“For the kraken’s sake, father’s going to have a stroke.”
We could only be so lucky, he wanted to say, but settled for, “He’ll get over it when he hears what I have to say.”
“You better hope so. I wouldn’t put it past the boor to have you flogged.”
Good luck to anyone trying that. J’kwaad turned to stare at the hidden door connecting the king’s personal living quarters to the throne room.
Gulping her wine, J’kyra searched for the servant. “Great. You sent her away. Now I’ll have to pour my own.”
J’kwaad downed his drink and followed her to the table behind the throne. For once, he agreed with her philosophy of dealing with life. Perhaps more wine would make the inevitable meeting bearable.
J’kyra slopped wine into her goblet, filling it just shy of the brim. Upending the decanter into J’kwaad’s cup, she never batted an eye at the disparity in the amount he received. J’kwaad doubted he’d get two swallows out of it.
Following the lead of the man stationed on the wall nearest the secret door, the guards around the room snapped to attention. A muffled click preceded the rumble of the granite door as it receded into the wall and slid aside to reveal the beaming, white-toothed smile of J’kye.
J’kwaad steeled himself. He’d smash those teeth soon enough.
J’kyra slammed her goblet on the table, straightened her voluminous gown, and rushed to the doorway—the sweetest smile on her rosy face.
High King J’kaar entered the throne room and looked around. Rolling his eyes, he permitted his drunken daughter to curtsy and kiss his cheeks. As she did so, J’kaar’s perpetual scowl found J’kwaad. “You’ve decided to bless us with your presence. How quaint.”
J’kwaad’s breath caught. Only great restraint kept him from reacting. He bowed his head. “Yes, Your Grace. My business in Arcanium is finished.”
Leaving his goblet behind, J’kwaad met his father at the Ivory Throne; respectfully waiting for the high king to seat himself before approaching him proper.
The king didn’t waste time on pleasantries. “While you were chasing rogue wizards, a horde of dragons practically burned the bay area to the ground. Thank the gods Draakhall is built of stone. What do you have to say to that?”
“Truly unfortunate, my king. If what I hear is true, my presence will have done little in determining the outcome.”
“If the army had returned with you like they were supposed to, we may have fared better than we did.”
There it was. J’kyra had warned him. “If they had returned before the dragon attack, who knows how many more men would have died. My decision may have inadvertently saved our army.”
The king’s face reddened. Ignoring the comment, he rattled on, “You’re the commander of the royal guard. Your place is here, defending your king.”
J’kwaad restrained himself. It had been his father’s idea to hunt the Windwalker and capture Devius while they awaited the army’s return. “Yes, my king.”
J’kaar’s expression softened. “Tell me your absence wasn’t a total waste of time. You brought back Misenthorpe, yes?”
“Not exactly, my king.”
J’kaar’s expression soured. “You either did or you didn’t. Which is it?”
“I did not, but…” he held up a staying finger, “I did track him to where he went to ground.”
“Then why isn’t he in custody?”
“We lost him.”
J’kaar leaned forward, his breath heavy with mead. “You what?”
“He had the help of a powerful witch house.”
J’kaar held his stare for a moment, heavy breaths parting his thick beard. He shuddered and leaned back in the Ivory Throne. “The kraken knows how I detest witches.”
J’kwaad nodded; perhaps the only thing he and his father saw eye to eye on. “They have been dealt with.”
“Good. Then where is Devius?”
“Gone.”
“Gone?” J’kaar roared. “Where? His head should be on a pike! If you hadn’t allowed him to escape Headwater, I wouldn’t have to sleep with a guard in my room.”
“You needn’t fear the high wizard any longer. I have secured the means to bring about his demise.”
The king grabbed the ends of the armrests and vaulted himself to his feet, his bushy beard scratching J’kwaad’s cheeks. “And just when might that happen? Before or after he turns me into serpent fodder?”
J’kwaad didn’t flinch. He took a deliberate step backward to create space between them. “Permit me a fortnight and I assure you he will be dealt with.”
