Legends of the Lurker Box Set

by Richard H. Stephens

  Reecah’s eyes grew wide. If that were true, her aunt’s bowl lay somewhere beneath the rubble. Recalling a night before her great-aunt’s demise, Grimelda had her immerse a dragon scale into the bowl. She looked abashedly at the ground. “They may not be identical anymore.”

  “What do you mean, child? They cannot be tampered with. I would know if something catastrophic happened to this one’s mate.”

  “Maybe not catastrophic, but I dented it.”

  Devius shook his head as if to rid it of a cobweb. “You did what?”

  “I dented it. Grimelda was testing me. Seeing if…” She drifted off. Her aunt had suspected what Grimclaw later claimed to be true.

  Without thinking, she grasped the sleeves of Devius’ robes. “Do you really think I possess dragon magic?”

  Devius smiled patiently at her grasp. When she let go, he said, “Of course. Why do you think I brought you here?”

  “Brought me here?” She frowned. “You mean, to your chamber?”

  “To Headwater, child. Anvis Chizel brought you on Aramyss’ counsel.”

  “Aramyss Chizel? The royal blacksmith?”

  “Yes. That is his present role at the castle.”

  “Why would…? I mean, how would…? It doesn’t make sense. I barely know him.”

  “Aye, but he knows of you. Or do you believe your meeting in Sea Hold was a coincidence?”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “In good time, my child. What’s important at the moment is you found your way here.”

  Reecah swallowed. She hadn’t done anything of the sort. She had been led here. A muddled sense of understanding flitted about the periphery of her mind but she found it impossible to rein it in.

  “Think hard. The answer has been fighting to find you. Struggling to surface ever since you were a wee lass.”

  Reecah’s short temper threatened to overcome her, but she kept it at bay. Having a fit in front of the highest wizard in the land didn’t bode for a good outcome.

  “But…What about the woman I met in the King’s Wood? And Anvil? And, and…the dragons?”

  Devius grabbed her soft hands with his skeletal fingers, enwrapping long fingernails around her palms. A warm smile parted his lips. “Child. Whether you choose to believe it or not, you are the world’s last Windwalker. We have waited many years for you to show yourself. Tamra Stoneheart claims she was sent by her people many years ago to keep an eye on the king. I know better. Ouderling Wys, the ancient leader of the elves, foresaw the day you would attempt to confront the king. Tamra was sent to assist you.”

  “Tamra was sent to help me convince the high king of the madness of his ways?”

  Devius’ laugh made her wince.

  “No, child. Tamra was sent to stop you, or at least save you when you did.”

  “Save me? From What?”

  “Not what. Whom?”

  Reecah blinked several times. “High King J’kaar wouldn’t harm me just because I spoke my mind, would he?”

  “You have much to learn, child.” Devius squeezed her hands and let them fall. “The king has ordered the extinction of dragonkind. Don’t you think he would take the life of an orphan girl opposing his mandate? Especially when it becomes apparent who you really are? The last in the line of dragon protectors.” He raised an eyebrow and dipped his chin. “Think about it.”

  The horror of his words sent cold tendrils of doubt surging through her. “If what you say is true, I’ve wasted all this time training when I should’ve flown to the next colony to help them organize a defense. Perhaps I could’ve convinced them to leave before the king’s men attack them. Now another colony is going to be slaughtered. How many are left?”

  Devius held up his hands. “Before we go any further, I need you to tell me your real name.”

  Absorbed with how much time she had wasted, Devius’ question caught her off guard. “Huh?”

  “As cute as GG sounds, I’m confident it’s not your real name. From what I know, you would be a…” He looked to the stone ceiling as if for an answer. He lowered his gaze, with a knowing smirk. “A Draakvriend. Correct?”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I’m the high wizard, remember. I’ve spent my whole life sympathizing with the downfall of the Windwalker line. Until recently, I mourned over the fact that the dragon magic had died with your mother. You cannot know how profoundly my foundations were shaken when you appeared on my doorstep.”

