The Lost Dragon (The Dragon Hunters Book 1)

by Drako

  "Enough of this, I grow weary of playing with you, and you've ruined a perfectly good suit." Kalos removed his jacket, dropping it on the ground. "I shall have to kill you much earlier than I expected."

  Brandon wiped a bit of blood from his lip. "I'm not about to die."

  Kalos vanished. Brandon looked to the right only to be struck in the face again. He stumbled and Kalos kicked him in the stomach. As he doubled over, Kalos elbowed him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. Brandon rose to his knees and Kalos kicked him in the ribs, forcing him to roll to his side. He was pretty sure he felt one or two of them crack. As Kalos came at him again, Brandon threw up his hand and his power knocked Kalos off his feet, though only for the moment. Kalos sprang up, but was stopped from his assault as a stream of flames came down between them. Both jumped backwards to avoid them, giving Andreas and Vic room to come down.

  "Kalos, how good of you to come out of hiding," Vic commented.

  "Oh please, I don't hide from you out of fear. I don't need you messing up years of planning." Kalos looked to Andreas. "Speaking of plans, I do have something you hold dear."

  "You won't hold it for long," Andreas growled. "I will end your miserable existence here and now."

  Kalos waved him off. "And then your long lost love with truly be lost forever. If I die, you'll never find him."

  Andreas glared at him, no longer speaking. Kalos could be bluffing, but that wasn’t a risk he could take just yet.

  "I'll return him, of course, if you grant me something in return. I want the healer, and the twins. The three of them together should help me immensely."

  "You realize we don't negotiate with rogues, right?" Vic intervened. "You certainly will never lay another hand on these boys. Your fate is to die, according to the law of your god."

  Kalos laughed. "You mean my creator. He is not my god anymore. I will bring forth the god that truly deserves to reign supreme, and the Black Dragon God will fall with the Olympians."

  Andreas had a dagger in hand. "Not before you."

  He threw the dagger straight at the vampire's heart, but Kalos disappeared, leaving only the echo of his laughter. The dagger flew straight into the tree behind him. Vic leaned down to check on Brandon as Adonis ran over.

  "Breathe in," Vic ordered.

  Brandon took in a breath and hissed. "Shit, that hurts."

  "You've got two cracked ribs. The healer should be able to fix this in no time." Vic reached down and pulled him to his feet. Adonis stepped forward to help support him.

  "I'll get him home," he told Vic.

  Vic nodded and watched them leave, then turned to Andreas, who'd gone to retrieve his dagger.

  "Now you know the terms he wants."

  Andreas looked at him. "I would never trade my nephews nor Cassandra, not even for Kazarian. Besides, I know full well Kalos doesn't intend to hand him over because that would be too easy. But I know a little bit more now: he’s become obsessed with the boys too.”

  "That information is of little use to us," Vic told him. "It merely makes your job harder."

  Andreas glared at him. "I'm well aware of my duties, bird, just stay the hell out of my way. My father will be passing judgment over Kalos soon enough, I guarantee it."

  Nineteen

  In the car, Brandon settled into the passenger's seat awkwardly. Adonis got into the driver's seat and started the car. He pulled off and started the drive, occasionally turning to look at Brandon.

  "It's not that bad, you know," Brandon told him. "I'm already healing."

  "It looks painful," Adonis responded.

  "I can't say it’s a great feeling. I think my pride hurts more than my ribs, though."

  Adonis snorted. "Screw pride. You can live with that being bruised. I'm more worried about your physical health."

  Brandon laughed softly. "You worry too much. Here, give me your hand."

  "I'm driving."

  Brandon rolled his eyes. "You can drive one handed."

  "I'll feel better when Cassandra checks you out," Adonis told him.

  Brandon shook his head, dropping the subject. Adonis pulled up to the house a few minutes later and Brandon got out of the car. He could walk quite easily on his own, a fact which caused him to smirk at Adonis. In the house, Cassandra was already waiting for him, and he quickly took off his shirt. Laying down on the couch, he glanced over at Adonis, who wasn't looking at him.

