the sea invades my dreams, so a visit will do my soul good.”

  Krystal laughed. “You assume the lilt of your father’s voice when you speak of the sea. Does salt water twist your tongue into a brogue?”

  “No, milady, habit does that.”

  “Do you know men who sail your father’s ships?”

  Brandon’s mouth twitched, and he averted his gaze. “Yes, milady.”

  “I need to speak with a group of seamen. Could you set up such a meeting?” Krystal sounded as if she was organizing a tea with local ladies.

  “I can contact a few of them.” Brandon’s sly smile was lost on Krystal.

  *****

  The translucent aqua waves fascinated Felesia as she absorbed the serenity of the vista. “I can hardly believe the size and majesty of the ocean,” she said and clasped Jordan’s hand. “Everyone said it was immense, but it defies imagination.”

  Jordan squeezed her hand. “When Donovan tells stories about speeding through space in a ship, I can’t imagine floating through a black void.”

  Felesia laughed. “I thought I was the only one who shudders at his stories.” She turned back to the rolling waves. “The ocean looks like a living thing, beautiful but frightening.”

  Jordan slipped an arm around her waist. “Next you’ll say you can hear the ocean’s voice like one of your animals.”

  “I could believe it,” Krystal said. The two young lovers moved apart, realizing they were no longer alone. “The last time I saw this, I thought I heard voices in the wind.” Her eyes looked dreamy, as if she remembered a pleasant experience. “Our evening meal is ready and darkness falls fast. Come into the keep.”

  “We wanted to watch the sunset,” Felesia complained.

  “Perhaps tomorrow.” Krystal placed her hand on Felesia’s shoulder. “Tonight we should honor our host’s hospitality. He invited guests from his entire fief to show off his royal visitors.”

  Felesia groaned, “It’s that kind of dinner!”

  Jordan said, “Responsibility comes with your title. Learn to tolerate such dinners.”

  “Thank you, Jordan.” Krystal slipped her arm into his and led them both into the stronghold. “She’s never easy to convince.”

  “I heard that somewhere.” Jordan grinned.

  “Yes, you say it over and over,” Felesia chided.

  Richly dressed people with expectant expressions filled tables in the main hall while food arrived on steaming trenchers and silver platters. “It looks wonderful, Dar!” Krystal exclaimed as they sat on the dais.

  “Not half as wonderful as you look, milady.” Lord Dartmouth bowed and kissed her fingertips.

  “I understand where Brandon learned his manners,” Krystal said. She turned to Dar’s beautiful wife, Gretchen. “Does he treat all ladies like this?”

  Gretchen grinned. “He sweeps them off their feet, and it’s all I can do to keep them out of his bed.”

  “I never ask for attention.” Dar chuckled.

  Gretchen’s sultry eyes flashed. “If you want another to warm your bed, just give me the word and I’ll vacate.”

  Dar’s face blanched. “I didn’t mean that, lass. Don’t get your blood to boiling.”

  Gretchen told Krystal, “Don’t allow a man too much liberty. Keep him tightly reined or lose your mind. Remember that.”

  “I’ll try.” Krystal smiled as Dar rolled his eyes and winked at Jordan.

  Jordon watched Brandon accept kisses and hugs from every comely maiden who passed the table. Why didn’t Brandon focus on these pretty women and leave Felesia alone?

  Brandon gazed at Felesia with a calculating expression, like a hunter plotting to capture elusive prey.

  Jordan realized the maidens of the keep were easy for Brandon to pluck, like tame chickens, but Felesia was like a wild falcon, worth the effort to hunt. Jordan clenched his fist.

  “Please try to be civil,” Felesia said, as she stroked Jordan’s hand.

  He realized she heard his thoughts. “Sorry. I love you and can’t stand the way he looks at you. I’ll control myself.” He lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them softly.

  Felesia blushed. “People are staring.”

  He laughed. “I don’t care. They don’t see Jarrack’s son, because they don’t know my identity. They’re staring at a beautiful woman courted by her hopeful lover. It’s wonderful!”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased.” Felesia sounded reproachful but her eyes betrayed pleasure. “Let’s continue this conversation at another time and place.” She nodded toward the hand that he still gripped.

  “Yes, milady, I agree most heartily.” It was easy for Jordan to forget Brandon while immersed in the warmth of Felesia’s company.

  Brandon cast baleful glances at the lovers. He jumped out of his chair when he spotted a particular seaman at one of the tables. “Milady,” Brandon said to Krystal. “May I introduce you to a seaman who might prove useful for your meetings?”

  “Oh yes,” she replied. “Please bring him to meet with me.”

  Brandon artfully wove a path through crowded tables to reach the burly man. The seaman noted his approach with troubled eyes, but Brandon smiled politely. “The Queen asks to speak with you, Chad.”

  The seaman glanced at the queen. “Is she in search of a real man?”

  Brandon gripped the hilt of his sword with menace. “I’ll spill your guts on the floor if your foul mouth utters another slanderous comment about our queen!”

