Invasion and Dragons

by Jekka Jones

  The rain felt like icicles drenching his skin. Landon shivered harder and looked away. “Sri’Lanca isn’t going to stop until I’m dead . . . Like Angen. . . .”

  Ti’Luthin nodded, his bright eyes full of pity.

  “You would be safer with the Dragon Guard, Landon,” Liliana said, but the fight wasn’t in her voice anymore. She was gazing at Rickins, who was standing shoulder to shoulder with Temmings. Landon could see her teetering, and he kept quiet for fear his voice would snap her back into the cruel Dragon Guard she wished to be. More than ever, He wanted her on his side—not because of the advantage Ti’Luthin would bring for Nircana, but because he was tired of being hunted. Liliana and Ti’Luthin would be two less enemies to worry about.

  “Would I?” Landon asked. “Even if Dre’Goran keeps his word, gives you that promotion, he’ll marry us, Liliana. Marriage gives my wife access to the Seal. Do you think Dre’Goran would let that rest?”

  Liliana did not reply. Landon knew she was thinking along the same lines. Dre’Goran wanted protection from the Seers, and he would get it through Landon and his female Dragon Guard. Liliana would be shamed for marrying a son of dragonslayers, and she would become a pawn just like Landon. If Dre’Goran ever obtained the Seal, he would compel her to use it through bribery or threats.

  Seconds stretched into minutes, and the only sound was the rain striking leaves, the ground, and the immobile figures. At long last, Liliana threw the sword down and looked at Ti’Luthin. “You are right . . . as always.”

  “Liliana . . .” Ti’Luthin implored, but Liliana raised a hand.

  “You are free to go. All of you,” she said, turning so the shadows of Ti’Luthin’s wing hid her face. “Ti’Luthin, you can release Landon.”

  The tail slithered off Landon’s ankle, but he didn’t move. “Come with us,” he said.

  Liliana’s shoulders tightened. “Excuse me?”

  Landon wondered too why he said that, but he ignored it. All he knew was if Liliana joined them then it would save everyone a lot of grief.

  “Come with us,” he repeated. He cautiously approached and stopped in front of her. “You want recognition and to be treated as an equal? Nircana is the place to be. You know the other nations snicker and make fun of us because we have no monarchs, but that is the beauty of Nircana. Everyone is equal, and we help each other.” He held out his hands, gesturing to the judges and peacekeepers behind him, both male and female. “What will it be, Liliana? Begging for respect until you’re an old woman, or real freedom?”

  She stared at the Nircanians and then him. “I don’t trust you.”

  “Miss Liliana,” said Temmings, stepping forward, “if you are afraid that I will treat you as a prisoner of war then I swear by my god’s throne that I will do no such thing. I will not ask you to give any military secrets, and I will guard you against any who try to obtain such information.”

  “As do I,” said Judge Rickins, stepping forward. “You are welcome to live in Nircana. If you wish to stay out of the conflict between our nation and yours then we will tell you where you can go for safety. All we ask is you do nothing that would jeopardize our people.”

  Liliana stiffened at this. Landon did too, but he tried to stay calm. He knew the judges were testing her, and by the look on Liliana’s face she knew what was happening. “You would trust me with that knowledge?” she asked, breathless.

  “I do.” Temmings looked around at the other Nircanians. They were studying Liliana with thoughtful expressions. “What say you, friends? Do you think she’s trustworthy?”

  “If Dagnor won’t have a courageous soul like her then we will,” said Johnston. “Anyone with that much fire and bravery is worthy to walk Nircana’s forests in my book.” His words were met with a resounding chorus of “Ah-men!” and “I couldn’t’ve said it better myself!”

  “Well then,” said Temmings, clapping his hands. “As Chief Judge of Nircana, I declare each of you, Liliana Me’Yasu and Ti’Luthin, a citizen of Nircana. If you wish it that is.”

  Liliana gaped. “You are letting me choose?”

  Temmings chuckled. “Of course. All you have to do is shake my hand.” He extended his hand, firm and steady.

  Liliana’s eyes fell to the outstretched hand. Everyone watched with bated breath. Her right hand trembled but stayed at her side. Landon knew what this was costing her. He couldn’t imagine leaving his homeland behind for another, stranger country, especially in the middle of a war.

