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

by Jay Lynn

  Shiori blinked, her eyes widening slightly as she glanced at Ardys. A silent message seemed to pass between them as if she were asking, ‘Does he speak the truth?’

  The red dragon nodded solemnly.

  A smile slowly stretched across her lips.

  “I see.”

  Rising, the queen shifted her attention to the crystal tree glistening above them. Arching her neck, she gazed at the countless petals for a few seconds in silence.

  “Magic links many things in the living world. It is, in fact, a lifeforce of its own. Take this tree, for instance,” Shiori told him softly. “She is called Madroca. Each crystal upon her feeds off the magic of the earth, growing to form memories of our past. When touched, the history of our realms can be witnessed as if you were present.”

  Alec’s brows furrowed. “So that’s what I saw,” he muttered.

  “What did Madroca show you?”

  “I’m not entirely sure.” Alec ran a hand over the lower part of his face. “It was a fierce battle. The area was like nothing I’ve witnessed before. It was dark, tainted almost, and everything was scorched to dust. Dragons were pitted against each other, but there were humans present as well. They seemed to be battling alongside the dragons.”

  Shiori’s eyes lost the sparkle they had held while Alec was speaking. Her mouth tightened as she looked upon the ancient tree. Her intense gaze almost appeared to study something the sage could not see.

  Looking back at the other two dragons, the prince noted that his friends were suddenly no less serious than their queen. What event had he been granted privilege to?

  “Are you alright, Empress?”

  She sighed, returning her gaze to the human by her side. “It is not a time we care to remember. Humans though, seem to have forgotten it completely. There was a time when darkness ruled over all the known lands. It was brought forth by a powerful spirit not of our world. In the end, it was banished from our world at the cost of many lives.” Shiori’s eyes shifted back to the tree. “I do wonder why she chose to show you such a vision.”

  Alec shook his head. “I cannot say, perhaps because it was a time when humans and dragons worked together. This proves it is possible.”

  “That was a long time ago. Creating a new bridge between our kinds now will be no easy feat.”

  “No peace lasts forever,” Alec told her, lifting his chin. “A way to bridge the gap between our races can only be to our benefit. Would you help me build that bridge?”

  Alec held his hand out towards the great dragon with such unwavering determination shining in his eyes that Shiori could not answer right away. Dipping her nose, she touched his palm.

  “I would be honored.” A wide grin appeared, dominating her expression. “I must say, you are indeed a strange human. You have a good heart. It reminds me of your ancestor, King Stephan. I would not have chosen another to be gifted with our power.”

  The sage simply stared at her. Alec hadn’t been expecting such high praise. Hopefully, he could continue to live up to their expectations.

  “You should rest and save your strength,” she advised twisting around to address his guardians. “I will have someone show you to your chambers.”

  “Yes, Empress,” Ardys said, bowing his head.

  “Of course,” Tatsu replied as well.

  In a gust of wind, the royal dragon ascended to disappear through a high tunnel. Alec watched her depart without a word. With the growing negative support for his very existence, he hadn’t expected her to be so kind or friendly towards him. His conversation with Shiori did help to strengthen his resolve. Alec bore no lingering doubts that this was the right course for him to take.

  The same green dragon appeared at the bottom of the crystal tower to lead Alec to his room. The twisting tunnels took them deeper inside the mountain where it was surprisingly warm. Stepping aside, his escort left them at the doorway with a bow. A curved slab of stone jutted out beyond the doorway to give the space some privacy. Clusters of low crystals were scattered about the room including a giant gleaming one at the center. Rays of yellow, orange and red painted the grey walls much like a warm summer sunset. A small smile touched the corner of his mouth. The image reminded him of Malyndor.

  “Amazing,” he whispered, watching the different hues dance throughout the space.