  Chad blanched at the threat. “Pardon, milord, I jested without thinking. What does the lady require of a poor seaman?”

  “She requires an audience with the Seafarer’s Guild on royal business.”

  “Aye?” Chad looked awestruck. “We hoped King Donovan would send an emissary, but we never thought he’d send the likes of her. I can arrange a meeting.”

  Brandon nodded. “Good. Come along and be introduced like a proper gentleman.” Brandon walked toward the dais, and Chad sauntered after him with a rolling seaman’s gait. Brandon made the introductions.

  “I’ll bring the seamen together to meet you, milady,” Chad said.

  “Donovan hopes we can strike a bargain to keep the ports open.” Krystal’s comment included Lord Dartmouth. “He wants the Seafar
er’s Guild to send a representative to court. I’m sure Lord Dartmouth will sponsor the guild.”

  Lord Dartmouth’s eyes narrowed. “This is not the proper time to discuss the proposal.”

  “Oh?” Krystal sipped her wine innocently. “In my experience good food and wine help solve differences, Lord Dartmouth. Join me at the meeting with the seamen and hear their grievances in person.”

  “I’m caught in the lady’s trap!” Lord Dartmouth forced a half smile and nodded. “I’ll be there.”

  “We plan to view the dragons tomorrow, so let’s hold the meeting the following day. Say, three hours after midday? The fleet will be back with their catch by then.”

  Chad nodded. “I’ll see to it, milady.” He glanced at Lord Dartmouth and received a nod of grudging approval. As Chad turned to leave, Brandon signaled the seaman and they met on the terrace.

  “I have business of my own to discuss with you,” Brandon whispered.

  “Aye, it’s a good night for deals when two offers come me way.” Chad grinned. “By yer look, I wager yer deal is more secret like.”

  Brandon’s eyes flashed. “A loose-lipped bastard feeds the fish in the blink of an eye.”

  “Old Chad don’t spread no gossip.”

  “See to my business and be rewarded.”

  Chad grinned. “What do ye have in mind?”

  “I’ve a new crewman in mind for your next voyage,” Brandon said.

  “Does yer man have his bags packed?”

  “He doesn’t know how to pack for a long voyage, so see to it for him.”

  Chad’s lips curled into a surly snarl. “If ye grease me palm, I’ll pack a right smart duffel for the poor fella.”

  Brandon tossed a leather pouch at Chad. “I don’t argue price. Grab the man at this place day after tomorrow. He’ll wear a red jacket and cap, and I don’t want to see his face again.” Brandon handed Chad the map. The seaman stepped back into the bright room with a bag of coins tucked away, while Brandon sauntered to the dais, smiling.

  *****

  Felesia rolled in the grass with Marra while the others waited by the boat. “How long before we leave?” Brandon asked.

  “A few minutes more. Felesia must convince Marra to stay in the forest while we board the boat,” Krystal explained. “You don’t want a panther in your boat.

  “She’s talking to the cat?” Brandon watched as Marra snarled and batted Felesia with her paw. The girl pushed the paw away and said, “Go into the forest, Marra. We’ll be back soon.”

  The panther yawned and stretched. She lifted her nose and let out a loud “Bffff” before she sauntered into the forest, her sleek body swaying. Felesia finger-combed leaves from her thick hair and climbed into the boat.

  Jordan pointed at Flash. “What are you going to do with her?”

  Felesia’s eyes crinkled as she grinned. “Flash agreed to stay with Arrow. We talked and she knows it’s better for her to wait to meet the dragons. We can’t risk them attacking her.”

  “It doesn’t look like she plans to stay.” Jordan laughed as Flash waded into the surf with swirling eyes and wings stretched.

  “Stay here today,” Felesia shouted. “Arrow, help keep Flash here!” The hawk swooped from her perch and hovered above Flash. She chirped sharply at the young dragon. Flash folded her wings and walked back to shore with Arrow on her shoulder.

  Krystal laughed. “I don’t know how you do it, Felesia. Donovan should take lessons on managing the Council.”

  “Politicians would be more difficult to train.” Felesia grinned and turned to Brandon. “How far is it to the dragon cliffs?”

  He said, “About two hours sailing time, so enjoy the sun.” He ignored Jordan’s angry glare and sat next to Felesia.

  They sailed past white chalk cliffs that jutted above glistening water like the ramparts of a castle. Gulls shrieked at the intruders and fuzzy round heads bobbed under the water as the boat rounded the point. “The otters raid our traps!” Brandon frowned as an otter drifted atop the waves, crunching a piece of shellfish.

  “Oh, they’re so cute!” Felesia exclaimed. “Jordan, don’t they remind you of Killer?” A wet head bobbed near the boat. The otter blinked his eyes and rubbed his whiskers with its forepaws.

  “The head’s too round, the eyes too large, and it’s fat. Otherwise they look like cousins,” Jordan said.

  Felesia hit him playfully. The otter squeaked and dove under the water. “You frightened him!” Felesia chided.

  “Me? You did the hitting, not me.” Jordan laughed and ducked another playful swat.

