by E. L. Todd
Dark eyes met his.
His scales were as black as the night.
Deep. Powerful. Majestic.
I mean you no harm. Flare projected his mind, but it bounced right back, as if it hit an invisible wall. He won’t let me in.
Then what does he want?
A voice packed with the deepness of a volcano emerged, loud and fierce, breaking in to his mind with ease. Surrender.
Flare faltered in flight, the voice paralyzing his mind.
Surrender. Or die.
Seventeen
Ashe
Torches lit up the clearing at the top of the mountain. The view of the rest of the island would be breathtaking if it weren’t so dark. Trees were sparse, so there was room for the dragons to line either side of the clearing, in various colors, all keeping their distance but with snouts that could light up in flames at any moment.
Flare landed on the grass, his claws digging into the soft dirt, his heart racing.
The black dragon landed at the top of a concrete rise, an accumulation of stones pushed down to create a platform that was equivalent to the throne of a king. His wings remained open momentarily, purposely showing his immense size. They folded into his sides, and he stood upright, the flames reflecting against his midnight-dark scales.
Silence.
The flames burned on the torches. The dark sky was lit up by constellations and stars, so easy to see when there was no civilization to block out their glow.
Bridge slid to the ground and remained close to Flare, in terror and awe.
Flare should be afraid, but the presence of the other dragons, his remaining kin, made that difficult.
The King of Dragons spoke directly into his mind. How did you find us?
An old map showed the location of Mist Isle. We knew about the exodus of the dragons—
Who is we?
The man I’m fused with. I’ve breached your borders without warning. I apologize for that, but we mean you no harm—
I ask questions. You answer. His voice deepened further, deeper into the abyss. That’s how this will work.
Flare’s ferocious comebacks were silenced, because this dragon was his leader even if he wasn’t a free dragon. There was already respect. Admiration. He’d never seen scales more beautiful in his life. Even more beautiful than his own.
You bring two men with you. We hate men.
They’re your allies.
I choose our allies. They don’t choose me. The black dragon’s body was clenched tightly, ready to fight Flare to the death if it came to that. And I would never want a fused dragon as an ally, friend, or anything else.
I’m fused by choice, not obligation.
A real dragon would never fuse with anyone—even by choice. You disgrace your scales.
Flare absorbed the insult, the greatest insult he’d ever received.
Your fusion may be consensual now, but it wasn’t that way in the beginning. He forced you.
Flare didn’t lie, not even to help their cause.
Surrender both men—and I will grant you asylum.
Flare’s loyalty was torn directly into two, split right down the middle. No.
A quiet growl escaped the other dragon’s snout. We’ve lost too many dragons. I will not take the life of another—unless you give me no choice.
You’ve also given me no choice. I will die to protect them both—especially the man who shares my soul.
Jet-black smoke rose from his nostrils, visible in the light of the torches. He’s poisoned your mind.
He’s the reason I’m free. He saved me from King Lux’s cruelty. And he wants to save the rest of the dragons that are still there, forced to spend an eternity in mental torture. We’ve come here to ask for your help in achieving this.
The smoke continued to rise up his snout, the flames so hot inside his snout that they must have burned.
Please help us.
If he freed you from King Lux, that means he’s one of his men.
Flare didn’t want to answer the unspoken question, but it was inevitable. His son.
More smoke exploded, his black eyes smoldering like coals on a fire. General Rush. That barbarian has set foot on my land—
Just Rush. He betrayed his father to save me—
Interrupt me again, and your friend here goes first.
I apologize.
He stared Flare down, those inky eyes still livid. I detest that man. He’s just as bad as his father.
I wouldn’t be here if that were the case. He wants to slay his father, free the remaining dragons, and return Anastille to what it used to be. That will be impossible without your help. Please consider it.
Joining your cause is the last thing on my mind. I believe this is all a ruse. General Rush has found the location of the surviving dragons—and he will deliver that to Lux on a platter. Ships will land on our shores, and the bloodlust will continue.
The mental image flooded Flare’s mind, men in the king’s armor cutting off wings and sawing off scales. It was enough to make his eyes water. Never. I would never betray my brethren. I understand why you don’t trust him—but you can trust me.
How could I trust a dragon that chooses to be fused? It’s unconscionable.
He’s asked me to release him when this is over. Flare took a breath, the agony of the loss already consuming him when it hadn’t even come to pass yet. Age will claim his body, and he’ll return to dust—because he believes he doesn’t deserve to live.
He’s right. He does not.
I don’t want that to happen…because I can’t imagine a life without him. We can fuse with beings for a reason. That connection to another person is profound and fulfilling. My life is much better with Rush than without him. Mankind abused that power and turned it into sinister torture. Fusing your soul with another can be beautiful. The most beautiful thing in this world. It’s easy to forget that, in light of everything we’ve been through.
I agree—if it’s consensual. It was not.