  “Oh for flames sake, Liliana,” said Ti’Luthin, causing everyone to jump. “If you will not shake his hand then I will. We can trust them.”

  “How do you know?” Liliana asked, this time sounding desperate.

  “Because we won’t hurt you,” Rickins said. “Now will you shake Michael’s hand? I want to get to that hideout and into drier clothes.”

  “And Doc is probably afraid I’ll catch a cold,” said Landon, grinning.

  Her green eyes flicked to him and then back to Temmings’ hand. She let out an explosive breath and said, “I cannot believe I am doing this.” Slowly, hesitantly, she took his hand and they shook.

  “Welcome to Nircana,” said Judge Temmings.

  “Thank you,” said Liliana. A sow, genuine smile spread across her face. She took back her hand and offered Landon his sword hilt first. “I believe this is yours, my . . . my friend.” Her tone was hopeful.

  “I suppose I’ll take it,” Landon said, blanching as he took the katana. He sheathed it and scowled at the hilt. “I hate this thing.”

  Liliana looked like she was about to say something, but Johnston spoke, drawing everyone’s attention. “Let’s move out, everyone! We still have another mile to go. Call your horses along the way, but one at a time.”

  “I do not think they will come,” said Ti’Luthin, lifting his head high and peering into the dark forest. “They have all run away. No, I am wrong. There is still one, and it does not look happy.”

  Sure enough, a solitary horse paced in the shadows of the forest. Even in the limited light, Landon saw the horse’s red coat. Will laughed and clapped a hand on his back. “Seriously, bro, that horse is loyal to you.”

  “I told you, it’s more possessiveness than loyalty,” Landon replied. “Oni!” he called and whistled.

  Oni whinnied and frisked around the trees, but didn’t approach. Landon shook his head and waved an arm at his horse. “Come on, you stupid git. The dragon won’t hurt you,” he called.

  Oni responded with an outraged neigh, and Ti’Luthin chuckled. “I expect it will take some time for your horses to get used to me.” He noticed several Nircanians wandering around the area, lanterns held high as they inspected the ground. “What are you looking for?” he asked.

  “We’re clearing our tracks,” said Mr. Giles, “but I thought I heard trees falling when you first—er, graced us with your presence.”

  “You mean when I attacked you?” Ti’Luthin replied. His mouth curled into a dragon smile, the corners of his mouth nearly reaching his eyes. “I did not knock down any trees. That was just my tail.”

  Everyone started at this, and Liliana gave a small laugh that she quickly turned into a cough. “Your tail?” Johnston asked, incredulous. “It sounded like you were uprooting every tree in the area!”

  “That was my intent,” said Ti’Luthin. “I was not going to leave a destroyed patch of forest for Sri’Lanca or—no offense—another Nircanian group to find. We dragons can be as loud or silent as we want.”

  “I bet,” said Temmings. He gazed at Ti’Luthin in wonder. “To sneak up on us unaware is quite a feat. How long were you tracking us?”

  “Truthfully,” said Ti’Luthin, “we were bedding down for the night in a nearby meadow when Liliana saw pinpricks of light in the trees. She pointed it out to me, and since we knew we were the only ones in the area, we went to investigate. It was as the wind changed direction that the horses smelled me and panicked. What followed afterwards was quick-thinking on my and my
tamer’s part.”

  “I thought the lights were firebugs,” said Liliana. “I used to catch them when I was little. I . . . I wanted to see if Nircana’s firebugs looked the same as the ones in Dagnor.”

  Landon couldn’t help it; he burst out laughing. They got caught because Liliana decided to entertain a childhood habit. “And do they?”

  Liliana’s smile widened. “I don’t know. I still haven’t caught one.”

  “And you won’t be catching any in this weather,” said Johnston. “As much as chatting in the rain is enjoyable, we really should be going. I don’t want to push our luck.” He offered Liliana a spare cloak, which she gladly accepted. The Nircanians gathered up their weapons and they all set out in the dark.

  Landon and Will walked side by side. Judge Rickins and the peacekeeper women swarmed around Liliana like an honor guard, and Ti’Luthin took up the rear. Sam walked in front of Landon with Mr. Higgins. He kept shooting scrutinizing looks at Landon, which Landon responded to with a quiet, “I’m fine!”

