The Dragon Marked Chronicles: Prince of Dragons (Book 2)

by Jay Lynn

  “I do believe that would depend on who we send,” Malcolm declared with the hint of a smirk.

  Dozing here and there, Alec didn’t stray far from the castle’s Keep. All birds used for transporting correspondence lived on the top floor. When the hawk returned from Zerrok it would come here. Alec would then know for sure whether Vincent wrote the truth. She better be alright, Alec thought for perhaps the hundredth time. If he had ended the monster when he had the chance this wouldn’t have happened. Alec never should have let Jade sway him otherwise.

  Lying on the roof of the barracks, the warrior gazed up at the large stone structure. His fingers tapped the side of his leg without him even realizing it. Nothing worked to occupy his thoughts. How long had he been waiting here, blankly watching the azure sky for some sign? Alec couldn’t say. The waning sun told him it was at the very least late in the afternoon. A small form flew by high above. Blinking rapidly, Alec rose up onto his elbows. Circling back, an elegant brown and white bird soared towards the battlements and disappeared through the highest open window of the Keep.

  This is it. This has to be it.

  Shifting into a crouched position on the edge of the tiles, Alec studied the Keep’s sole entry to the courtyard. Like a panther awaiting its prey, he moved not a muscle. The door suddenly flew open as a soldier raced across the grounds.

  Eyes tracking his path, Alec patiently held his position until the man was nearing the barracks. Leaping down, the warrior lightly landed directly in front of the soldier.

  “Ah!” the man shouted jerking back. “Prince Alec, you startled me.”

  “Is that from Zerrok?” Alec questioned instead, gesturing to the small folded parchment clutched in the man’s hand.

  “I’m only to give this directly to King Titus,” he replied, starting to go around the royal.

  Darting forward, Alec grabbed the soldier’s arm and within another heartbeat had him bent over with his arm twisted behind his back. Removing the note, Alec didn’t release his grip no matter the soldier’s protest. Eyes quickly scanning the small script, he said not a word.

  Lady Jade arrived by ship in Zanger. She was taken to the Imperial Tower.

  So the vile noble hadn’t lied. Jade was there. Pressing the paper back into the man’s fingers, Alec set him free. Spinning around, he set off toward the armory.

  I’m coming, Jade.

  Once released the soldier ran full speed to find His Majesty. His orders were to tell Alec nothing of the message. He hadn’t expected the prince to be waiting to ambush him.

  Seeing Titus on the front steps with Leos, the soldier dropped into a deep bow. Holding out the paper he panted, “His Highness took the note and read it. Forgive me, my King, I couldn’t stop him.”

  Quickly glancing at the words, Titus frowned deeply. “Where is he?”

  Hoofbeats pounded the ground as Cloud raced across the courtyard. Clad in short chainmail, leather armor, steel vambraces and a cloak, Alec road towards the city.

  “Stop him!” Titus commanded. His gaze snapped to the currently open entry as soldiers returned to the castle. “Close the gate!”

  Cloud bolted around anyone foolish enough to stand in his path. No one was going to hinder his master’s flight. As the portcullis quickly began to close, Alec leapt from the saddle. Running as swift as the wind, he dove, sliding beneath the iron bars right before they sank into the ground. Rolling to a stop, he glanced back at those calling his name for but a moment. His gaze locked on Roderick. The knight didn’t bother ordering for him to return. Instead, he dipped his head in a respectful bow.

  Stay safe, Alec.

  Alec nodded prior to disappearing from view. Raising a hand, he shot a ball of light into the air as he continued to speed down the road. Behind him, the portcullis was lifting. Soon, soldiers would be on his tail. A deep roar sounded. The one corner of Alec’s mouth pulled back in a smirk. I can always count on you, Cassidy.

  Summoning a wind spell, the sorcerer jumped high into the air. Cassidy flew by beneath him, allowing Alec to twist around in midair and land on her back.

  “To Zerrok, my friend.”

  The green dragon answered with a grunt. Shifting her wings, she changed course. Alec frowned as shortly after their flight began, they started to descend near Malcolm’s cottage.

  “Why are we stopping here?” Alec questioned with a puzzled tone.