  This is amusing, Demun said silently.

  What are you talking about? Brandon asked.

  Your boyfriend. He's so new at this you can't help but laugh. Just the sight of you without a shirt has him all flustered. Demun gave a telepathic laugh. It's so cute. I've never seen anything like it. He's like a virgin.

  You're an ass, Brandon told him.

  Oh, he is a virgin. That's just rich. Fantastic. Can I tell every female at school, please? Demun couldn't hide a smile.

  I don't think he's a complete virgin, you dickwad. Just hasn't been with a guy.

  Which means I can't tell anyone. You suck.

  Brandon shut himself off, noting Cassandra's hands on his rib cage. She pressed down on the healing ribs, and Brandon let out a hiss.

  "You're mostly healed already," she commented. "You just need to take it easy for a little while longer."

  Andreas and Vic walked into the house.

  "I assume he's healed now, right?" Vic asked.

  "Just about," Cassandra answered. "He should be fine in another hour, provided he doesn't strain himself unnecessarily."

  "I can guarantee that won't be a problem." Andreas looked at Demun. "Go take Adonis home." He looked at Vic. "You go with him. We're not taking any more risks with the boys or Cassandra."

  Adonis looked noticeably disappointed, as did Brandon. Andreas let out a low growl, prompting Vic and Adonis to move for the door, followed by Demun.

  Andreas sat down in the chair by the window.

  "You may not be real happy with my decision right now, but tonight just shows that I've been slacking off." Andreas looked at Brandon. "I was sure Kalos himself would never come after you, not once he knew I was hunting him. But now he grows bold, and his demands are higher than expected. He wants you boys dead in the worst way.”

  "So you intend to rob the boys of their social lives?" Cassandra asked.

  Andreas shifted his gaze to her. "No, but I intend to do a much better job at protecting them. They can't be so easy to get to anymore."

  "So what do you want to do then?"

  "The first step is to make sure they both understand the consequences of their actions. Next, I have to get it through their thick skulls not to keep going into fights alone." Andreas glared at Brandon. "You knew full well who you were up against, yet you didn't try to stall or call for help."

  Brandon returned his glare. "I'm not accustomed to calling for help. I was the one that killed his son, remember?"

  "Yes, with Demun at your side. You didn't have that tonight, and you should have known better than to assume you could defeat one of the oldest vampires in existence. He is the oldest child of Vacker and Deidre, and the strongest. That's the reason I was sent to hunt him. Kalos could potentially be strong enough to defeat several of my brothers. Father chose me because I'm the oldest and strongest living black dragon. In case you hadn't figured it out, means Kalos is a far stronger threat than his son could have dreamed of being."

  Brandon sat back and folded his arms across his chest. "What did you expect me to do? I'm part-dragon, which makes me honor bound to protect humans. Kalos wasn't just going to stand and talk. And I did call for help, you were just late getting there."

  "Yeah, and now you know exactly what you were up against," Andreas shot back. "And just in case Demun wasn't monitoring, play it all back for him. You were outmatched, completely. No matter what you did to Kalos, he wouldn't stay down, right?"

  Brandon stayed silent.

  "You've gotten cocky and overconfident because all you've dealt with are the youn
ger generations. The true ancients are far more powerful; they won't go down from simpler attacks. You have to overpower them, which is easier said than done. Kalos is the father to all these younger ones we've come across, or rather, he's their forefather. Which to him means they are mere pawns in his game, sacrifices used to keep you out of the way while still forcing you to keep your power at a certain level." Andreas stood up and began to pace. "He needs you at your strongest."

  "Then why did he try to kill me tonight?" Brandon asked irritably.

  "He wasn't trying to kill you." Andreas stopped and looked down at him. "He needed to get to me. And you and your brother are the easiest way to do it. Kalos has one flaw, and it's the same as yours."