  “But you summoned me.”

  “On the recommendation of a dwarf.” He winked. “What do they really know, immersed in a tankard of ale for the entirety of their waken lives?”

  Reecah didn’t know what to say to that because she didn’t understand.

  “Correct me if I’m wrong. You said you should have flown to the next colony?”

  Reecah found herself nodding before she had a chance to consider how wise it was to reveal her secret.

  Devius’ jaw dropped. “You’ve flown a dragon?”

  A flippant reply filled Reecah’s head. What other creature with wings was big enough to carry a person? She bit her tongue and nodded.

  “Incredible. There hasn’t been a dragon rider since Kat’s great-grandfather flew Grimclaw.”

  Reecah almost fell backward. She reached out for Devius—the wizard’s reactions faster than she would have believed.

  “What is it?”

  “Someone actually flew Grimclaw?”

  “Aye, child. The last of the true, elven Windwalkers.”

  “What happened to him? Katti’s great-grandfather, that is.”

  “Viliyam Windwalker died of old age, if I’m not mistaken. He became a recluse for his last hundred and fifty years if the tales of him are true. We lost track of him.”

  Reecah’s knees felt weak. “Viliyam?”

  “Aye. Truly a great elf to have flown Grimclaw.”

  Reecah could only imagine. If her brief interaction with the cantankerous curmudgeon were any indicator of how the ancient dragon behaved, flying Grimclaw would have proven an interesting prospect.

  She smiled at Grimclaw’s memory. She couldn’t imagine flying a beast that big. Though, Lurker was growing up fast. It wouldn’t be long before his size became intimidating.

  Her anxiety rose—thoughts of Lurker triggering a question in her mind. “I can’t begin to understand what you’re saying, but you said you can detect dragon magic. Tamra mentioned sensing it in me when I met her.”

  “Oh yes, child. You possess the gift. Of that there is no doubt. For some reason, it has been hidden from you. I need to find out how.”

  “Grammy hid my heritage to protect me.”

  “I’m afraid she’s done more harm than good. She’s blocked your gift. Was she a magic user?”

  Reecah couldn’t help laughing. “Grammy? She detested magic.”

  Devius nodded. “Well, whoever’s responsible knew what they were doing. Dragon magic is no small thing to trifle with. For someone to contain it, they must be able to wield it.”

  Of all the stunning information Devius had related, that last bit shocked her the most. “I need to sit down.”

  “Of course.” He grabbed her by the arm, the strength in his grasp surprising. He led her to the pillow beside the sleeping Fleabag.

  Her wariness of the monstrous cat was overshadowed by the weakness in her legs and her whirling emotions. There was only one person who wanted to keep the knowledge of her dragon magic from her, and that certainly wasn’t Grimelda.

  Her vague memories of Poppa ruled him out. He had been adamant that she never give up on her dreams. Even at an early age. Looking back, his insistence made sense. It was as if he had tried to coax her into discovering her inner gift. The one that Grammy had locked away.

  She wanted to be angry at the woman who had devoted her life to raising her in the shadow of her heritage—keeping the truth from her while the forces around them gathered strength and perpetrated a terrible tragedy. But she couldn’t. Gra
mmy may have been misguided, but Reecah truly believed her guardian had done what she had to in the name of love. To protect the only person she and Poppa had left of their family. Poppa’s death would have solidified Grammy’s resolve.

  Fleabag’s eyes opened, watching her.

  Reecah flinched when the lioness placed a massive front paw on her thigh.

  Devius smiled. “Fleabag senses your mood. She wants to comfort you.”

  The weight of Fleabag’s paw surprised Reecah. “Why do you call her Fleabag? Does she have…” She raised her eyebrows, not wanting to upset the cat. She almost laughed at the notion, but considering her relationship with the dragons and Raver, perhaps it wasn’t such a preposterous presumption.

  Devius shrugged. “I’ve always called her that.”

  She reached out a hand. “May I pat her?”

  “You’ll have to ask her.”

