In the back of his mind, he hoped that the two princes would return to command the worthless horde of Vykings that ate, drank, and womanized from dusk to dawn. These were bleeding gold from his kingdom and offering nothing in return.
He had more than compensated them for overthrowing Queen Taube’s rule. It was time the Vykings left or stood with him. Getting them to do either was a challenge he didn’t know how to approach.
A thunderous roar echoed from the plains.
Waxxon and Artos searched the sky. The bone dragon was visible as it loomed in the air. It appeared just a speck from where they stood, but there was no doubt that it was a dragon.
Artos stopped and looked at Waxxon. His eyes widened, and his face paled. He gasped. “Lord Waxxon, where did that dragon come from?”
Too upset at everything falling apart around him, he didn’t even pause to reproach Artos for calling him Lord instead of King or Your Majesty. “Since it’s undead, I believe it is the doing of the Plague-bringer.”
“So it’s not here to attack us?”
“No, it’s been fighting the dwarves for over a day.”
“You knew it was there?”
Waxxon nodded. “I saw it with a spyglass from my balcony.”
“And you didn’t tell us? Why not?”
Waxxon laughed softly. “No harm will befall us. It is a major distraction for the dwarves. Nothing more. The longer they waste time fighting the dragon, the less we have to worry about them laying siege to the castle.”
“What is the blue ball of lightning?”
“That I haven’t figured out. I’m hoping by observing it from atop the tower closest to it that we can discern what it is by having a better view.”
Outbursts and commotions echoed from the front corner tower. Waxxon ran ahead of Artos, wondering what the shouting was all about.
Artos grabbed Waxxon by the shoulder, yanked, and then he pointed to the sky.
Waxxon froze. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. All he thought was that his reign over Hoffnung was going to be the shortest rule recorded in the grand city’s history.
***
Lady Dawn sat upon her mare. She laid her short sword across her lap. Caen sat on Baymont beside her. The other Dragon Knights were behind them. Other than occasional glances, she and Caen were limited to what they could openly discuss. She wanted to tell him more but her royal duties outweighed what she hoped eventually turned into romance.
All of the Woodnog elves and Boldair’s regiment were lined in rows behind her and Caen while they all watched the swirling portal and waited for the troops from Legelarid to arrive.
Odlon sat upon his horse, warily watching the portal. His emerald eyes seemed somewhat apprehensive ever since they had come through the portal. She doubted he was nervous about the battle, and something else troubled him.
The undead dragon roared and circled the sky, but it never advanced upon Dawn’s troops or the dwarves. It seemed to await a command.
“How long must we wait?” Caen asked.
Dawn shrugged. “Don’t you think it best that we wait so we can all march together?”
Lehrling said, “That would be the best strategic decision, Your Majesty. In full force we stand a better chance at succeeding.”
“Aye,” Boldair said. “While you’re all waiting, I need to speak to me father.”
Dawn nodded.
Boldair rode toward the dwarf campfires.
Lehrling glanced at Roble. “So Overlander, how are you liking Aetheaon now?”
“Certainly more eventful than I had expected.”
“The day’s not over,” Corwin said.
“No, it’s not,” Roble replied.
“Once we get through the gates of Hoffnung, you realize that throwing knives won’t be easily retrieved.”
Roble grinned. “I know. I have other fighting skills as well.”
Yarrow clasped a firm hand upon Roble’s shoulder. “I sure hope that you do. I was just beginning to like you.”
“As was I,” Corwin said with a broad grin.
Roble laughed.
Odlon turned slightly in his saddle. Uncertainty shown on his face.
“Are you okay, Odlon?” Lehrling asked. “You appear quite troubled. What’s bothering you?”
His gaze never left watching the portal. “The sisters . . . It may be nothing.”
“What do you mean exactly?” Caen asked.
“In passing, when I was heading into the portal, Taniesse and her sisters made a few comments about my armor.”
“Like what?”
