The trail was made by animals, likely deer or perhaps goats surmised Lyric as they climbed up the rock face. They had been walking through heavily forested areas for most of the day, but now they were on a section of mountain with almost no trees, just rock and more rock.
“Watch your step,” said Celine. “This section ahead is shale. It isn’t stable.”
Lyric nodded, but he didn’t say anything. He already knew that the ground was different. He could feel it. He could also feel a shift in the wind as it bounced off the rock face. It wasn’t a significant change but enough to let Lyric know that the wind currents were stronger at this elevation, something he never would’ve noticed before.
They climbed for another hour straight before reaching the summit. Lyric wasn’t surprised when they reached the peak only to see an even bigger mountain staring back at him. “How many mountains does Droll have?”
Celine shrugged. “I don’t know, hundreds? Maybe more. I suppose growing up in Winport you never went into the mountains.”
“I could see them in the distance, but there was lots of forest and swamps between the city and the mountains. I never realised how big they are. Even when I came to Middale with your aunt, we travelled through the forests. I didn’t see much of the mountains.”
“Kind of gives you a different perspective, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, I can see so far and yet who knows what is hidden behind that next mountain. Another mountain, the sea? Maybe it drops down into plains. I never realized how big Droll is.”
“Droll supposedly isn’t even that big. I’ve spoken with sailors who say Partha and Solotine are much bigger.”
Lyric shook his head. His life had been so focused on what was right in front of him, the need to find food and to survive, that he never considered the world as a whole. Even after moving to Middale with Azina he’d been focused on training and then the tournament. Now he was on the run from the king’s soldiers, once again having to focus on the moment instead of the big picture. Oh well, at least I am with Celine, he thought as he gazed out on the world.
“Come on, let’s get moving. We’re a little exposed up here if anyone is close. We should get back down into the trees,” said Celine.
They pushed on, climbing down until they were once again walking through heavily treed terrain. As much as they were running from danger and heading towards even more danger, Lyric enjoyed the walk. The mountain forests didn’t have much underbrush, making finding a path easy, and the crisp, pleasant smell of pine and other trees filled his nostrils.
“Time to stop for lunch. I’m pooped,” said Celine as she sat herself down on an old log.
Lyric nodded and sat beside her. He took off his backpack and opened it. He handed Celine a piece of dried meat.
“Thank you,” said Celine. She then took out a package from her pocket and handed it to Lyric. “Chew on this.”
“What is it?” asked Lyric.
“It’s chilago leaf soaked in a special brine.”
Lyric opened the package and took one of the leaves out. He placed it in his mouth. It was sweet and tasted of berries. “Tastes good. What is it for?”
“It is the antidote for broggins bark potion. Aunt Azina thought it was time to find out what type of magic you have. She wanted to be around to help you but obviously, that was no longer an option. You and I will have to figure it out.”
“How long does it take to work?” Lyric grabbed a second leaf and started chewing it. He was excited by the possibility of having magic, he was already sort of magical because of the dragonblood, but his father had been a mage. It would be fun to do magic. He’d spent so many hours trying to light those damn candles of Azina’s, it would be a relief when he could finally do it.
“You’ve been under the effects of the broggins bark for a long time, I imagine it will take a while for your body to adjust.”
“Do I eat it all?”
“Yes. You can chew them as we walk if you like.”
Lyric passed Celine some more of the meat, she’d gobbled down the first piece quickly. The climb up the mountain had taken more out of her than it had him. He then lifted his hand and focused on creating a flame about his hand, just as Azina had taught him. He concentrated as hard as possible but nothing happened. He grabbed another leaf and put it in his mouth.
“Told you so,” said Celine with a chuckle.
18
Since his first visit to the Lamar courtyard and its wonderful gardens, there had been changes. Allan noticed that Izzy had taken his advice and made several changes to the flowers in some of the different beds.
“Do you like?” asked Izzy as she walked up behind him.
Allan smiled. “I do. This bed takes me back to Mandilla. Just the right colors and smells.”
