Soren had to stop himself from objecting to the term “your” dragon. He glanced toward Jerrick, sure his brother was enjoying this. No matter what Jerrick thought, Soren knew as he had been telling Dex for the past six days, he wasn’t the man for the job.
The King walked to the door with the wizard and General Thayer flanking either side of him. Soren followed, and the man who had delivered the map fell into step with him. He was shorter than Soren and slightly overweight. His hair had thinned considerably on top and the hair that was left was grey. As they walked down the hall, he noted the older man kept glancing his way.
“You look like your mother,” he finally said, smiling at Soren’s startled reaction.
“You knew my mother?”
The man nodded. “I did. My name is Rodar Halford. My family and hers were close. She always referred to me as her Uncle even though there is no blood connection between us. I was saddened to hear of her death.”
Shock washed over Soren. His mother’s family had not approved of her marrying his father. They had cut off all communications with her, and she had only mentioned her family once. It had been about a month before she died. He had realized later she must have known she was dying, but at the time he had been twelve years old. Her wish had been to send him to live with her family instead of staying with his father and Jerrick. Looking back, he realized she had only been trying to protect him, but it had hurt that she wanted to send him away. He hadn’t known how bad things would get after she passed. There had been no other family members for him to live with, and he had endured his father’s anger for four more years before escaping by joining the Walencroft army. Even that had not lasted long.
“I meet you and your brother once,” Rodar continued. “You were probably about five or six years old. Your mother was ripe with Adaline. Your father had just finished work to expand your house. Everything seemed perfect.”
Soren grunted, and Rodar cast a glance at him.
“Yes, I know now it wasn’t. I learned a lot when I returned to Walencroft a couple of years ago. If I had known and been able to come back, I would like to think things could have been different.”
Rodar’s voice trailed off as they entered the courtyard. He stopped, his mouth slightly open as he stared at Dex. The dragon sat in the middle of the courtyard. His tail twitched as he glared at the guards. Emery stood beside him, staring belligerently at the nearest man in uniform.
King Arden looked at Soren and gestured with his head toward Dex.
Soren stepped forward. “King Arden, may I present Reddex? Reddex, this is King Arden of Walencroft.”
Dex bowed his head slightly. King Arden did the same. For a moment, no one spoke, and Soren wondered what he should do.
“Shouldn’t you say something?” he asked the dragon.
“It is proper to wait for him to speak first.” Dex kept his eyes on King Arden.
“Welcome to Ballinger, Reddex,” King Arden said. His eyes focused on Emery, and Soren hastily made the introductions. Arden gestured to Agnot, who circled high above them. “Tell the other one to land.”
Soren conveyed the message to Agnot. He waited until the golden dragon had settled besides Dex and then introduced him to the King.
“We are short on time,” the King said. “The army advances even as we speak. Let us not dally with formalities and cut to heart of the matter. Reddex, what do you know about the advancing army?”
“Not much,” Dex said.
Soren hid his smile when the others jumped, looking bewildered as the dragon’s voice filled their minds.
“I have only seen the army from a distance, but I have seen the destruction they have caused. Them and the Southern Dragons.”
General Thayer stepped forward. “And how is it the dragons can help? This isn’t like when no army would dare to invade the Lands of the North because we had dragon riders. Those days are long gone.” He shot a sideways glance toward Soren. “There are no more dragon riders. How can you help?”
“While it is true our alliance has long been over, we fight for the same thing. The death of five dragons confirms this army has no love for us. We will not be safe in our mountains with them at its base. We have just as much of an interest in stopping this army as you do. And we can help as we have before by providing aerial attacks, transferring supplies and people, and attacking with our flame.”
General Thayer stroked his beard as he shook his head. “But there are no dragon riders to coordinate things this time.”
Before Dex could answer, the King stepped forward, holding up one hand. “We will find a way to manage. Now what can you tell me about this scepter that controls the Southern Dragons?”
“We believe they must have the Stave of Drachen. It is the only thing that could control the Southern Dragons.”
“You think? You don’t know for sure?” General Thayer asked, his voice rising with each word.
Soren too stared at Dex. “Ahh…you never mentioned to me that you weren’t sure it was the scepter or stave or whatever.”
“Only the Stave of Drachen could do such a thing. No other device has ever controlled a dragon,” Dex said. “We must find a way to wrestle it away from whoever enslaves them. The Southern Dragons are docile creatures. They would never do harm if not under someone else’s power.”
“And it doesn’t work on you?” the wizard asked.
“Though we are both dragons, we are nothing alike. The Southern dragons do not have the unique minds capable of complex thought as we Northern Dragons do. The Stave will not work on us.” He looked at the King. “Tell me what your plan is and how the dragons can help.”
“We plan to set up our main defense at Camden. If we can get enough of a force assembled, we will attack the army at Glenadad to slow them down. It is all a matter of timing.” King Arden paused, looking at Soren for a moment before returning his gaze to Dex. “Soren mentioned something about the dragons attacking to slow down the army?”
“Yes, they planned to attack outside of Baycliff.”
