BDArc-HiddenDragons

by CSM

  She might be a novice at kissing, but she wasn’t shy.

  He wasn’t sure how long they stayed that way. Truth to tell, Robert was enjoying himself too much to pay attention to something as mundane as time, but Growloranth finally broke them apart. He spoke into both their minds.

  “I hate to interrupt, but my lady and her knight return. They bring news.”

  Isabelle drew back from his lips slowly, a slightly self-conscious smile curving her lips that made him grin in return. Bear walked into the small clearing behind Isabelle’s house and his expression was grim. Tildeth stopped inside the perimeter of the trees where she twined her long, sinuous neck with Growloranth’s in greeting.

  “The news is not good,” Bear said without preamble. He was removing his leather gloves as he walked. His riding armor were made of the lightest possible shade of leather, then stained slightly with the blue of special berries to match Tilly’s hide as much as possible. “There is a sizeable force massing on the other side of the border. It looks like enough men to occupy this village and hold it, making it the foothold Skithdron needs to be able to launch further attacks. And worse, there are many skiths being herded toward the pass. They will be here within the next day. Two, at most.”

  “Skiths?” Isabelle sounded appropriately shocked.

  “We must get word to the Lair immediately,” Robert said, already moving toward the barn. “Isabelle, pack what you want to save, and get ready to fly. We’re taking you to the Lair for safety. You can return here after the battle—if there’s anything left—but you cannot stay here right now.”

  “Good. Because I’m not stupid enough to try to hold my own against a herd of skiths!” She ran for the house. “But we have to take my chickens,” she shouted back over her shoulder, making Robert pause to smile just a little. He should have realized she wouldn’t leave her new flock to suffer the degradations sure to come if a herd of skiths arrived en masse.

  “It’ll be dark enough soon for Growloranth and I to do some more reconnaissance,” Robert said to Bear as they entered the barn and began to gather their gear. “You take Isabelle to the Lair while Growly and I do our work here tonight, then join you in the morning.”

  “If they don’t send Tilly and me back out again before you get in,” Bear added.

  “I won’t be surprised if they do. You’re just about the only pair at the Lair right now that can fly across the border undetected by day. I’m sure they’ll get some of the other dark dragons to fly tonight after you make your report, so we’ll watch the village and see what we can learn about this Cleef Mantell.”

  “Good plan,” Bear agreed, finishing his packing and turning toward the door. Robert followed, his own pack in his hands. He would set Growloranth up to fly at a moment’s notice, leaving no trace of their presence—except perhaps the repairs to the barn, the pile of cut firewood, and the new chicken coop.

  Trying not to panic, Isabelle packed as many of her mother’s treasures as she could. She hated to leave the house they had worked so hard to fix up and maintain, but it had to be done. This flimsy place of wood and straw would never stand up against the massive size and strength of a skith. Snakelike and armed with massive jaws that could snap a person in two, skiths also had the charming ability to spit highly corrosive venom up to twenty feet away, or so it was said.

  Isabelle had seen a skith from afar once, and that once was enough to cure her of ever wanting to see another. That one had been a stray that had come over the border all on its own. Word had been sent to the Border Lair and dragon patrols had been stepped up. For the next two days, Isabelle had seen several pairs of dragons and their knights crisscrossing the skies over where the skith had been seen until finally, they found their prey.

  Flames had erupted in the night, just over the horizon. Word had come with the next sunrise that the stray skith had been eliminated.

  Dragons were the most effective method of killing skiths, though groups of men had been known to fight them if there was no other alternative. Heavy casualties were to be expected if mere humans took on a skith. The highly corrosive venom could kill outright if left untreated long enough. Usually men who took on skiths and lived to tell the tale bore horrific scars from the acid burns as testament to their bravery.

  Isabelle paused by the door of her home with her two big bags of her possessions, one in each hand. She looked back at the place that had once been a happy home shared with her beloved mother. Now it was a place of memory—cold and of only small comfort to a heart that yearned for warmth, care and love.