“A fortnight? You’re as insane as your sister is a whore!” Spit flew from the king’s lips. “Take a look around. Do you think Draakhall can afford to take another dragon strike? If they hit again, the only thing left of the capital will be the lifeless hulk of the keep.”
“There’s a delicate procedure that needs to take place before I can locate Devius. Give me a week to—”
“A week?” J’kaar stormed around the raised platform containing the Ivory Throne, glaring at anyone unlucky enough to be in his line of sight—daring them to look at him. He spun and strode up to J’kwaad, shoving a bejewelled finger in the prince’s face. “In a week’s time I expect you to be halfway to Draakvuur.”
J’kwaad couldn’t keep the shock from his face.
“What? You’ve forgotten the next campaign already?”
“No but—”
“But nothing!” He held his finger a whisper from J’kwaad’s nose. Heaving a heavy breath, he retook his throne.
J’kwaad knew better than to say anymore. He glanced at J’kye all smug and righteous beside the king—the nearness of his brother provoking him to lash out. Almost.
Off to the side, Calor’s free hand rested near his sword hilt. The man was prepared for any eventuality.
If J’kwaad killed the king and J’kye in an outright act of treason, he feared the loyal, standing army wouldn’t allow him to simply assume the Ivory Throne. Nor did he think he and Calor were fast enough to dispatch the well-placed guards in the throne room.
“You leave at first light.”
The king’s command didn’t register at first. His father’s order implied that he would personally lead the men out of South Fort.
“I’m sorry, my king. You mean the army departs tomorrow and I will catch it up before it reaches the Wilds.”
The smugness evident in the king’s eyes matched J’kye’s. Together, father and first-born son, stared back at him.
“You heard my order. I expect it carried out. Or have you not learned of Duke Ryonin’s revolt?”
When J’kwaad’s face scrunched up, J’kaar continued, “I didn’t think so. The duke is gathering the banners loyal to him. Thunderhead and Madrigail Bay have refused to answer his call, but most of the southern barons are congregating at Carillon. Rumour has it they intend to march east.”
“East?” As soon as the question slipped from his mouth, J’kwaad answered himself. “To defend Draakvuur.”
The king raised an eyebrow, looking none too pleased.
“We must prevent them from reaching Draakvuur.”
The king nodded. “Aye. Now you see the need for haste. You are the only one who can, shall we say, encourage the army to move fast enough to prevent Ryonin from reaching Queen Askara.”
“If Ryonin’s army leaves Carillon now, they’ll have a week’s head start.”
“Then I suggest you march fast.”
J’kwaad didn’t like the sound of the king’s plan. Duke Ryonin presented a formidable foe. Should he reach Draakvuur first, there was no way the army of the Great Kingdom would survive a clash against the duke’s ground troops—not with a colony of dragons at their back.
Catching J’kye’s eye, J’kwaad’s stomach turned. “And what of golden boy? We could use his elite troops to bolster our ranks.”
“Pfft. And chance leaving the kingdom without an heir?”
“There’s a
lways J’kyra.”
The king laughed at the same time as J’kyra. “You are insane. The only thing J’kyra’s capable of ruling is a drunken sailor.”
J’kyra’s mirth turned sour.
“J’kaeda then. If Ryonin reaches Draakvuur, I’ll need every man I can get.”
“What of your great, magical abilities?” Condescension seeped into the king’s tone.
He searched for a way to convince his father to include J’kye. While on campaign, there would be ample opportunity for an accident to happen. “Draakvuur is the home of Queen Askara. We’ll be hard-pressed to sneak through the wilds, especially now that the queen has been alerted to our assaults on the other two colonies. J’kye’s crack troops—”
“Are needed at Draakhall in case we’re attacked again.”
Fat lot of good they did you last time, J’kwaad wanted to spit out, but felt it prudent not to.
“Besides, had you not failed to deliver Devius, I wouldn’t need J’kye’s men to protect me from the rebellious wizard. Don’t you worry about my army’s ability to defend itself. While you’ve been wasting time dabbling in your dark arts, I’ve equipped our men with a new weapon. One that will make the difference between victory and defeat. Now go.” He patted one of the horns comprising an armrest. “Don’t return until you secure Queen Askara’s contribution to my throne.”