  He figured Ardys and Tatsu would join them in the air. Perhaps they were resting and required waking. However, when Cassidy landed beside the modest dwelling, his other guardians were not asleep.

  What is this? he wondered, trying not to voice his displeasure. They didn’t have time for games.

  Cassidy stretched out on the grass and folded up her wings, silently encouraging the sorcerer to dismount. Sliding to the ground, he peered around. The door to Malcolm’s flew open. Adjusting cloaks and tying their weapons upon their belts, Malcolm, Isabelle, Garth and Nathan all suddenly appeared, ready for battle.

  Alec’s one brow rose.

  “You didn’t think we would allow you to breach the Imperial Tower on your own did you?” asked his former teacher with an amused voice.

  “We told you we have your back, little brother,” Nathan popped in.

  “Zerrok could use some comeuppance,” Isabelle added.

  Striding over to Alec’s side, Garth bumped him with his shoulder. “Have you forgotten? Vincent invited four of your comrades to join you.”

  Alec released a short laugh. A small smirk appeared. “I hope you know I’m flying there.”

  Malcolm and Isabelle smiled. Rushing over to Ardys, the sorceress patted the side of the great red dragon’s face as he gave her a nudge.

  “Can I go with Ardys?”

  Garth and Nathan both exchanged uneasy glances.

  “We thought as much,” the warrior admitted. “Though I did hope you would change your mind and choose a more normal path.”

  Alec shook his dark hair. “Since this is a trap, we’ll need all the help we can get. Vincent won’t be expecting three dragons, or Malyndor’s best.”

  Peering at the others, Alec felt his heart lift. This impossible task didn’t seem so bleak with them accompanying him. There was a chance of actually coming back alive. No more waiting. Alec was going to rescue his Jade and no one, not Vincent, the armies of Zangar or even King Titus was going to stop him.

  Moving to join Isabelle, another set of steps on the small porch caused Alec to pause.

  His face a hard mask, Duke Stafford watched Alec without a hint of his normal friendliness. Descending the stairs, he stalked across the grass, coming to a halt several feet away from the prince.

  “I am under direct orders from King Titus to ensure you do not leave Stafford.” Edmund’s fingers squeezed the hilt of his sword. “By any means, if necessary. As a servant to the crown, it is my duty to halt this endeavor.” The duke took a few steps as he spoke. Standing still once more, his jaw clenched.

  “As a father…” His hand dropped from the blade. “I implore you to do whatever you must to rescue my daughter. Prince Alakaid, Dragon Sage of Malyndor, pray I beg you to save Jade from that devil.”

  Holding Edmund’s strong gaze, Alec didn’t hesitate to close the distance between them. Holding out his hand, the two men gripped each other’s forearms.

  “I promise you, I will return with her or not at all.”

  A lump in his throat, Edmund could only nod. Retracing his steps, he cleared the area as the warriors climbed onto the back of the dragons and took to the air. Every part of him wanted to join this crusade. But alas, he held fast. He couldn’t risk the others’ lives by charging in with blind fury. As it was, the duke knew Alec would be the only one with the power to complete this mission. To think there was a time he ever doubted his worth.

  Forehead leaning against the cold bar of her tiny window, Jade gazed out into the city of Zangar. The thick piece of metal was unnecessary. No human could possibly fit out the thin opening. All it s
eemed to do was obscure Jade’s view of the crowded, gloomy streets below. Not that she cared to really see them.

  The moment their ship docked in the harbor, Jade’s heart sank. She was quickly ushered onto the deck, down the gang plank and into an enclosed windowless carriage. Deprived of even a moment to get her bearings, she was escorted to the capital’s central feature without a word from anyone.

  Much like when she stood before the Grimstone Colosseum, the Imperial Tower was an imposing structure. Stretching two hundred feet tall, the central tower was flanked by first five, then three story wings which folded around it in the shape of a pentagon. At the back was Dunbrook Palace. The fortress certainly lived up to its name as the strong hold of Zerrok. Jade could imagine no way of breaking through the layers of stone and steel.

