Sir Hugh muttered, “Women!”
Leaving the ecstatic dragon to coddle her egg, Sir Hugh led Jack and Samara back to the cave entrance.
“Do not ever mention to your father, Jack,” Sir Hugh said, “that I faced a dragon and allowed her to live.”
Jack duly promised to keep silent.
“What made you think of turning yourself into a dragon?” Samara asked him. “It was a dangerous thing to do.”
He pulled out the scepter she had given him on a golden chain. “This showed me a vision of two dragons speaking to each other. After you said a duck could speak to its duckling, I asked it how to become a dragon and it showed me the steps.”
Her mother had guided him on how to communicate with the Grey. Samara’s smile stretched wide as the sky and she hugged the boy with delight. “I’m so glad the scepter was of help.”
They stood by the ledge, wondering how best to descend. It looked to be a long climb down. Jack, as a dragon, would be too small to support both Samara and the knight’s weight, while Samara, as a hawk, would not have the strength to carry both boy and man.
A hot breeze brushed Samara’s neck and she turned to find the grey watching them. The beast blinked, as if waiting for something.
“What do you suppose she wants?” Samara asked.
“Perhaps she offers a ride?” Sir Hugh said. The hopeful look in his eyes suggested that if he couldn’t kill the dragon, having a chance to ride it might be an acceptable alternative.
Samara, too, liked that plan. Imagine her father’s surprise if she returned home on the back of a dragon, with her charge safe and secure.
She touched Jack’s shoulder. “It would be a proper way for the new Apprentice Sorcerer King to enter my realm. What say you, Jack? In exchange, tell her there are healers in my kingdom that can help mend that wound on her side. If she is worried about leaving her egg unattended, I can put a spell on the opening that will permit entrance and departure from this cave only to her and her baby from now on.”
“She’ll like that. I’ll ask.” Jack turned himself back into a dragon, albeit one no bigger than himself, since he had little extra to work with on the ledge. She noted with approval at how adept he was becoming at using magic, once he knew the principles.
After a series of grunts and squeaks and snorts, the grey knelt and extended her head forward, allowing them access onto her back.
Jack changed back into his human self, and Sir Hugh helped him mount. He then jumped up behind the boy and reached down to swing Samara up between him and Jack. He wrapped his arm firmly around her middle, while she held onto Jack.
As the dragon rose into the air, Sir Hugh whispered to her, “Once we reach your father’s Kingdom, I meant what I said earlier, Samara. I would like to stay for a while. Would you be amenable to that?”
Surprised and very pleased by the question, she nodded. So, he did plan to stay awhile. “For how long? Strangers, especially mortals, rarely visit my kingdom. Most find it a little daunting.”
“Long enough to give us a chance to learn more about each other.”
The dragon dipped to catch an updraft and Samara swallowed her shock as her stomach plummeted. She wasn’t sure if it was from the jarring flight or the proposal behind Sir Hugh’s words. Was he planning to court her? This philanderer who loved so many women without hesitation?
Despite the risk of heartbreak, she wanted to say, Yes. She would not take it too kindly, however, if, after he had his way with her, he looked elsewhere for his pleasure. She turned in his hold so she could look him in the eyes.
Holding his challenging gaze, she said, “I would only agree if you promise there will be no other women while you are with me.”
“I only want you,” Sir Hugh said, but she didn’t trust that devilish light in his eyes.
“Do you realize who I am, sir? I’m not a witch or washerwoman. I will not be trifled with.”
His lips twitched with humor and her fury shot up.
He was playing with her! The rogue!
Swinging around, Samara stood up on the dragon’s back, magically balancing herself so she wouldn’t fall. Then holding her arms wide, she flung her next words into the air with a thrust of power in its wake. “I. Am. A. Sorceress!”
The words thundered and the cliffs surrounding them shuddered. A whirlwind swirled around the canyon toppling trees and tumbling rocks.
With each word, Samara lay claim to who she was. She didn’t need a kingdom to rule. She didn’t need people to fawn over her. Nor did she need a man to govern her. She was Samara, a sorceress, with power, wisdom and kindness in her soul. These were things that no one could steal from her, for they were what made her Samara. The freedom offered by that exhilarating knowledge sent her blood soaring.
The grey gave her an alarmed backward glance and flapped her wings faster, as if in a hurry to reach their destination and discharge this troublesome trio.
Jack looked up at her, as if surprised, and then he nodded his approval. The knight’s grip, which had tightened about her waist when she stood, loosened.
Samara’s joy settled down. Had she frightened Sir Hugh away with her show of power? She sat back down, keeping her back to him. So be it. Yet, a part of her grieved that in finding herself, she may have finally killed the knight’s interest in her.
He withdrew his hold around her waist, leaving her bereft. She’s enjoyed his touch. His elbow bunted her back and his chainmaille clinked as his other hand snaked under his tunic.
What was he doing? She was tempted to ask but stayed still and silent as her heart broke at the idea of this man slipping away. She would sorely miss him.