“They asked if I had killed the dragon or bought the scales, but they seemed somewhat angered that I was wearing dragon plate.”
Yarrow said, “Dragon scales are not easily obtained these days, unless one is lucky enough to happen upon a preserved corpse deep inside a cool cave. And there are those that scoff when others wear the remnants of the once great beasts since they’re now extinct.”
“’Cept that one flying about,” Drucis said with a grin. “But it seems to be on its last wings though.”
Caen regarded the undead dragon for a moment. “It seems more a nuisance than a threat.”
“Tell that to the dwarves. Looks like they’ve been using the cannons to try to destroy it,” Drucis said. “Lots of holes in the snow where fired cannonballs have fallen. And I know they’re not that bad at shooting.”
The portal swirled and wind whistled as the orb sucked air through the opening. The motion and sound were lulling and almost hypnotic, like time had somehow stood still, frozen.
Dawn was spellbound by the flowing sensation, unable to break her gaze from the mesmerizing portal. But she was also trying to figure out who the three sisters were. How did they know her father? And what were their true intentions? For all she knew, they could be the enemies of Hoffnung and responsible for her father’s death. Her mother had never mentioned them.
For the sisters to be able to form this portal, which allowed them to move armies instantly from one place to another, meant the female warriors were immensely powerful. Quite possibly . . . they were invincible.
With their power, why did they even need to hire mercenaries to aid Dawn with an invasion?
The orb crackled, startling her and jerking her from the daydream state. Bright light sparked outward and around the circular opening. Moving shadows advanced.
Dawn’s fingers tightened around the hilt of her short sword. She glanced quickly around to see that all of the Dragon Skull Knights had done the same thing.
Taniesse exited the portal with Odessa behind her. A few seconds later, Neela emerged. They stepped before Dawn and faced her.
When the Legelarid soldiers began to emerge, Neela motioned them to begin lining in a second formation adjacent to where Dawn’s troops stood.
“Well, young queen,” Taniesse said, resting her hands upon her dragon shaped belt. “Are you prepared?”
Dawn swallowed hard. Her jaw tightened but she held a firm gaze, staring intently into Taniesse’s strange eyes. “I am.”
“Who trained you to use a sword?”
“I did,” Caen asked.
“She can defend herself properly?” Taniesse asked.
“I believe so.”
“But I’m much better with a bow than this sword,” Dawn said softly.
“Then fight with that instead,” Taniesse said. She looked at the knights. “Someone get Lady Dawn a bow.”
One of the elf archers rushed forward and handed his to her. Then he pulled the quiver from off his shoulder and offered it to her, bowing after she took it. The bow was outlaid in silver with cut gems along the upper limb.
“Thanks,” Dawn said.
Taniesse looked toward Caen. “Why would you arm her with a sword?”
Before Caen replied, Dawn said, “I had asked him to train me.”
“How long had he?”
“For several weeks.”
Taniesse shook her head. “That’s n
ot enough time, child. Not to use effectively in a war.”
Dawn watched the red flickering around Taniesse’s pupils. “May I ask you something, Taniesse?”
“Certainly.”
“The power you and your sisters possess is greater than anything I’ve ever witnessed or even read about. Surely you could have easily kill the Vykings and taken back the city without hiring armies from the other great cities in Aetheaon.”
Taniesse crossed her arms. An amused smile curled her lips. “We could. Have no doubt about that.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Hoffnung is the backbone of Aetheaon, having restored peace and unity throughout our continent. It is only fair that the other kingdoms contribute to its restoration. And you? You’re the rightful heir to the throne. Which shows greater leadership? Us giving you the kingdom, or you showing the citizens of Aetheaon that you’re willing to sacrifice your own life to right the wrongs done to Hoffnung?”
“The latter,” Dawn replied, “which is what I’ve sought since they killed my mother.”
Taniesse smiled. “I read that in your eyes upon our first meeting, Lady Dawn. You have zeal and lust for vengeance. These are attributes of a true warrior, but do know one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“While we will do everything necessary to protect you, this is war. You might die in your pursuit for the throne. That is the greatest consequence at stake.”
