“Prince Richard will take the throne and use its power to hunt down the druid.”
“Linux is dead,” Zahrellion snapped. A stray tear streamed down her cheek, but she ignored it.
“Those guards didn’t know,” Rikky explained. He was nervous and talking fast. “Queen Alvazina and King Blanchard kept the secret well. Everyone in the kingdom will think King Blanchard is dead. Richard thought... he thought... He thought he was murdering his own father. There are witnesses. We Dragoneers may not even be welcome now. Not after Richard establishes himself.”
“I thought Prince Richard was one of us?” Marcherion asked. He looked baffled by the events taking place around him. “If this is the king, ask him what he would have us do.” He gestured toward Linux’s body, which was hunched over and still.
“The prince was the best of us,” Rikky explained. “Gravelbone messed up his thinker while he was captivated, but even so, Prince Richard managed to thwart the bastard so we could end him.”
“Take me to the Druidom of Dou,” King Blanchard said weakly. “They can illusionate me there.”
“Illusionate?” Marcherion asked Rikky. “What the—?”
“He’s not wrong,” Zahrellion nodded. “Linux’s twin brother is the acting High Druidon; he might be able to cast such an illusion, but he’ll not like the news we bear.” She went to the king’s side and gave him a canteen of water and a rag with which to clean his face. “We have to wait for Herald. I gave him my word,” she explained. “Then we will get you to Kingsmen’s Keep.”
“You’ll stay and wait for Herald.” The king was regaining some of his composure. “The man with the fire wyrm can carry me.” He looked at Rikky for support. “Rikky Camille will watch over us.”
“After the dragons are rested,” Rikky agreed.
Zahrellion gave Rikky a look that said she didn’t want them to separate. Rikky sensed her displeasure and hoped that something might change before the wyrms woke from their deep slumber, but as nightfall came and went, nothing did. While Crystal showed the other dragons, Zah showed Rikky how to find the Temple of Dou. She drew a map in the dirt and made him repeat what she told him. She made certain that they knew she didn’t like the situation. The king made it clear that, at the moment, what she thought mattered little. The entire kingdom was in peril.
Crystal was the first to wake, and Zahrellion reluctantly readied herself to go find Herald and learn what she could. She looked confused and angry, but when Marcherion smiled and wished her well, Rikky saw her light up.
“We’re all Dragoneers, Zah,” Rikky said in a way that caused her to flush with embarrassment for showing her delight. But nevertheless, when she took to the air she was smiling despite the craziness of what was taking place. Rikky hoped she kept sharp. He knew she was a capable druida, but so was Linux, and he was full of knife holes now.
Not long after Crystal disappeared in the sky, Silva and Blaze were ready to carry their riders north. King Blanchard wouldn’t let them take him to Kingsmen’s Keep. He said that it would be next to impossible to convince the rangers that he was really the king. The druids, especially Linux’s brother, would know how to deal with the situation. They would believe.
His fear of dragons had the king quaking as he was helped onto Blaze’s warm, scaly back. Once the king was situated, Marcherion took his place between two stiff spinal plates and urged his wyrm into the sky. Silva came right behind them and was soon streaking past in undulating bursts of speed.
“That’s one fast dragon,” Marcherion observed aloud.
“Looks like she is swimming through the sky,” King Blanchard agreed over the rush of the wind. A moment later he said, “You’ll have to kill my son. None of the other Dragoneers will be able to do it. Yet it must be done.”
Marcherion didn’t respond to that. He wasn’t certain he could kill someone he didn’t know, but after seeing the pallid, bloody-eyed prince of the realm stab the body of his own father to death he knew that it most likely needed doing. After a time, he replied. “The Confliction is drawing nearer. I think that few of your kingdom’s affairs will be important before long.”
“Jenka told me of this Confliction, but I learned little from our conversations.”
“There is little to learn,” March replied over his shoulder. He could barely believe he was talking to a king trapped in a druid’s tattoo-faced body. Brendly would think him drunk if he told such a tale.
