Talon the Black

by Melissa Mitchell

  Dropping lower still, he edged closer to the castle’s edifice until his wingtips nearly grazed the stone. Just as he came upon Claire, he witnessed her wide-eyed surprise. Then he opened his maw and roared. She yelped and jumped backward. There! Let her know how frustrated he was. Perhaps now she would fear him like the rest. He pumped his wings once, twice, three times, in powerful downward strokes. The keep disappeared beneath him; hopefully Claire would too.

  The last thing he wanted were thoughts of her intruding on his time in the sky. The sacred ritual was entirely his. Rolling over, diving down, then pulling up again, he savored the wind as it whistled past him. Still, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to get the damned woman out of his mind. Her nerve! Her audacity!

  He chuckled, a deep rumble echoing in his belly. Her frightened expression was priceless. He would pay a hundred gold dragons to see that look again. Satisfied, he beat his wings onward in the direction of Eigaden’s plains. His stomach offered up a greedy growl of its own. The grazers would be out this evening. He was eager for a prize.

  As he neared the plains, thoughts of Claire continued to plague him. The way her happiness died when he walked into the room. The way her eyes glittered when she saw him. She hated him. Could he blame her? Hardly.

  In retrospect, he handled the entire matter of her arrival to the capital terribly. She tried to warn him from the start. He was too blind to see her real purpose—Cyrus’s purpose. In so doing, he made decisions he was ashamed of.

  Reyr was right, she never should have gone into that cell. The trial was absolutely unnecessary. But the way he behaved afterward? That was the real reason she hated him. Strapping her to a rack, putting a blade to her throat, threatening death. His actions were utterly shameful. That shame would live with him forever. She would never forgive him—not for that.

  He snorted at the thought of forgiveness. Smoke tendrils poured from his nostrils. What did he care? He did not need her forgiveness, merely her cooperation.

  Regardless of that, he was still angry with himself, if only because of his disgrace. He aggressively snatched up a plump grazer and ripped it apart, feasting on its body. The poor beast did not deserve his punishment, but emotion beat him down like hammer blows.

  When he finished feasting, he rose into the air and claimed another. By the third, he could take no more. His stomach was stuffed. He could feel his hide stretching, his scales pulling apart to accommodate. If only Claire could see him like this, caught up in the frenzy of feeding. Perhaps then she would truly call him a beast. He would never—could never—forget her words during the trial. And Reyr was correct in that too—he deserved everything she said that day.

  From the start he carried himself poorly, retaliating in front of his people, snapping back at her like a wounded dog. Could he blame his sorrow? The loss of Cyrus was heavy when she appeared, but that excuse was cowardly, nor did it entirely explain his actions. There was something more, something unsettling that stole his composure and left him unhinged.

  From the moment he laid eyes upon her he feared her. Why? At first he believed her to be threatening. What else might cause such unease? Now he knew, she was not a threat as far as common threats went. She was a threat in a different way, in a way that stole his common sense and replaced it with irrational thought. She was dangerous.

  He rose into the air, jumping high from the ground. Beneath him, only bones remained. He began his flight home. As usual, he was reluctant to return, especially knowing she was there.

  Why was Claire so dangerous? He beat his wings harder, hoping the exertion would distract his mind. Why? The question nagged at him, forcing him to confront the deep well of darkness inside, dragging the answer from the bottom. Claire was dangerous because she was like an evil enchantress, beautiful and smart like one too. Beautiful enchantresses did nothing but rip apart the hearts of those who loved them. And she would do exactly that, the same way death had done by stealing his parents.

  The city’s lights came into view long before he reached its walls. They glittered at him like a beacon. He knew the sight so well, he could recreate it with his eyes closed. He circled lazily towards the lowest courtyard.

  Claire…his mind went back to her. Would she be in the dining hall feasting now that her restriction was lifted? No, he did not want to see her. He’d given up women a long time ago and for good reason. After his scars, most couldn’t stomach his appearance. There were some, like Lady Caterina, capable of looking past his face for the pure sake of having the crown. Those types merely disgusted him.

  But Claire looked at him. She actually looked at him without disgust and without fear. In her gaze there was only hate, and that was not something created by his appearance. He’d done that all on his own.

  He transformed midair, landing on his feet. Several of his guards rushed forward to greet him. “Welcome back, King Talon.” He nodded to them and strode away.

  Claire hated him, yes, but not more than he hated himself. Perhaps it was better that way. After all, her kindness would do nothing more than remind him of what he could never have. No one could possibly love someone as beastly and hideous as he. Not her. Not now. Not ever.

  Dragonwall Appendix

  The following is a catalogue of descriptions for people, places, words, etc. used throughout Talon the Black.

  * * *

  WORDS

  * * *

  Aldinn Malasarlaí: the old language, or the language of magic. It is the language used by the Magoi to perform incants, also known as spells, and command the world around them. It can be used as a language or as magic.

