by Jay Lynn
“Why not?” Alec countered to the sage’s surprise. “Humans undertake such diversions all the time. Dragons are equally as bright,” his gaze settled on Jerric. “If not more so in some ways.”
Sputtering, the master sage couldn’t reply at first. “How dare you!”
“That is quite enough,” Titus pronounced, ending the confrontation for the moment. “When all things are considered, we still lack key information about the situation at hand. Our knowledge of dragon-kind is limited and our inability to effectively communicate with them hinders such advancements. We can however, rely on their past behaviors.
General Rickman, send scouts from our key military outposts across the realm. I want eyes on every dragon, but no one is to engage them without my approval.”
“At once, Your Majesty.”
“Grandmaster Eldridge, assemble your wizards. We shall need their eyes and ears as well.”
“I will assign sages to join the General’s scouts.”
“Good.”
“Your Majesty,” Alec began with a slight bow. “With your permission, I’d like to travel to the East Circle to speak with Malcolm. He knows of some ancient text which could prove useful.”
Titus nodded. “Very well. Any further information would be most welcome. Once you have completed this task, return to Ariston.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Alec dipped his head and quickly departed the space. With any luck, Cassidy would be awaiting him in Stafford. Then, the sorcerer could hopefully gain the insight needed to avoid a possibly grave misunderstanding.
Pushing open the door to his accommodations, Vincent looked around with a grimace. The small inn wasn’t his normal type of lodging. The thought of remaining in Marcia Castle was not to be borne. Thus, he departed the city with all haste. Vincent only traveled a few hours prior to calling it a night. The brisk ride did nothing to quell his surly mood.
Plopping down in a chair, he propped his feet up with a groan. Eyes drifting closed, the sorcerer’s face immediately invaded his mind. A wolf-like grin on his lips, the Zerrokian slave snaked his arm around Jade’s waist and pulled her close. Throwing his head back with a laugh, he stared right at Vincent.
“She’s mine now.”
Gasping, the noble launched himself upright. Sucking in air, he pounded a fist on the chair’s arm. “Damn him.”
“Bad dream?” inquired a soft voice.
Head jerking up, Vincent’s hand gripped the hilt of his sword. Unsheathing it in a smooth motion, he glared at the hooded intruder leaning casually against the window frame.
“How dare you enter my room? You chose the wrong person to try to rob. I shall make you regret this night.”
Lunging forward, Vincent swept his sword horizontally.
The short man easily ducked under the blade and kept out of reach.
“If I wanted to rob you, Lord Vincent of Parlen, I wouldn’t have alerted you to my presence.”
“Do not take me for a fool,” Vincent snapped. “How else would you know me if I was not your target?”
Vincent’s next attack was blocked by a dagger that suddenly appeared in the mysterious man’s hand. “If you wish to defeat the sorcerer Alec, then you might desire to at least hear my words,” he said calmly.
The noble froze. Blade still locked against the other man’s, he watched him carefully.
“Why would you care what becomes of him?”
“Let’s just say those I work for would prefer if he disappeared…permanently.”
A few moments ticked by before Vincent slowly withdrew his weapon. Keeping a tight hold of the hilt, he stood at the ready.
“I am listening.”
The hooded figure nodded as he returned his blade to its sheath.
“My sources inform me that you believe something to be amiss with this fighter and you are correct. It is worse than you imagine.”
Vincent frowned, his eyes narrowing. “How so?”
“They call him the Dragon Sage, but in truth, the beasts are his masters.”
Body straightening, Vincent scoffed. “Impossible.”
“You think so? Have you wondered why he acts so strangely? How others seem to bend to his will?”
The noble’s sword arm dropped to his side.
“I see you have. It is part of his dark powers from the dragons. His feats were no accidents. They were staged to position him nearer to the crown. And who else would be a better bride than the closest friend of the future queen?” the man stressed, continuing to watch Vincent from the shadow of his hood.
