“Obviously, I don’t know who my mate is or where he’d like to live but the reality is, I’m the Grand Summoner. I have a duty to the Council. A Council my parents created. I won’t live under the Consilium Veneficus. They consider themselves our enemy. Their rules are in defiance of the very thing my parents designed.” Dre’Kariston wasn’t going to allow Derwin to undermine the situation. Fate wanted Dre’Kariston to go to Court Ethelin, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to make his own choices. He’d waited too long to be reunited with his brother to wander off to the Consilium.
“I guess we’ll see,” Derwin replied with a smug smile.
“I don’t know why you are being so damn nasty,” Renny countered.
“Enough. He’s not going to listen to any of us, but he will respect the rules of this Court and our Coven. The sentinels are all here, and we need to get changed so Dre’Kariston can find his dragon,” Dra’Kaedan stated.
“I swear to Fate, if you guys get yourselves killed over there, I’ll never forgive you. I have no desire to be Grand Warlock or Grand Summoner,” Scheredin grumbled.
“No worries. No one’s going to die. That’s why we’re taking so many sentinels with us,” Dre’Kariston said.
Scheredin tugged him into his arms. “Be safe and be quick. Find your mate—you’ve waited too long for him already.”
“Thanks. I’ll do my best.”
* * *
“I appreciate everyone getting ready so fast,” Alaric said. Their traveling group filled Aleksander’s office to go over the rules the Lich Sentinel wanted them all to obey while at Court Ethelin. “We’ve spent over twelve hours observing King Ethelin’s domain. We did see remains of an old castle on the grounds, but they’ve been abandoned. He has a ton of land, and his people are spread all over it in small houses. The only large-scale building is his own. There’s little trace of anyone traveling there. We detected some faint sorcerer traffic, but it’s incredibly weak. It’s too hard to tell in such a short window and over so much area if any of them live within the court or what races they might be. We were unable to go from home to home, so we didn’t locate the navy dragon. If the Ethelindraconises have friends, they gather elsewhere. I believe the best approach is a direct one. King Ethelin appears to keep a tight reign over his people. He was asleep for maybe four hours, and the rest of the time he was checking in on his dukes. They patrol and obviously, they take security seriously.”
Aleksander nodded under his sparkling silver crown. “I prefer the direct approach, anyway. I can’t blend in and I don’t want to, but I’ll warn you—he’s not going to be happy to see me.”
“His problem, not yours. Fate wants me to go there, but I’m not looking for an alliance.” Dre’Kariston’s loyalty was to Aleksander, and he didn’t want to have anything to do with the man who was responsible for convincing the dragons his king was cursed, but he wasn’t going to miss out on his mate either.
“So, what? We go in and say hello, hoping he’ll introduce us to probably the only navy dragon he’s got?” Dra’Kaedan asked.
“Pretty much,” Alaric confirmed. “All the sentinels will remain in the shadows. We need only make our presence known if we feel someone’s threatening you guys in any way. I’m not going to wait for permission.”
“Somehow I doubt King Ethelin will have the balls to take on Aleksander, anyway. That’s why he threw him out. He’s a coward,” Brogan said.
“Have you spoken with him since you all left Court Ethelin?” Renny asked.
Aleksander shook his head. “No, I haven’t even seen him since then. We were banished to the most far-reaching lands the Council owned until we got to North America. No dragon would come near us. The only way we survived was by working together and selling things to humans who eagerly bought the food, textiles, and metal masterpieces our family created.”
“No one beats the D’Vaire dragons,” Renny enthused.
“Are there any more questions before we head out?” Alaric asked.
“What do we do if Gavrael kills someone?” Skeleton Lord Cassius teased.
“I will not apologize for killing Latarian,” Gavrael retorted.
“Nor should you. She’s a bitch,” Dra’Kaedan responded.
“If you see her resurrected ass, I hope you throw your dagger in her damn heart again,” Brogan shot out.
“Everyone relax. There was absolutely no trace of anyone resurrected in Court Ethelin. We would’ve made it a priority to track that person if we had. No one’s going to be throwing daggers or killing anyone,” Alaric stated.
