Dragon Flight: Sisera's Gift 3 (Dragonblood Sagas Book 5)

by Robyn Wideman

  Isabella told him and the dragon nearly passed out again. “I owe you three my life,” Brayeth said, bowing his head.

  Within a fortnight, the other four dragons regained their senses and by the end of a month, they were all flying again. Apophis came to the plateau regularly to check on the progress of the dragons but would not allow them to leave until it was OK’d by Adina.

  Finally, the day came when the healer admitted that the dragons were as good as they were going to get which made them very happy as they were getting as stir-crazy as Isabella was. Sisera went to retrieve Apophis who returned promptly.

  “It brings me great joy to see you all have recovered,” Apophis said as she addressed the group of dragons who stood before her on the plateau. The dragons, as well as the two humans, let out a roaring cheer. Apophis waited for them to quiet down before she continued. “I believe we have all had time to reflect on the loss of Nuze. Have you made any progress on the cause?”

  Isabella stepped forward to address Apophis as well as the other dragons. “Sisera and I searched the area where the incident took place and found a device that looks very much like a catapult. The device itself looks very old and I’m surprised it was triggered. We were unable to find whatever it was that it launched, though.”

  “I suspect it was a method of throwing a poisonous gas which the dragons then inhaled as they flew through it,” Adina added.

  “Aye, there are still a great number of traps hidden away throughout these mountains, long forgotten instruments of war,” Apophis said grimly. “Perhaps, a task for the future would be to find and disable as many as possible so another incident like this does not occur. Unfortunately, we currently do not have the time or the resources for such an endeavor so we must be that much more alert.

  “Now, I am sure you are all ready to get away from this place,” the alpha said which raised a cheer from her audience. “Unfortunately, Caritha has not been that lucky so I must ask that you continue the journey you started and bring her the rest of the way to Cargoa.”

  The dragons all agreed unquestionably and preparations were soon underway.

  “It will be a shame to leave all this behind,” Isabella said to Adina as the older woman packed her crate. “I must say, I’m very proud of the work we did here, to build all this.” She waved an arm around at the little collection of crudely built wooden shacks and lean-tos.

  “That was mostly you, dear,” Adina said with a smile. “And, yes, you should be proud. You were the one that made it possible for me to do my job so, really, you saved us all.”

  Isabella beamed.

  “Before your head explodes, don’t forget that you had some help.”

  The Dragonblood girl turned to face the gold-purple dragon who was detaching the steel netting from a large water vat. Sisera chuckled at the sour expression on the girl’s face and returned to her task.

  “Anyway,” Isabella turned back with such a huff that it made Adina laugh. “Like I was saying,” before I was so rudely interrupted “it’s a shame to leave it all behind where it will never be used again. It’s not like there is anybody that is just going to happen by this place when they are in need of shelter.”

  Adina laughed. “No, I suppose not,” she said. “Unfortunate but from what you have told me, Cargoa doesn’t have much in the way of accommodations so you can put your new skills to work there.”

  “It is really beautiful there,” Isabella said with a wide smile as she pictured the wide, fresh green lawn of the small island’s central valley. “It’s a very magical place.”

  34

  “Perhaps, this was meant to be,” Tarak thought. “Great power requires great sacrifice. That sounds like something somebody would say.”

  The Dragonblood girl could be his but it would cost him everything he believed in. Maybe it was for the greater good. What if Santaal was right and the Order was already far beyond repair? Zellox would surely dismantle the Brotherhood anyway, leaving only the factions he deemed useful intact. The Church would be first on the chopping block as Lord Zellox already had the Decarion mages in his employ.

  Zellox had left Tarak to contemplate the proposal while he dealt with other matters, taking Gars with him. Santaal was busy inspecting the bloodrock for any weakness so he could cut out a chunk. Tarak was thankful for the quiet time to think about his situation.

  “So, much has been sacrificed already, what is it to give up a broken institution?”