If we’re ever going to fix this broken world, we’re going to have to let the past go.
Let the past go? Another plume of smoke rose. I allowed humans to enter our lands—and that will haunt me until my soul leaves this earth. Most of us have been killed or enslaved because of my foolishness. I gave them asylum and protection—and they chose to kill or enslave us. Even if the general’s change of heart is sincere—there is no forgiveness for what he’s done. None whatsoever.
I’m not asking you to forgive him. I’m asking you to help us free the dragons that have been left behind.
My answer is the same.
Now Flare released his own cloud of smoke. We can’t abandon them. The torture was still fresh, the memory of his collapsing mind still prevalent.
I will not risk what we have left for a hopeless endeavor.
You’re still the King of Dragons, or are you not? More smoke rose from his snout. You’re to protect all dragons, no matter how hopeless the situation is. It was your decision to grant King Lux asylum in Anastille—it’s time to fix that.
He stepped forward, the ground vibrating under every claw. I am Ashe, King of Dragons, and I will preserve and protect every dragon that I possibly can. Risking the lives of the many for the few is irresponsible.
It’s the right thing to do—
Don’t tell me how to protect my kingdom.
You won’t be alone. The elves will help us.
Ashe stiffened, the smoke disappearing from his nostrils.
Not yet. But we’re working on it.
The smoke continued. I apologize for your suffering—because it was my reckless decision that caused it. I will grant you a new life among us, a time to heal, a time to find peace. But that extension does not include the humans you’ve brought with you.
They’re good men who want to help you.
General Rush will never be a good man.
I vouch for him. I wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for him.
And yo
u wouldn’t have been enslaved if it weren’t for him either.
Not true. He shook his head. King Lux would have done it with or without his help. And without Rush, I would still be there now, wishing for death. Flare projected his mind forward, sharing memories of his confinement at High Castle.
But they were instantly pushed away. No.
You need to understand.
I understand perfectly. Forcing me to suffer isn’t going to change my grasp. I’ve given you an opportunity here. Unfuse from General Rush so I can burn him alive as he deserves, and you will settle into your new home as one of us—a new beginning.
No. We will leave and fight King Lux on our own.
He stepped forward again, the ground shaking. Leaving isn’t an option. They either die alone, or they die with you. Choose.
Why can’t we leave?
So General Rush can tell the king exactly where we are? No.
I haven’t lied to you.
Doesn’t mean he hasn’t tricked you.
He would never.
Ashe continued to breathe smoke into the air, still as a statue, his muscles coiled in preparation to flex, squeeze his lungs and blow the fire that would incinerate Flare. Eyes like stone pierced him all the way through, breaking in to his soul with touching his mind. You have until tomorrow to make your decision. A moment of reflection will show you that your life isn’t worth this ridiculous sacrifice. And if your human is as good as you say, he’ll tell you the same.
Flare landed in the clearing, his weight making the entire island shake underneath his feet.
Bridge slid down and immediately dropped his pack. He collected firewood and made a campsite. With a little help from Flare, the piles of logs turned into a bright blaze, giving enough heat to make it feel like summer in Anastille.
Are you going to tell me what happened back there?
Flare instantly changed, his red scales becoming black clothing and human skin.
Rush hadn’t anticipated the change, so he fell forward and caught himself on his hands. “Thanks for the warning…” He pushed himself to his feet and brushed himself off before he took a seat on the rock that Bridge rolled over.
Bridge was already seated across from Rush, his arms on his knees. “What happened? All I saw was two dragons staring at each other and blowing smoke.”
“He hasn’t told me yet, but I can already tell it’s bad.” Rip off the bandage, Flare.
We aren’t welcome here.
Then why are we still alive right now?
Because we have until tomorrow to decide.
Decide what?
“What is he saying?” Bridge asked.
Rush held up his finger for silence. “Let me get everything, and I’ll tell you.” Decide what?
Flare turned quiet, his somber mood pressing up against the edges of his mind.
Flare.
The black dragon is Ashe—and he’s the king.
Yeah, I gathered that.
I explained who we are and our intention. That didn’t seem to matter to him because preserving the remaining dragons on their secret island is more important than risking it all for the ones left behind. Disappointed with his cowardice.
He’s not a coward. It’s the most logical choice.
If he understood what they endured, he would feel differently. But he blocks me from his mind every time I try. He’s more powerful than I’ll ever be.
I gathered that too.
They could make all the difference in the world—if they would agree. He even told me he’s the one that granted the humans permission into Anastille. He admitted that this is entirely his fault. But he still won’t right his wrong.
We’ll change his mind eventually. When we get the alliance of the elves, that will change everything.
Flare turned quiet once more.
What aren’t you telling me?
I told him who you were.
Not my biggest fan, huh?
It didn’t matter what I said about you. His anger never waned. You saved me. You’re risking your life to stop the cruelty. You’re willing to kill your own father to accomplish that. All that…on deaf ears.
