Curse of Innock: Dragon Legacy Book I

by R. G. Porter

  "You little wench.” She'd hit a cord and he was advancing, his sword raised above his head. “To hell with the High Lord, he can find another. You can die for all I care.” He wanted her dead now. Alayia began to back up only to find the dragon move in front of her. Oh, the man had done it now.

  "Call it off. I'm sorry.” Alayia turned her head. As much as she despised the man she couldn't bear to watch him die. A quick uptake of air and a horrendous scream was all she heard, then nothing but the wind blowing through the trees.

  "Alayia you can open your eyes."

  "Can I?” She felt like a thousand hammers were going off in her brain. “I'm terrified to.” Part of her was happy to know that Gabriel knew her even in the dragon form, yet, she was also saddened to know that he had to kill that man in cold blood.

  "He didn't kill him.” Shock brought her back to the present. Lifting her head she returned her attention back to Talon. He was sitting near the edge of the forest his fingers tapping out a beat on the trunk.

  "How can you be sure? The scream I heard...” Alayia's mind played out so many different scenarios she felt sick. The man deserved death, there was no two ways about it, yet she still didn't like the idea of Gabriel killing him. “How do you know he didn't do it?” She wanted to believe Talon, knew he wouldn't lie to her, but still.

  "I may not be able to see where he went but I have this amazing ability to hear.” A chuckle erupted from Talon's throat and Alayia couldn't help but relax. “He took him to a high plateau near a day's travel from here. I'm guessing he knew you wouldn't have wanted him to kill him, so he didn't.” Of course he would have. For as far back as she could remember, in this life and the other, she'd never approved of killing for any reason. He'd remembered.

  "Thank you.” She moved toward Talon when a veil of darkness enveloped her. The suddenness of her actions sent her vertigo off and she found the ground closing in on her. “I don't feel so well.” She'd forgotten about the cut and the loss of blood as her hand reached for something to hold on to.

  "Alayia what's wrong?” Talon's voice began to muffle even as all that surrounded her began to fade.

  The trees, bushes and sky began to spin till she swore she would get sick. Talon's voice rang in her mind but she couldn't make out his words. Where was Gabriel? Was he coming back to them? She needed to get up so they could get distance before the other man came. Pain and nausea pulsated through her body with each heartbeat. Maybe she needed to just rest for a bit, to let the darkness take her for a short while. A cold wind wrapped around her body and her blood felt like ice. No, something was wrong. This can't be right. Try as she might Alayia couldn't fight the black abyss of unconsciousness as it tightened its hold on her, plunging her into the darkness.

  "Danielle, where are you?” She could hear Gabriel call for her. Where was she and why was he not using her name? Try as she might she couldn't find the strength to move. A rustle to her side caught her attention.

  "Who's there?” Was it Talon? Had he chosen to let her sleep so close to the inn? No, he wouldn't have been that foolish. “Gabriel where are you?” Her voice felt raw as she called out to him. There was something wrong. What had happened after he'd flown away with the man? Alayia searched her memories, desperate to locate the missing time.

  "It's about time you woke my dear. I've waited longer than you might think for you.” A voice she'd vowed never to hear again crept across her skin. It was Elroy again. “You should count yourself lucky that I would continue to pursue you. Most women throw themselves at me."

  Alayia's blood began to boil. Everything that had happened to her up to that point rushed through her mind as she stood firm. Turning to face her foe she found instead a shadowed mist. “What are you?” Fear replaced the anger she'd first felt. Nothing was as it seemed anymore.

  "I'm what Innok cursed me to. You see I am a man by day and an apparition by night, bound to walk this world.” His words held no sorrow or regret for his situation. In fact, if Alayia didn't know better, she sensed enjoyment in his position. Distaste for the pain he'd caused so many came back as she backed farther away.

  "You like what you've become.” It was more of a statement than a question and he knew it. Elroy began to advance while she retreated further into the forest. Where was Talon? He wouldn't have left her alone, not after being followed earlier. “Get away from me. I don't belong to you."