  “I’m sorry, Mama,” she said to the empty room, feeling her mother’s presence there for perhaps the last time. She had never wanted to leave this way, but there was no alternative. To stay was to die. Her mother would not want that for her. Isabelle looked around the lonely home and thought she felt the benevolent understanding her mother had always given her. It was like her mother was acknowledging the rightness of her decision to leave. “I love you, mama. Always.” Tears filled her eyes as she exited the house.

  But Bear was there, waiting for her. He took her bags from her numb hands and looked searchingly behind her, concern on his dear face.

  “Is this all you have? We can take more, if you like. Tilly is very strong.”

  Humbled again by the fact that she owned so little, Isabelle shook her head.

  “I left the food you brought in the cupboards. I hope that’s okay. I just packed a snack in case the journey was long.”

  Bear stopped and the expression on his face was one of compassion. “You did exactly right, milady. We can always replace the supplies. What we cannot ever replace is you.”

  Touched by his gruff words, she followed him over to where Tilly waited just behind the house. She watched mutely, worry making her shake as Bear attached her bags to the harness that wrapped discretely around Tildeth’s chest and back. It was made of pale leather that had been dyed to match the dragoness’s coloring, much like Bear’s gear, which is probably why she hadn’t noticed it before.

  Looking back at her house and newly repaired barn, she saw the pile of wood Robert and Growloranth had created for her only a few hours ago. She had been looking forward to a comfortable winter with no need to ration herself on firewood, and now, just a short time later, she was worrying about whether or not her home would still be standing on the morrow.

  She didn’t realize she was crying until strong arms wrapped around her gently from behind. She was turned into a strong chest, covered in dark fabric. Robert. The dark twin to Bear’s sky blue raiment.

  “It’ll be all right, sweetheart. I promise. No matter what happens in the coming days, you will always have a place at the Lair. You will be welcome there. You’ll see.” He stroked her hair as he spoke. “We’ll watch over your home. No one from the village will molest your homestead, but if skiths come, this is no place for you, sweetheart. We need you to be safe. I could not bear it if you were hurt.” His whispered words helped calm her, though the fear wouldn’t leave her.

  Battle was imminent. People would be hurt and might even die. Skiths were probably going to destroy much of the village, and perhaps the only true home she had ever known. But while Robert held her in his arms, she felt stronger, as if what he hoped would truly come to pass and everything would work out all right.

  Hugging him, she sent a prayer up to the Mother of All for his safety. He was such a special man. She hadn’t known him long, but she admired him greatly. He was strong and loyal. He’d done so much to see to her comfort already. He was facing untold danger in the coming hours and yet he spared a few minutes to offer her comfort.

  “You’re being so nice to me,” she whispered, rubbing her fingers over his chest as she snuggled into his embrace.

  “You’re easy to be nice to,” he countered. She could hear the smile in his deep voice, and she felt the kiss he placed on the top of her head. “Now, go with Bear and settle in safely at the Lair. I’ll be back there tomorrow morning.”
<
br />   She drew back from him and looked up into his eyes. “You’re not coming with us?”

  “Sweetheart, it’s almost dark. That’s when Growly and I do our best work.” His smile was a little mischievous, which didn’t really reassure her. “We have to stay here and see if we can learn more about the enemy’s plans.”

  When she realized he would not be dissuaded, she made a decision. “Mrs. Nethins. The cook at Cleef Mantell’s place. She is no friend of her master. If you tell her I sent you, she will talk to you and tell you all you want to know.” Isabelle reached up to undo the catch on the only necklace she owned. It had been her mother’s and she wore it at all times. “Show her this.” Isabelle put the necklace, which consisted of a small silver medallion on a fine chain that was much stronger than it looked, around Robert’s neck. “It was my mother’s and Mrs. Nethins was a good friend to her, and to me. Warn her about the attack, if you can. She does a final check of Mantell’s chicken coop right after dinner.”

  “I cannot take your mother’s charm,” Robert protested.

