Lyric looked at the men, studying their faces for signs of disapproval. “My story hasn’t given you cause to reconsider? I will not be offended if you choose to leave.”
Marsden shook his head. “You think having a humble upbringing would make us think less of you? You are mistaken. Every man here will give their life for you. Not just because you are dragonblood, but because of the type of man you are. We’ve all heard about the tournament and the story of you being a foreign-born bastard is common knowledge. You have a knack for telling a story in a way that doesn’t flatter yourself, but I’ve been to Winport. I know how foreign boys are treated. I know how tough life on the streets can be. You survived that without becoming jaded or cruel. That is a reflection on your character. I also know that when you arrived in Winport you were almost a bag of bones, too skinny and too weak to fight your way out of a paper bag. You can credit Azina and Blair for the skills they gave you, but it was your hard work and determination that changed your body. The training and regimen needed to learn to become a skilled fighter in such a brief time is a burden that would break many men. You did it and never faltered. You won a tournament to help a friend, knowing that it would mean a marriage even though your heart belonged to another. That type of loyalty and courage is rare. You think you aren’t worthy of being dragonblood, Lyric Finch, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth.”
Lyric held his breath the entire time Marsden was talking. To hear a stranger praise him and not look at him with damning eyes was not something he was used to. He didn’t know how to react.
“What Marsden said goes for me and my brother,” said Tripp. “We didn’t just blindly come searching for the first dragonblood to pop up now that dragons have returned. We knew enough of your story to feel you were the type of person we would be proud to pledge ourselves to, and nothing you’ve said today changes that.”
“Same goes for me,” said Carvel. “I’d be proud to pledge myself to you, even if you weren’t dragonblood.”
“Thank you,” said Lyric.
“Now that you know you can’t scare us off, finish the damn story,” said Jarvis with a wink.
Lyric laughed. Jarvis seemed to have a knack for lightening the mood. The tension Lyric had felt telling his story was gone. These men weren’t going to abandon him, or judge him. These men were like his friends from Middale. They weren’t like the Talon Hornes and the Jamisons who hated him because he was different. “Right. So far, I’ve learned that I have two unique types of magic. I can space shift, and I have aura flame. Aura flame is the ability to enhance other’s magic and has rejuvenation properties.”
“What in the seven hells is space shifting?” asked Carvel.
Lyric smiled and shifted to the other side of the room. “That is shifting.”
The men’s heads all whipped around in astonishment.
Jarvis burst out in laughter. “That is amazing. I’ve seen mages make things disappear, but those were parlor tricks. What you just did was incredible. How did you learn that?”
Lyric shifted back to his seat at the table. “By accident actually. When Kemoth felt that I was in danger he instinctively shifted. He’d never done it before. But once we fully bonded I could learn from shifting with him. Now, I can do it on my own.”
“That is an impressive power. It could be very handy in battle,” said Marsden.
Lyric thought back to the wolfhounds. “Yes, very handy indeed.”
“Can we meet your dragon?” asked Tripp Hayes.
They would like to meet you, Lyric mindlinked to Kemoth.
Bring them outside. We’re down at the sea fishing. I’ll come up.
“As soon as you are done eating, we can go outside and meet Kemoth,” said Lyric.
Jarvis pushed his plate aside. “I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet a dragon. Food can wait.”
Marsden shook his head. “You’ll be spending the rest of your life serving a dragonblood and dragons. No point getting in a rush now.” He took another bite from his plate.
Tripp stood up. “As much as I enjoy Carvel’s cooking, I think would like to see a dragon.”
Carvel slapped Marsden on the back. “The food will be there when we are done. Let’s go meet a dragon.”