  "You will. I'll make sure of it this time.” He knew. God somehow he knew of the link. “I see you understand I can't be fooled.” Alayia needed to find a way to escape and fast. If he knew she was both Danielle as well they were in for a load of trouble.

  "I don't know what you mean other than I know about your past. Now get away from me. I don't want you. I would rather die first.” Memories flooded her mind of before. God she didn't need to think about that right now.

  "I don't think so my dear. You see I was stupid when I put in my request to Innok, I won't make that mistake again.” Again? Did he plan to call the monster back from the depths of hell once more? He couldn't be that dumb. The look on his face proved otherwise.

  "Didn't you learn the first time that the demon will find a way to twist what you want and find a way to make you suffer?” She needed to find a way to keep him at bay, to bide her time to make good an escape. “The last time you asked a favor not only did Danielle die, but Gabriel was cursed as well as yourself. What in the world makes you think you will get what you want this time?” She almost felt sorry for the man... almost.

  His face turned into a scowl as his lips parted in a snarl. “I will get what I want one way or another. All I need to do is get rid of one person.” A chill ran down Alayia's spine. He meant to kill Gabriel. In that moment of clarity she knew that Elroy was evil through and through. No wonder he'd not balked at having to walk half alive for so long.

  Alayia turned to face him head on, her chin lifted in defiance. “You will not win. I will make sure of it.” Never in her life had she wanted to see the spark of life extinguish from someone as she did now. He didn't deserve to live. Not after all the turmoil and pain he'd put others through. “You will die Elroy, rest assured of that. When this will happen? I cannot say, only that it will."

  A crack of thunder rolled in the distance as sparks of lightning danced across the sky. Power began to pool in the area unlike anything she'd ever felt before. It swarmed around her, weaving into a tight cocoon of warmth. Alayia could sense the safety and held tight as a renewed sense of balance washed over her.

  "What is this?” Elroy was confused and she wanted to keep it that way.

  "You mean you don't know? How awful that must be for you.” Intentionally she wanted to keep him off guard until she could locate Talon. She was still concerned he wasn't near her. “Come now Mr. High Lord Elroy, he who can chose who lives and dies. Can't you feel the power around you?"

  "Why you little..."Another burst of thunder rocked the area as a bolt of lightning set the tree next to Elroy ablaze. “Stop it. What ever you are doing just stop it.” He was scared. Good. He needed to know what fear felt like. Taste the unknown.

  "You need to leave.” A force of strength she didn't know she possessed pulsed through her veins like fire.

  "You think you've won?” His head tilted back toward her as a smile crept across his face as he vanished before her eyes. Something was different, the fabric of the forest off kilter suddenly. Blackness blanketed the area as she tried to see where Elroy had moved to. A cold breeze from behind was her only warning as his hands wrapped around her neck. “You have no idea what you are pitching yourself against."

  The touch of his hands on her skin sent her stomach into an uproar. Such close proximity to evil always did. “Let me go.” Her voice felt hoarse even to her own ears. How had he gotten behind her?

  "I will have you, remember that.” Elroy's voice began to fade as the trees took on darker tones of green and black. The world around her began to spin till as she fell to her knees her hands holding on to the
side of her head.

  "Stop it, please stop it.” Emotions from those passed on before rushed through her mind; those Elroy had killed in his search for power. He had to be stopped, the others avenged.

  "You can't win against me. Just give in.” His words echoed from everywhere till Alayia thought she would go mad. She had to concentrate, to find her center and dismiss him from her mind.

  You are strong enough. He isn't. Don't give him the advantage that isn't due to him. Danielle's voice brushed her mind, calming the chaos that threatened to engulf her. She was right. Alayia closed her eyes and searched for the inner peace she knew she held. Around her the trees began to sway as the wind howled. Elroy moved by, his steps soft on the grass. Movement. Unusual steps that didn't make sense. Trees that swayed in a way that wasn't natural.

  Alayia's eyes snapped open. “Elroy leave. Now.” She continued to sit on the ground her legs folded and arms across her chest. “You don't belong here and I'm tired of bantering with you.” Her resolve, stronger than before, she returned his stare unafraid of what she faced.