  He felt like he was trying to convince himself that the deal was a good idea but there was a small part of him that cringed at the thought of turning his back on his Brothers.

  Gars returned and escorted the brothers into the Lord’s chambers attached to the Red Room. Going through the door was like going through a magical portal. They left the majesty and mystery of the bloodrock room and entered a residence decorated in the common manner of many rich estates.

  The brothers were shown to a room where they could bathe and dress for dinner. Brand new robes had been laid out for each man along with new underclothes and boots. The room had two tubs so the men took time to lounge in the steaming hot water.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Santaal asked. Until then, he had been very careful to avoid the subject.

  Tarak had his head laid back on folded towel with his eyes closed. “Not really.”

  “Too bad because I want to talk about it,” Santaal said sternly.

  Tarak groaned and opened his eyes. “What is there to talk about? I cannot let that man take control of the Order.”

  “And, so then where does that leave us?” Santaal asked.

  “Naked in a bathtub.”

  “Dead in a foreign land. That’s where.”

  Tarak closed his eyes again. “We will find a way out of here. We always do.”

  “This is not the time for a nonchalant attitude,” the older brother said. “We need to figure a way out of here.”

  “Just relax. We aren’t going anywhere right now,” Tarak said as he sank down into the tub. “I for one am going to enjoy this time.”

  Zellox still had not returned by dinner time so the brothers ate with Gars in the servant’s mess hall, which was more richly decorated than a lot of royal feast halls in the east. The mess was one floor down below the Red Room and free of any production, other than food.

  Santaal and Gars shared battle tales and adventure stories while they gulped at mugs of honeyed mead. Tarak was only half paying attention to the conversation as his mind was focused on more important matters.

  Early the next morning, the was a knock at the door of the room the brothers shared. Without waiting for response, the latch clicked and the door swung open. Tarak sat up to find Lord Zellox poking his head into the room.

  “I was hoping you were awake already,” Zellox said. “I have a few free hours and I would like you to take a walk with me.”

  Tarak looked over at Santaal, who was still sleeping off the mead from the night before. The High Priest knew his brother would easily sleep until noon so he didn’t bother to wake the man. He quickly dressed in the robe left for him the night before and pulled on his new boots.

  “My apologies for not meeting again with you last night,” Zellox said as he led Tarak through the twisting corridors of the tower. “Making war is time consuming.”

  Tarak was amused by the nonchalant attitude. “Gars mentioned that you recently conquered Balta,” Tarak said.

  “Yes. A great victory,” Zellox said then scoffed loudly. “Bastards abandoned it and fled to Solotine. The whole lot of them, royals and commoners alike. Can you believe it? I still can’t.”

  “Like an exodus?”

  “Exactly that. I took heavy losses for that victory.” Zellox shook his head. “And, in no better position than before. Conquered the place but I don’t have enough troops to fully garrison it. My resources are spread too thin at the moment. Much too thin for my liking.”

  Tarak was cautious of the warlord’s candor but found it to
be refreshing. “And, I suppose, that’s where I come in?” he asked.

  Zellox let out a hearty laugh and gave Tarak a wide smile. “Exactly,” he said. “But, before you answer my proposal, I would like to talk with you.”

  Tarak could not keep his face from twisting into a questioning look.

  “I will be frank,” Zellox said. “I have met many warriors in my life and you are among the most impressive I have ever seen. Your magical aura tells me a contradictory story, which I must admit, intrigues me. I see great reserves of mana dammed up inside of you. It’s truly unnerving. I believe I can help you to unblock it. Of course, I am asking for something in return but such is the way of the world. I also believe we could be great allies.”

  Zellox led them to a balcony overlooking the courtyard of the fortress. The two men looked at the mass of temporary forges spread across the wide field.

  “I can see a great conflict within you,” he said. “You wish to obtain great power for yourself but you are also loyal to your Order. I understand that.”