His right arm returned then to pull her possessively against his chest while he raised his left high up until his fist came into her line of sight. He was triumphantly holding those blasted ribbons. She should have flamed them she had a chance. They fluttered in the wind, a blatant rainbow of his conquests. Her fingers tingled as she contemplated burning them right now, along with scorching his fingers.
Then Sir Hugh opened his fist and every one of those flashes of color was snatched up by a breeze and scattered into the wild. Her breath caught in her throat and the fire in her fingertips died. He was showing her that he wanted her over all those other women.
Samara couldn’t help the joyous laughter that bubbled up from deep within her. Her chuckles caught in her throat when he then leaned forward and caressed the side of her cheek with his. “Sorceress you may be, my lady, but resign yourself to the fact that you are now my sorceress and will be forever more.”
Samara relaxed into Hugh’s hold and allowed him to turn her about. “This is just the preliminary games to the actual match we shall engage in later, in private,” he promised and claimed a passionate kiss. The first of many on that short flight home, back to the Sorcerers’ Kingdom.
In that breathless moment, Samara was infinitely glad her father had the foresight to send her on this errand, and to insist that Sir Hugh and no other accompany her and Jack home. He had indeed known what was best. How could she have ever doubted that her father loved her?
Obviously, he knew her future better than she did. Which was only right. After all, he was the Sorcerer King.
THE END
Thank you for reading!
Author biography
Once upon a time, USA Today bestselling author Shereen Vedam read fantasy and romance novels to entertain herself. Now she writes heartwarming tales braided with threads of magic and love and mystery elements woven in for good measure.
Shereen's a fan of resourceful women, intriguing men, and happily-ever-after endings. If her stories whisk you away to a different realm for a few hours, then Shereen will have achieved one of her life goals.
If you enjoyed this Believe and love stories about magic and witches and, yes, even dragons, then be sure to check out Shereen’s Tales of Ryca, a 2-book boxed set:
https://books2read.com/TalesofRyca
Rise of Dragon
s: Age of Dragons Book 3.5
Nicole Zoltack
Rise of Dragons © 2020 Nicole Zoltack
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Chapter 1
The sun shone brightly through his bedroom window, and Koll Hawk sat up in his bed and rubbed his hands with glee. Finally, today, he was ten summers old. Most dragon riders bonded with their dragons when they were around ten. As far back as Koll could remember, he had longed to find a dragon, the younger, the better. Most of the older dragons already had their riders. Koll was certain that a dragon would pick him. Why not? Koll might not have started his training yet, considering training started once one bonded to a dragon, but he was trying to learn how to use a sword already. Not that he had access to a sword. His parents were not dragon riders, so they didn't have a sword. Instead, Koll practiced with sticks. He had at least made it sharp at the end. Some of his friends called it more of a spear than a sword, but Koll had fixed that just this morning by using a small bit of rope to add a smaller stick as a crossguard.
There were so many dragons throughout Burning Havens. The vast majority of them had riders already. Where could Koll go to find one that hadn’t bonded to a human yet?
“Koll? Koll, are you awake yet?” his mom called from another room in their small house.
Koll debated sneaking out of the house through his window, but his mom had already opened his door.
“You’re awake! I thought I heard you. What would you like to eat to break your fast this morning? Ten years ago, you took your first breath. I can hardly believe it. You were such a tiny baby, but you always had a healthy set of lungs. You used to scream all night long and then sleep all day. That was terribly hard but so worthwhile. The cutest little baby in all of Amaria! Your tiny, little nose, your tiny little fingers and toes… But as much as you would cry, once you learned how to laugh, you wouldn’t stop. It was the best sound in the world.”
“Mom?”
“Yes, Koll?”
“I don’t need to know about every detail about my life as a baby.”
“It’s fun to reminisce.”
He wrinkled his nose. “About a time period I don’t remember?”
“I can remember for you. Your father can tell you stories—”
“Maybe later,” Koll said, inching toward his window.
“If you wish, but you still haven’t told me what you would like to eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Oh.” His mom’s green eyes, the same color as his own, looked so sad that Koll had to drop his gaze. “You want to go out.”
Koll ran a hand through his blond hair. “My friends and I, we—”
“Of course. You only spend all day every day with your friends. Why should today be any different? Why would you want to spend time with your parents who loved you dearly and only ask for the one day that marks the anniversary of your birth? Go on then. Go away. Shoo.” She flicked her hand and turned away.
“Mom, I—”
“It’s all right, Koll. I understand. I just… I miss you.”
Koll rubbed his throat. If he had his way, he would soon become a dragon rider. As a rider, he and his dragon would have to train together. Koll would have access to magic through a staff. All of that training would mean that Koll would have to spend far more time away from his house and his parents. Did the training take place at the castle? Koll wasn’t certain, but that would be amazing. Yes, of course he would miss his parents, and he could hardly blame them for wanting to spend time with him.
“I’ll be back for dinner,” Koll promised.