  Behind him, Ardys and Tatsu stretched out across the entry to stay any unwelcome guests. Alec found himself more or less alone with his thoughts. Resting an arm on the hilt of his blade, the prince observed the stone lighting up his chamber. I wonder… Inching closer, Alec reached out to touch the crystal. His skin tingled from the radiating heat, but no images came forth in his mind’s eye. With a self-disparaging sigh, Alec leaned his back against the stone and slid down to sit upon the ground. Closing his eyes, he fought a frown.

  While the crystal in his room might not harbor memories like the frosted tree, its warmth did bring forth an array of images. Each one of them was centered on one person in particular: Jade. From the first moment they’d met, she’d brought new meaning to his bleak, small world of darkness.

  I couldn’t have come this far without you, he admitted privately. If she was here with him now, Alec would have gladly told her so. Yet she couldn’t be. Not only would Alec not willingly bring her to such a dangerous place, he wasn’t sure he would be able to see his final task through to the end if Jade was present.

  ‘Save your strength,’ Alec had been told.

  A humorless laugh escaped his lips. Strange, for years he would rest between matches while struggling to survive in the arena. Now, he was saving his energy for a spell that was going to take his life.

  “Hmm, I wonder what Jade is doing?” he quietly asked the surrounding silence.

  Head bowed against the howling winds, Jade gripped one of Cassidy’s spikes for dear life. Her limited experience felt like nothing without Alec by her side. Eyes squeezed tightly shut, she silently instructed herself not to look down. Isabelle’s calm presence was the only thing helping to quell some of her fears as they flew through the unexpected stormfront.

  Casting a spell, Isabelle’s power surrounded them, protecting the companions with an invisible shield. The barrier was called up just as the dark cumulus unleashed a sheet of rain. Face, a mask of concentration, the sorceress was unusually quiet as she focused on keeping them safe.

  Cassidy adjusted her wings and changed course.

  “We’re almost there,” she informed her passengers.

  Jade nodded, briefly forgetting that the green dragon couldn’t see her in her current position.

  “Alright,” Isabelle answered for the two of them.

  The sky around them started to clear and as they continued on in their new direction, the fierce wind and rain ceased. Isabelle lowered the barrier, leaning forward as an imposing mountain appeared on the horizon. Backlit by the setting sun, the very rock seemed to glow like a beacon. She didn’t need to be told that this would be their destination. Placing a hand on Jade’s shoulder, she encouraged her to open her eyes.

  “Jade look, it’s Azurartain.”

  Taking a deep breath, the noble slowly pried her eyelids apart. Her fear of their high elevation was momentarily forgotten. The evening light reflected off of flowing waterfalls, much like a rainbow, while the rolling peaks were painted a majestic purple. Azurartain was far from the gloomy, desolate place Jade had envisioned. It was too bad the fading light wouldn’t offer her the chance to see more of this hidden gem. Jade stiffened. The sun was no longer visible in the sky and the large moon was already gleaming brightly.

  “Cassidy,” she called patting the dragon’s neck. “When shall the ceremony begin?”

  “Once darkness completely covers the sky.”

  Jade’s gaze darted between the mountains and the moon.

  “Will we arrive in time?”

  The noblewoman thought she heard a groan in the back of her escort’s throat.

  “I will do my best,” Cassidy promised.
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  Swooping in from both sides, a pair of dark blue dragons appeared. They withheld any attacks, but eyed the humans on Cassidy’s back suspiciously. The sound of a deep growl-like noise broke the quiet of the night. Cassidy replied back in a similar fashion as Isabelle and Jade each held their breath.

  Pray, let us pass, Jade pleaded in her mind. They couldn’t have come this far only to be sent away. The guards watched them for a long, agonizing moment. Then with a nod, they broke away to continue patrolling the skies.

  Beating her wings as hard as she could, Cassidy raced to the top of Azurartain. The path to the highest peak was scattered with dragons. She knew there wouldn’t be any way for her to land close to the top. Finding an area further down the path, she folded her wings to grip the rocky stairs. Aiding Jade first in her descent, she turned back to see Isabelle sliding to the ground.

  “Stay close,” their friend instructed. “This place is not safe for humans.”

