“It might be best that you tell her that your Majesty.”
“Believe me, I will. If only her mother hadn’t died giving birth to Marcus. She might be a little less stubborn had her mother been around to influence her, a little more ladylike.” The king thought of Isabel often recalling happier times. “I still dream of her.” Darius stood with a faraway expression wondering how different things would have been had she lived.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
In the sky over Leeander seven, red dragons were spotted circling amongst the puffy white clouds, some disrupting the shapes of them and the tiny droplets of water within as they flew rapidly through them. They all pumped their wings and then glided for quite a while, waiting and watching. It was unusual for red dragons to be this far into the territory of the black dragons, and such effrontery would not go unchallenged. It wasn’t long before Kai flew up to engage them with more than a dozen of his black dragons behind him. A single dragon in the other’s airspace might be permissible, but such a large group usually meant danger. It could indicate that they had plans to expand their territory and that just wouldn’t be allowed without a fight. As the black dragons approached the red, they could see that they were scouting the area, which might mean an attack from the red dragons was in the planning stage. Knowing that the Yurrosy had control over some of them was disturbing on multiple levels. In fact, Chromos could see through the red dragon’s eyes and was enjoying the show.
“Kai, I assumed that you’d be dead by now.” Umertosk was one of the red generals and Kai was a bit surprised to see him here. He was a distinguished fellow and shouldn’t have been out on a scouting mission.
Kai stared into his eyes. “I’ll ask you nicely once that you turn back. Look at their eyes! They are all under the spell of the Yurrosy, every single one.” They all had murky white eyes which meant that they would do whatever they had been commanded to do. Kai knew that there would be no reasoning with them. It would likely be a fight to the death whether he wanted it or not. Umertosk appeared to be in control of his faculties though it was possible someone spoke his words for him? Kai didn’t understand a lot about complicated spells.
They all hovered with wings pumping, the seven facing the thirteen. Even though outnumbered and it would be death for most of them, the red dragons attacked. Kai suffered a gash to his chest as Umertosk sliced into him with his claws. When they pulled apart, Kai released his supercharged fire and turned the commander to ash. Both sides unleashed fire; the flames collided and deflected forming a massive fireball that could be seen miles away. A red dragon grabbed a black dragon by the neck, but luckily the dragon managed to break free and then hit the aggressor with a bright ball of fire, disintegrating him.
A burst of flame turned one of the black dragons to ash. Kai grabbed the one responsible by the neck and wouldn’t let go until he was dead, his lifeless body tumbled out of the sky and shook the ground when it hit, scaring a farmer that was feeding his horses. People ran to see the downed dragon up close, staring into the dragon’s lifeless eyes.
“Dragon fight!” said a young girl as she pointed to the sky. A crowd had gathered to watch as they hadn’t seen such a battle for over fifty years. They ran when another red dragon tumbled out of the sky and hit the ground, missing one fellow by only a few feet. He laughed nervously and ran off, not wanting to tempt fate. Their screeches were both fascinating and frightening. Most considered it a sad day when dragons fell from the sky. In general, they left humans to their machinations. Sometimes people would gather just to watch the dragons fly, such beautiful creatures especially in the air, turning and swirling.
One red dragon was a little smaller and faster than all the others; it sunk its razor-sharp claws into Kai’s back, and it took two others to remove him, having to bite its head off to accomplish it. It was a somber day for Kai.
Dragons screeched as the battle became furious, but being outnumbered the red dragons perished one by one. Had they not been spelled the last two or three would certainly have attempted to flee but the black dragons were forced to kill all of them. When it was over, they were saddened by the turn of events as they flew back to their caves in the formation of a V. Kai called a meeting to discuss how to defend the area and what to do about the attack.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Stone and Alexa along with three archers and three other knights left the kingdom at sunset, just as Titus, Theon, Zak and Urban entered, glancing at one another as they passed. They departed at a moderate pace, and as Obed pulled ahead of Alexa she thought that he was one of the tallest archers that she had ever seen, even his bow had been made specifically for his long arms. Otherwise, it would have been like using a child’s bow. Longer arms allowed him to pull the bow string farther, and that enable his arrows to reach farther than most. He even looked to be a little too big for his horse. They all knew that they might not return but such was life, no one lived forever, not even wizards. It was time to take fate by the reins and ride it wherever it took them.
The first part of the journey was quiet and deliberate, one foot in front of the other, moving forward at a steady pace. A buzzard appeared to follow them for a while, and no one thought that was a good omen as if it was waiting for them to all drop dead. Obed launched an arrow at it and with that, it decided to move along in search of an actual corpse. The silence was enjoyed by all, deep in their minds, wondering how it was all going to end. The sound of the horses moving forward had almost attained a musical quality.
They set up their first camp under the stars, still far from the Yurrosy, but they had to be on guard nonetheless. The Yurrosy had what they called wanderers; two or three men sent out to explore and to report back from different sectors with carrier crows. It was the king’s way of trying to keep an eye on things. If they encountered anyone, it would be necessary to dispose of them. They set up two large tents, one for Princess Alexa and the other for the Knights. She had to show anger for them to allow her to participate in the erecting of the tents; after all, she was their princess even though she wanted to fit in. She wanted to be one of them. She worried that they might jeopardize the mission to protect her, and nothing or no one was more important than saving Leeander.