He exiled us, then?
No.
Then what?
He said he would burn you two alive. And if I refuse to unfuse from you, he’ll burn me alive too.
Rush stared at the fire, his eyes sinking like his heart.
He said he would give me until tomorrow to decide, but I’ve already made my decision.
Flare couldn’t even see Bridge anymore. It was as if he weren’t there at all. Then you better change it back because I’ll unfuse from you whether you like it or not.
In my heart, I don’t believe he’d kill a dragon.
That still leaves Bridge vulnerable.
I know.
Rush stared at the fire as he rubbed his scruffy jawline, searching for a solution to a problem that was completely out of his control. He hadn’t expected to arrive and instantly gain the free dragons as allies, but he also hadn’t expected to be executed either. Dragons were just like elves—they didn’t forget things easily. I’ll speak to him myself.
Bad idea. Really bad idea.
I have to try.
It’s not possible. You aren’t fused.
You’ll link us—just the way you do with Cora. The thought of her gave him a shock of pain, because he wished he could speak to her about all this now, but his gut said she wouldn’t answer again.
Silence.
Come on, Flare. If he could speak to me directly, perhaps he would change his mind.
You don’t understand how much he hates you.
Yes, I do. Because it’s as much as I hate myself.
After a long pause, Flare responded. Okay…we will try.
Bridge released a sigh that nearly came out as a scream. “Just tell me already!”
Rush snapped out of his conversation and looked at his friend. “What do you want first? The bad news, or the really bad news?”
Eighteen
King of Dragons
Once the sun crested the wall of mist, the island was beautiful once again. Sunshine penetrated the green grass, the tall trees, brought nutrition to the open flowers in the meadows. The untouched island was the perfect combination of ocean and mountains, a unique place that Rush had never witnessed in his life.
“Should we tell the others what’s going on?” Bridge roasted the rabbit over the fire, the two of them drinking the coffee they’d brought along for the trip.
Rush shook his head as he watched the juices drip into the flames, making them sizzle. “They’re watching us. If I lead Ashe to their ship, their lives will be in jeopardy too.”
“Good point.” He rotated the spit. “I’ve been worried about drowning this entire time when I should have been worried about burning alive. Ironic…”
Try to reach her.
Alright.
Rush watched Bridge pull the rabbit off the spit and slice up the meat for the two of them to share. The voyage across the ocean had been sustained with dried meats and preserved fruits, with the occasional fresh catch. Having fresh meat on land was a luxury, a luxury they wouldn’t be able to enjoy long.
Flare came back moments later. Sorry, Rush.
He gave a long sigh.
“What?” Bridge asked as he handed him the plate.
He shook his head and took the food. Why is she doing this?
I have no idea.
She’s blocking you out intentionally? How certain are we of that?
Absolutely.
Why wouldn’t she want to talk to us? Rush stared at his food, anger washing over him, his fingers gripping the plate harder. We could be dead.
If she can feel me, then she knows we aren’t dead.
Rush put his food aside, no longer hungry.
“What’s your deal?” Bridge ate with his hands as he looked at the fire in between them.
“Annoyed.”
“Why?”
“Your girlfriend dumped you?”
Rush’s eyes narrowed viciously, and he gave Bridge a ferocious glare. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
“Anymore?”
“I’m gonna gut you and roast you over the fire like that rabbit.”
Bridge chuckled and ripped a piece of meat from the bone before he put it in his mouth. “What is it, then?”
“She’s ignoring me.”
He finished chewing the meat before he sent Rush a quizzical expression. “Ignoring you how?”
“Flare can communicate with her. He patches me through. It’s how I’ll talk to—”
Ashe, King of Dragons, approaches.
Rush immediately put his plate aside and rose to his feet.
Bridge, unsure what was going on, did the same.
A few feet away, the enormous black dragon landed on the earth, making the mountains shake. In daylight, he was far more menacing, his black scales dark like iron ores, shining like reflectors in the sunlight. He righted himself, dropping his hindquarters to take a seat on the grass, his dark eyes on the two men near the fire. A long and low growl escaped his closed snout.
Rush felt the hatred from those eyes just the way he’d felt the sun beat on his face on the journey here. He’d never interacted with Ashe in his past, but Ashe seemed to recognize him as if he’d seen him in the flesh.
Smoke rose from his nostrils.
He could be burned to death any moment, but it was hard not to admire the enormous dragon in front of him. Equal parts beauty and strength, with a beautiful dark color that would make him nearly invisible in darkness. His heart was the fire, and his scales were the ash. It was impossible not to be mesmerized because this was the most impressive dragon he’d ever seen. Patch me through.
I’m speaking to him now.
Rush waited, watching Ashe’s enormous size rise and fall slightly with his breathing. If he had to unsheathe his sword and fight for his life, the battle would be over in seconds, in a couple heartbeats.