  Isabelle’s eyes suddenly widened. She rushed forward; her hand stretched out before her.

  “Jade, come back! It’s too dangerous!”

  The other woman didn’t seem to hear her. Already disappearing up the stairs, Jade had reached a landing and was quickly traveling down the path with no mind to those calling after her. I need to see him. I simply must. There were so many words built up inside of her that Jade wanted to share with Alec. More than anything, she desperately wanted the chance to say goodbye to the man who had come to mean the world to her.

  Steps beginning to slow, Jade’s gaze shifted to the rocks on each side of the path. In her rush to find Alec, she had journeyed too far from Cassidy’s side. Dragons leered at her from every direction. Swallowing hard, Jade edged along. She could see a large dais up on the peak in the moonlight. Two large forms stood upon the stone as dragons guarding the bottom moved to the side. Jade’s movements ceased. Ascending the last set of stairs, Alec joined the royals.

  “Alakaid,” Jade yelled, her feet taking flight of their own accord.

  No longer paying mind to the possible enemies surrounding her, Jade darted around rocks and raced up the last of the steps to the plateau at the very peak. Her only thoughts were of Alec—until two dragons suddenly strode forward to block her path. Skidding to a halt, Jade slipped, falling flat on her rump.

  Smoke streamed from the magical creatures’ nostrils as they growled in the back of their throats. Teeth bared, they stomped the ground with extended razor-sharp talons. The dragons bent their heads to glare at the unexpected human.

  Jade leaned back, her body trembling. Help, her mind cried out. The word stuck in her throat, failing her when she needed it most.

  A loud rumble from behind the guards caused them to turn. A red dragon strode forward with an onyx one close behind. Continuing to approach Jade, the blazing creature stepped protectively over her, blocking the two guards’ ability to strike. An understanding of their words wasn’t necessary as the heated confrontation continued.

  Jade didn’t dare move or speak. Finally, the two guards gradually backed away as Cassidy joined the group with Isabelle.

  “Jade, there you are,” Isabelle whispered with distress as she slipped under Ardys.

  The red dragon waited for the others to completely back away prior to moving aside.

  “Get up,” the sorceress encouraged urgently.

  “Are you unharmed?” Cassidy questioned, looking the ghostly pale woman over.

  Running a shaky hand over her hair, Jade nodded. “I am. Forgive me, I had not expected the dragons here to be so hostile.”

  “Azurartain is the one dragon sanctuary that we possess. Even so, it is the start of the ceremony which concerns them now.” Cassidy lifted her gaze. The two guards had moved back to join Tatsu at the bottom of the short stairs, offering them a clear view of the platform. “It has begun.”

  Jade’s heart sank at those words. Hands gripping Isabelle’s, there was nothing else that she could do but watch.

  Alec strode to the center of the ring where Draco and Shiori awaited him. Fires came to life upon the surrounding rock about the perimeter. It traveled all across the peak and part-way down the stone steps. The warm glow shone brightly upon the royal’s gleaming scales, yet Jade’s sights were locked on Alec and him alone. With the scene instantly illuminated, Jade quickly noticed that Alec was no longer fully dressed. At some point during her unpleasant confrontation, he had shed not only his boots and weapons, but both his tunic and undershirt as well.

  A blush crept up her cheeks. Her gaze darted to the sage beside her as Isabelle’s fingers tightened their hold. Peering back at Alec, Jade noticed the mark on his back had begun to glow. There was no time for any more words as the ancient magic was activated. Everything around them seemed to still as all eyes focused on the Dragon Sage.

  A comforting warmth enveloped Alec as he sat with his back against the large crystal of his temporary chamber. All was still and quiet. Eyes closed, the prince dozed in relative safety knowing his friends would alert him to any forthcoming danger.

  It is time, a musical voice whispered to him from the depths of his slumber.

  Groaning, Alec opened his eyes. A form hovered above him. Its image was distorted by the bright light of the crystal. Blinking to clear his vision, Alec lightly shook his head.

  “It’s time,” Ardys told him, causing Alec’s brows to furrow.