  Landon thought the dragon would have troubles navigating through the trees, but he slipped between the trunks, making as little noise as the Nircanians. Ti’Luthin’s movements reminded him of a cat, able to squeeze between tight places that didn’t seem possible. The rain lessened to a drizzle, yet everyone stayed quiet and spoke in whispers when necessary.

  At one point, Liliana broke away from the women to walk with Landon, not saying a word. They walked together in an awkward silence. He glanced at Liliana, caught her watching him, and they both quickly looked away. He felt embarrassed. They were on the same side now. She was Nircanian. He had to put aside his misgivings and trust her.

  “Liliana,” he asked after a several minutes of uncomfortable silence, “was Dre’Goran really intending to marry us?”

  Liliana looked at him and nodded. “Normally, girls are married in their sixteenth year. Many have their weddings a few days after they turn sixteen, given by their fathers or guardians to an eligible bachelor. I tamed a dragon instead of choosing a suitor, so now no man will have me. They want a tame woman, not a wild one.”

  Landon shook his head. “So Dre’Goran decided that he would marry you off to me and get himself another Sealbearer.” He looked sideways at her, barely seeing her face in the poor light. “I would have given him hell for it. No offense, but I don’t want to marry you.”

  “I know,” she replied, a hint of relief in her tone. “You love Myra. That became clear when she tried to escape.”

  Landon stumbled over his feet and he almost fell. He caught his balance in time. “Escape?” he asked, baffled.

  Liliana grimaced. “Morgan managed to get her into a turnip cart, but because of your escape, the Tsuregans were thoroughly searching everything leaving the valley. The turnips weren’t bagged, and the soldiers ordered the cart to be emptied. That was how they found her.”

  “What did Kastunaka do to her?” Landon asked, scared.

  “Put her under heavy guard in her room, and then increased the watch on Morgan and your parents. Last I heard, they were unharmed, but worried out of their minds about you.”

  “As long as it wasn’t the dungeon,” Landon muttered. Memories of Marleth’s Pits resurfaced, and he shivered.

  “Landon,” asked Sam, “are you all right?”

  “I’m okay,” Landon called back, and then said to himself. “It’s got nothing to do with the cold.”

  “Your imprisonment?” Liliana asked softly. She too kept her voice low.

  Landon nodded, and then found himself saying, “I try not to think about it, but it sneaks up on me. Why anyone would side with Menrye is beyond me. They’re a bunch of sadists.”

  “It works as leverage, Landon,” Liliana replied. “We threaten our prisoners that we will send them to Menrye. That threat alone has quelled many rebellious plots against the emperor. Dre’Goran even considered sending me there, but Judan convinced him otherwise.”

  Landon looked at her, noting that she continuously mentioned Judan. “What about your parents? Aren’t they proud you tamed a dragon?”

  Liliana shook her head, blinking furiously. “I don’t know. There was a plague outbreak when I was eight and they died, along with my sister. Judan took me in and raised me as his own daughter.”

  Landon’s throat tightened. “I’m sorry to hear that. How about your uncle? Was he proud of you?” Landon asked softly.

  Liliana shrugged. “He was the air marshal, the emperor’s vizier. Even if he were proud of me, he could not show it. He was angry that I would risk my life to tame a dragon . . . and I was angry at him for forcing me to marry. We never got along after that. I never saw or spoke to him except when Dre’Goran held court with the Guard, or when I was accused of a crime. My uncle always oversaw my trials, however. Every single one.” Her eyes became distant and tears pricked the corner of her eyes. “That was how I knew he still cared for me. He couldn’t support my actions, but he did judge fairly, trusting my and Ti’Luthin’s words against the rest of the Guard.”

  “I really am sorry for what I did,” Landon said softly. “I hope you can forgive me.” He sensed Liliana fighting back tears and changed the topic. “How was your dinner with Morgan?”

  Liliana jumped. “How did you know about that?” Behind them, Ti’Luthin snickered.

  “Because Morgan said he would,” Landon replied simply. “Once Morgan puts his mind to something it’ll take a horde of angels to stop him. How did he pull it off?”