  "You dare to defy me? I'm more powerful than you are my dear.” He was trying to instill fear in her again. It wouldn't work, she refused to allow it. “Just give in and come with me."

  "That will never happen.” Alayia reached deep in and searched for the strength of her past. “Leave now. I know you aren't here so you have no power over me.” Shock crossed Elroy's face and she knew she'd won this round. Good.

  "How..."Before he could finish the question his body began to fade into the darkness. “I'll be..."Try as she might Alayia couldn't catch the end of his words but she had a good idea of what he'd meant to say. He'd be back. Of that she had no doubt.

  "Well that was fun.” Her whole body shook with fatigue. Why couldn't she get one night of sleep? As she laid back down she felt the instant sting of pain course through her body from the tip of her shoulder to her head. God, now what was wrong. Turning her head she caught a bright light next to her just as another shot of pain arched through her body.

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  CHAPTER: 11

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  "Alayia wake up.” Talon's voice broke through the haze of darkness that surrounded her.

  "What happened?” The memory of Elroy returned and she shot up. “Where is he?” The moment she sat up the blood rushed to her head sending jackhammers off in her brain.

  "Slow down for a minute.” She could hear the concern in his voice. “Do you remember what happened?” Of course she did. They'd slept at some point and then Elroy had come. But where had Talon been?

  "You left me alone.” She tried not to sound hurt but she couldn't help it. Even though she'd been able to deal with Elroy it hadn't been easy. “Where did you go Talon?"

  "I never left you.” He what? Her mind tried to wrap around what he was saying. “Alayia, you passed out. Remember the cut?” How could she not? Every time she moved it felt like a hot poker was being pushed into her skin. Wait, when she was around Elroy the pain hadn't bothered her. Why?

  "How long was I out?” God how her head hurt, but it wasn't as bad as the throbbing pain in her shoulder that refused to let up. “Talon?” Alayia turned to face him. His eyes stared back but he was lost in deep thought.

  "You said Elroy's name.” The mere mention of the High Lord's name sent chills across her skin. “Did you see him?"

  She could lie, knew he would believe her. “Yes. I think he somehow found me in my dreams.” There would be no worthwhile purpose in it and she knew it. “There's more to it than just that though.” Tension wound through her body till every muscle ached.

  "So tell me already. If there is something we need to be on the look out for it's best if we are both ready for it.” The truth of his words rang true and she couldn't deny it.

  "He knows Talon."

  "Knows what?” Alayia watched as Talon stood and began to pace. “What does he know? That we are trying to break the curse?” She'd not even considered that part.

  "No.” She drew in a breath, willing her nerves to relax. “He knows of my past, all of them.” Her admission stopped Talon dead in his tracks.

  "How?"

  "How? I don't know. Maybe it's because our fates have been tied in some strange way for more years than I can count. Or perhaps the gods felt it was fun to toy with mortals and gave him that bit of knowledge just to annoy me.” So much had happened lately that her mind hurt to think. “All I know is that he is aware of who I am. All of who I am."

  Seconds ticked by and she felt the world cave in on her. “We need to go... now. I don't want to hang around here long enough for the other man to find us.” The other man, she'd almost forgotten about him. Damn she needed to focus.

  "How much further do we need to go?” She had an idea, but her nerves were too shot to be sure.

  "It's about another mile or so. Do you hear the water up a head?"

  "Of course I do.” She'd heard it before Gabriel had left. Another thought crossed her mind. “Have you heard the other man yet?” After her encounter with Elroy she wasn't sure she trusted her own senses.

  "Not yet, but that doesn't mean he isn't close. That one is a tracker and a darn good one if it's who I think he is.” His admission didn't help to alleviate her concerns.

  "Then let's get going. I'd rather not stick around any longer than we already have.” Her head tilted in the direction of the cliff Gabriel had gone to, the man hollering in the distance. “The other guy is already heading this way."

  A crack of the trees from above drew Alayia attention as a dark shadow covered the daylight. “What the hell..."Talon's voice was drowned out by the flap of wings. Alayia watched in wonder as Gabriel landed in front of them, his piercing eyes never leaving her face.