It was after sunset when they passed high over Kingsmen’s Keep. The moon was a brilliant yellow crescent. The dragons didn’t need the moonlight, but without it, the riders would have seen nothing. With it, they saw treetops around the orange specks of firelight that burned in the kettles outside the keep’s doors, but little else.
Rikky longed to land and see his mother. He hadn’t seen her since he, Jenka, and Zahrellion rode out of Crag with Master Kember.
As dawn broke they found that they were right on course. There in the distance was the big valley Zahrellion had described to them. The dragons were humming with excitement and maybe even a little fear. The Dragoneers sensed it too. Like a distant voice on the wind, the anticipation of the coming Confliction was palpable.
When they landed and were greeted peaceably by the druids, King Blanchard seemed relieved beyond measure. The two Dragoneers were as surprised as they were elated to learn that just the day before, Jade had carried Jenka and Lemmy further into the mountains to explore. The only thing keeping Rikky and Marcherion from trying to catch him was the fact that their dragons needed to rest again. Both of them agreed that even if their dragons soon woke ready to fly, they wouldn’t go after Jenka. Their duty to the king was done. They decided that, as soon as they were able, they would fly back and find Zahrellion, then together they could find Jenka and Lemmy.
Chapter Fourteen
The storm front came sweeping over the mountain tops with such sudden force that it sent Jade winging sideways into a tumble. The young dragon was already laboring to carry two riders. The violent gust nearly unseated them both, and all Jade could do was go down into the darkened valley where he crashed in a rough but somewhat controlled manner, into a treed slope. It was just as well that they were no longer flying because as soon as they were still, icy rain started streaking sideways from the sky.
Jenka’s forehead was cut down over an eye and bleeding enough that the wound looked terrible. It was just a gashed brow, but his face was stained scarlet. Lemmy was only bruised where he’d rolled shoulder first into a tree. Jade, however, wasn’t so well off. One of his forelegs was broken and the bone was jutting out where it tore through his scaled hide.
Jenka held a cloth on his dragon’s head and talked soothingly to him while Lemmy straightened the broken limb. When that was done, Jenka tried using the power of the teardrop mounted in his sword to ease Jade’s suffering. It worked, if only slightly. Jenka wished Rikky were there. Rikky was a capable healer and could probably knit the bone. Jenka could do little more than take the edge off of the pain.
His dragon was thankful for the effort, though, and showed it by licking Jenka’s face and neck with his sandy tongue. Jenka giggled and cringed as Jade tickled him. He was only mildly offended by his dragon’s harsh breath.
The company was decent, but the rain was cold and miserable. Even after they moved under the shelter of some trees, fat, icy drops still fell on their heads. As day wore into night, the rain turned to sleet and the men were glad for the cold weather gear they’d brought. Lemmy cast a hissing blue fire into existence to keep them warm. The act reminded Jenka that Lemmy had studied with the druids for many long years. He wondered why those druids had been beating the ogre, and if Lemmy had ever done such a thing.
Lem had never revealed his capabilities to them when they were all growing up. Jenka felt betrayed because of this, but only slightly. There was an obvious need for the subterfuge, but even still, the idea of it twanged something inside him.
The fire was warm and welcome. Dawn came and went, but the ra
in didn’t slacken. Most of the day was spent huddled miserably where they’d slept. Finally, as the sun sank low, the winds carried the storm past them, leaving a relatively warm fall evening behind. It was humid, so drying was done by standing very close to the fire. Jade was able to fly, but couldn’t carry them. Luckily the dragon told them that he’d seen the castle just over the ridge.
They hiked upward until they topped a rocky precipice. The sun was sinking below the mountains, leaving the sky peachy orange streaked with bright blue. Built upon a narrow peninsula of rocky cliff that reached out over a canyon below them was a castle very much like the one Jenka had soared over in the vision Crystal showed him. A single spire that reached toward the heavens was surrounded by five lower towers. These were squat with flat roofs perfect for a dragon to land on, even one twice the size of Crystal. The main structure was five-sided, too. Jenka marveled at the idea that it may have been built in anticipation of their coming.
“I wonder what’s inside?” Jenka said mostly to himself.