As the group went outside to meet Kemoth, Lyric got his first daylight look a t his new home. The estate, if one could call the fortress like layout such a thing, was unlike anything Lyric had ever seen before. The large dragon dome with its half roof was the dominant structure but then the rings of buildings and fence around it reminded Lyric of a giant wheel. But the place had a certain beauty to it. The old stone buildings, covered in moss, had character, and the views were spectacular. To the south, mountains and more mountains, to the west was forest, the lake and the mountains rose higher. To the north was the trail zigzagging up the steep section of mountain like a snake, the wide valley below with its lush green forests and golden fields. Towards the east, the mountain dropped down right to the sea. The dark blue went as far as the eye could see, even Lyric’s dragon magic enhanced sight could only make out the slightest color change that hinted to land on the horizon.
As Lyric gazed about, noticing all the different buildings that still needed repairs, Kemoth made his way up from the sea. Dancing and darting across the sky before slowly coming in to land in front of the group. Lyric chuckled. Kemoth’s flight pattern had more to do with showing off than it did getting to them in a hurry.
They wanted to see a dragon, I was just showing them what a dragon looks like flying, mindlinked Kemoth.
Lyric smiled, as he accepted the dragons questionable reply. “Gentleman, I would like to introduce you to Kemoth.”
The men all gave Kemoth a formal bow, then Marsden stepped forward. “Kemoth, it’s a great honor to meet you. We have longed to see a dragon all our lives, and your beauty is beyond what I had ever imagined.”
Lyric shook his head, Kemoth wasn’t the only one laying it on thick.
“It is an honor to meet you as well. I understand you men would like to be Daxrah?” asked Kemoth.
“Yes, it would be an honor for us to serve as Daxrah for Lyric and yourself, Kemoth.”
“That will be possible, but you will have to interview with Ovalia first,” said Kemoth.
Lyric raised an eyebrow. Why an interview with Ovalia?
Some dragons can feel everyone’s emotions, making lying to them very difficult. Ovalia isn’t great at it, but she has the ability, and she knows the most about dragon history. If they are honest and forthright in their answers she will know.
Azina already tested them, Lyric mindlinked.
A dragon test is better. You are trusting these men with both of our lives, the Sacred Blood are expert at spying. They will send men and woman to you.
“We’d be happy to interview with Ovalia. Meeting another dragon would be a pleasure and we have nothing to hide.”
“Speak for yourself,” said Jarvis with a wink. “I got deep dark secrets.”
“They’re not interested in your love life, bonehead,” said Tripp.
“We will gladly speak with Ovalia,” said Carvel, echoing Marsden’s sentiments.
“Kemoth will arrange the interviews later,” said Lyric. “Now that everyone has been introduced, why don’t you gentlemen tell us about Fallstorm.”
“As you can see Fallstorm was designed specifically with dragons in mind,” said Marsden. “The dragon dome is the main feature. Sir Fallstorm wanted his estate to be simple, functional, and to cater to dragons. The dome is the heart of the estate and everything else surrounds it. You’ve seen your quarters and the kitchens, there are guest quarters and staff quarters along with training and storage areas in the second ring. There is also a small stable, where the horses are kept at night. During the day, they are pastured outside the walls. The outer ring houses the Daxrah. And then the outer wall, which surrounds the entire complex. The outer wall is situated perfectly so that anyone coming up the mountain pass must tra
vel through the gates. It isn’t the most impenetrable fortress ever designed, but I must say it is pretty darn secure. A dozen men could hold off an army if they only came up the mountain pass.”
Lyric nodded. He knew nothing of fortresses or castles and he couldn’t tell good defensive position from a bad one. “Why are the Daxrah quarters so close to the wall?”
Marsden motioned for them to follow him. They walked to one of the outer huts. The hut was only a foot from the wall, and it was only now that they were up close that Lyric realized how tall it was. The wall was at least fourteen feet high. And the huts which had seemed small were much bigger than he originally had given them credit for. The dome they were standing by was probably twelve feet high. And in the wall of the dome was built a small set of stairs. Marsden climbed the stone hut and Lyric followed him up. From the top of the dome he had a clear view over the wall, and had a clear field of view, apart from where the large dragon dome blocked out part of the landscape.