“Perfect,” said Izzy. “And I have you to thank for that. Books only go so far. Having someone who knows flowers and plants, who’s been to these places makes all the difference.”
“All I did was offer suggestions. You are the one who made this garden what it is. A work of art.”
Izzy blushed. “Thank you. How are things going in the valley?”
“Very well. The farmers have arrived and they are giddy. They look at the rich soil and are amazed that it has never been worked.”
“It has, at least sections of the valley have, but as you know. The valley is not a safe place and we decided to pull out. Have you had any troubles?”
“No. There have been signs of corca cats and wolves, but we’ve build a secure little fort. It will keep us safe at night, and my warriors are patrolling during the day.”
“Have you been to Middale lately? Is there any update on Lyric?”
Allan nodded. Middale was filled with rumors about Lyric. The king had soldiers posted in the village incase Lyric tried to return. The soldiers spent their free time at the Pig’s Ear. Blair gets frequent updates on the search. He’s on his way here now. He’s going to update your brother and Sibylle. Your brother invited Lord Martelle and myself to the meeting as well.”
“Yes, he told me about the meeting, but he hasn’t shared what he wants to talk about aside from getting an update on Lyric.”
A servant came out into the gardens. “My apologies, but your guests are all here. It is time for the meeting.”
Izzy nodded. “I was hoping we’d have longer to talk. I enjoy conversing with you Allan. But business calls. She put her arm up for Allan. “Shall we?”
“It would be my pleasure,” said Allan as he put his arm under hers and walked her into the house. “I feel the same way. I’d like to call on you sometime. A visit that isn’t revolving around business.”
“An excellent idea. I look forward to it,” said Izzy as she led Allan into the house.
Lord Lamar, Lord Martelle, Blair, Sibylle, and Sir Robert were all in the study, sitting around the large meeting table, looking at a map when they entered.
“So far, they haven’t found them, but the King has given Talon Horne a special rank and given him a platoon of men,” said Blair. “Talon also has a tracker with dogs.”
Lord Lamar looked up. “Hello, Allan, Izzy. Blair was just getting us up to date on the man hunt.”
“Blair, do you think they’ll find him? It’s been a couple weeks now,” said Izzy.
“Eventually. I’ve heard the Hornes’ tracker is good.”
“He is,” said Lord Martelle. “I’ve been on a hunt with him. The man doesn’t use ordinary blood hounds. His are half wolf. Wild and dangerous, but once they get a scent.”
“Even with the hounds it’ll take them a while to catch up. Celine is guiding Lyric. She knows the mountains. With a little luck, they’ll find his dragon before Talon can catch him,” said Blair.
“I don’t like leaving things to luck,” said Lord Lamar. “Is there anything we can do to help him?”
“No,” said Blair. “Right now, Lyric and Celine are on their own. If we try interfering now we risk the king’s wrath.”
&
nbsp; “I worry less and less about the king’s wrath every day,” said Lord Lamar.
“That may be true, but you aren’t the only one affected by the search. Lyric chose to leave to help all of us.”
Lord Lamar nodded. “Okay, I agree. For now, we do nothing to help Lyric. Lord Martelle what information do you have for us?”
“As we discussed last time we were here, things are getting worse in the kingdom. The search for Lyric is only making them worse. The king has become obsessed and has all but given up pretending to care about the needs of the outer regions of the kingdom. I believe things are going to happen fast now. There are rumblings Lord Falbran is organizing in the south.”
“That is no surprise,” said Allan. “He’s been eyeing the throne for years.”
“Yes, well he finally has an opportunity. The independent cities of Mossglen and Swanmoor have agreed to revolt. All they need is Everside and they will have most of the south in agreement,” said Lord Martelle.
“Swanmoor has sided with Lord Falbran? That is a surprise,” said Allan.
“It is more of a strategic alliance. Swanmoor wants to be left to its own devices and Everside is the same. They might join him in revolt, but they’d never accept him as a king.”