Look, Lemmy pointed at Jade, who was circling slowly down to land on one of the lower tower tops.
They both winced as the young green dragon came down with only the use of one foreclaw. Jade managed it, and looked uncannily at ease as he curled up and situated himself on the cool tiles. Jenka sensed the relief his bond mate felt and was pleased that his dragon could rest for a while.
We’ve a hike to make, Jenka observed as he studied the night sky. Maybe camp here and start at the break of day?
I’ll only make a small fire, Lemmy said. Up here on the ridge a large one would act as a beacon.
It’s strange conversing with you, Lem. Jenka worked to find what he wanted to say without offending his friend. I used to feel sorry for you when you struggled to tell one of us something. I hated that you were a mute, but all along you were someone other than the man I knew. It’s confusing me. More than that, I find I have a bad taste in my mouth when I think about them druids, and you spent a lot of time there.
It wasn’t easy. Lemmy’s demeanor was soft and understanding. The Druidom has a place in our history, but not all of what the druids do is good. Some of what they have discovered has kept us alive in dire times: healing herbs, crop serums, poisons and devices. Their methods are uncivil, though. It wasn’t up to me to judge them, but I knew I wanted no more of it. He resituated himself so that he could look Jenka in the eyes. It was no easy thing to deceive the ones I love for so long either. It was especially hard when I was trying to talk to your witchy mam.
Jenka smiled. It was quiet for a while.
Always remember that I left the druids, Jenka, Lemmy finally said. He then took a deep swig of the smokeberry wine they’d brought along. When he offered the canteen to Jenka, Jenka took it and sipped at the flavorful stuff.
After seeing those drawings and then picturing the saddle in place, Jenka said, changing the subject, I think the Clover rig will make it far more comfortable for Jade and me both. I know it will make staying seated easier, as well as carrying packs and equipment.
I agree. Lemmy scooted closer to the fire and found the drawings in the journal. I was building the seat and the strapping in my mind as we flew, at least before the storm downed us.
Morning was filled with the sound of birds and rustling leaves. As they descended into the valley, Jenka breathed in the crisp air deeply. Soon the sun warmed the damp foliage, creating an aroma of decay. They had to skirt the slope in order to stay above the level of the castle’s foundation. They ended up going too low and were forced to traverse a steep incline of not so stable rock to get back to where they needed to be. Both were fit and handled the climb well enough.
They came to a footpath that wasn’t entirely void of use. It was so narrow in places that they had to press their backs against the steep cliff face and sidestep for a time, but then, in a relatively level stretch of terrain, the path merged with another wider trail. From there it was like walking along a mountain cart road that wound its way around the natural obstacles. There was even a short tunnel cut into the mountain. Jenka could see the daylight on the other side of the shaft and, despite their carefulness, nothing happened as they went through.
Lemmy spotted ogre tracks on the other side. He’d befriended many an ogre in his day and assured Jenka he could communicate with most of them well enough. If that failed, they still had plenty of smokeberry wine to offer.
It surprises me that we’ve not seen many mudged on this journey, Jenka observed. He was wondering if the druids had tampered with the wine he and Lemmy drank the night before.
The vermin are all holed up in the foothills. Since the Goblin King was killed, you Dragoneers have done a fine job of driving them out of the sky. The trolls have fled too, save for those too stubborn to leave the flatlands between home and the wall.
Hearing the word ‘home’ coming from someone he grew up with gave Jenka a pang of sorrow. He missed home. He missed Master Kember and the other hunters. Grondy and Solman hadn’t survived, and the kaffee-skinned forester, Stick, had gone missing.
Lemmy’s easy smile was such that Jenka couldn’t stay in his saddened, gloomy state long. Then Lemmy stopped and pointed ahead. Jenka saw it too. They had come around a bend and were there, level with the base of the substantial structure. Looking up, Jenka saw Jade’s head lolling over the side of the lower tower top looking down at him. His dragon was grinning.
Clover’s smade usss homes, the dragon hissed into the ethereal.
“Home?” Jenka mumbled as it struck him. A feeling of belonging started creeping over him. He also felt a humming tension coming from the sword strapped over his back. “Do you feel that, Lem?” he asked as he pulled his sword from its sheath.