“So am I teleporting everyone just outside of King Ethelin’s big house?” Dra’Kaedan asked.
Alaric nodded. “You can teleport. I assume we can remain invisible with your spell?”
“You know I didn’t start practicing magic yesterday. Of course you guys will remain invisible through my spell.”
“I’d like to go and get this over with,” Dre’Kariston said.
“Yeah, sorry. I know you’ve waited long enough to find your mate. Ready to leave?” Dra’Kaedan asked. All the men in the room bobbed their heads in agreement. They gathered close as the sentinels disappeared. Dre’Kariston closed his eyes so he wouldn’t get dizzy as his brother teleported them all to a spot in front of King Ethelin’s home.
Before he even lifted his lashes, a voice called out, “King Aleksander, is that you?”
“Duke Drogo, it’s been a long time. It’s good to see you.”
Duke Drogo walked toward their group and shook hands with Aleksander. “Brogan, I didn’t see you there. I see you’ve met your mate.”
Aleksander introduced Duke Drogo to the visible members of their traveling group. “Is King Ethelin at home, Your Grace?”
“I’ve known you since you were a boy. You don’t need to bother with formalities and yes, he is.”
“Do you think he’d allow us to speak with him?” Aleksander asked.
“I can’t guarantee that he will. What brings you to Court Ethelin?”
“The Grand Summoner asked Fate to help him locate his mate—she offered the word Ethelindraconis to him. We believe he may be here.”
“It’s a noble cause, but we have many dragons. Did she offer any further information?”
“I was born with a magical dragon form, Your Grace, as was my twin brother. The Grand Warlock’s small beast is an exact replica of Brogan’s. My mate would be navy blue as well,” Dre’Kariston told him.
Duke Drogo’s expression grew shuttered. “Navy?”
“Yes, Your Grace. Do you have any navy dragons?” Dre’Kariston asked.
“I’m afraid that information would have to come from his High Highness. I’d be happy to take you to him.”
“Thank you, Drogo. We appreciate your help. We certainly don’t want to linger on King Ethelin’s land,” Aleksander said.
“I understand. Please follow me,” he invited.
Dre’Kariston’s cloak swirled around his feet as he walked up the stairs leading to King Ethelin’s house. He wondered what the next few minutes would mean for his life and hoped Fate hadn’t led him astray. Though she’d sent him to this place, he didn’t know if the owner of the land would be helpful. The man threw his own son out, then took up a mission to destroy his reputation. He didn’t sound to Dre’Kariston like someone who was going to be moved into helping a warlock searching for his other half. Before he crossed the threshold, Dre’Kariston gazed up at the sky and sent up one last plea to Fate to beg her to keep this from being a fool’s errand.
Chapter 7
Duke Drogo Ethelindraconis led them to a large living space, then left to ask King Boian if he’d be willing to speak with their group. Dre’Kariston peered around to try and learn what he could about the owner of the house, but all he managed to deduce was that the man preferred uncomfortable furniture in formal fabrics. When a tall, dark-haired man who bore no resemblance to Aleksander walked in, Dre’Kariston noted his face was as stiff and starchy as the dat
ed sofas.
“Aleksander, I knew it would only be a matter of time before you were thrown out of the Council. If you’ve come to beg my assistance to enter the Consilium, you’re wasting your time,” the stranger said.
“The last time I checked, Fate made me a king, and I didn’t give you leave to drop my title, Your Highness,” Aleksander stated. His expression was stern and unforgiving; it was something Dre’Kariston wasn’t used to seeing on his easygoing ruler, but he understood the hostility emanating from him. King Boian had done everything in his power to hurt Aleksander, and while the D’Vaire name was no longer synonymous with being the scourge of dragonkind, his efforts had taken their toll over the six-plus centuries they were forced into isolation.
“Fate made you a freak, Aleksander, and since you would not walk this earth without me, I’ll be damned if I’m going to call you ‘Your Highness.’ ”
“Then don’t expect me to give you the same courtesy. As for your Consilium, I’d sooner release my dragon and slit my own wrists than join a government such as yours. You betray Fate by not showing your allegiance to your Emperor,” Aleksander spat out. Dra’Kaedan caught Dre’Kariston’s eye, and his navy orbs were large in his face. Dre’Kariston had no idea how the tense situation was going to help him find his mate.