Allan agreed. Lord Falbran was not someone he’d want to see as king. Falbran ruled his lands with an iron fist and didn’t treat his people well. Droll would not be better off with him as king. But if the independent cities of the south wanted to revolt perhaps no one would control all of Droll. There had been hundreds of years where no one did. But King Gramalt has a large army and a revolt would be dangerous. “What of the northern lords? Who in the north is for revolt?”
“In the west, Lord Horne has tied himself to the king, although I suspect he wants his son Talon to one day try to become king. Landcaster and Northport have both aligned with the king. Staeford will follow me.”
Allan nodded. Lord Martelle held the lands to the south of Staeford, that he’d have a strong influence there was no surprise. “What of you Lord Lamar? Your lands and Middale are going to be critical to both sides if there is war.”
“Lord Falbran and I don’t see eye to eye on many things. I especially don’t like the way he dealt with your father, but King Gramalt pushes harder and harder every day. I fear revolt is the only option.”
“Lord Martelle?” asked Allan.
“I’m with the Lamar’s.
“What about you Allan? Where do the Chestmires stand?” asked Lord Lamar.
Allan glanced over at Izzy before looking around the room to the others. It was a good group of people. People he could trust. “Lord Lamar, you have been very generous with us. We’ll stand with you. However, I have one suggestion to make.”
“And what is that?” asked Lord Lamar.
“Do nothing rash. If Lord Falbran hasn’t contacted you directly yet that means you are not in his plans. Perhaps he intends for only the south to revolt, or he intends to take northern lands as a conqueror. Right now, you are stuck between a bad king and a bad usurper. Neither option is good. But there is another option.”
“You mean Lyric? He’s just a boy.”
“He was man enough to win the tournament, and he is dragonblood.”
“True enough,” said Lord Lamar. “Lord Martelle what does the north think of dragons?”
“They’re nervous, but like the rest of Droll there are many who are excited by the return of dragons, but there are many who are just scared. They don’t know what to think.”
“Don’t make Lyric part of the war,” said Sibylle. “He’s not ready for it.”
“I agree with Sibylle,” said Izzy. “Not because of his age, but because he hasn’t found himself yet. He’d be a timid ruler and people like Lord Falbran would see blood in the water and attack him. Perhaps one day he would be a leader but right now he just needs to learn what it means to be a dragonblood.”
Allan looked at Izzy in surprise and admiration. He knew her to be a strong and intelligent woman, but he hadn’t thought she would be a source of such valuable war council. She was right. Lyric wasn’t ready. “I stand corrected. I can’t fault your logic. Lyric isn’t an option.”
“Making him a king might not be an option, but already people are flocking to Middale. I have a group of men staying at the Inn right now who wish to speak to the dragonblood,” said Blair.
Allan frowned. “Did they give a reason? Do you think they’re Sacred Blood?”
“No, they gave no reason. But I don’t think they are Sacred Blood either. I spoke to Valeria and Azina Vastel and they believe these men could be something else; they could be Daxrah, or at least descendants of Daxrah.”
“Daxrah? What are Daxrah?” asked Sibylle.
“Knights, sworn protectors of dragonbloods. It is possible that the teachings were passed down through the generations,” said Blair.
“And what does Azina say about them?” asked Lord Lamar.
“That there will be more. She worries that they will fight with the soldiers in Middale. They will not be happy that Lyric is being hunted.”
Allan scratched his head. The situation was getting more and more complicated by the minute. Is there somewhere else they could go where they could wait for Lyric’s return?”
“Fallstorm,” said Sibylle.
Allan frowned. “Where is that?”
“Fallstorm,” said Lord Lamar. “Is an abandoned castle in the mountains along the coast. It is in the mountains to the south of the valley you are farming. After the dragons left Droll, those mountains became more and more dangerous. Without a dragon to protect them, the people abandoned the castle. The lord and his dragon had died at the hands of the Sacred Blood in the great war. Fallstorm estate is now part of my lands, but I’ve never done anything with it. I have no idea what shape it is in, or how safe it is. But it isn’t a well-known place. It has been forgotten with time and would be an excellent hiding place if it weren’t so dangerous. My daughter is correct. It might be a good place for Daxrah, if that is what these men are.”