“I have to save her,” he declared returning his sword to its scabbard. “This time Duke Stafford will be sure to receive my warning.”
“Hold fast, milord,” the stranger said lifting a hand. “Words will not be enough over his power. The spell woven upon his victims runs deep. You will need proof.”
Vincent paused. “How do I acquire it?”
“The mark of the dragon. He bears it on his back. A word of caution though, if you desire to break his sway, be sure the duke gazes upon it before you spill the sage’s blood.”
Two soldiers discreetly followed behind as Titus and Zachary walked down the castle’s wide corridor. Having just returned from the Kingdom’s western border, the prince was eager to hear their trusted counsel’s opinion on the matter at hand.
“Visiting the main outposts along the border confirmed our initial reports. About two dozen dragons entered our lands. So far, none of them have been seen departing.”
Titus dipped his head. “The messages I have been receiving indicate they are traveling the Kingdom in pairs. For what purpose, I still know not.”
“Layfon could tell you nothing?”
Titus looked at his brother. “He does not believe they are hostile. General Claymore however, disagrees.”
“Of course,” Zachary said sarcastically. “He has never agreed with the wizards.”
“He certainly has a point. Dragons can be dangerous, yet the simple matter is we do not possess enough information. For the time being, I have ordered scouts to monitor them at a distance. I do hope, for the sake of our people, we can avoid a war.”
Zachary’s brows lowered. “If it was war they wanted, then I am sure they would have attacked by now.”
“I agree. Let us hope we are right.”
Down the hallway, Alandra strode by dressed in travel clothes with a cloak about her shoulders.
“Alandra!” Titus called with a frown, quickening his steps.
Backtracking, his daughter peered up the corridor.
“Greetings, Father.” A wide smile touched her lips. “Welcome home, Uncle Zachary.”
Chuckling softly, Zachary glanced at her embroidered shirt and trousers. Alandra rarely wore dresses during the day.
“It is good to be home.”
“Where are you off to?” her father questioned, crossing his arms. “I recall telling you to remain within the castle.”
“You did…when the dragons were first sighted. Since it has been decided an attack is surely not to come, I thought I might travel hence to Stafford.”
Titus’s expression did not soften.
“Such a diversion would not be solely for leisure,” Alandra pressed on. “I desire to aid our Kingdom as well. People are scared, and knowing the Royal Family is locked behind these walls is not offering them comfort. If I go to Stafford, then I can help ease their fears and be just as aptly protected.”
Watching Alandra carefully, Titus fought a smirk pulling at his lips. It wasn’t solely Jade’s company that his daughter sought or she would have said so. He knew his strong-willed child well enough to sense that she wasn’t voicing her true reasons. Did she believe he would disapprove? Or was it a fear of his refusal keeping the truth at bay?
“Alandra, why do you seek to go to Stafford, of all places, in the midst of this crisis?”
“Lady Jade is always pleasurable company,” she replied smoothly.
“Who else
?” he countered.
Blinking, the princess didn’t have a ready answer.
“If I recall,” Titus continued, “A certain sage departed for the East Circle a short while ago.”
He knows too much. Alandra shrugged. “The motives I spoke of were not untrue. Yet, I cannot deny the benefit of Alec’s company should our paths cross.”
Titus’s brows rose.
Alandra sighed, shaking her head. “As you wish, Father. I did not have the chance to converse with Alec while he was in Ariston, nor was I permitted to attend Marcia’s celebration due to the current situation. Alec is my friend and trusted counsel. His well-being, I have yet to see for myself since his return from Zerrok. You, yourself Father, have encouraged me to align myself with valued individuals who will aid me in the future. Hence, I have sought to do so.”
Listening to her impassioned speech, Titus frowned. “I do hope, this would not be an intimate alliance.”
Eyes growing wide, Alandra leaned back as she stood there with her mouth gaping. Her and Alec? Alandra never considered him in such a light. He was her confidant, her friend. She did recently learn of another who did think of him as much more.