  Reecah stopped and stared.

  “I assume you speak to your dragon friends.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “But nothing. There is no difference. It is the dragon magic in you that allows you to cross a threshold most people cannot.”

  Reecah fingered her earrings. “I thought it was because of these.” As soon as she said it, her thoughts drifted to Junior. “Are you saying that unless someone possesses dragon magic, they’re unable to communicate with dragons?”

  “As far as I know.”

  Reecah was thankful to be sitting down. The thought of Jonas Waverunner possessing dragon magic was staggering. She wondered if he knew.

  “Either that or they have elven blood.”

  Reecah swallowed, nodding. Junior’s fair appearance and long, blonde hair would support that theory.

  She tentatively rubbed Fleabag behind the ear. “There now, big girl. Reecah won’t hurt you. You’re a pretty kitty, aren’t you?”

  Fleabag closed her eyes. Leaning into Reecah’s touch, she emitted a soft moan.

  Reecah listened, hoping to bear witness to an incredible experience, but if Fleabag were communicating with her, she couldn’t hear her.

  “Is she talking to you?”

  Reecah shook her head, disappointed.

  “Give it time. She will. First, we need to begin your training.”

  “My training?”

  “Of course, my child. You think I dragged you up here to pat my cat?”

  “But…” She searched for what she wanted to say. “But, what about Anvil and the others? I need to get back to them. Anvil promised to submit my name for inclusion with the king’s guard. It’s the chance I’ve been waiting for.”

  “A chance you won’t be taking. Not as long as I draw breath.”

  Reecah’s temper darkened her mood.

  “Easy, now. Remember what I said about meeting the king? If he doesn’t know who you really are, he may not kill you, but I can’t say the same for J’kwaad. My sources tell me he’s suspicious of your presence. He’s no fool. I should know. He was taught the use of his gift by the best in the land.”

  Reecah stared hard at him.

  “I taught him everything he knows. Someday, he’ll try to use that knowledge to take my place.”

  “Can he do that?”

  A mischievous smile lifted Devius’ complexion. “On his own? No. I made sure I never taught him everything. While he attacked Dragon Home on his father’s order, J’kwaad had an ulterior motive for leading the campaign. He sought a talisman concealed deep within the sacred Dragon Temple. If he has it, it’ll only be a matter of time before he comes for me.”

  Reecah got to her feet and reached into her hidden pocket. Holding a closed fist between them, palm up, she slowly opened her fingers.

  Devius gasped. “Is that what I think it is? Where did you get it?”

  “From the dragon, where else?”

  Devius covered her hand in his and looked around with wild eyes, as if trying to hide the gem from would-be thieves.

  Reecah followed his gaze. Even though she knew no one else was in the chamber, she couldn’t help checking the shadows. “What is it?”

  “You’re holding one half of an ancient magic. One so powerful that if it’s ever reunited with its mate, it will give its bearer the strength to summon a dragon. If I’m not mistaken, the dark heir is suspicious of your presence.”

  Reecah searched the shadows again.

  “We need to get you as far away from here as possible. I wish we had more time. There’s so much I need to teach you, but first, I must figure out a way to unravel the binding preventing you from your gift.”

  He paused, concern on his face. “What’s wrong, child? You’ve turned pale.”

  Reecah grasped his forearm for support. Staring into his eyes, she pulled forth her journal and handed it to him.

  Devius read the inscription, Reecah’s Diary, a vague sense of understanding transforming his ghastly features into one of awe. He turned the journal over and staggered. Glittering of its own accord, imbedded in the leather cover, lay the other half of the ancient magic.

  The Unbinding

  Strapped to a sacrificial table, Reecah worried that she had been foolish allowing Devius to restrain her to the marble slab. He had assured her it was necessary, but lying there, vulnerable to his every whim, she wasn’t so sure. She didn’t even know the man.

  Turning her head to one side, she spotted her journal and the Dragon’s Eye on a table on the far side of the underground chamber, deep beneath the high wizard’s sanctum.