  “That’s true for the most part,” Tarak said. “It’s just a little more complicated.”

  “It always is,” Zellox said with a laugh. He snapped his fingers and two slaves appeared from behind a pillar. He made motion with his hand and the two men disappeared. They came back with two chairs which they set in a shady section of the balcony. Zellox motioned to Tarak and the two men sat. “Tell me the tale of how you came to be in the west.”

  Tarak began to recount his story from the first appearance of the Dragonbloods. The warlord was not shy about asking questions, all of which Tarak answered truthfully. The men talked for hours, with Zellox taking particular interest in the Sisters of Garron coven and the gold-purple Dragonblood, Isabella.

  “Am I correct that you are only chasing this Dragonblood girl on Solotine because you failed to capture the gold-purple girl?” Zellox asked.

  “Correct.”

  “Well then, I have a better proposal,” Zellox responded after a few moments of contemplation. “What if I told you I could help you capture the golden dragon girl instead?”

  Tarak looked at the man to see if it was a joke but the warlord had a serious look on his face. “I would say that we have a deal. Deliver me the girl and you will have the Sacred Blood.” He extended his hand and men sealed the deal with a shake.

  “First, we will look at restoring your magic. Follow me to the workshop,” Zellox said as he jumped to his feet. “No use in wasting time.”

  The two men met Santaal along the way to the warlord’s chambers and Tarak told him of his decision. The older brother was overjoyed to hear the news and accompanied the pair to the workshop.

  The process was slow in the beginning as Zellox was constantly interrupted by messages. Finally, the warlord got frustrated and ordered the latest messenger whipped. He then ordered a guard on the door with instructions that he not be disturbed for any reason. “Priorities,” he said when the brothers gave his outburst a questioning look.

  Zellox performed spell after spell with no results. “Deeper, then,” he said and asked Tarak to disrobe. When the High Priest removed his shirt, Zellox saw the golden chain that hung around the big man’s chest. “Take off your necklace,” he said.

  “I can’t,” Tarak said. “It’s fused to my chest.”

  “Oh,” Zellox said and began to inspect the pendant closely. It was crafted of black crystal and was in the shape of an arm from the elbow down. The tiny carved fingers were spread out so it looked like the hand was gripping the big man’s chest. “I suppose we should have looked at this first. This is the problem.”

  The warlord went over to a cupboard and opened the door to reveal a bank of small drawers. He found the one he was looking for and pulled out a small purple glowing crystal. Tarak recognized it as the same type he’d found in the growing room at the Tower of Mara. The same crystal that somehow caused the accident that sent them across the world. Zellox placed the vividus crystal on top of the black crystal pendant and cast a small fireball spell. The spellfire was immediately absorbed by the purple crystal but nothing else happened.

  “It was worth a try,” Zellox said with a shrug. “That trick works great for magical locks, by the way.”

  “Try a different spell,” Tarak said, an idea forming in his mind. “An illusion spell.”

  Zellox shook his head. “Unfortunately, I don’t practice that art. Your brother, perhaps?”

  Santaal nodded and took the purple crystal from Zellox. He placed it on the pendant and closed his eyes. He put out his hand, palm up, and whispered the spell. A shiny, red apple flickered into existence in his hand. He took the apple and pressed it against the vividus. As soon as the fruit touched the rock, it turned to light and was absorbed by the crystal. The purple crystal briefly dimmed and suddenly the black crystal pendant began to emit a dark glow.

  “It worked,” Zellox said.

  Tarak suddenly felt the familiar surge of energy rush through his body. It was a feeling that he sorely missed since they came to the west. He began to cast spells to expel some of the mana flow. He made his face change hundreds of times, in just a few moments. He created giant monsters, battle scenes, and scenic landscapes, erasing them just as quickly as he made them. When he felt his mana stabilise, he erased the last of his constructs and sat back down with Zellox and his brother.