  Had he imagined the woman’s voice this time? She came at the strangest moments. Part of him still doubted she was real. He possessed no proof that she was nothing other than a subconscious illusion.

  I suppose it doesn’t matter at this point. If his mind wanted to make up voices, then he would simply allow it. There was no reason to try and stop it now.

  “I’m ready,” Alec said rising to his feet.

  Green eyes solemn, Ardys nudged the sage fondly. Words were no longer needed. They had already said all there was to say between them. Tatsu lowered himself to the ground as Alec reached the doorway.

  “How about one last ride?”

  The corner of Alec’s mouth turned upwards with a grin. “I’m certainly not going to turn that down.”

  Once the companions exited the more constricting tunnels and entered the massive main chamber, the black dragon spread his wings to soar into the air. He circled tightly around the space and under the waterfall, giving Alec the best possible view. Rising back into the air, Tatsu zipped through one of the sky-bound tunnels to spiral out into the night air. With Ardys close behind, Alec held his hands out to the side and tilted his head back with a grin. His eyes drifted closed for a moment as he reveled in the thrill of gliding across the winds. All too soon his guardian tucked in his wings to gently lower them to the ground.

  Alec slid to the solid rock, resting his palm on Tatsu’s dark scales. His skin prickled in the cooler night air, but the sudden chill didn’t register in his mind. Heart beating quickly, the sage placed a hand on his chest and inhaled deeply.

  I’m ready to meet my fate.

  Walking beside his friends, Alec traveled the short distance to the highest part of Azurartain. Dragons of every color lined both sides of the path, or were sitting on small rock outcroppings and larger boulders in the higher elevations leading to the dais. While some watched him with stern expressions, there were many among the magical creatures who bowed their heads with respect. They could have flown directly to the stone, but his guardians requested this small tribute to their wingless comrade. To walk instead of fly for the last leg of their journey allowed those present to offer their respect for the human prince and the sacrifice he was about to make.

  Even so, the journey was surprisingly short. In what felt like the blink of an eye, he was striding across the flat peak of the mountain towards the stone platform. The royal dragons were already awaiting him within the ring. Without pause, Alec ascended the final steps to join them. He didn’t need to be told what was to come. Shiori had visited him earlier to discuss the details of the ceremony. Seeing the
empress, he smiled faintly and bowed. Alec then turned to Emperor Draco. This was the first meeting the two of them shared since the royal had not been present in Azurartain when Alec first arrived.

  “Greetings, Your Majesty,” Alec said with a deep bow.

  The king of dragons was a mighty creature with coloring similar to Shiori. He studied Alec proudly as the two gazed at each other in silence. Slowly, Draco lowered his head in a graceful bob.

  “I am pleased you came, Prince Alakaid. There are few who possess such a strong character,” Draco said, glancing at his mate. “I have heard much of you. I would have liked the chance to enjoy your company. Something tells me it would have led to some most interesting conversations.”

  Alec gave a short laugh. “Indeed. Befriending dragons has certainly been interesting thus far, and I wouldn’t trade it for any price.”

  Shiori lifted her gaze to peer at the bright orb suspended high above them. “We should begin.”

  The moon was now in position. If any nearby enemies wished to make their move, this would be the time. They could not afford to delay. Nodding his understanding, Alec moved to the edge of the ring. There he set to removing his armor, weapons and boots. Pulling off his tunic, Alec’s hands came to rest on the enchanted chain bound with Jade’s ribbon. His fingers lingered on the cool metal for a few seconds before he unhooked the necklace and laid it on top of the pile.

  His chest bare, the sage turned back to face the royals. Walking to the center of the ring, he could feel the power of the moon enhancing his magic with every step. Once in the center, his steps came to a halt. Hands sweeping out to the side, the sage turned his palms face down. His aura awakened as a beam of light illuminated the dais from above. It swirled around him like a brisk breeze, growing stronger while the dragon mark on his back shined.

  “Surgeon,” the sage called out.