  Liliana hesitated. “I’d rather not talk about it. Will you be quiet,” she hissed at her dragon. “Every living thing within five miles can hear you.”

  “She enjoyed every moment, Landon,” said Ti’Luthin. “She just does not want to admit it.”

  “Yeah? Did he cook it himself or pinch it from the kitchens?”

  Liliana was glaring death at him. “I told you, I don’t want to talk about it,” she said through clenched teeth.

  “Suit yourself,” said Landon raising both hands, “but I’ll hear about it one way or another. Morgan will tell me the moment I see him. He’s probably planning another dinner date right now.”

  Liliana’s face paled. “Why?”

  “Because, Liliana,” said Ti’Luthin, “he finds you beautiful and is trying to win your heart. I’m sure if you told him everything about you, he would still fight for your hand.” He paused, allowing that statement to sink in. Landon felt there was a story behind his words, but he didn’t ask. “Morgan Giles is infatuated with you. Unless you directly ask him to leave you alone, he will continue to pursue you.”

  “Even then you’ll have to bash him over the head,” Landon commented. “When it comes to girls he can be the smartest dumbest person I’ve ever met.”

  “How can one be smart and dumb?” asked Ti’Luthin. Liliana also looked confused.

  “It’s simple. You’re clever in one skill but not in another. Morgan’s good at coming up with escape plots, but he tends to think ‘no’ means ‘yes’ when it comes to girls.”

  “Does he often ask girls to escape with him?” Liliana asked.

  “No. I mean, well . . . he obviously asked Myra to escape back in Tsuregi, but that’s normal. I’m talking about him and other girls.”

  With every word that left his mouth, Liliana grew more perplexed and confused. Ti’Luthin didn’t look any nearer to understanding. Landon sighed and continued to explain. By the time they got to the hideout, Will had joined in the conversation.

  “Just give it time and our sayings will make sense,” Will assured both girl and dragon.

  “I doubt it,” said Liliana, rubbing her temples.

  The hideout was like the one they had left a few hours ago, except it was shielded by several boulders. Ti’Luthin assured them he was just fine sleeping outside in the rain, and he would alert them if he saw anything suspicious.

  “That is if I can stay awake,” said Ti’Luthin. “I haven’t slept in three days.”

  Liliana rolled h
er eyes. “You’re a dragon. You can go for a week without sleep.”

  Ti’Luthin snorted sparks. “Just because I can does not mean I want to.” He yawned, and his teeth gleamed darkly in the dim lantern light. Landon shuddered, noting their sharpness.

  Ti’Luthin settled himself on top of the boulders, and the humans entered the cave. They slipped between the rocks and down a steep incline to a large chamber. Landon expected the cave to be empty, but it wasn’t. Edwin Higgins sat next to a bed of coals and a lantern, nibbling on some jerky. He jumped to his feet as the group filed in.

  “Eddie?” said Mr. Higgins, embracing his son. “What are you doing here? I thought you were with your mother.”

  “I was, Dad, but something came up.” Edwin turned his gaze on Temmings and Rickins. “Bad news. Every nation has declared war on Nircana and Dagnor.”

  “What?” replied many voices. Liliana pressed her lips together. Landon glanced at her, noticing she didn’t look surprised at the announcement. Before he could ask her in a non-threatening way, Edwin continued. He spoke so fast that Johnston had to urge him to slow down.

  “It’s true. April and Mike came across a Dagnorian patrol. Don’t worry, they weren’t captured, but they followed them back to their camp. It was there that they heard everything. Apparently the Lythran and Caborcan kings found out that Dagnor didn’t have as much control over us as they were told. They got angry and declared war on Dagnor. They’re sending their armies here to drive out the dragons, but that angered the Maisan and Menrian kings so they’re sending their armies to help Dagnor round us up. The Tsuregan king tried to appease both sides but he . . . he made it worse.”

  “Worse? How so?” asked Rickins.

  “He declared that—like the Dayns—Nircana would be under his control until the situation is resolved,” Edwin continued. “That made the Menrians and Maisans angry and so they’ve pretty much threatened to kill any samurai or Tsuregan they find. Every nation is at the others’ throats and Nircana is caught in the middle.”