“Obviously, the best scouting position is atop the dragon dome, and we do keep a man up there occasionally, but when you have a full set of Daxrah, three men can keep watch on the entire landscape. And two can do it in a pinch, the only danger there is if the watchers are on opposite sides of the dragon dome they can’t see each other,” said Marsden.
Lyric was impressed. “What made him choose to live here? Why not down in the valley or along the coast?”
Marsden shrugged. “They say he liked the seclusion. I’ve heard stories that this place has magical powers, but I’m no magic user so I wouldn’t know. But it is near the coast, only a few seconds for a dragon to fly down and go fishing, and it is a secure and remote location, and for a man like Sir Fallstorm, who was reported to be somewhat reclusive, it probably seemed like a perfect spot.”
Lyric climbed down and joined Celine and Kemoth who were chatting with the other Daxrah. They were discussing the lack of building materials to make repairs with.
“Jarvis and I can make the repairs, we spent a season or two working as masons when we were between wars. But there isn’t very much suitable rock up here. The loose rocks were picked over when they built this place. There is lots of great building rock further down the mountain, but it is a pain to bring it up the mountain. It takes a day to bring up enough rock to do twenty minutes of repairs.”
Lyric grinned. Kemoth, you should go get Ovalia and Leomaris. I have a plan.
Kemoth jumped up and flew off, startling the others.
“Where is he off to?” asked Celine.
“It is time everyone met our guests,” said Lyric. “Marsden, do you have any strong nets or rope?”
“We have plenty of hemp rope, why? We need a large net for carrying rocks right now.”
“I’ll get the rope,” said Tripp.
Celine gave Lyric a questioning look.
He just smiled and waited for Trip to return.
“We’ll want it tight, we can use any stone that is relatively flat and bigger than a fist.”
Marsden and Trip then started cutting and weaving sections of rope into a net. The others tried to help but it became a case of too many hands being more a pain than productive.
Soon Kemoth returned with Ovalia and Leomaris.
When the three dragons hit the ground, Lyric introduced everyone. The men all bowed and were very polite, as were the dragons. It was a very formal greeting. It seemed somewhat strange to Lyric, as both men and dragons were very personable and friendly in their own groups but together were much more formal.
Give them time. They want to make a good impression on the humans, mindlinked Kemoth.
Lyric supposed it was the same with the men. Even Jarvis who seemed the most outgoing of the group was being polite and reserved. “Leomaris. I have a favor to ask.”
“What would you like?”
“We need to move rocks so that we can repair the buildings. I was thinking that you could help us with that. Kemoth can do it, but he’s not as strong as you.”
“You should build a bigger net, I can carry a lot.”
“You will help?”
“Of course. Do you have particular rocks in mind?”
Tripp stood up from his net work. “There is a rock slide about half way down the mountain that has an excellent supply of rocks. I will walk down there and pick out usable rocks if you are willing to transport them up here.”
“I could fly you down, that would be quicker,” said Leomaris.
“Really? You would do that?” asked Tripp excitedly.
Leomaris nodded and leaned down. “Climb on my back.”
Marsden handed Tripp the net. “Don’t load it too heavy. I suspect Leomaris can carry significantly more than our net can.”
Leomaris looked smug as Tripp climbed on his back with the net for the rocks.
He lifted off and started down towards the rock slide.
“He is going to be insufferable now,” said Ovalia. “He’ll be so proud that he was the one asked to lift the rocks.”
Lyric chuckled. “Maybe, but it is going to help greatly.”
Ovalia looked at the other men. “Kemoth told you that I would like to speak with you?”
“Yes,” said Marsden. “We will gladly speak with you.”
“Would you like to fly while we talk? Our conversations won’t take too long and I can drop you off at the rock slide so you can help Tripp select rocks.”
“Sounds like a wonderful plan. We would be delighted to fly,” said Marsden.
“You better let me go first. After all, I was a mason. Picking just the right rocks is a specialty.”
Celine coughed and under her breath mumbled “Bullshit.”