  "His arrogance?" Cassandra suggested.

  "Exactly. Kalos showed me his hand. He's counting on my love for Kazarian overriding my sense of duty and loyalty. He assumes I'll hand you all over for the sake of my soul mate. What he didn't realize is he just added to my motivation." Andreas went to the window. "Fortunately, I have enough of my father in me to balance out my Spartan nature, which means I've learned a thing or two about strategy. Kalos took something of mine and now I'll take something of his."

  "What can you possibly take from Kalos that he'll actually miss?" Brandon asked.

  Andreas actually smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "Don't worry about it. I've got something in mind."

  Twenty

  I hate coming here, Jarel thought as he walked through the bright halls of Olympus.

  He'd been summoned by the king of the gods himself, and for once he decided to obey. Normally, he'd have delayed but this time, he could not. As he walked into the great hall, which was filled with gods and demigods, he looked straight forward at the ruler of the universe. The gods parted to make room as the Black Dragon God headed forward to where Zeus sat on his throne. Zeus was the same height as Jarel, with light bronze skin and the deepest sky blue eyes. He had short, lightning blond hair and a slight beard, giving him an older appearance than most of the other gods. The aura of power around him was unmistakable, and he had a certain unexplainable appeal about him that his children lacked. He wore a white chiton, and sat with his head resting on his right hand. He straightened up as Jarel stood before the throne.

  "Leave us!" he thundered, an order to the other gods.

  The other gods vanished. Jarel raised an eyebrow in question.

  "It has come to my attention that one of your miscreant creations is attempting to resurrect my father," Zeus told him.

  "That would be correct," Jarel replied.

  "How exactly did he come upon this notion?" Zeus asked.

  Jarel shrugged. "Cronus was certainly not my favorite being to be around. I have no desire to see his return."

  "How is it that he could even learn that it is possible to resurrect gods?" Zeus narrowed his eyes. "Only we gods know this secret."

  Jarel's gaze remained steady. "Do not insult me by implying that I told him any such thing. Though it is commonly known that Baldur was resurrected after the death of the Aesir. However, the method for this was never known, until now. Which leaves you at fault."

  Zeus eyes sparkled. "How might I be at fault in this?"

  "None of my children were ever allowed to know that secret. Even Vic didn't know it. Nor did Fenrir. Which means someone from under your rule, perhaps under your roof, is the god or goddess responsible for this. Someone here wishes to see you dethroned. Being that your grandmother, the Fates, and even myself have warned you of any threats you could make for yourself by way of your notorious baby making abilities, there is only one other potential threat to your reign. Only Cronus could possibly challenge you and have the desire to rule the universe again."

  "So you suggest that one of the Twelve is responsible for this madness?"

  Jarel shook his head. "No, your oldest children are not so stupid. Nor are your brothers and sisters. Even your wife knows the limits of her station. No, this has to be someone lower, not one of the twelve major Olympian gods. Perhaps one of your children. Maybe one of Apollo's children. Or even a child of Ares."

  Zeus sat back and seemed to think this over. "And there is no possibility of any of your children being behind this? You did have a rogue child before."

  "That was eleven thousand years ago, and he was met with the full force of my wrath," Jarel responded. "Besides, you know the limitations all dragon gods place on their children. Our children are born dragons, not gods. Therefore they are not privy to the secrets of the gods."

  Zeus nodded in acknowledgment. "Well, on to the next issue. Hades tells me that this rogue creature has stolen a soul from the Elysian Fields. This has upset Ares as well, as I understand he was a Spartan soldier. In fact, he is the soul mate of your oldest living child."

  "That is true as well," Jarel responded.

  "This gives me cause for concern. Your son's judgment could understandably become clouded by this. I would like to give some aid in this mission."

  Jarel couldn't hold back the look of surprise. "You generally do not get involved in the rogue situation."