  "Gabriel.” Her words barely left her lips as she moved closer to him. She could hear Talon's denial, but she couldn't stop even if she'd wanted to. No part of her feared him any longer, not after he'd saved her on more than one occasion. Her hand reached out to touch his skin, the texture smoother than she'd anticipated.

  Get on Alayia. Feel the wonder of flight. He was talking to her. He knew her even in the dragon form. Warmth spread through her soul at the knowledge that he'd finally begun to accept the truth of his destiny.

  "I'll be fine Talon. Meet us at the cave.” Despite of the initial fear she held onto, Alayia swung her legs over top as she crawled on top of Gabriel's back, her hands resting on the nape of his neck. She couldn't help but laugh at the look of astonishment that crossed Talon's face.

  "Are you sure about this?” Was she? Alayia closed her eyes and listened to her heart, for once it's beat even and true.

  "Yes Talon..."She gentle touched the top of Gabriel's head. “I am very sure of this.” The moment the words left her lips she felt the ground below her give way as they lifted into the air. Higher and higher they flew, the rays of the sun draping down across her like a blanket. Never had she felt such freedom. Holding tight, she looked down at the world below as it passed by in hazes of greens and blues, spectrums of colors that floated in her vision.

  See the beauty of the world my love? You've reminded me of this when before all I saw was the curse of my days. There he was again, filling her mind with his words. Now more than ever she wanted to wrap her arms around him and keep him safe from the past.

  "It's beautiful Gabriel, a true wonder to see from here. But how can you talk to me and remember me?” She could feel him fidget inside her mind.

  The more time we've spent together the veil between myself and the dragon seems more muddled. I'm not sure why but even though I'm not myself I can still remember you

  Her heart jumped at his words. “That's wonderful Gabriel. I don't know how but for now I'll take whatever we can get in our favor.” The wind blew all around them as they moved up over the mountains and into the hill lands. Deep green fields opened up into an ocean of blue before her. Faster and faster Gabriel flew till the colors blended into a kaleidoscope of
colors before her eyes. “So much I've never seen before. Does it ever end?” How far had he gone before wishing to end his pain? Regret pushed through her heart.

  Don't ever feel sadness for what I've gone through. We are where we are now and that is all that matters. For now let's focus on the present and future and not dwell on the past. The future. That word held more meaning to her now than ever before and she meant to make it happen come hell or high water.

  "Gabriel, if I never say it again, thank you for this. I love flying with you.” She meant it too. Never one to back down from a challenge, the thought of flying on the back of a dragon was more than she'd ever imagine doing. Now she couldn't think of anything she would rather be doing. Closing her eyes she let the wind float across her body as the sunlight warmed her skin. What would happen if she broke the curse? Would he ever be able to go back into dragon form? Part of her hoped he would. There was so much freedom to be had when he could move like this.

  Don't worry about that for now. What will be will be. Now hold on for we need to head back. The sun is beginning its descent. How could he tell? Alayia turned her head to find the sun, its position seeming to be about the same. After so many sunsets don't you think I can automatically tell?

  "Gabriel?” Her question lingered in the air as he made a quick dive toward the water pulling up just before impact. The nearness of the descent sent water spraying across both of them. He'd done it on purpose and she couldn't fault him. Laughter escaped her lips as she punched his shoulder before holding on tight as he lifted higher into the air. “That wasn't very nice you know. Now I'm all wet.” A shiver ran through Alayia's body but not due to the cold and they both knew it. The idea of Gabriel seeing her wet twisted her stomach into a knot and sent her blood boiling like lava. God, the man was lethal even when he wasn't human.

  We will discuss you being wet later my love. For now we need to get you to the cave. I am sure Talon thinks I've eaten you by now. A fresh blush stole across her body. The man was a menace. They continued to move across the fields, the colors passing them by so quickly she could barely discern one from the other. So entranced in the freedom of flight she barely noticed as they approached the opening of the cave, the light from the fire flickering at the opening.