  Turning away from the window with disgust, her focus shifted to her cell. If you exchanged the surrounding rock with wood, it reminded Jade of her room aboard Vincent’s vessel. A single bed was pushed up against one plain wall with a small table and chair on the opposite side of the space. An equally tiny fireplace was beside the table with a bucket tucked in the corner, serving as her washroom. It was a poor comparison to even the inns Jade had previously stayed in. A proper restroom at the very least was always provided. Refusing to give that area of her chambers anymore thought, Jade peered at the solid wooden door blocking her escape. A barred opening near the top sapped at the warmth from her modest flames. Three times a day a servant tended to the pitiful blaze when they arrived with her meals. With no kindling left behind, it was difficult to fight off the unusual chill which seemed to permanently linger within the thick walls.

  How did Alec survive in such harsh surroundings?

  Granted, Jade knew she still had it far better than the bare, damp cells in which the warrior resided during the years he fought as a gladiator. Yet, compared to the luxury she had always known, this was an utter nightmare. The urge for some type of movement had the noble pacing the cramped space. Locked in, the endless not knowing, the vast less waiting, was driving her mad. All there was left for her to do was think. Once more, Jade’s thoughts turned to Alec.

  I miss you so much my love.

  How would he find her here? With no way to send a message, only her captives could alert him to her whereabouts.

  As if that shall happen. A cold, humorless laugh slipped past Jade’s lips.

  Such odds were beyond slim. Dropping down on the stiff bed, Jade sighed. There was no hope. For the first time, a darkness squeezed her chest and would not let up. It tightened, sapping at her very soul with its cold unyielding fingers. The first tear rained down on her curled hands. Another followed, and another, until her shoulders were shaking from the assault. Sucking in a ragged breath, Jade covered her face with her hands. It didn’t matter if anyone heard her. Jade no longer cared about keeping up appearances. This cell would be her tomb unless, of course, Vincent chose to move her elsewhere. No matter the cost, she would never agree to be his.

  Curse that man.

  Alec wouldn’t be able to protect her from him this time. An image of his somewhat shy half grin filled her vision. Despite the grimness of her situation, Jade felt a small smile pull at the corner of her mouth. How did he always have so much strength when he lived through these horrors? Sniffling, Jade began to wipe her face in a no-nonsense manner.

  That’s right. If Alec found a way out of Zerrok not once, but twice, then what would stop him from defeating the odds again? Alec always came for her. They were bonded. Jade chose him and after all they went through over the last year so they could be together, she found it difficult to believe fate would tear them asunder.

  I cannot lose him again.

  Rising, Jade strode back to the window. There had to be some way for her to inform Alec of her location. Jade couldn’t give up. She couldn’t explain it, but somehow across the distance, thinking of Alec gave her some of his strength. Taking a deep breath, Jade slowly exhaled.

  “I shall find a way,” she whispered to the scattered clouds outside.

  As if in answer, a few rays of sunlight peeked through the grey. Nodding to herself, Jade began to twist back just as a knock sounded on the door. Without awaiting an answer, Vincent entered the small space.

  Jade’s body immediately stiffened in response. Seeing him now, at this pinnacle point in her turmoil of whirling emotions, hardened her resolve. It was time for him to get his comeuppance.

  Keeping her expression pleasant yet neutral, Jade dropped into a graceful curtsy.

  “Greetings, milord.”

  Holding a tray piled with food, Vincent grinned. Striding into the cramped space he told her fondly, “There is no need for such formalities sweetheart. We are alone after all and soon to be wed.”

  Jade’s stomach churned sourly. This was not going to be a pleasant meal.

  “Indeed.”

  Vincent might not have noted the tightness of her voice, yet he did manage to see the redness of her eyes, and the remaining sheen of tears upon her cheeks. Gaze widening, he rushed to the noblewoman’s side and loosely gripped her hands.

  “Jade, my dear,” he began bending down to peer into her face. “Whatever is the matter? Pray, you know you can tell me anything.”

  Jade almost snorted. He was the cause of her distress. I doubt he would enjoy hearing such a confession. Though his affections were sorely misplaced, it occurred to Jade that they were indeed genuine. Vincent truly believed himself in love with her in some twisted way, and her happiness seemed to matter to the lord. This could be just the opportunity she needed.

  Sighing dramatically, Jade lowered her eyelashes and sniffed.