Jarvis just smiled and made his way towards Ovalia. “Sorry boys, you will get your turn.”
“I am going to go help with the rocks as well,” said Kemoth. “I don’t need a net. I can just pick up medium sized rocks and shift back and forth. I’ll probably be quicker than Leomaris.”
Kemoth then disappeared into the air.
“Woah,” said Carvel. “Even after seeing you do that, it still amazes me.”
“It takes a while to get used to,” said Celine. “Lyric has made me jump out of my skin more than a few times since he learned how to shift.”
“While Carvel and I wait for our flights with Ovalia, we should discuss what you want to do with Fallstorm. Sir Chestmire and Lord Lamar thought it best if it was kept a secret and only a small select group know of its existence, but the lands are now yours to do as you wish.”
“I think they have it right. Celine has mentioned that you believe others will come to Middale to seek me because of the dragons. I don’t think inviting them here would be wise. This place isn’t designed for hosting many people and we have no food or supplies.”
“Food and supplies will be easy, if you and Kemoth help secure the valley for Sir Chestmires farmers. It is a rich valley but a dangerous one. Having a dragon looking over it would help tremendously.”
Lyric nodded. He knew Kemoth wouldn’t mind that, and he intended to help Sir Chestmire and the Lamars as much as he could despite being in hiding. Did Lord Lamar say what was deeded to me?”
“His sister did when she brought us here. Your lands extend from the top of this mountain at its farthest western peak to the sea. Everything on this mountain and the first mile across the valley counting from the low tide mark. It isn’t the best farming land in the valley but you control the shoreline of the valley. So, any invaders coming to attack the valley have to cross your lands to do so.”
“Really? That is a significant amount of land. It is too generous,” said Lyric.
“It is generous,” said Marsden, “but it serves a purpose. The Lamar’s have been unable to use this valley because it was too dangerous. But now that Sir Chestmire is here it is going to become farm land, and probably a village or two will pop up. The western end of the valley is narrow and easily defended by the Lamars. But this end of the valley is wide and there are
wide strips of beach easy to land on, so it isn’t very defensible. However, a dragonblood with a dragon can cover that territory much easier. And common raiders wouldn’t dare cross dragonblood lands to raid the farms and villages. By deeding you the shoreline along the valley, the Lamars are considering the future.”
“He’s right,” said Celine. “It was generous of the Lamars but it also helps them. They are now at odds with the king, and will need strong allies like a dragonblood.”
Lyric sighed. It was strange realization that his life was going to have such an impact on others. As dragonblood he had to think about how his actions would affect others. Right now, that meant hiding. But there might be a day when it meant fighting. If the king attacked Lord Lamar and Sibylle. Lyric would fight. And if defending the coastline would help the Lamars and Sir Chestmire’s people then he would proudly take responsibility for his new lands.
42
Leaning back in her chair, Shayla couldn’t help but remember the last time she’d met with Lady Primula Wells. They had met in Harlot Heaven to discuss her old plans to become ruler of all Partha, and how the Sacred Blood had destroyed her life. It seemed a lifetime ago when she’d plotted and schemed about how she would one day control a dragon and use it to become queen. Vain, power hungry, self-centered, spoiled, vindictive, the list of her character flaws went on and on. But with no small amount of irony, Shayla knew she could thank the Sacred Blood for her new outlook on life. If they hadn’t broken her down, humiliated her, tortured her, and taken everyone she loved away, she might’ve continued down the path she’d set out in life for herself, an endless quest for power. If it hadn’t been for the Sacred Blood, she never would’ve been filled with such rage and anger that the Apophis, the alpha dragon, would feel the need to come and mentor her. Meeting Caritha and developing their bond, training with Apophis, learning to become self-aware had changed her. It wasn’t she was now a saint or a perfect person; vanity, pride, anger, and a thirst for revenge were still faults she could readily admit, but now she could see and accept her own shortcomings.
Dragon Magic: Lyric's Curse 2 (Dragonblood Sagas Book 4) Page 23