  “You must. Mrs. Nethins will not speak freely to you without some sign that you truly are my friend. She knows I would never give this to anyone if it was not the most dire emergency.” Isabelle patted the silver charm as it lay on his chest.

  Robert covered her hand with his and she looked up into his eyes. “Thank you, Isabelle. I will deliver it back safe to you on the morrow.”

  “See that you do,” she said, her throat tightening with emotion.

  She worried for his safety with skiths and enemy soldiers ready to pounce. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him and was gratified when he met her halfway, taking her lips with a ferocity that spoke of emotions he didn’t seem inclined to discuss outright. That was all right. She understood.

  At length, he let her go and set her away from him as if it pained him to do so. She knew how he felt. She didn’t want to leave him, even though she knew she must.

  “Now be safe and hang on to Bear. Growly and I will be back at the Lair tomorrow morning. I promise you.”

  “I will hold you to that promise,” she tried to be brave and smile, but tears choked her. “Be careful, Robert.”

  “I will. You too. Follow Bear’s instructions and you’ll be fine. Tilly has never dropped a novice yet.”

  “Dropped?” Shocked out of her tears, her mouth dropped open.

  “Nice going, Robert,” Bear growled, coming up behind her. “Don’t frighten the lass. Tilly and I will take good care of you, Isabelle. You will be as safe with us as you are on the ground. Safer—considering there are skiths about. Now come along. We must make our report and mobilize the Lair.”

  Bear took her hand, leading her toward the waiting dragons. Robert followed behind, keeping close. The knights surrounding her made her feel safer than she had ever felt. Even knowing there were skiths ready to attack her home, having Robert and Bear near made her feel as if nothing could harm her. But the knowledge of the skiths massing nearby made her worry for the knights.

  Growloranth and Tildeth had moved through the forest a ways to the small clearing near the river. Isabelle supposed that was so Tildeth would have a clear shot to the sky. Still, Isabelle eyed the opening in the trees doubtfully. She just didn’t see how the dragon could make such a steep ascent.

  Bear led her right up to Tildeth and stopped. Mindful of her manners, Isabelle greeted the female dragon with a bow.

  “Thank you for agreeing to carry me, Lady Tildeth,” Isabelle said to the dragon.

  “You are very welcome, child, but come now, there is no time to waste. We must warn the Lair.”

  Bear instructed her how to climb up to Tildeth’s back, using the dragoness’s foreleg and knee as a sort of staircase. Tildeth helpfully sat still and arranged her front arm in a way that allowed Isabelle to ascend easily. Bear climbed up behind her, settling his big, warm body tight against her back as his arms came around her.

  With a last look at Robert, Isabelle felt Tildeth gather herself and then…jump. The whoosh of her wings unfurling and catching the wind propelled them into the sky.

  The rush of flying was like nothing Isabelle could have imagined. It was amazing!

  “You are a natural flyer, Lady Isabelle,” Tildeth said into Isabelle’s mind, surprising her a bit.

  “Oh, Lady Tildeth, this is breathtaking!” Isabelle gushed back.

  Tildeth seemed to enjoy Isabelle’s enthusiasm. She poured on the speed while Bear held Isabelle close, his arm around her middle. The dragon beneath them kept them warm in a way Isabelle hadn’t expected, though the air rushed past her face with almost bruising force. Still, it was the most invigorating experience Isabelle had ever had. She loved every minute of flying with Tildeth and Bear.

  It took no time at all, it seemed, before they approached the strangest place Isabelle had ever seen. Built into the side of a cliff, there were massive openings where she could just make out dragons walking around. Light shone in the openings in the cliff, outlining the silhouettes of all within. Even as she watched, two dragons launched themselves off the side of the cliff from one of the topmost openings. Isabelle held her breath as a gorgeous violet dragon dipped low, then started beating her wings, heading straight for them. The darker dragon that was slightly higher on the wind currents followed close behind.