“I know.”
Caen raised his sword. “The Dragon Skull Order vows to fight to keep you safe.”
The other Dragon Skull Knights drew their swords and joined theirs with Caen’s.
“The several hundred mercenaries behind you are at your bidding,” Taniesse said.
“I appreciate you hiring them,” Dawn replied.
“Repay us by staying alive and killing Waxxon.”
“I intend to.”
Taniesse walked to Odlon. Her gaze narrowed, as she looked him over. She ran a long finger along the breastplate of his armor. Neela and Odessa stood close at her sides. Their eyes fastened upon his as well.
“I seem to have offended you,” Odlon said. “In what way, may I ask?”
“You seem to sport . . . this armor.”
“I don’t. Honest.”
Taniesse’s brow rose. “No?”
Odlon shook his head.
“There’s no greater display than wearing full dragon scale to let others know that you slew a dragon.”
“I do not view this armor as a trophy of any sort. It is a curse to me and nothing more.”
“A curse? How?”
Odlon explained the unhealing blisters down his back from the dragon’s fire. “The only thing that shields me from the pain is the armor. So don’t be hostile toward me because I wear it.”
“You are right about one thing,” Neela said.
“And what is that?”
“It is a curse. One left by the dragon.”
“Don’t you think that I’m aware of that?”
Taniesse shrugged. “But I wouldn’t boast about it being a great dragon.”
“I don’t boast.”
“When asked, how do you describe it?”
“As dragon scale.”
Taniesse chuckled. “Just know that had it been a great dragon, you’d be dead. Not cursed with constant blistering. Your armor is from a Lesser Dragon.”
Roble eased his horse forward. “Why is this issue so important to you?”
With a swift turn of her head, Taniesse looked at Roble with fierceness in her eyes. Roble straightened in the saddle but he didn’t break eye contact.
Taniesse’s eyes beamed with renewed interest. “I don’t recall you. You’re the new knight?”
“Yes.”
“Dawn appointed you?”
“She did.”
Taniesse studied him, searching his eyes, his gestures. “There’s something different about you.”
“He’s an Overlander,” Corwin said.
“Interesting,” she said with a broad smile.
“That’s what everyone here keeps saying,” Roble replied.
“Why risk your life for a kingdom that holds nothing of value to you? That’s what intrigues me the most about you being suited up for battle. Should you survive, I’d be interested in talking with you afterwards,” Taniesse said with a slight smile.
Roble nodded. “And I, you.”
Chapter Seventy-nine
The undead frost dragon swooped downward toward the dwarf cannons and snatched one cannon with its bony talons, lifted it into the air, and then flung it harshly toward the tents.
“Blasted!” Ulthor said.
Staggnuns frowned at the busted cannon with heated fury. “Agreed! We need to be moving toward Hoffnung.”
Thorgum pointed his battleax and said, “What be that glowing blue orb?”
“Don’t know. Dwiskter?” Staggnuns said.
“Have no idea. Seems to be magical. But the wizard’s unconscious. No asking him.”
A horse galloped toward their position.
“Ah,” Staggnuns said, “Who’s that?”
Ulthor laughed. “I believe it’s Boldair.”
“Your son?” Thorgum asked.
“Aye.”
Dwiskter frowned. “I thought he was in the southlands.”
“Last report I had he was.”
Staggnuns took a step toward his mount. “Seems to be in quite a hurry.”
“Watch yer gold,” Ulthor said with a wink. “That’s what he runs after the most.”
Boldair’s horse kicked up snow as it ran through the snow. He pulled back on the reins when he reached the three kings at the campfire. “Whoa!”
Staggnuns and Ulthor placed their hands against the horse’s chest while Boldair swung off.
“What’s that glowing orb?” Ulthor asked him.
“Ah, that be a portal,” he replied.
