The Dragon Mage Collection

by L J Andrews

  “Your husband is radiating power, High Priestess, I can hardly believe I stand in his presence,” a young sapphire mage muttered at my side.

  Not all mages defended a wyvern bloodline. Some had gilded russet armor inked into their skin—they were defenders of energy, protectors of the earth. It was always exciting to see a fellow royal mage with the colorful swooping marks along the skin like mine and Bron’s.

  Glancing at the tiny girl I nodded, my lips tugging into a small smile. “Yes, I quite agree.”

  “My name is Agatha, High Priestess. I defend the son of the Sapphire bloodline.”

  “Ah, yes. I heard the armor had begun to take hold,” I said, glancing down at her blue markings spanning her arms. “How is your relationship with the royal?”

  Agatha shifted slightly, her dark hair trailing just around her jaw in straight bunches. “He’s a stubborn one to be sure. Says he doesn’t need a miniature mage. But don’t let him fool you, High Priestess, I already saved his bull-headed face from falling into an oil pit just beyond the bluff. Earned me the marks along my legs.” Agatha lifted her blue, gleaming robe to show the swirling symbols, still raised and irritated from where the cerulean ribbons had carved along her ankles and calves.

  I chuckled at the childish grin along her face. “Well, I am certain the royal will not be questioning your abilities anytime soon. May I offer you some advice, Agatha?”

  “Of course, High Priestess, I welcome it,” she said eagerly.

  Leaning forward, I locked my penetrating gaze with the girl. “It isn’t good of a mage to speak so ill of her wyvern. We are their protectors. Form a friendship of respect. The bond must be strong, or you will not be keen to give up your life for the wyvern.”

  “I understand,” she sighed. “I’m ready to do my duty, though I’m not certain Konrad will offer his life for mine as the bond is supposed to be. I find he would be quite at ease if I fell off the bluff myself. He’s even thought of a nickname for me, arrogant fool—Mini. How disrespectful. Does he truly think my size will stop me from my duty? Oh, forgive me, High Priestess. I didn’t mean to ramble on so.”

  Agatha crossed her arms and pouted slightly until her cheeks flushed in pink embarrassment. Shifting my position, I squared my shoulders toward the girl. “Agatha, take heart. Perhaps it is his way of forming a friendship. Understand, although the wyvern bloodlines know a mage will be called to their side in a bond of protection, most struggle to accept the idea. Especially, young, male, dragons when their mage is a young woman. The sapphire bloodline is made of stern fighters; however they are also known for their sympathies and compassion for others. Stay firm in who you are, Agatha. Bonds do not pair mage and wyverns without a very specific purpose. You have a sharp tongue, and strong wit. I can sense it within your heart. Perhaps, such a mage is exactly who this young royal needs.”

  Agatha beamed, the weight along her shoulders easing a bit at my words. With a quick bow at her waist, Agatha moved through the assembly toward the sapphire family.

  “You are a born leader.”

  My breath hitched the way it always did when Bron whispered in my ear. I turned into him and smiled. The sword, and the two High Priest blades strapped to his back made it difficult to wrap my arms around his waist, but it didn’t stop me from pressing close to his chest. “Dealing with a new, tumultuous bond is not what I would call leadership,” I teased.

  Bron’s lips brushed over mine, but he withheld, which only added to the heat building along my neck. “That is where we disagree, my love,” he whispered.

  “How was your time with the king?” I asked, clutching his hand tightly as we walked together through the growing crowd. Both mage and wyvern respected us and the positions we held. I wasn’t keen to others bowing toward me, but Bron never minded.

  “It was nothing of note,” Bron said. “He is keeping his plans from me and the rest of the wyvern council.”

  Bron’s jaw set and I saw the muscles tighten as his piercing eyes glanced toward the front of the room. “Does this bother you?” I queried gently.

  Bron scoffed and popped several tree nuts into his mouth before answering. “I am the High Priest Mage,” he began. “Once there was a time where that position was equal to the king of wyverns. Our history is filled with councils between mage and wyvern, where opinions, decisions, and discussion were shared equally. It only strengthens the bond between our races. It seems more and more the king views me as a member of his court, not the head of an entire race of people. Not an equal.”