  “Brandon, what are those?” Krystal pointed to sleek silver bodies jumping through the waves.

  “Dolphins. They love to play and follow the boat,” Brandon answered. “If you’re lucky, we’ll see whales, their giant cousins. They often fish nearby.” Brandon enjoyed the job of tour guide. “See the holes in the cliffs ahead? That’s where the dragons roost.”

  Everyone stared at the dark rugged cliffs that jutted above a white sand beach. The clusters of rust colored vertical spikes looked like projectiles shot out of the ocean and frozen in place. Krystal said, “I saw similar rock formations on other planets, caused by lava rising straight up through groups of cracks in the planet surface. After the magma hardens, erosion removes the softer soil and dense rock formations are revealed. Those rocks are a perfect roosting place for dragons, and I’d bet they lay their eggs in warm volcanic caverns.”

  Winged creatures rose from fissures atop the spires or dropped out of dark openings in worn patches across the cliff face. From a distance they looked like giant birds until sunlight reflected a dizzy array of colors across their wings.

  Felesia shaded her eyes. “I see dragons!” she squealed with glee. “That one swooped down to the water and grabbed something with its talons.”

  “Yeah, they’re fishing. Dragons hover over the water until they spot a fish, then they drop like a rock, grab the fish, and fly away without getting wet.” Brandon said, “If you see them dive in unison, they’re trying to catch a large eel.”

  “Eel?” She cringed, remembering the eel that nearly killed her. Staring into the dark waves she imagined seeing the humps of a snakelike creature and took an involuntary step away from the side.

  “Yes, giant sea eels are thick around here, and we lose fishermen to them regularly. Eels are vile creatures with nasty tempers. The dragons are natural enemies and a ship’s crew cheers whenever they see the dragons catch one.”

  Felesia asked, “So dragons keep the eel population under control?”

  Brandon nodded. “If the dragons weren’t so dangerous to our ships, we’d appreciate their help.”

  Felesia locked her gaze on the scene as dragons filled the sky, their filmy wings rippling with color. “Jordan, I see colors in their minds just like Flash. The colors they display in their wings match those inside their minds.”

  Jordan grinned and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “You’re right. Mental images match the patterns from their wings. Maybe they communicate with color.”

  Brandon scowled. “You’re imagining things. They’re pretty animals but dangerous.”

  Jordan shook his head. “You claim that dragons cooperate while hunting eels, so they must communicate.”

  Brandon watched the dragons thoughtfully. “Could we anticipate what they’re planning to do from those colors?”

  Felesia nodded. “When Flash talks to me, the colors in her wings change.” She turned to watch the dragons again. “You see? Two dragons synchronized their colors and now they’re both diving!” Felesia clapped her hands. “They caught a large eel and see how the colors changed before they flew toward the shore?”

  Brandon caught his breath and nodded. “I never noticed that before!” He stared at the horizon and frowned. “A storm is brewing, so we must return to port.”

  Felesia pointed at the dragons. “Look! That large dragon displayed dark colors, making the others head back to their nests.”
She turned to Brandon. “Can we come back out tomorrow?”

  “Sure, you and Jordan can take my boat while Krystal and I meet the seamen,” Brandon offered.

  “Since we know where to go, I’m sure we can manage on our own,” Jordan said and grinned.

  Brandon spent the return voyage teaching Jordan about the sails, while Krystal and Felesia coaxed otters close. Krystal watched an otter take a morsel from Felesia’s fingertips.

  “Can you hear their minds?” Krystal asked.

  Felesia nodded. “I see pictures of ocean creatures, mostly their favorite foods, but other pictures are enemies. Tomorrow I’ll bring Killer and see how he reacts.”

  “What about Flash?”

  “We should wait until I understand dragon signals. I’ll teach Flash the patterns and bring her out.” Felesia tossed a piece of fish to an otter and watched the creature eat while floating on its back.

  Jordan felt clumsy maneuvering the sails and frowned at Brandon’s smug expression. He controlled his anger, determined to learn. The evening breeze turned icy by the time the skiff entered the harbor. Jordan shivered and Brandon pulled a red wool cloak from his pack.

  “Put this on before you catch a chill.”

  Jordan’s eyes widened. “I can’t take your cloak.”

  Brandon shrugged. “It’s an extra and I won’t need it tomorrow. The damp air chills your bones if you’re not careful.”

  Jordan fingered the heavy fabric and slipped the cloak over his shoulders. The thick folds felt warm. “Here, you need a proper cap for the sea.” Brandon tossed a red stocking cap to Jordan. “Return them before you head back to Havenshire.”

  Brandon’s casual manner surprised Jordan, and he wondered if he misjudged the man. “Thanks. I’ll get it back to you,” he mumbled and pulled the stocking cap over cold ears.

  Jordan, intent on guiding the skiff into its mooring, didn’t notice another seaman, who watched his clumsy actions. Brandon nodded at the man, leaning idly against the mast of his ship. The seaman moved his boat out of sight before Jordan docked.