“A portal?” Thorgum asked.
“Aye. Brought the armies from Legelarid and Oculoth.”
“Who made this portal?”
Boldair smiled. “Three sisters.”
“Witches, sorcerers, or mages?” Staggnuns asked.
Boldair’s brow furrowed. He looked at a loss for words from the direct question.
“Well?” Ulthor asked.
“Not certain exactly how to define them,” Boldair replied, scratching his head. “Perhaps it’s best that the three Dwarven Kings meet them.”
Staggnuns shook his head. “We don’t have time to waste introducing ourselves. That blasted dragon up there is causing havoc! We need to rid ourselves of it before we move toward Hoffnung.”
Boldair grinned. “The sisters are ye best hope of destroying it.”
“And how is dat exactly?” Ulthor asked.
“Father, can you not trust my advice for once?”
King Ulthor’s face flushed red. “You’re wanting me to trust you? You’re a treasure hunter! Always off trying to fill more bags of gold when you should be training for wars like the one that’s beginning. Ya hafta decide at some point whether you’re a hunter or a warrior.”
“Aye, father. Today I’m a warrior.”
“Are ye now?”
“I am.”
Resting his hands upon his belt, Ulthor reared back his head with a hearty laugh. “Just cause you showed up for the gathering here today doesn’t make you a warrior.”
“That’d be true, if not for one thing.”
“What’s that?”
Boldair pointed toward the orb. “That regiment there. I be the one a leading it.”
“And who’d trust a storyteller to lead an army?”
“The sisters.”
“Another tall tale, my son?”
“No, father. Unlike you, I boast the truth.”
Staggnuns and Thorgum’s brows rose as they looked from Boldair to Ulthor.
Ulthor’s eyes widened with crazed rage. Veins swelled across his forehead. Baring his teeth, he po
inted the top of his ax at Boldair. “And what lies have I told?”
Boldair didn’t flinch. He met his father’s stare without blinking. “The one you tell ‘bout slaying a dragon.”
The ax shook in Ulthor’s hand. He frowned, taking in the accusation. “What makes you believe that to be a lie?”
“Well, the sisters have proof the dragon is still alive,” Boldair said. Then he nodded toward the flying undead dragon that circled overhead. “Ya ain’t done a thing to kill that one, have you now, dragon hunter?”
Staggnuns chuckled.
“You dare insult me in view of the other kings?” Ulthor said through clenched teeth.
“No insult. Just the truth. Unless you wish to shun the truth. Like I told ya, they have proof the dragon you slayed is alive and well. If you killed one, that one overhead shouldn’t be a problem, eh?”
Ulthor slowly lowered the ax. His countenance softened. “None of us can harm it. We’ve all tried.”
“Mostly King Staggnuns has tried,” Thorgum said.
“Okay, son,” Ulthor said. “What advice do you give since today you seek to prove yourself a mighty warrior?”
“Seek the sisters’ help,” he replied.
Ulthor looked toward the portal where the sisters stood. “You think they can kill the dragon?”
“Better than all of us together.”
Staggnuns frowned, trying to better his view of the three women standing in front of the blue orb. He nudged Dwiskter and whispered, “Is that—?”
Dwiskter looked and his eyes widened. He nodded. “Odessa . . .”
Staggnuns glanced at Dwiskter and grinned. “Ride out to the sisters and tell them that we seek their counsel concerning this undead dragon.”
“Aye, Your Majesty,” Dwiskter said, suppressing a smile.
Dwiskter swung upon his mount and rode away.
The undead dragon swooped toward the line of cannons again, thrashing its feet atop another cannon, destroying it.
Staggnuns winced and shook his head. “Aye, let’s hope you be right, Boldair. I can’t afford for that dragon to stay alive much longer.”
***
Sarey crept to the edge of the forest near the path that led toward Hoffnung’s main gate. The sky was still dark, looking more like dusk, even though it was still early afternoon.
Lady Squire- Dawn's Ascension Page 59