I feel nothing, Lemmy responded curiously. What is it that you feel?
I feel like this is exactly where I am supposed to be, and the dragon’s tear seems to want to guide me somewhere ahead.
Follow the feeling then, Lemmy encouraged. This place was built in anticipation of the Dragoneers. It was built for you. It should feel like home.
A fierce shriek split the afternoon then. Jenka looked up to see a voluptuous ebon-skinned girl wearing a golden skullcap just before the warbling flow of yellow magic she sent impacted him and Lemmy. The air was pounded from his lungs and he was showered with flying debris. One piece of chipped stone cracked Jenka in the head, splitting open his newly closed eye wound and sending him tumbling down a well into empty blackness. The last thing he remembered seeing was a fierce yellow-scaled wyrm with bright sapphire eyes as it made to latch its slavering jaws down on Lemmy. After that there was nothing.
Chapter Fifteen
Zahrellion saw the dust trailing behind a small band of swiftly trotting horses that were just on the frontier side of the Midwal Gate. Already she could hear Mysterian calling to her through the ethereal. She found that she was glad she didn’t have to go all the way back to Mainsted. After blasting the Crown Prince, she doubted she would be welcome there. She wondered about the queen. The idea of her own son trying to kill her husband would be hard for the good-hearted mother to bear. The woman had prayed for her son’s recovery every day for weeks and weeks. Zahrellion couldn’t imagine the confusion and anguish she must be feeling.
Come on, lass, Mysterian’s persistence wore through. Let me ride behind you. The back of a horse is no place for an old witch.
Warn the others then, Zah returned. Crystal and I will be in the clearing that is just ahead of you. I want to speak to Herald, too. King Blanchard wouldn’t be taken to the keep. He made Marcherion and Rikky take him to the Temple of Dou instead.
Richard’s gone mad. Mysterian almost allowed her mental voice to sob. He has men, not far behind us, that are loyal to his claim. Gravelbone’s taint has infected him, and now the kingdom is crumbling from under us. Before we snuck away, he asked me if I could summon the Nightshade to him. The Nightshade. Can you imagine?
The kingdom’s isn’t our firssst concerns, Crystal
hissed into their minds. The Time of Conflictions draws near. I feels it sscalling even now.
Carry me with you then, Mysterian reluctantly conceded the kingdom’s lack of importance in the grander scheme of things. Herald will just have to go it with the others.
Zahrellion knew she would regret it, but it was too late. Crystal can carry both of you to the keep, or even to the temple, but we dare not linger here. We have places to be. Tell the others riding with you that we will keep the pursuit busy for them, once we’re off.
A short while later Crystal was carrying Zahrellion, Mysterian, and Herald. They were confusing the men on the wall over the Midwal Gate. First the Walguard cheered the white dragon in the sky. They went silent when the big wyrm landed outside the portal. Crystal blasted the closed barrier with her frozen spew and, before the men realized what was happening, the dragon was winging northward. The men chasing the group fleeing Mainsted were trapped, for a few long hours anyway, until the sun warmed enough to thaw the hinges.
“To the keep, woman.” Herald was frustrated to the edge of his ability to contain himself. He and Mysterian had been arguing for most of the day. Herald wanted the rangers to know that King Blanchard was alive, that Richard wasn’t their superior. They had to know.
“We’re going to the Temple of Dou, Ranger,” Mysterian was unyielding.
“To that fargin keep I’ll be going, witch.” Herald’s corded veins threatened to burst out of his neck. “This Dragoneer wouldn’t carry me against my will.” Herald was about to pull his hair out.
“Herald, I will let you off near Kingsmen’s Keep, but I’m going on to the Temple,” Zahrellion informed them both, again. “That’s where the king went.” Quit riling him, Mysterian. His heart is about to explode as it is.
Just passing the time, dear.
Herald, of course, couldn’t hear them. By some instinct born of spending hours upon hours alone with nature, he knew that they were talking about him. To confirm it, Zahrellion chuckled under her breath at something.
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