Alexa felt isolated and alone in her tent, and so she exited to sit beside Stone who was eating a well-cooked rabbit; he broke off a leg and handed it to Alexa. She knew her father would be worried about her but there was too much at stake, and she was one of their best warriors. They basked in the light of the fire as Lance watched the princess stare at Stone. Brent and Denton smiled at one another. It appeared that everyone knew of their mutual attraction except for themselves.
Brent batted his green eyes in exaggeration. “Stone, just get it out in the open already.”
Lance could hold his tongue no longer. It was none of his business, but it irritated him nonetheless, especially now. “You two are starting to piss me off! Why the hell don’t you just kiss. We’re all gonna be dead soon so what damn difference does it make? What the hell is wrong with a little honesty?”
Stone gave Lance an aggressive look and wasn’t sure what to do or say and just because they might right don't make it proper for them to blabber. “Lance, you better hold your tongue.”
Obed shook his head and looked directly into Stone’s eyes. “He speaks the truth Stone. Even the king sees it.”
“You impertinent jackals. I don’t have the station to cozy up to a princess. Mind your own damn business or so help me I’ll knock some sense into all of you.”
The princess was indeed enjoying this conversation.
The sound of large wings cutting through the air got Merrill’s attention. His brown eyes looked up and to the right and spotted a large svelte pterocrit flying overhead. It was just smaller than the average dragon with a powerful beak and being pursued by a black dragon. A burst of fire lit up the night sky, stunning the huge bird. It screeched as it attempted to orient on its pursuer. The dragon grabbed it by the neck killing it and then fle
w off awkwardly ready to enjoy his feast.
Alexa grabbed Ston, and they kissed, gently at first and then more passionate. Her soft lips were incredible. He could detect her gentle scent, and it was intoxicating. He touched her face, and she closed her eyes; Alexa was enjoying every second of it. This moment had been building for years, and they lost themselves in it. Everyone stared at the couple fully enjoying the moment, if it would have been possible for their eyes to fall out onto the ground they would have; surprise mixed with awe. Stone picked up the princess and carried her into her tent as the knights stared in disbelief, but everyone thought that it was about time and that maybe now he could convince her go back where she belonged.
Lance poked a stick into the crackling fire as only the sound of the blaze filled the air. “If I hadn’t seen that with my own eyes I would have never believed it.”
Archer Merrill had his mouth open as the moans commenced to escape from the tent. Were they going at it with everyone in such proximity? “I can just imagine the princess naked.”
Archer Alonzo fantasized actions to the sounds that were escaping the ten, and his smile couldn’t have been any larger.
Inside the tent Alexa and Stone were sitting side by side, feigning the sounds of passion, trying hard not to laugh. They were giving a rare performance. It wasn’t like they didn’t have feelings for one another but this wasn’t the time or place, Stone was tempted to peek out to see their faces. A branch cracked behind them halting the ruse. Who was out there? They both listened intently. Someone was trying to be stealthy but wasn’t able to manage it. He thought it unlikely that it was one of the knights. Stone pulled his sword as the princess grabbed hers. They exited the tent as Stone gestured that they had company.
Behind the tent, Merrill put an arrow right through the crow the soldier was about to release. A second later it would have taken to the night air, off to give information about them no doubt. The big fellow with the black beard had taken three arrows before he fell, his left foot kicking out the last remnants of his life. Stone dispatched one as he thrust his sword through his heart. Alexa adeptly killed the other. They were less than twenty miles from Leeander and yet there they were, skulking under the cover of darkness. The eyes and ears of the enemy. It made them all wonder just how much time Leeander had.
“Those bastards are too close to home.” Stone sheathed his sword.
“At least, that’s three that won’t be around to attack Leeander. Bury them,” said the princess.
Stone shook his head. “Who’s giving the orders princess?”
Stone had the authority, but it annoyed her nonetheless. “Don’t bury them then. Do whatever Stone tells you to do with them. What should we do with them Stone?” Alexa raised her eyebrows.
Stone was amused. “Bury them.”
“There you go.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ELLA WAS FLYING HIGH through puffy white clouds looking down at the rolling green countryside and enjoying the afternoon. There wasn’t much that was more satisfying to a dragon than taking to the air, and for young dragons, there was nothing like playing tag at five thousand feet. She could smell wild grape blossoms somewhere down there but couldn’t see them. She pumped her wings climbing higher and higher and then commenced to glide, resting while she caught a warm updraft. The freedom of flight was an incredible sensation; she felt sorry for all the animals that couldn’t fly.
Ella circled and noticed a farmer far below as he gave his seven kids, three boys and four girls a hayride in his wagon. Slow and deliberate the wagon moved along the winding path through the farmland. The boys played at fighting and had a wonderful time. The girls watched a butterfly that appeared to be following them, laughing when the insect landed on the head of the youngest blond girl. It made the dragon smile to see them so happy. Just before she had spotted the wagon she had been contemplating the black dragon; she couldn’t stop thinking about him, and that aggravated her. A dragon should have control of her mind for goodness sake.