  “That was something I have never experienced before,” the warlord said excitedly. “I have seen some ingla illusionists before but they did not show anything nearly as impressive as that display.” Zellox stood and began to clap his hands together. “You and I are going to do big things together,” he said with a big, yellow grin.

  “But, first, the filthblood girl,” Tarak said, matching the warlord’s smile.

  “I do not forget our arrangement. I pray that you will not either when the time comes to do your part,” Zellox said, his face growing very serious.

  Tarak looked the man in the eyes. “I will honor our bargain. You have my word on that.”

  “Good,” Zellox said with a nod of his head. “Well, I suppose the only left is to go get the girl. I will make some quick preparations to make. Meet me in the Red Room in half an hour.”

  Tarak was feeling whole again and filled with renew confidence.

  “Let’s go hunting,” he said with a toothy grin.

  *

  Tarak and Santaal returned to their room to gather their belongings and prepare.

  Tarak donned his old armor but left his old robes in a heap on the floor. He much preferred his new garment. He strapped on his blade belt and tested it to ensure that the twin black-steel blades were easily pulled from their scabbards. He then realized that Santaal had remained seated the entire time.

  “Are you ready?” he asked his older brother.

  “Yes, but I’m not going,” Santaal said.

  “Why?”

  “I can’t keep up with you. I always just get in the way. No, I will stay here and I will be a much bigger help because of it.”

  Tarak understood what his brother was saying and nodded his head in agreement. “Just know, that without you none of this would be possible. You were the one who brought my magic back. It was your spell that did it.”

  Santaal laughed. “I will conjure another apple for you when you return.”

  Tarak clapped his brother on the back and the two men made their way to the Red Room. They entered to find a squad of eight soldiers plus their commander, standing at attention in a rank and file formation. Each man was dressed in full light-plate armor and held a tall, rectangular shield and a long spear.

  “Ah, good,” Zellox shouted as he hurried across the room toward the brothers. He pointed a thumb at the squad and said, “I figured it wouldn’t hurt to bring some Morthon along, just in case. I would bring more but that’s about the extent of what I can teleport.”

  “Where are we going?” Tarak asked.

  “Well, at some point you created a magical connec
tion with the Dragonblood girl. Something about magical armor. The exact details don’t matter. The fact is, she left an imprint of her spirit in your mana flow. I’m going to trace that imprint and teleport us to her.”

  “And, you think my magic is impressive?” Tarak said with a laugh.

  “Gather around,” Zellox shouted.

  The squad of soldiers crowded around Zellox and Tarak in the center of the room. Santaal stepped back to watch.

  Tarak gave his brother a reassuring nod.

  Lord Zellox placed his hand on Tarak’s forehead and began to whisper unintelligible words. A blue circle drew itself on the floor around the group and began to grow upward. Soon the group with encompassed in a large blue orb.

  Tarak recognized the sudden thickness in the air. It was the same as when he was teleported to Solotine.

  He smiled. He time was near. The Dragonblood girl would soon be his.

  35

  The Evresh heartland was some of the most beautiful country Kai had ever traveled through, although it was some of the most challenging to traverse. It seemed that if they were not climbing a mountain then they were trying to not fall down one.

  Aarav inquired about taking the river that could be clearly seen to the south but Bastion quickly dismissed the idea.

  “There are terrible creatures that inhabit those waters so it is best to stay far away,” he said. “The northern route is a little longer but it is safer.”

  Kai was content with that as he had just about enough excitement on this quest already and he was not shy about vocalizing his opinion.

  “I just want to find Sova and Raven as quickly as possible,” he said, the trials of the road showing through his expressions. He truly wanted to complete his mission but he was tired and he desperately missed Rosalie.

  The days began to blend together as they traveled through the scenic country. Their path opened up into a wide, grassy plain that stretched for as far as Kai’s eyes could see surrounded by tall mountains. After days of mountain climbing, an open valley was a welcome sight.