Laughing, Zachary placed a hand on Titus’s shoulder. “Fear not brother, there is no such relationship here.”
“How can you be so sure? I do not disapprove of him per say, but Alandra will be queen one day.”
Zachary opened his mouth, then closed it. “Sometimes you are so blind,” he mumbled. Lowering his voice the prince leaned in. “An announcement has yet to be made, but word from the ball is Alec is to be matched with the younger Lady Stafford.”
Titus’s eyes darted to his daughter.
A bright smile appeared on Alandra’s face. “I believe it to be so. Lady Jade is quite taken with him.”
“And I dare say we know Alec cares greatly for his special lady from all the teasing you and Alicia bestow upon him.”
“Harmless fun,” the princess replied. Waving his words off with a twinkle in her eye she added, “I think they shall make an excellent match.”
“Indeed,” Zachary agreed as his brother grinned with a light chuckle. “If I may, there is a matter I must discuss with Alec. I would not be opposed to escorting Alandra to Stafford. The duke’s guard is skilled. She will be just as safe there as she would be here within the castle.”
A hand traced the line of Titus’s jaw. “I would prefer you remained here,” Titus began. “However, if you are determined to take this journey and Zachary accompanies you, then I see no need to refuse your request.”
Beaming, Alandra dipped into a little bob. “Thank you, Father. I assure you I shall use the utmost caution.”
“I have no doubt you shall. Safe journey.” Reaching forward he wrapped her in an embrace, then stepped back. Holding his daughter’s gaze, the king added, “And should any dragons appear about the city…”
“I shall remain within the castle until it is safe to return to Ariston,” Alandra promised. “Though I do not believe it shall be the case. None of the reports indicate any dragons lingering around heavily populated areas. What possible reason could they have to appear in Stafford?”
Cloud’s hooves pounded down the surface of the forest road. Slowing his stride, Alec straightened in the saddle to peer about him. Scanning the woods he saw no other soul about. With a click of Alec’s tongue, the grey steed walked off the path and moved through the trees. Cloud knew their location well and needed no further direction to find Cassidy’s normal meeting spot. Entering the clearing, Alec dismounted and gazed around.
“Cassidy?” he called.
There was no reply.
Eyes searching the space, he frowned. Come on my friend. Please be here. Many a time she appeared suddenly when he was about. Cassidy seemed to know when he was seeking her out.
“Cassidy, I need to talk to you. Are you here?” Peering into the trees Alec searched for his friend. “Please, this is really important.”
Still, there was nothing. Exhaling, Alec put his hands on his hips and dropped his chin. What now? he thought to himself. Cassidy was the only one who could give him the answers he sought.
Perhaps he should leave her another note with the stones. That way she would know he came to see her. Afterwards, the East Circle would be his next destination. Malcolm was the only other person Alec could think of who might be able to shine some light on the situation. Alec could always try again in a day or so.
A rustling in the brush had Alec’s head snapping up. The one corner of his mouth pulled back. Alec took a step in the sound’s direction.
“Cassidy, I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to talk to you—”
The words died on his lips as the last person he expected to see stepped out into the clearing. Alec stiffened, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade.
“Vincent,” he said with a low growl.
Damn it. How did he find me here? There was no point hoping he hadn’t heard him calling for the green dragon. The triumphant gleam in his eyes was answer enough.
“I finally have you,” the noble declared.
Alec didn’t get the chance to respond. So focused upon the sudden appearance of his enemy, he didn’t notice the six men sneaking up behind him until too late. They pounced on him, keeping Alec from drawing his blade. A scuffle broke out as the sorcerer fought to break free. The feel of cool metal encasing his one wrist registered in the back of his mind. Where had Vincent procured an anti-magic cuff?
Charging across the meadow, Cloud raced to his master’s aid.
Raising his blade, one of the thugs prepared to strike.