Dragon’s Tooth
Junior’s strong arm around Reecah’s waist did little to alleviate the pain in her heart.
Devius stood over a rock cairn, leaning on his gnarled staff and saying his last good-byes to Fleabag. He claimed to have found her as an abandoned cub thirteen years ago, roaming the deep fissure they stood within. He referred to the series of canyons as the Gap. Fleabag’s parents and siblings had been killed by some monstrosity and left her all alone.
Had Reecah not been part of the battle with the scorpion slugs the previous day, she would not have believed that anything, besides a well-armed man or maybe a dragon, was strong enough to take down a full-grown lion, let alone a group of them. The world had always been a scary place, but recently, it had become scarier with each passing day.
Nelly stood a pace behind Devius, allowing him space. When Devius’ shoulders started shaking again, she led him away. “Come on, you old fool. You spoiled her rotten. It was near her time anyway. She lived a good life. Take solace in the fact that she died defending the creatures you have secretly devoted your life to.”
He nodded, sniffling loudly and wiping his face on the cuff of his robes.
Reecah smiled for his benefit. Careful not to knock his hands, she embraced him briefly and stepped back. “You ready?”
He nodded again.
Nelly put on a brave face as she faced the dragons. If they wished to escape the Gap without further incident and reach the cave Devius claimed lay near the summit of Dragon’s Tooth, there was no better way than on the back of a dragon.
Lurker and Swoop sprawled patiently on their chests, prepared to take on passengers.
“I thought Dragon’s Tooth is rumoured to be higher than a dragon dares to fly?”
Reecah relayed Lurker’s question to Devius.
The old wizard took one last look at the cairn, and sighed. “I guess we’re about to find out.” Without another word, he motioned for Junior to lead him to Swoop’s side.
Reecah waited for Nelly but the plump witch didn’t move. “I thought witches flew brooms?” Her attempt at humour was lost on Nelly.
Nelly’s eyes followed Devius—the old wizard surprising everyone as he clambered onto Swoop’s back like a stiff-legged spider. Junior settled in behind him, instructing him what to expect and how to hang on.
“Well, woman. What’re you waiting for?” Devius called from Swoop’s shoulder as the brown dragon rose to stand on all four feet. Devius wrapped his arms around Swoop’s neck to steady himself.
Reecah laughed and held her hand out for Nelly.
Nelly bit at her lip. Accepting Reecah’s grasp, she followed slowly; her effort to pull away increasing the closer they got to Lurker.
Remembering what helped Brynhild to climb onto Lurker, Reecah motioned for him to turn his head away. The dragon’s big-toothed grin was enough to deter even the hardiest of warriors from trusting the creature, but Lurker complied.
“Stand on his leg. You won’t hurt him.” As Reecah spoke, her eyes took in Nelly’s girth. She hoped she was right.
Nelly allowed Reecah to hoist her onto Lurker’s leg.
“That’s it. Now, we just need to get you on his shoulders.” Assessing Nelly’s weight, Reecah knew that was easier said than done. “You can grab onto his scales and pull yourself up, like this.” Reecah lifted one of Lurker’s scales to demonstrate how they were layered over his skin.
“Come on, woman. We’ll give the guild a fly by. That’ll show ‘em,” Devius said, his robes hiked above his bony knees.
Reecah had no intention of allowing the dragons to fly into harm’s way. Once in the air, she intended to head straight toward the mountain.
Nelly reached as high as she could and latched onto Lurker’s scales, but she couldn’t hoist her body from his leg.
“Here. Put your foot in my hands.”
Nelly looked skeptical.
“I’m pretty strong.”
Nelly snickered, raising her eyebrows. “If you say so.”
Crouching, Reecah absorbed Nelly’s weight with a groan. The woman was heavy. Through clenched teeth she said, “On three. One. Two. Three!”
Junior slipped down from Swoop to lend a hand but seeing Nelly’s bulk lift onto Lurker’s back, he turned around and rejoined Devius.