  A black marble fount, similar to Aunt Grimelda’s, sat at the head of the slab. The viscous liquid in the wide bowl resembled something she dared not contemplate.

  Smoldering incense filled the chamber with hazy swaths of smoke; filling the rock hewn room with a pungent scent.

  Devius stood over her dragon talismans, softly incanting words she had never heard before. She wanted to ask what he was doing, but knew from her experience with Grimelda that once a magic spell had begun, it was unwise to interrupt the caster. She had to be content with his explanation that the unbinding process necessitated the restraints.

  The high wizard stopped chanting and offered her a calming smile. The placating gesture heightened her anxiety.

  Pulling at the thongs around her wrists and ankles, she tried to push her hips and shoulders off of the marble slab, but thick leather straps across her thighs and stomach kept her firmly in place.

  “Are you uncomfortable?”

  The closeness of Devius’ voice startled her. She hadn’t heard him approach carrying a deep, white marble bowl cradled in his hands.

  She shook her head in a lie.

  “Good. It shan’t be long now. It is good that we have both Dragon Eyes. I don’t think I could do this without them. Just a few minor…” He trailed off, absorbed in carefully setting the bowl beside her head.

  She tried to catch a glimpse of its contents, but could only see a dark crimson rivulet dripping down its exterior. “What’s that?”

  “Hmm?” Devius ignored her question. “Careful you don’t knock it off.”

  His eyes met hers. He held up a finger. “Oh yes! I almost forgot.”

  He shuffled across the room, shaking his head and mumbling, “That wouldn’t have been good. A mistake like that would bring the tower down.”

  Reach’s eyes grew wide.

  Devius retuned with her talismans. “With your permission, I’m going to attempt to remove the Eye from the back of your diary.”

  Reecah didn’t know what to say. She had no knowledge of the use of the Dragon Eyes. If the high wizard of the realm determined it was something he needed to do, she had no right to object. Still, the idea terrified her. She associated the gemstone with Lurker’s life.

  “Will it hurt Lurker?”

  Devius cast her a quizzical stare. “Lurker?”

  “My dragon.”

  “You own a dragon, do you?”

  She felt silly. “Well no. Of course not. I mean, he’s my friend. I think that gemstone is bonde
d to him somehow.”

  Devius raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Aye. You would be correct to assume that. The Dragon Eyes form a direct link between the Windwalkers and dragonkind. Had I known that one of them was taken from the Dragon Temple, I would’ve searched it out long ago. Perhaps the realm wouldn’t be in such a catastrophic dilemma.”

  “The dragons you mean?”

  “No, child. The realm. Everything. Everyone. What do you suppose the dragon queen will do when she learns that two of her three colonies have been destroyed?”

  Reecah shrugged; the intensity in his eyes, frightening.

  “They’ll raze the land and torch the skies. There’ll be nothing but ruin. In the end, they will fail. It’s a war they can’t win.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Nothing. Yet.” Devius’ smile was oddly warm. “Anyway, to answer your question, I don’t believe it’ll bother Lurker.”

  Turning his back on her, Devius intoned a few words, her journal clasped in his hands. Telling her he didn’t believe removing the gemstone would have any ramifications on her friend did little to alleviate her fear.

  She winced as a crimson light flashed within the chamber.

  Devius turned to her; two gemstones in one hand and the journal in the other. He laid the diary on her stomach and repositioned the marble bowl on the sacrificial altar. Her head lay between it and the black marble fount on the floor.

  “What’re you doing?” Her voice was little more than a squeak.

  “Nothing you need worry about, my child.”

  She forced a smile, more for her own benefit. “You keep referring to me as, your child. Why is that?”

  He paused what he was doing and tilted his head.

  “Not that I mind. I actually think it’s cute.”

  “Cute, eh?” He nodded. “Hmm.”

  He turned his attention back to the Dragon Eyes, holding one in each palm as if weighing them. His eyes glossed over until he yelped and jerked his left hand back; dropping the stone to the floor.