“Our report came from Greely, which is just to the south of Baycliff,” General Thayer said. “If so that battle may have already happened.”
“When we are done here, Soren and I will go check and direct the dragons to Camden.”
King Arden turned to the wizard. “Cane, go and send those messages. Let us prepare for battle.”
Rodar cleared his throat. “May I make a suggestion?”
King Arden nodded. “Of course.”
“You will need all the help you can get. Monclave is not too far from Camden. Perhaps we can receive help from Rison’s army.”
“King Edric will never go for siding with dragons,” General Thayer objected. “Besides he is on his way here for the annual summit. He isn’t in Rison to issue his army any orders.”
Rodar shook his head. “We don’t need his orders. One of his Generals can do it. And I happen to know one of them quite well. He resides in Monclave. If I can get a message to him…”
“Something of that nature should be discussed in person,” King Arden said.
“Yes, but we don’t have that kind of time.”
The King turned toward the dragons and smiled. “We might now.”
“Wait,” Soren said. “I thought you wanted us to go coordinate with the dragons. We can’t do both.”
“There are two dragons.”
“Are you fine with this?” Soren asked Agnot.
“We are here to help. I think Emery should come too. She is used to riding, and this man is not.”
Soren’s eyes fell to Emery. She leaned against Agnot. Her face softened slightly, and Soren knew the dragon spoke to her. She looked at him, her eyes shining with excitement.
“You are fine with this?”
Emery grinned. “I still need that harness.”
He nodded. He noticed the others were watching. “I am sorry, your Majesty. We were just conferring. Agnot and Emery will take Rodar to Monclave.”
“She cannot go,” General Thayer objected. “She is a woman. This is a battle we are preparing for. Women are not meant for war.”
Soren held up his hand before Emery could speak. “Agnot says she goes so if you want his help...” He shrugged.
Thayer’s face turned red, and his eyes bulged as he swung toward the King.
“We don’t have time to argue. Time is of the essence.” King Arden motioned one of the guards forward. “Have someone clean out the old dragon stalls and get whatever Soren needs to prepare the dragons for their trips.” He turned back to Soren and Emery. “You have the rest of the day to get ready. We will meet again at first light tomorrow to go over the timing before you leave.”
Chapter Eleven
Soren hauled the two leather wagon harnesses outside. He would use them to make Agnot’s harness. He welcomed the reprieve, the chance to work away from the hustle of the castle. Soldiers prepared to march out while others readied two of the huge stalls that many years ago housed dragons. It felt odd to have people asking him about the dragons. Did they not realize he knew about as much as they did?
He threw himself into the task. The mundane actions of measuring out and cutting the leather kept his mind off tomorrow’s mission. He felt the presence of someone behind him. Turning, he saw Emery standing a few feet away, watching him work.
“A few days ago, I would never have believed I would be riding a dragon,” she said as she sat next to him. “Do you need any help?”
“Almost done.”
She watched him for a few minutes as he attached two straps of leather and added a buckle. Her silent observation made him feel uneasy.
“You know,” Soren said as he hooked the final strap. “You don’t have to be here. You don’t have to be involved.”
Emery placed her hand on his. “I know.” She sighed. “But anything is better than being back in that village. I can’t even call it home. It stopped being that the day my parents died.”
Soren knew all too well how life changed after a death. First, it had been Addie and a year later his mother. He too had stopped thinking of the house he lived in as home. Even his room in his brother’s house had never felt like home to him.
“How long ago did they die?” he asked.
Emery stiffened.
“Never mind. I didn’t mean to pry.”
Emery shook her head. “No, it is fine. They died five years ago right after my fifteenth birthday. It was Harvester’s sickness. It wiped out a third of our village. My parents. And Bance.” Emery sighed. “Our families had just agreed to our marriage when I turned sixteen. A month later, his family and my parents were both gone, and I went to live with my Aunt and Uncle.” Her body tensed as a disgusted look came over her face. Then she seemed to shake it off. She turned to him. “Are you done with the harness?”
Soren nodded. “You should probably test it.”
Emery’s face lit up, and any trace of sadness or worry disappeared. “Any reason to go up on a dragon.”
“You really do enjoy this.”
“And why wouldn’t I? They are magnificent creatures. Growing up I saw drawings of them in a picture book. Occasionally a couple of old timers would talk about them. But oh, the days I use to dream about escaping my village never included leaving on a dragon. I have you to thank for helping me leave.”
Soren shook his head. “Don’t thank me. I wanted to leave you there. It was Dex.”
“Either way I am thankful to be here. And to be helpful.”
He looked at her. “Really? Why would you even care about this army?”
“What?” Her face echoed her outrage. “How can you say that? It affects everyone in Walencroft. Think of how many people will die if we do nothing.”
His mind flashed to the girl who reminded him of Addie. He imagined Jerrick and Lyla lying dead in the street.
“Do you think they will bypass you because you don’t care?” Emery continued. “I know I for one can’t sit by and watch it happen. Not when I can help.”
Soren shook his head. “What type of difference do you think you will make?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. But I must try. I’ve spent too long waiting for things to change. I’m going to make those changes, or at least, I’m going to try,” she said, a determined look on her face.