  “Bron,” I said with caution. “Don’t speak like this. I feel an anger growing in your heart. Speak to the king of your worries. He will listen, he values no one more than you when it comes to protecting this way of life.”

  Bron smiled and kissed my forehead. “I’m sorry, Gaia. I don’t mean to sound so bitter. No more worries about me, I will be just fine. Though I am anticipating what plans the king has to announce.”

  We didn’t have to wait long. King Lux stood and the assembly quieted. “My people, and the blessed mages present. Before we begin our feast, I have news I wish to announce. As you know, my daughter and her mate have just returned from beyond the bluff. They have lived among a more modern people. The world no longer remains buried in barbarism. People are more innovative, gentler. Their report has given me hope, it has sealed in my mind the expanse of our people.

  “Mages and wyverns thrive on the energy of the earth and the living. Humans only increase our powers. So, I have made a decision.” Lux paused, I suspected for dramatic purposes. Bron was stiff at my side, his hand clasped tightly in mine. Anything to do with humans and revealing our powers sent him into a spell of unease. I knew Bron didn’t agree with exposing our secrets. Many in our families had been murdered by fire and rope in the past by ignorant humans. Bron didn’t trust them, and I wasn’t positive I did either. But I trusted King Lux. I trusted Reya. King Lux, brushed away a white curl from his chiseled face and smiled widely. In his true form, Lux was solid black, with gleaming scales and twisted ebony horns atop his regal head. He was powerful. And even in human form the energy erupted like sunlight from his soul. Lux clasped his hands in front of his face before speaking further. “It has been decided to rejoin the human people. To come out of hiding. Time to allow ourselves to be known, that we may help the earth reach the potential and we may be free of our walls.”

  Cheers rang through the assembly, some more hesitant than others. I saw Reya beaming and holding Ariana tight against her chest. Malik seemed pleased and nodded with every word the king said. I sensed the worry from the mages tasked with defending the wyverns—I felt the same. Without the protection of our walls, it would be more difficult keeping them safe. But it was Bron I worried about most of all. He’d released my hand and it seemed as though his face had turned to stone. With a sharp glance in my direction, my husband turned on his heel and stomped from the assembly hall. Leaving me filled with an emotion I feared most of all. Hatred.

  Chapter 5

  Gaia

  Morning came and still I hadn’t seen Bron. There was a chill in the air, one I couldn’t ignore. Chill during a summer morning meant there was an imbalance of the energies.

  “You bull-headed, lizard,” a shrill, sarcastic voice echoed from the adjoining hallway. I smothered a grin when I caught sight of the young sapphire dragon stalking arrogantly down the corridor. His human form was tall, and thick with muscle. His face was strong, and the blackness of his eyes wasn’t frightening, quite the opposite. The young, wyvern royal had a kindness about his features and I detected a smug satisfaction when young Agatha rounded the corner and struck his shoulder with her small fist. She was drenched in liquid that smelled of fish and saltwater. I suspected one of the barrels of salmon had found its way over Agatha’s head.

  He released a booming chuckle and seemed genuinely pleased with her scowl. “You know what I’ve decided mage? I think I like your sharp tongue. Perhaps I will give you the privilege of defending me.
”

  “You know, I think I’d rather not,” Agatha snapped. “No more practical jokes, Konrad, or I will personally offer you to the lindworms.”

  They continued down the hallway without taking note I was standing nearby. Agatha was harsh with her wyvern. Perhaps I should meet with her personally and explain the importance of mutual respect. Bonds of protection between a mage and wyvern were of the upmost importance. If either partner was not willing to lay down their life for the other, the consequences would be dire.

  “You worry about my young cousin and your sapphire mage?”

  “Reya,” I said through a smile. Reya was dressed in a magnificent gown of glimmering gold—the color radiated with the regal beauty of her soul. Warmth from our personal connection bubbled through my heart. It was strange with the jade bloodline. I felt the same bond with Malik, and young Ariana—even a bit for King Lux, though Bron’s connection dulled my own need to protect the king. Most of the other bloodline mages were singular to one wyvern in each royal family. My power encompassed them all. “Wonderful to see you this morning. I think I shall speak with Agatha later.”