  * * *

  Andalynn sem haldai an gorrkevi valdi an dreki: This statement is used by Cyrus and roughly translates to, “He that holds the stones controls the dragons.” The word andalynn has two root words which are an, meaning the, and dalynn, meaning man. The word sem translates to that. The word haldi is a root word taken from halda which means to hold; the use of an ‘s’ requires the use of ‘i’ at the end. The word gorrkevi is two root words gorr and kevi; gorr translates to made and kevi is taken from kev which means stone. The word valdi directly translates to controls where the root word vald means to control. And finally, dreki translates to dragons where drek would be a single dragon. Thus, the statement would literally translate to, “The man that holds the made stones (stones made from man) controls the dragons.”

  * * *

  Asarlaí: The Asarlaí were once great sorcerers in Dragonwall responsible for inventing the old language. It is they, specifically the Five, who brought the dragons to life. These dragons were responsible for driving any remaining Asarlaí from Dragonwall. The Asarlaí have not been seen in Dragonwall for a long time. Currently, Kane is the only known living Asarlaí.

  * * *

  Drengr: The word Drengr means dragon warrior in the old language. The Drengr are shape shifters who can transform from dragons to humans. Once wild dragons themselves, they became this way when Queen Isabella blessed the dragons with humanity. The commonly known purpose for doing this was to bridge the gap between the wild dragons and inhabitants of Dragonwall, specifically humans, in hopes of defeating the evil ruler named Rage. The real reason was to bring about the dragons’ eventual extinction.

  * * *

  Drengr Fairtheoir, King’s Shields, or Shields: The words Drengr Fairtheoir mean noble dragon warrior in the old language. After the creation of their rank, commoners often referred to the Drengr Fairtheoir as Shields of the king or King’s Shields. Their purpose is to shield the king, to protect him, and to give their lives for him if necessary. Because the king’s mate is an extension of himself, the Shields likewise protect the queen with the same ferocity; however, the name ‘King’s Shield’ stuck. These six also make up what is called the Higher Council because they act as advisors. Their position is for life, and an oath is sworn when they begin. Sadly they take no mates; they must be entirely devoted to their king.

  * * *

  Eldár
: This word means fire in the old language. It is a word of power to create or set something on fire. Obviously for the Drengr, this world is unnecessary while in their dragon forms, for they can simply use their breath!

  * * *

  Havadan slatir takenna slakev, tivi gedi gara ein, an hilgar asamat ut ken: This statement is used by Sophie, Tamara’s friend, and roughly translates to “When skin touches scale, two minds become one, the sacred bond is unveiled.” It is taken from a poem. The word havadan translates to when. The word slatir translates to skin. The word takenna translates to touches. The word slakev translates to scale. The word tivi translates to two. The word gedi translates to minds where ged means mind. The words gara ein mean become one. The word hilgar translates to sacred. The word asamat means bond. The words ut ken means is unveiled.

  * * *

  Hníga: This word means to open in the old language. It is a word of power used to open anything from books to locked doors.

  * * *

  Magoi: The plural for Mage. Common conjugation for plurals in the Aldinn Málasarlai requires the use of an ‘i’ following the word. Mage would be the singular version of Magoi referring to one person and not a group. A Mage is someone who possesses magical abilities and is trained using the old language to perform magic. While the Drengr can also perform magic, having been made by magic, they are not considered part of the Magoi.

  * * *

  Malí gler ahlasem: This phrase means something along the lines of recombine broken pieces of glass. The word malí translates to pieces, gler translates to glass, and ahlasem translates to assemble together. Used together they present the full meaning of the statement King Talon uses to reassemble the glass fragments of a mirror he shattered.

  * * *

  Sverak: The Sverak is a special long sword used by the Drengr. It is much larger than a traditional sword. It is also heavier than a traditional sword because it is formed with Ice Metal and steel. Ice Metal is rare and expensive because it can only be obtained from the dwarves in the Ice Mountain Mines. Generally, a Drengr receives his Sverak from his father when he fledges. The sheath is decorated based on the Drengr's color. An empty space called a pommel ring is left on the pommel for a single stone called a pommel stone, which is gifted to the Drengr by his Rider at the bonding ceremony. The stone type and color is to be based on the Drengr’s scale color. At the bonding ceremony, it is melded into the pommel ring using magic.

  * * *

  The Kalds: The Kalds are ice giants from the lands of Kalderland beyond the Northern Barrier Range. Kald translates to cold giant in the old language. These ice giants are made of Black Rock Ice and can only be melted by dragon fire. They freeze anything they touch, and their origins lie in dark magic.

  * * *

  The King's Wing: This wing of Drengr Fairtheoir form a V-shaped flight pattern when doing any aerial flying. The king flies at the point, with three Shields in formation on his left, and three on his right.

  * * *

  Vodar: The Vodar, which means wraith in the old language, are warden spirits of Undirfold who feed off of evil and malice. In Undirfold, they are the ferriers of souls. They can only enter the world if summoned by powerful magic. These demons are said to be faceless and covered in blackness, a blackness which consists of dark magic and smoke. This gives them the appearance of cloaked beings. They are skilled swordsmen. They also carry their signature weapon, a long knife blade that is often called a short sword, which is infused with poison. If stabbed by such a blade, a large degree of magic is necessary to suck the venomous toxins from the wound, else one will surely die. For humans, this death happens in a minute. For those of magical abilities, it is a much more agonizing process, stretched out over days as the skin around the wound blackens and that blackness eventually consumes the entire being.