“I see you still have Brogan sniffing at your heels,” King Boian drawled out. “You must have grown brave since I last saw you—to wander into my home with a dragon of questionable strength and three short sorcerers.”
“Your Highness, allow me to introduce you to my mate,” Brogan said in an overly polite tone, “Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan D’Vaire, this asshat insulting Aleksander is King Boian Ethelindraconis.”
“Your Highness, nice to meet you,” Dra’Kaedan responded with a grin.
“I’ve heard rumors that you’re quite powerful.”
Dra’Kaedan peered up at Aleksander. “What’s with this guy not using titles?” After Aleksander shrugged, Dra’Kaedan turned his attention back to his king’s father. “I’m quite powerful, as is my brother. Feel free to call your little wizard friends so we can demonstrate. Now if you don’t mind, we’d like to get to our purpose in being here, because trust me when I tell you, the last damn thing King D’Vaire wants to do is be anywhere near your arrogant, condescending ass.”
“I couldn’t care less what Aleksander wants, and I’m not impressed by sorcery. I was just curious as to what happened to Dravyn and Noirin. Or perhaps your dear cousins aren’t here because you were wise enough to make them the servants Fate intended them to be. I guess you should thank me for insisting Noirin cook and Dravyn learn to garden.”
Dre’Kariston was stunned to hear that Noirin and Dravyn were taught their skills at the demand of Aleksander’s father. Of course, the D’Vaire dragons rarely spoke of their lives before Aleksander became king, but Dre’Kariston wondered if they truly did love the tasks they’d taken up or if they were simply comfortable with what they knew.
“They’re your niece and nephew. When their parents died, you should’ve given them succor, and should not have forced them into servitude. I’m not going to stand here and argue with you. It serves no purpose. We’d like your assistance. The Grand Summoner scryed and Fate—”
“Allow me to stop you right there. As I said, I have no use for sorcery and I don’t give a damn what you think Fate wants. I will do nothing to help you, but I might change my mind if you were willing to grovel.”
Dre’Kariston wasn’t going to allow anyone to beg at King Boian’s feet. He glanced up at Aleksander. “Your Highness, King Boian won’t help us. I believe it’s time we took our leave.”
Aleksander laid a hand on Dre’Kariston’s shoulder. “Are you sure, Grand Summoner?”
“We’re done here, Your Highness.”
“Fuck you very much for your help,” Dra’Kaedan snarked toward King Boian. “We’ll just mosey on out to your front lawn and teleport the hell out of this dump. Let’s go, gang.”
Dra’Kaedan locked arms with Dre’Kariston and led him away from the ferociously frowning ruler of the Ethelin dragons. “Why don’t you teleport us now?” he whispered to his brother as they marched away from the formal room and down the long hallway that led to the front door.
“Because Fate sent you here for a reason, and it certainly wasn’t to chat with that dick. Let’s poke around outside and see if we can’t figure out why we’re really at Court Ethelin.”
As soon as they wandered out the front door, Aleksander got Dre’Kariston’s attention. “I’m sorry. I knew he wouldn’t be happy to see me, but I didn’t do much to help the situation.”
“Please, don’t go there. He wasn’t going to do anything to help and you know it—no matter how nice we were to him. He’s damn lucky I don’t set his house on fire,” Dra’Kaedan shot out.
“My brother’s right. You don’t owe me an apology, but Fate might for forcing us all to travel here and be insulted by a dickhead,” Dre’Kariston added.
“I don’t want to hang around here that long, but I want to know why we’re here. Let’s start walking and see if we can figure out this puzzle,” Brogan said.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing the old castle,” Aleksander replied.
They all agreed and walked toward the crumbling structure which wasn’t too far from where King Boian built his house. They were nearly there when Gavrael shimmered into view.
“I have detected a trace of a sorcerer,” the Skeleton Lord said. “I would like to track it.”
“What kind of sorcerer?” Brogan asked.
Before he could answer, Renny let out a gasp. “I feel it too,” he exclaimed, then took off running. Gavrael was on his heels in an instant.