It made sense to Reecah that due to Nelly’s size, it would be best to fly with Nelly behind her.
Sitting between Nelly and Lurker’s neck, Reecah patted Nelly’s thighs and reached back. “Give me your hands.”
She directed Nelly’s hands to the spot where her sword belt was attached to the supporting cummerbund. “Grab my sword belt here and hang on tight.”
Two distinctly different screams marked the launching of the dragons—the higher-pitched one coming from Swoop’s direction.
Clearing the top of the fissure, the barren scrub field that lay between the Gap and Arcanium fell away. Reecah craned her neck to catch sight of Devius on Swoop, the female dragon rising much faster as she winged toward the wizard’s guild. Reecah could only see Swoop’s underside, but Devius’ continued scream made her smile. Hoping the fright didn’t give the wizard a heart attack, she struggled to get a breath past Nelly’s tight hold on her waist.
“How are you making out, buddy. Is the weight okay?” Reecah kept her voice down so Nelly couldn’t hear.
“It’s not great, but I’ll manage.”
Recalling the rumour of the mountain’s peak being so high, she asked, “Do you think you’ll be okay to get to the top of Dragon’s Tooth?”
“Don’t you worry about me. I will fly as high as I have to.”
“Oh, I know you will. Let’s not bother with Arcanium. Fly straight to the mountain. You too, Swoop.”
Lurker didn’t answer but his wings dipped, bringing them around to face the mountain that dominated the landscape in the distance. The sudden turn prompted Nelly to squeeze the air from Reecah’s lungs.
Devius screamed again and Swoop shot ahead, diving in front of them and gliding along the primary fissure that comprised the labyrinth of the Gap.
Raver matched their pace, flying alongside Lurker’s head.
Once Lurker’s jerky flight eased into a smooth glide, Reecah pried at Nelly’s forearms. “You need to stop squeezing so hard.”
“Now you know how I feel.”
“Sorry. I’ve never flown before.”
Reecah patted Nelly’s hands. “It’s okay. It’s a common reaction your first time.”
“And the second, and the third, and—”
Reecah purposely wrapped her arms around Lurker’s neck and gave him a playful sq
ueeze. “Bah. You know you love it.”
Dragon’s Tooth sprawled across the rugged land around its base. A great river emptied from the mountain’s west side—the result of a majestic waterfall cascading from a dizzying height and a wide underground river springing forth from the mountain’s base to rush toward a whirlpool the size of Arcanium.
Basked in the reddish hue of the late day sun, the massive peak took Reecah’s breath away. “Wow! That’s incredible.”
If not for Nelly’s warm embrace, she was sure she would have frozen to death at such an extreme altitude.
Every now and then, a short scream let them know where Swoop and her passengers had gotten to. Reecah wasn’t sure if the cry was one of panic or one of unbridled joy. Whatever the case, she realized that if she was this cold, Devius must be numb.
Swoop dove in front of them, accelerating and swooping. “Follow me.”
Devius sat in front of Junior, his robes flapping around Junior’s shining chainmail. He let out another whoop and raised his staff in the air.
Junior looked over his shoulder and shrugged, a huge grin on his face.
Reecah leaned into Nelly’s ample bosom and turned her head to see the witch, shouting to be heard over the wind. “Seems like he’s enjoying himself!”
“The old fool’s probably wet himself!”
Reecah laughed. “He’s a good man!”
“He has his moments!”
Reecah settled back over Lurker’s neck. There was definitely a close bond between the witch and the wizard. Perhaps now that Devius was out from beneath the king’s yoke, they might be able to settle down and enjoy each other’s company.
“Hang on.”
“Hang on!” Reecah repeated Lurker’s warning.
She’d no sooner relayed the message than Lurker spread his wings vertically and back-flapped. The snow-covered mountaintop rushed up to greet them.
It was obvious to Reecah that he fought the swirling wind currents coming off the mountainside. A final frantic series of wingbeats had Nelly painfully squishing Reecah, and then they were on the ground, clinging to the side of a narrow ledge half buried in windswept snow.
Legends of the Lurker Box Set Page 81