  “I do not wish to trouble you.”

  Pulling back slightly, Vincent rested a hand over his heart. “It would be of no trouble, my dear. Nothing is too trivial. Come,” he instructed, leading her to the bed. Lowering themselves down onto the edge, he turned and peered at Jade. “Now, what is the cause of this distress?”

  Jade shrugged her shoulders, trying to buy herself a moment to carefully choose her words.

  “I just…I miss my mother so much. I cannot imagine how terribly frightened she must be. She knows not where I am or with whom.” Jade wiped her one eye. “I wish there was some way to which I could convey my whereabouts so at the very least, my mother would know I am safe. What if she believes me to be dead?”

  Sobbing, Jade covered her face with her hands. Her words were to deceive Vincent however, the heart behind them was not false. Jade really did miss her mother and the possibility of her believing Jade to be dead was quite real.

  “Do not fret,” Vincent soothed, patting her gently.

  Many times he’d heard it said that young ladies were always close to their mothers. This situation must be difficult for her and none of it was her fault. Vincent frowned. Damn that slave. He was still causing his Jade pain, even after liberating her from his clutches. The noble suddenly straightened. Perhaps he could use this to his advantage to strengthen Jade’s growing favor.

  “I do not wish to see you unhappy, my dear,” Vincent told her thoughtfully. “Would it please you if I sent for the Duchess? I know how close the two of you are.”

  Jade fought the impulse to jump to her feet and shriek excitedly. This intrigue may be a success.

  “Could you?” Jade questioned squeezing his hand. “I would dearly love to see her again.”

  Rising to his feet, Vincent rubbed his palms together. “I see no reason why I cannot do so. Yes. Yes, I shall make the arrangements.” A finger pressing against his lips, the noble’s eyes lowered to the ground. “It should be done soon, prior to the first battle to come,” he added quietly to himself.

  “Battle?” Jade repeated incredulously.

  Vincent grimaced. “I did not mean for you to hear that.”

  She refused to let it slide. “Who is to battle?”

  “Why Zerrok and Malyndor of course. I have it on good authority that the war shall be beginning rather soon.”


  A chill raced through Jade’s body. Skin paling, her breath temporarily caught in her throat.

  “There is no cause for alarm,” Vincent promised. “We shall be quite safe here in my homeland.”

  “Homeland?” she echoed. Jade had no idea to what he was referring. Vincent’s father was the Earl of Parlen. He was, without a doubt, a true Malyndorian noble. Had Vincent completely lost his senses once more?

  “I do not understand.”

  Tilting his head to the side, the lord puckered his lips. “I suppose you would not. Few know of my family’s true origins.” He nodded. “That is correct, the Brookshire bloodline are descendants of Zerrokian nobility. This kingdom is in my blood and we shall find sanctuary here.”

  It took a moment for Jade to form any type of response. “Then it is quite fortunate that your family has remained loyal to the land of your ancestors.” Jade paused. “I thought there was an understanding between King Titus and King David which disfavored a war.”

  A vile, twisted smirk appeared on the man’s face. “He is no longer a concern. Come,” he said lifting the small table and bringing it to Jade’s side. “Let us enjoy a meal together, my dear. There is no more need for us to discuss any unpleasantness.”

  Unable to press the issue further, Jade smiled faintly and shifted her focus to the next task at hand. Somehow, though she couldn’t say how, Jade was able to eat a fair amount of the food Vincent set on her plate. After another hour of his company he departed, leaving Jade alone with nothing but the faint hope that he would deliver some sort of message to lead to her freedom.

  It was dark outside when the next visitor paid Jade a call. Curled up on the bed, she was dozing peacefully when two soldiers stormed in.

  “You’re to come with us,” the first man commanded sharply.

  Flinching, Jade pushed herself into an upright position as she rapidly blinked the sleep from her eyes. Thus far, everyone had treated her politely, if not somewhat coldly. This dramatic turn was most unexpected. Jade’s gaze widened slightly as she spotted the three lines marking their uniforms. These men were soldiers of The Pure. What are they doing here? This fortress was the stronghold of the Royal Family. Jade’s heartbeat increased and her palms grew slick.