Ramming a man in the face with his elbow, Alec managed to twist out of his grip. With the two others still holding on, the sorcerer got to his knees and launched forward, tackling the brute. Neighing loudly, Cloud was still coming towards them when a strike to the side of his head caused everything to spin before his eyes. Giving himself a shake, Alec tried to stop the sensation. The momentary lapse was enough for his enemies to regain the upper hand. Vincent stood to the side, leering at him as Alec was met with another strike to the face.
Chapter 10
Duke Stafford and his Battlemaster were seated in Edmund’s study when a forceful knock sounded at the door. Breaking off their conversation, both men’s eyes locked on the wooden entry. A frown marred his face as Edmund called for their visitor to enter.
A soldier rushed in. Breathing heavily, sweat beaded his brow as his gaze darted between the duke and Roderick.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Grace, but we have a situation.”
“What is it?”
“Lord Vincent has forced his way into the city. He is demanding an audience with you and nears the castle as we speak.”
“Vincent?” Edmund exclaimed jumping to his feet.
Upon learning what truly transpired with the noble and his beloved daughter last year, the duke officially banished him from Stafford. As soon as the matter with the dragons was resolved, he would speak with the King about a more severe punishment. Vincent would not get away with assaulting his child. Furious that he was not told of the incident earlier, Edmund no longer possessed any lingering doubts concerning Jade’s betrothal to Alec. He could not think of anyone more deserving of his daughter’s hand.
“How dare he come here!” Edmund quickly rounded the desk as Roderick, too, rose to his feet with a scowl.
“How did he get inside?” the knight questioned harshly.
At the same time Edmund demanded, “Why did you allow him into the city? Remove him at once!”
The soldier paled. “We tried Your Grace, but he has a hostage with him.”
“A hostage?” Roderick repeated crossly. “Who?”
“The coward. We shall see about this,” Edmund said preventing the man from answering as he stormed across the room towards the door. “He wants an audience, well then he shall have it.”
Roderick and the soldier swiftly followed as the duke took off down the ha
ll. Just as they were entering the large foyer, the castle doors swung open. Vincent strode inside with half a dozen men following as they dragged a slumped over figure. A sack concealed their hostage’s identity, but the blade pressed to the side of his neck was easy enough to see.
Members of the Stafford Guard flanked each side of the space as well as blocked the exit once it was sealed. All around people stopped and stared as Vincent came to a halt in the middle of the chamber.
Striding forward, the duke watched the younger lord with a face set like stone. “How dare you enter my castle after your despicable treatment of my daughter! Release this man and depart at once,” Edmund ordered pointing towards the door.
Vincent’s smile didn’t waver. Dropping into a bow, he peered at the noble evenly. “I understand your displeasure over our little disagreement, so I brought you a gift as proof of my devotion to Lady Jade,” Vincent told him retracing his steps to hover over his captive. “Behold, the Kingdom’s traitor which we have so long sought,” he said as he removed the covering.
Groaning, Alec flinched as the surrounding light assaulted his senses. His wrists and arms were bound with ropes. A cloth spotted with blood was tied over his mouth and his clothing was dirty and torn in several places. Blinking, the moment he saw Vincent, his eyes flashed. Two of the noble’s thugs pushed down on his shoulders to keep him in place.
Eyes growing wide for a second, both Roderick and Edmund glared at Vincent with a clenched jaw.
“What is the meaning of this? Release Lord Alec this instant.”
“He is no more a lord than a dog is a king. Keep your distance,” Vincent snapped as a few soldiers edged closer.
A minion pressed the blade more firmly into Alec’s skin, drawing blood.
“Stay where you are,” Roderick commanded his men. This is going to be tricky. Vincent’s previous behavior couldn’t be forgotten. The man was like a poisonous snake, slippery and poised to strike at any moment. If they made a move right now, Alec would be dead before they could reach him. Though breathing with some difficulty, the warrior’s eyes blazed proudly. He was not a man easily broken. The knight knew that well. Hold tight a little longer, Alec.