  "Yes, normally I would leave it to you, but this rogue has crossed into my territory with his attempt to resurrect Cronus. With the abduction of this soul, he obviously has another god helping him. Only a god can harness a soul. Also, I noticed that your grandson suffered a defeat at the hands of Kalos. This makes me wary. I would prefer to ensure the fall of Kalos and the protection of your grandsons and the healer."

  "And how do you propose to help them?" Jarel asked.

  "I have gifts for your grandsons," Zeus answered. "The healer is adequately protected by her gifts from Artemis and Apollo, but those boys need weapons and I will bless weapons of their choice made by Hephaestus."

  "I suppose I can no longer keep them from having weapons of their own." Jarel sighed. "So, are you coming with me? I know the perfect weapons for them."

  Zeus gave a small smile. "Of course. It's no fun to just send them the gifts. These must be given in person."

  Twenty One

  Andreas was on the couch in the living room, eyes closed, trying to doze off to sleep. He was disturbed by an unusual burst of light and looked up, finding the king of the gods and his father both standing over him. He quickly straightened up as those bright blue eyes of the king of Olympus settled on him.

  "Wake up, grandson, we have things to discuss," Zeus told him.

  Jarel looked towards the back of the house, where the boys' room was. "My grandsons are in their room. They'll be out shortly."

  Andreas looked at the two gods suspiciously. "What are you two up to?"

  "Making your job easier," Zeus replied.

  Andreas remained skeptical. "What does that mean, exactly?"

  "Well, Odele has weapons to defend herself, and your grandfather has decided that the boys deserve weapons as well, weapons blessed by him," Jarel explained.

  At this, the boys entered the room. They stopped, eyes widening as they looked at Zeus. Instinctively, they knew the ruler of the universe, and to say they were in awe would be an understatement.

  "So, these are your grandsons?" Zeus gave a warm smile. "They certainly take after you, a rarity for your kind."

  "They are special indeed," Jarel commented. "Being the only living direct descendants of Desdemona makes them far more unique than my children."

  Zeus nodded. "You have strange tastes. But anyway, it's time to get to the point of our visit."

  Jarel waved the boys forward. "It's time for me to lift my ruling on you not being able to carry weapons of your own. With Kalos having now made a direct attempt on your life, things will only get harder from here."

  "In addition, we need to make sure you can fully back up your uncle in protecting Odele," Zeus added.

  Andreas sat and folded his arms. "Weapons from Hephaestus, right?"

  "These are special weapons for special boys. Not the standard weapons such as you and your brothers carry." Zeus held out his hand, extending to
the boys two long, thin pieces of metal. They looked like sword handles, and were no bigger than the handle of Andreas' katana. The metal was silver, with carvings of a dragon made into them, and there was a thin opening at the top.

  "These are far easier for you to conceal, and due to the enchantments of Zeus, will never register on metal detectors in the human world," Jarel told the boys.

  Brandon and Demun took the handles from Zeus, noting a strange energy flowing through the weapons. Holding what was obviously the top of the handle away from them, the blades extended, revealing a very different type of sword. The blades were straight, and had a strange shine to them. Examining the blade, they noted it was the same as that of a straight sword, and definitely sharper than the average sword in the modern age.

  "Whoa," was all Brandon could say.

  "Cool," Demun added.

  "We're not quite finished yet." Zeus held his hand out to Brandon, extending a flat silver metal hoop with sharp edges around it. "It's a chakram, which your grandfather seemed to thing you'd take to quite well."

  Brandon took the weapon, noting the dragons lining it too. "Oh yeah, this is definitely my kind of weapon."

  "Fortunately for you, it's easy enough to hide. It has a special enchantment so that it appears whenever you have need for it." Zeus turned to Demun and gave him a set of leather gauntlets with a silver band around the wrist and a dark red jewel in the center of the silver. “These seemed more your style.”

  Demun took the gauntlets and put them on. "Yeah, works for me."

  Zeus looked to Andreas. "Now you and I have a matter to discuss."

  Andreas looked to the boys. "Go out for a while, guys."