“Dra’Kaedan, summon your familiar back over here so I can kill him,” Brogan ordered.
The Lich Sentinel’s invisibility dropped. “There are sentinels surrounding Renny. You don’t have to worry about his safety.”
“What the hell are they tracking?” Brogan asked.
Dre’Kariston allowed his disappointment from their interaction with King Boian to fade and let his senses to take over. Seconds later he understood why Renny had taken off running. His brother grasped his arm almost painfully.
“Please be real,” Dra’Kaedan whispered.
“Would anyone like to tell me what the fuck is going on?” Brogan demanded.
“There’s a warlock here,” Dre’Kariston answered.
Brogan’s grin flashed. “Well, why the hell are we still standing here?”
Their group strode quickly in the same direction as Renny. “Do you think that’s why Fate sent us here?” Dre’Kariston asked his twin.
“No, I think this is just a bonus. You know your mate isn’t a warlock. He’s a dragon. We’ll find him.”
It didn’t take them long to catch up to Dra’Kaedan’s familiar; they found him speaking with a small man with light brown hair that was poorly cut. Their senses hadn’t failed them; he was a warlock, though his power was almost nonexistent. He lacked the magic to even summon a familiar. His eyes were a clear blue and full of fear.
“Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan D’Vaire, allow me to introduce you to Wullem,” Renny said once they reached them.
“It’s an immense pleasure to meet you, Wullem. Please call me Dra’Kaedan. This is my brother, Grand Summoner Dre’Kariston. How long have you been here at Court Ethelin?”
“I’ve only just arrived. I mean, I got here a few days ago, Grand Warlock. I’ve lived among humans for some time.”
“Are you happy, Wullem?” Dre’Kariston asked.
His pale gaze hit the ground. “There’s no pay for the work I do, but food is provided as well as a roof over my head. I share it with others, but I do have my own bed.”
“How old were you during the great war with the Cwylld?” Dra’Kaedan asked. “Do you have any family?”
“My family’s all dead. I was barely more than a baby during the war. I have no memory of it. My mother survived fo
r a time, but she was wounded as she escaped from the castle with the help of the former Grand Summoner. She was a brave woman, my mother told me.”
“Our mother was indeed a brave woman,” Dre’Kariston agreed.
Wullem offered him a strange look Dre’Kariston couldn’t interpret. “I must go. I have duties.”
“We’d love for you to return with us and rejoin the Coven of Warlocks,” Dra’Kaedan invited. “Our home’s in Arizona—we live in a dragon court ruled by King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis. He’s the super tall guy behind me with the two-toned hair and the handsome guy next to him is my mate, Duke Brogan.”
“The Consilium insists the Grand Warlock and Grand Summoner both died in the war and that the two men calling themselves by those titles are imposters,” Wullem whispered, his eyes on the ground below.
“Wullem, I encourage you to use your instincts,” Dra’Kaedan said. He lifted his arm and pushed up the sleeve of his cloak, then his suit jacket. He unbuttoned the cuff of his shirt and showed Wullem the golden circle with the dragon head Fate gave him. Dre’Kariston mirrored his actions and displayed his identical marking in brilliant silver.
Wullem reached out a finger and ran it over their marks as if trying to discern if they were genuine. “You’re real,” he murmured in a voice full of awe.
“We definitely are.”
“My mother spoke of you. She didn’t believe you were dead, but I couldn’t understand where you had gone.”
“Did she know us personally?” Dre’Kariston asked.
Wullem nodded. His gaze was still fixated on their exposed wrists. “She was a servant to your parents. Her name was Hilanore.”
“I remember her,” Dra’Kaedan exclaimed. “She worked in the kitchens and whenever she saw me, she gave me a treat. When I was little I thought her apron had to be full of them, because it didn’t matter what time of day it was, she always had something delicious to hand me.”
Dre’Kariston’s memory returned to the castle of his birth, and he too remembered the woman who greatly resembled the man in front of them. “You look like her, Wullem. Not only did she have treats, she had a ready smile to go with it. I’m sorry for your loss.”
The Summoner's Path (D'Vaire, Book 10) Page 5