“That long?” His mom nodded. “Go and have fun.”
Koll took a step toward her, but his mom left the room. He took a few steps toward her when a knock sounded near his window. Koll rushed over and shoved aside the flattened animal hide that served to cover the window opening and grinned at Gilbar Cranner.
The nine-year-old grinned at Koll. "Old man, how are you feeling? Does your back ache?"
“I’m as fit as a fiddle,” Koll said.
“Play me a tune.” Gilbar laughed. “What’s the plan for today?”
Koll glanced back toward his door, but his mom was long gone. Although he felt guilty, he would make good on his promise. He would return, hopefully with a dragon.
Swiftly, he climbed out of the window and breathed in the fresh air. "It's a good day to be alive, isn't it, Gilbar?"
“I suppose, but that’s the case for every day, isn’t it?” Gilbar scratched his brown head.
“True enough.”
“Come on! The others are waiting!”
The two took off at a sprint and raced to the fountain, twisted metal forged by fire to create a dragon. How the water didn’t rust it, Koll didn’t know, but the first time he could remember sneaking out of his parents’ house, when he had been four or five, he had stumbled upon the fountain and watched it for hours. His parents found him there. That was one memory his mom probably didn’t want to recall.
Several other friends were already there, waiting for them. Camren Malls, with his bug-like eyes, stood next to Rud Poole, his blond hair looked almost white in the sunlight. Lenda Hardy was dipping her hand in the water. She was behind the boys, and she lifted a finger to her lips. With her hands, she flicked water at Camren and Rud's backs.
“Ah!”
“What in the world?”
Koll and the others laughed and laughed.
“It’s just a bit of water!” Lenda giggled.
“Do you want some water?” Rud asked.
He glanced at Camren, who nodded, and the two chased Lenda around the fountain. Rud grabbed her around the waist, and Camren seized her ankles. Together, they dumped her into the bottom of the fountain, the pool collecting at the metal dragon’s feet.
Lenda stood up, sputtering. She seized the guys by their shirts and jerked them backward. All three fell back into the water.
Koll was laughing so hard that he started to cough. Gilbar, beside him, slapped his knee and almost fell down himself.
Lenda stood again and gave a small curtsey. “There you go. My present to you, Koll, was your laughter.”
Camren glowered at her. “That was my gift!”
"Your gift? Your father is a castle guard. He has to make a lot of coin. You can afford a real present!"
“So you admit it! Laughter isn’t a real gift!”
Koll marched over and helped Lenda out of the fountain. “Laughter is a wonderful present, and I don’t need a gift. Truly, I don’t.”
“What do you want to do today?” Rud asked. “Anything you want.”
“I want to go exploring,” Koll said.
“Exploring? Where?” Gilbar asked.
Koll glanced upward just as a dragon soared overhead. His heart began to race, and he grinned. What would it feel like to sit on a dragon’s back and to soar through the skies? Both the dragon’s armor and that of the rider glittered in the sunlight, and Koll blinked.
“He wants a dragon,” Lenda said.
He glowered at her. “Why do you sound as if that won’t happen?”
“It’s not up to you,” she explained.
“Yes, I realize that, but I am strong and determined and—”
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"And you'll hound the dragon until he or she flies away," Rud said with a laugh.
“Rud, be nice,” Gilbar said.
“Ignore him,” Camren added. “Rud’s just jealous because he’s only eight.”
“Eight and a half!” Rud protested. “And it’s not as if there haven’t been children younger than ten to bond. There’s that one girl… What’s her name?”
“Nicai,” Koll muttered.
“She was five when she bonded! It’s possible,” Rud said, lifting his chin. “Don’t act like it isn’t!”
“It’s just not going to happen for you,” Lenda said. “You’re too…”
“You’re even needier than Koll,” Camren said.
“And you smell.” Lenda wrinkled her nose.
“I do not,” Rud protested.
“You’re also annoying at times,” Gilbar added.
“Oh, so you yell at me and tell me to be nice, but you can insult me, and that’s fine?” Rud threw up his hands.
Koll laughed. “Any dragon would be lucky to bond with you, Rud, but if one bonds with you today and none with me, I’ll never speak to you again.”
Rud shrugged. “I suppose that’s fair.”
“Where do you think we should go first?” Lenda asked.
Koll grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. “Camren, do you know how your dad found his dragon?”
“Dad’s only told me the story every chance he gets,” Camren said, rolling his eyes. “All he did was go for a walk.”
“A walk,” Koll said flatly.
“Yes. The dragon was flying by himself, and they just started to talk, and that was that.”
“That was that.” Koll could hardly believe it. Could it really be that simple?
“Was your dad by himself?” Lenda asked.
“Yes.”
“Great. It was nice seeing you, Koll.” Gilbar pursed his lips, clearly displeased.
Koll shook his head and playfully rolled his eyes. “Just because that’s how Camren’s dad found his dragon doesn’t mean it’s the only way to find one.”
Dragons and Mages: A Limited Edition Anthology Page 152