“What good can come of it? You’re one person and not even a warrior? What if trying to help makes everything worse?”
Emery bit her lip as she studied him. “Are we talking about me? Or you?”
“Never mind.” Soren jumped to his feet with the harness in his hands.
He strode off toward Agnot, ignoring Emery as she ran to keep up with him.
“Soren? What is it?”
“Let’s see if this harness fits,” he said as he fastened it to the dragon. He could feel her watching him. He fastened the last strap and stepped back. “Go ahead and try it. If it works out, I will add a strap for Rodar.”
Emery opened her mouth and then closed it. She shook her head and climbed on Agnot. She clipped the strap to her belt. Soren took a step back as the golden dragon beat his wings. He watched as they took off.
“I was thinking, Soren,” Dex said. “You probably need a sword.”
He turned toward the dragon. “What?”
“We are going into battle. You need to be able to protect yourself. You do know how to use a sword, don’t you?”
His mind flashed back to the three months he had been a member of the Walencroft army. Sword training had been included. It wasn’t something he excelled at. He sighed. There were many things he didn’t do well.
“Yes. I know how to use a sword.”
He trudged across the courtyard, trying to push the conversation with Emery out of his mind. He would grab a sword and go find the leather straps he needed to finish Agnot’s harness. There was plenty to keep him busy. Now it was a matter of keeping away from Emery and her prying questions.
He pulled open the heavy door to the armory. Inside was dimly lit, but he could make out rows of swords. Bows and maces lined the walls. A collection of staffs of various lengths and thicknesses leaned against one wall. And at the far end, chain mail hung almost as if a row of soldiers were lined up and ready for battle. He left the door open to provide light as he moved down the row of swords, stopping to finger one with an ornate handle. It was obviously meant for a higher-ranking official. He moved on to the plain swords given to the lowest recruits. He pulled out one, hefting it in his hand to get a feel for the weight.
“You have any sword training?”
He swung around to find Rodar standing in the doorway. The man entered, his eyes never straying from Soren’s.
“A little.”
Rodar pulled a sword from the rack. His eyes trailed down the blade. He rushed forward, swing the sword at Soren, who barely had time to raise his own sword to block Rodar’s blade. The noise echoed through the room.
“What?” Soren exclaimed. “What are you doing?”
Rodar didn’t respond. He flicked his wrist and easily flipped Soren’s sword from his hand. It skidded across the floor.
“Now what're you going to do?” the older man asked as he leveled the sword at Soren’s chest.
Soren stepped back, his eyes falling on a wooden staff leaning against the wall. He grabbed it and swung it at Rodar. The old man ducked. Soren flipped the other end toward the man’s legs, knocking them out from underneath him. Rodar grunted as he hit the ground. He dropped the sword as Soren held the end of the staff a few inches in front of his face. Rodar lifted his hands, indicating his surrender.
“I see a sword is not the weapon for you.” Rodar laughed as he reached out and gently pushed the staff away.
“What? What was all that?” Soren asked, staring at him.
“Just a test.” Rodar rose from the ground. “There is no way I could allow you into battle, unless I knew you could protect yourself. I owe it to your mother to do what I can to ensure you stay alive.”
<
br /> Soren closed his eyes, breathing out slowly. He resisted the urge to punch the man. He opened his eyes to see the man’s eyes traveling over a row of daggers attached to the wall.
“Even with the staff, you will need a blade.”
“I had one yesterday,” Soren said. “The guards took it.”
“I have it.”
Jerrick stood in the doorway. He held the dagger in his hand. “This one is mine. Where's yours? Or do I even want to know?”
Soren shrugged. “You can keep it. I'll take one from here.”
Jerrick stepped forward. His eyes traveled from his brother to Rodar.
“Do you know Rodar?” Soren asked. “He says he knew our mother.”
Jerrick’s eyes traveled over Rodar’s face. He glanced at Soren, raising one eyebrow. It was an action Soren knew well. It meant he wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. He shrugged in response.
“I’ve seen you around, but you never mention you knew our mother,” Jerrick said to Rodar as he crossed the room to stand by his brother.
The older man shuffled his feet. “I thought about it several times. I never saw a good time.”
Jerrick regarded him for a few moments. “I hear you are going to Monclave tomorrow.”
“I lived there for many years as an ambassador for King Arden’s father and until a few years ago for King Arden. I probably have the best chance of getting the Rison army where we need them.”
“And why concern yourself with any of this? You are after all retired,” Jerrick said.
Rodar chuckled. “When in service of the King, I don’t believe you are ever retired. Besides, this approaching army should concern us all. From the sound of it, they don’t plan to leave much standing, especially not us here at the palace.”
“And helping Soren?”
“As I told Soren, your mother’s family and mine go way back. I owe it to your mother.”
“Funny how we haven’t seen or heard of you before.”
“I have been out of the country for many years,” Rodar said. “I only returned two years ago due to my health. The last time I visited your family you were probably six years old. It must have been only a few weeks before your mother gave birth to Adaline. A week later, I was on my way to Monclave.”
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