  * * *

  PEOPLE

  * * *

  Bedelth: One of the six King’s Shields. He is dark orange in color with an underbelly that fades to yellow. Bedelth is far more mysterious than the other Shields. We do not see a lot of him in the first book.

  * * *

  Byron: Son of Davi and Emmy. Next in line to take over Fort Squall. He is the realized mate of Tamara Redwynn.

  * * *

  Cyrus: One of the six King’s Shields. Cyrus was sent on a secret mission to retrieve the remaining Dragon Stones from the Gable Forest when they were believed to be in danger. Cyrus fought Kane and bested him with his Mind Bender abilities. In so doing, he conquered Kane’s mind. Even still, Cyrus barely escaped with his life. He traveled through the Kengr Gate and met Claire Evans. Cyrus once had a Rider before he became a Shield. Her name was Leeana, and she died during the great Ice Battle of Vestur. His soul and magic now rests with Claire, for he gave her the Gift by imprinting himself upon her being.

  * * *

  Davi and Emmy: Leaders at Fort Squall. Davi is Reyr’s twin brother, though Reyr is considered the older as he was born first. Davi’s and Emmy’s son Byron is their pride and joy. Like Reyr, Davi’s line can be traced back to the Iron Clan, as we see in Talon the Black.

  * * *

  Daxton: A noteworthy commander for the king’s army. Daxton is also Lady Saffra’s lover. Daxton met Saffra at a younger age before he went off to the Gobelin Wars. Daxton was Saffra’s archery tutor. The two fell in love after he returned from the Gobelin Wars.

  * * *

  Desaree: One of the servants in the keep. She had a secret crush on Verath, which began when she was younger. Unknown to all but Tess, Caterina, and Verath, she was also born a noble. She would have remained a noblewoman had her title not been stolen from her. The process of this is currently under secret investigation by Lord Verath, a Shield who is fond of her.

  * * *

  Jamie: Son of Tynen and Mary. Part of the family who found Mikkin when he fled the ruin of Belnesse. Jamie joins Mikkin on his journey to find the dragon hideout in the Northern Barrier Range.

  * * *

  Jovari: One of the six King’s Shields. Jovari is deep blue in color. Jovari is the youngest of the six Shields. He’s also the biggest ladies’ man and loves to schmooze. He’s very charismatic.

  * * *

  Kane: The only known living Asarlaí who is intent on regaining the lands his people once ruled, and wishes to finish their master plans, which included sending all those of non-magic through the gates into a world of no magic.

  * * *

  King Eymar: The first Drengr to be made. King Eymar was born a dragon and blessed with humanity. His birth name is Vigilance, because all the wild dragons named their hatchlings for characteristic traits that they wished for the dragon to possess. These names were magic and dictated who the dragon would become. King Eymar belonged to the Iron Clan.

  * * *

  King Tallek and Queen Ahlessa: The mother and father of King Talon. Both died during the Great Ice Battle of Vestur.

  * * *

  Claire: Our leading main character and heroine. Claire discovers Dragonwall through Cyrus and is charged with safely ferrying the remaining Dragon Stones to King Talon. She later becomes wrapped up in Dragonwall’s fate.

  * * *

  Koldis: One of the six King’s Shields. Koldis is emerald green in color. Koldis tends to be the moodiest of the king’s bunch. He’s also the toughest to win over.

  * * *

  Mikkin: Former resident of the city of Belnesse. When his family (Mardra, Devden, and Thomas) and his city were burned to the ground, he fled and made vengeance his life’s mission.

  * * *

  Queen Isabella: The great Sprite queen who created the Drengr.

  * * *

  Queen Jade: The current queen of the Sprites.

  * * *

  Rage: The leader of the Ice Clan at the dawn of the Third Age. He ruled during the time the Drengr were made and was defeated by Vigilance, who later became King Eymar.

  * * *

  Reyr: One of the six King’s Shields. Reyr is golden in color. He becomes a fav
orite of Claire’s. He is also Claire’s biggest champion at the onset of Talon the Black. He tends to have a more open acceptance of people. Reyr once had a Rider before he became a Shield. Her name was Gemma. Gemma died during the war with the Kalds. Reyr is one of the rare few who can trace his lineage back to his clan. Reyr descended from the Iron Clan.

  * * *

  Saffra: The king’s prophetess. Saffra is one of the Magoi with an ability to see the past, present, and future as either visions or dreams. She is what is called a Seer. Saffra grew up a peasant in a humble farming family. When her parents became worried by her increasing number of dreams and visions, they took her to the Magoi, who recognized her talents and brought her directly to the king.

  * * *

  Talon: The first black Drengr to rule Dragonwall. Cursed with his color, which lends to his madness, Talon struggles to put his humanity first, and is often easy to anger. He struggled in his younger years to find a mate and at last, once his parents died, gave up on finding one. He now rules without a mate, leaving the kingdom without an heir.