  “And there is our greeting party,” Tildeth said, her voice a low rumble in Isabelle’s mind. “The pretty purple dragon is Vanna and her mate is Iridned, the big blue coming in from above. A nice combination, aren’t they? Their offspring are lovely, and good fliers. They and their knights are good friends to our small family.”

  “It will be an honor to meet your friends, Lady Tildeth,” Isabelle replied politely, trying not to let on how close to overwhelmed she was by it all.

  The new dragons circled around them a few times as they headed for one of the ledges. Isabelle felt a bit conspicuous, conscious of the speculative looks the knights who rode on back of the violet and blue dragons were giving her.

  “Hold on now,” Tildeth warned as she grabbed for the ledge with her back legs, then landed with a bit of a jolt on her forelegs.

  Tildeth knelt down and Bear jumped off, reaching up to help Isabelle down. He was moving fast, hustling now to make his report and mobilize the Lair. Already, there was a great deal of movement on the ledge as dragons and knights began to realize something was amiss. No doubt, Tildeth and Bear were both sending silent communications to those around them.

  Vanna and Iridned landed right behind Tildeth, and moved up beside her while Bear removed Isabelle’s bags from Tilly’s back. Two strange knights looked at her, having climbed down from the two dragons and come over to greet Bear and Tildeth.

  “Welcome back, Bear,” the knight with the longer hair said as Bear came up beside her, holding her bags. “How can we help?”

  “Jovan, this is Lady Isabelle. She will be staying in my suite but I cannot bring her there myself at the moment. Can you make sure she’s comfortable? And deliver these bags to my suite as well. Be careful of them. The contents are precious to my lady.” Bear handed the two bags to the other knight, then turned to her. “Milady Isabelle, please forgive me. My report must be made with all haste, but I would like to make sure you are comfortable. Will you trust my friend here to see you safely to our suite? I promise you may trust him. He will take good care of you and make certain you are left with someone to talk to.” The last was said over her head as he looked at his friend, seeking his agreement.

  The man called Jovan nodded and smiled. He was very handsome, but to her eyes, he wasn’t as good looking as Robert or Bear. Then again, she was probably prejudiced in their favor. In just a couple of days, she had become duly infatuated with both men. She wasn’t sure what that might mean for her future just yet, but she was willing to explore where it might lead. For now.

  “I trust your judgment, Sir Bernard,” she assured him, finding her courage. These men were knights, chosen by dragons to defend all of
Draconia. If they couldn’t be trusted, who could?

  Bear looked relieved. He dropped a quick kiss on her lips that promised silently of more to come—later. Bear left her alone with Sir Jovan as he and Tildeth went off to make their reports. Sir Jovan led her down into the mountain, through a passageway that was wide and tall enough for two dragons to pass with ease.

  “So where did Sir Bear find you, if I may ask,” Sir Jovan began conversationally as they walked along the brightly lit paths. There were many shafts high up in the walls that led to the outside allowing for ventilation—because dragons tended to smoke a lot—and probably light during the day.

  “I live just outside of Halley’s Well. It is a small village between the Valla Pass and the River of Jelan,” she told him absently, taking in the lovely carvings in the rock that were half-finished in some spots. Apparently this new Lair was still very much under construction. Or somebody was on a beautification kick.

  Sir Jovan’s gaze lit with interest when she glanced at him. “That is a very strategic area, though most of our attention has been on the larger villages on the northern side of the river. Apparently Bear spotted something on the less navigable side?”

  She didn’t see the harm in telling what little she knew to the knight. “Sir Bernard said skiths were being herded toward the pass in front of a grouping of enemy soldiers, and I suspect the village’s headman is working with the enemy.”

  Sir Jovan whistled between his teeth even as his body tensed. “No wonder he came back without Robert and Growly.”

  “They are still on watch, and I believe they will be scouting tonight. Sir Robert said he would be back here in the morning.” She heard the shakiness of her own voice, but apparently her fear for Robert and Growloranth’s safety was lost on the other knight. He was probably too preoccupied talking silently with his dragon partner, she realized.