A rainbow colored hummingbird flew up and in front of Ella. She hovered, listening to the hum of its wings, admiring it as it appeared to appreciate her. Sometimes birds liked to ride on dragons, and no one knew why. She took its sudden appearance as a request for a ride. “All right then get on little one.” The bird flew on her head, and she could feel it walking around up there, and then suddenly it was joined by three others. It was turning out to be an enjoyable day.
Ella heard the beating of dragon’s wings coming up behind her, and she thought it was her sister Sunfire; she waited a minute or so before turning to face her and was surprised to see that it was the black dragon. They hovered face-to-face as their eyes went to one another like magnets, such an irresistible pull that it made the red dragon uneasy. They were too close to one another, and they kissed even though they didn’t want to; they were lost in the moment like a bee in a flower as instinct took over.
“Dragon what the hell are you doing!” Ella had barely managed to come to her senses.
Zedock didn’t know what to say for himself because all he wanted to do was talk. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
“What do you mean you didn’t mean for it to happen? You kissed me.”
“It was an accident.”
“You can’t accidentally kiss someone.” She had kissed him back and wasn’t quite sure what else to say.
“You have hummingbirds on your head. That means that it’s going to turn out to be a special day.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that superstition but all it means is that I have hummingbirds on my head.”
Zedock smiled as he tried to look his most attractive. “Maybe I’m the something special that’s going to happen to you? Don’t I look extraordinary?”
“You’re a nightmare that’s what you are.”
“Hey, you kissed me too.”
“I did not!” Ella, of course, knew that she had kissed him, perhaps even initiated it for all she knew but wasn’t going to admit it. Every time he was around she couldn’t think straight, and that wasn’t good, turning out to be a horrible day. What was wrong with that stupid dragon? What was wrong with her? She was sure that nothing good was going to come out of them being in such proximity to one another. They were too attracted to one another.
“Yes, you did you even used your tongue.”
Ella was so flabbergasted and tried hard to remember the kiss. “I most definitely did not? Did I? I don’t think I did.”
“You did.”
Ella was now angry at both herself and the black dragon. No way to save face? “You must have hypnotized me you dirty dragon! Or used magic!”
What was wrong with that red dragon? “I did not! I don’t even know how to do that! I’m getting away from you. You are whacko Ella. You know I didn’t hypnotize you. And as a matter of fact, I think that you kissed me first!”
The red dragon felt like blasting him with fire. Maybe if she burned his face, he would leave her alone. After all, she wasn’t chasing him around. “That is the only explanation that makes any sense. I certainly didn’t want to kiss you. Get away from me!” “Believe me, I’m going. Crazy dragon.”
“Dirty Dragon!” she screamed after him.
Zedock turned and flew off as fast as he could, and in no time at all he was out of sight. Ella continued to watch the space where he had been and hoped that it would be the last time she ever saw of him. He was the crazy dragon.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
IT WAS NIGHT INSIDE KAI’S DEN, quite dark except for a single torch that hung on the wall, but all dragons can see perfectly well in the dark. It was late, and Ryxa lay pretending she was asleep as her parents were having another one of their late night conversations. In Dragon years, she was in her late teens. She was worried about the boy and couldn’t sleep; she didn’t want his kingdom, and his life destroyed. The sounds her parent’s voices were often soothing and usually helped her to drift off but this time, it had the opposite effect. The to
pic at hand was interesting.
“Remember when you went down into the Valley of the Cubes as a boy?” Even way back then Inara had been attracted to Kai. She had tried her best to stop him from entering the cubes, but he had been trying so hard to impress her. She had been worried that if he went in he’d never come out and then she would never know if they were suited to be mates. He had vanished in there for almost two weeks, and his parents had gone in after him but weren’t able to find him; it had been such a stressful time.
Kai smiled and nodded. “That is something that I’ll never forget. I was trying so hard to show you that I was such a big brave dragon, lucky for me that you couldn’t hear me crying in there. My parents warned me about the cubes, but I wouldn’t listen. That place is full of magic, both good and bad. It is like another world. I remember having a conversation with a pink dragon, but I was talking to a rock. Some stupid wizard thought that was so funny.”
A moment of silence had turned into another before Inara spoke. “Kai, have you thought about what I asked?”
His eyes widened. Of course, he knew what she was saying. His thoughts must have gone to it ten times a day. “That we have another little one? I think we should wait until all this uncertainty is over and done. I just wish that magic couldn't control red dragons. It would make things a lot easier. A war with them will reduce both of our numbers drastically.”
Inara thought about that and hoped that he was wrong, but it did look as though the Yurrosy would bring the red dragons with them and they would have no choice but to defend their territory. The thought of battling dragons that weren’t under their power was disturbing. “I was so looking forward to having another baby running around in here. Nothing like seeing a little one take to the air for the first time. That exhilarating look is so priceless. The thought of it warms my heart.”
Knights of the Dragon (of Knights and Wizards Book 1) Page 6