  “Oh, leave it be,” Reya chuckled, her emerald eyes sparking playfully. “They are both young, and Konrad is known for his ability to aggravate. It seems your mage has just the right temperament to weather his storm.”

  “You may be right.”

  Reya linked her arm in mine and stared wistfully out the window. “Isn’t it wonderful, Gaia? Soon we will be free of the bluff and the walls that keep us hidden from the world.”

  “Reya,” I began with caution, unwilling to offend the princess in her excitement, but as I’d advised Bron, feelings between mage and Wyvern should always be open. “Don’t you fear the humans will reject you as they once did? They called your people monsters, beasts. Such terrible things happened so long ago.”

  Reya sighed and nodded. “Yes, and your people were burned alive, or hung from the branches of the great oaks. Don’t you fear?”

  I nodded. “If we’re sharing our thoughts openly, yes, I do fear for my people as well as yours.”

  “I can’t say I’m at complete ease like my father. But I saw them, Gaia. I walked among them, and I know many of the humans sensed my differences, yet they still accepted me.”

  “Did you reveal your true form?”

  Shaking her head, Reya tugged me down the hallway, our gowns brushing along the cobblestones. “No, I…didn’t feel it was time. They should get to know us first—understand our hearts—then when trust is established perhaps we can show our true selves.”

  “I want to have the same optimism as you, but I’m concerned. Mage are more easily concealed among the human race. But a full-form wyvern? It isn’t easy to hide. From what Bron has told me, dragons are mythical creatures in the current population—made up and left to stories of old.”

  “I respect your concern, my friend,” Reya said, her voice sharper, but still kind. “But how long will we continue to hide? I want my daughter to experience the earth. Jade is unique, I sense such a power within her, and she will need to interact with the world to reach her fullest potential.”

  “I understand,” I said. “All I hope is we, as mage and wyvern proceed with caution.”

  “Of course,” Reya sighed.

  We walked together outside. The air was crisp, yet the sun warmed my pale cheeks in greeting. Eisha stood near the grove of walnut trees in the back gardens, holding the young princess on her hip. Thane, Malik, and Gregor stood nearby speaking in low voices. It was odd to see so many wyvern in human form, perhaps it was for the sake of the princess. She was so small, and Thane and Gregor were massive warriors. In the distant parts of the yard, however, stomping claws, steaming snouts, and gleaming wings surrounded the castle grounds. I’d always enjoyed watching the vastness of every unique wyvern, but as Reya and I approached the others I was grateful they remained in human form. They spoke through thought to one another in wyvern form—conversations I couldn’t join.

  The young princess squealed delightfully at the sight of her mother. Her golden hair swishing over her shoulders when Reya scooped her up after Eisha released the child. Lux wasn’t as affectionate to his daughter, he never had been. It was pleasing to see Malik and Reya dote on the young girl. Though I had no children of my own, I kept with the notion the youngest among the races needed to be directed with firm affection and love—not indifference and warrior training. It was a wonder wyvern men like Thane or Malik existed. They had a compassion about them. They seemed capable of love.

  “Princess, High Priestess,” Eisha said softly, bowing her head.

  My heart throbbed as I approached, almost painful. There was tension among the men and I couldn’t avoid the way each jaw pulsed, or the way the lot of them shuffled about when we approached.

  “Good morning,” I said, glancing at Thane who was the only one who met my eye. “Is there something bothering you?”

  “Not at all, High Priestess,” Thane’s deep voice rumbled.

  “If there is, you three know you cannot keep it from Gaia,” Reya said, after kissing her daughter’s head. “You remember she’s an empath.”

  Malik cleared his throat and stepped forward. Only Gregor avoided my gaze and moved to Eisha’s side. Thane seemed distressed—not for himself, but for me. What an odd emotion to come from a warrior. Malik took a few steps closer, his voice low as though the words were difficult to say. “Forgive us, Gaia. Have you not heard the word?”