“You should deed Fallstorm to Lyric,” said Sibylle. “That way the Daxrah can go there and fix it for Lyric.”
“Allan, I already have an agreement with you regarding the valley itself. How would you feel about having Lyric as a neighbor?”
Allan smiled. “Those mountains are dangerous. A dragon or two to help keep the valley safe would be nice. Honestly, I think this might be an eloquent solution to two problems. First, we can support Lyric in secret by helping repair Fallstorm and it keeps Middale from becoming a battle ground between the king’s men and the Daxrah if more keep showing up.”
“What about the revolt? We still haven’t decided what to do about that yet,” said Lord Martelle.
“For now, we wait,” said Lord Lamar. “Until we know if Lord Falbran can be trusted we don’t do anything. And there is still time for King Gramalt to see the error in his ways.”
Allan nodded. The king and Lord Falbran were going to be a problem one day soon, but rushing into battle or civil war wasn’t wise. As frustrating as it was, waiting was the prudent decision. At least they could help Lyric in the meantime. “How do I find Fallstorm? With your permission, I will take a group of my men there and see what condition it is in.”
“I can take him. I remember the way,” said Sibylle.
“No, I will take him,” said Izzy. “But only after Blair finds out if these men are what they seem, and my brother deeds those lands to Lyric. The boy has suffered much because of his choice to help this family. I think it is high time we did something for him.”
“I couldn’t have said it better,” said Lord Lamar. “Blair. I’m trusting you and Azina to decide if these men are Daxrah or not. If they are, Izzy and Allan will lead them to Fallstorm. But word of this must be kept a secret. Only those in this room and the Vastels are to know about the Daxrah and Fallstorm.”
Allan nodded his head. If they were going to help Lyric, it would have to be a secret
. “Blair, do you mind if you mind if I join you and Azina. I would like to meet these men.”
19
North Port, a bustling port city was a main trading center for the north. The northern cities of Wilmborne, the capital, and Staeford did most of their trading through North Port instead of the bigger port city of Winport in the south. Lord Horne had only been to the city once, but that had been enough for him. The city was filled with lowborn and sailors, and unruly lot that showed little respect for a man of his position.
One day they will show me the respect I deserve. When my son is ruler of these lands they will bow their heads so low their noses scratch the ground, thought Lord Horne as a man bumped into him as he walked down the busy market street.
Lord Horne was starting to grow frustrated. He’d been searching throughout the city for the better part of a day and a half and he’d not seen any sign of the monks of the cloud order. Were they no longer working in the city? Had they gone into hiding now that dragons had returned? Lord Horne was perplexed.
On a whim, Lord Horne entered one of the market tents. An old woman greeted him.
“What can an old woman do for such an honored guest as Lord Horne?” asked the old woman.
Lord Horne was startled. “You know me?”
“It has been a long time since I saw you last, I used to travel to Wilmborne on occasion, but my old bones don’t like bouncing around on a wagon anymore. And if memory serves me correct, you once visited North Port years ago. I always take note of the dignitaries traveling through North Port. It happens so rarely that a man of your stature in the kingdom visits that it is easy to remember.”
Lord Horne nodded. “You have an excellent memory. That is good. Perhaps you can help me. I came to North Port for… ah, spiritual guidance. I seek the monks of the cloud order, but I’ve not seen them.”
“Ah yes. It is good to seek spiritual guidance, and now that the skies are filled with demons there is no better than the Cloud Order to guide you. Alas, this city, like the rest of the isle is filled with heathens who don’t understand the dangers of dragons. They cheer the dragons and grow angry when the monks give sermons on the streets. The monks have had to take a lower profile since dragons have returned. But they are still here in North Port. You just need to know where to look. Go up Bakers Street and until you reach the cobbler’s shop. Go past it to the alley. In the alley, the first door on the right. Knock twice, wait two seconds then knock twice again, wait three seconds and knock once.”
Dragon Magic: Lyric's Curse 2 (Dragonblood Sagas Book 4) Page 10