  “Word of what?” I began. “Your Highness, I am in the dark with what distresses you.”

  Malik eyed Reya who took note and led the young princess toward the base of the tree. It couldn’t be good if he didn’t want his child to hear. “There was an altercation this morning. Nothing physical, more a battle of words.”

  “What happened?” I asked, feeling my palms grow wet and sticky as though coated in honey.

  “The king and…High Priest are at odds.”

  “Bron?” I breathed out, feeling as though my head might burst from the sudden spin. “What was said? They have never been at odds.”

  It wasn’t Malik who stepped closer, it was Thane. His voice was gentle, again strange for a warrior. The concern pulsing from his core overwhelmed me, and I actually felt calmer despite the news. “The High Priest voiced concern for the king’s announcement. The king did not agree and berated the High Priest for standing against him. The High Priest insisted he was not a subject of the king—he was angry—they both were.”

  I raised a hand to my forehead, feeling the tightening in my chest from the skewed balance of the day. This was the strange energy. It was my fault. “It’s my doing. Bron…he was concerned last night. I told him to speak with the king, to explain his hesitations. I never meant for an altercation…”

  Reya handed Ariana to Eisha and stepped next to my shoulder. “Don’t take this on yourself, Gaia. Bron should be able to speak his concerns, my father is not always easy to talk with.” Thane and Gregor bristled, but Reya just glared in their direction. “Don’t pretend as though you’re both unaware. I’m certain it will pass, Gaia. But I must say you seem rather disturbed by the report. Is there something else you want to say?”

  The thought of sharing with my closest wyvern companions that my husband seemed distant and pulling away from his position filtered through my mind. I could mention it—they might able to help—perhaps even speak with Lux about valuing Bron like he once did.

  How could I find the way to say where Bron was once determined, and dedicated, I sensed bitterness and resentment toward his place? Shaking my head subtly, I threaded my hands through the folds of my robe and did my best to grin toward Reya. No, it was not something I should share. Bron was the High Priest, but it didn’t mean he was without fault from time to time. The burden of his position and bond with the king, could be trying. I would be the one to help—but for now, the problem should stay between husband and wife. “No, nothing more,” I muttered after several rapid heartb
eats. “I’m certain you’re right. This will all pass. I think I shall return inside and see to the mage watch for any reports.”

  “I shall accompany you if you don’t mind,” Thane offered. I furrowed my gaze at the warrior, it didn’t stop him from stepping to my side.

  Malik nodded. “Yes, there were lindworm sightings just beyond the bluff. No one of position should wander alone for the time being.”

  I smiled at Thane, but inside I desperately wanted to be alone, to process what was happening with my husband. Holding out his hand and smiling enough his blue eyes looked more liked diamonds, Thane ushered me inside the back corridor first.

  Thane was taller than me by two heads, but the longer we walked I had to admit his calming energy soothed my troubles slightly. Warrior dragons always kept blades of the finest steel and iron about their waists when they were in human form. Thane’s blade had the hilt in the shape of an open-mouthed black wyvern, and on the blade gold rivers filtered through the grains of metal.

  “Thank you for escorting me,” I said softly when we reached my chamber. I knew Bron wasn’t inside, the energy was empty beyond the door. I would wait all day for him to return if I had to. “I need to gather some things before I go about the day.”

  Thane nodded, his strong grip tightening over the hilt. “High Priestess—”

  “Thane, please just call me Gaia,” I insisted, my gaze softening.

  Thane smirked, but nodded. “Gaia, I protect the crown. I am sworn to protect all wyvern lives. But…” he glanced down the hallway and I sensed a swell of his unease. “I would have you know I shall defend you as well. The mage people, I mean. I regret what has happened today, though you wish to hide it, I see how it troubles you.”

  My face flushed in shame. I was an expert at concealing my energy from others, and I wasn’t certain if it was comforting or irritating that Thane could sense what I was hiding. “I will be fine, thank you for your concern.”

  Thane nodded and backed away. As I studied his face, the blueness of his bright eyes was like the bright sky that surrounded a white sun now. I truly sensed his sincerity. What a strange warrior.