He brushed the dirt off his knees and shirt and then hoisted the baskets onto his shoulders. He’d look more like a beggar than a suitor when they reached the city.
Andras called and led the group into the forest. Haytham took his previous position behind his new friend. They walked for several hours before coming into a clearing. Six men stood around a fabric pavilion. Huge lizards stood tied along a rope line. One of the men snapped to attention when he saw Andras. He hurried over, concern on his face.
“Captain, you’re back early,” the man with golden eyes and light hair said. His bearing suggested an officer.
“Strike camp. I want to reach the forest end by nightfall. It will be close, but we can manage.”
Haytham swung the baskets off his shoulders and pulled the water bottle from his pack. It was almost empty. He finished the last two swallows. Two of the other men, each one taking a basket, picked them up and headed for the huge lizards. After wrapping them in reddish pink tarps they tied the baskets to saddles on the beasts.
“I don’t suppose there’s someplace to get more water?” Haytham asked. The officer who first addressed Andras stared at him.
“Lieutenant Kesari meet Haytham Luften.” Andras’s face reddened. “He saved my life.”
“Twice,” Haytham added.
The lieutenant’s gaze changed from speculative to respectful. “I will be happy to refill your bottle. We have water bags already filled for the return trip.”
“Thank you,” Haytham said, handing over the empty container. “What is that sweet smell?”
“Ah, you must smell the suchi fruit. Come, I’ll show you.” Andras pulled open the flap to the pavilion. Inside, reddish pink fruit filled baskets to the top. “Kesari, have the men load up the rogne. We need to get going.”
“Let me see to your leg.” Haytham motioned to a simple camp chair inside the tent. “Your limp has increased since the cat attack.”
“Cat attack?” Kesari asked, following them inside.
“One of the Mrigesh attacked as we exited the tunnels. Haytham skewered it. The First Dragon blesses him. He is Destined One to Candace, daughter of Cressida.”
“Ah, the fiery one with Zahrah. How did she come to Hreghen alone and unguarded?” Kesari’s voice sounded disapproving.
Haytham sighed. How many times would he have to say he didn’t abandon his Destined One?
“I didn’t send her.” Haytham knelt next to Andras and whispered a spell under his breath. Light poured from his hands into the injury. “Her brother tried to save her from a Marwolaeth attack by sending her through the portal. I would never have sent her here alone.”
Kesari gasped. “Magic? Are you a dragon?”
Haytham chuckled. “Nope. Air Witch. Our house is gifted with the ability to heal. I am not vastly powerful, or Andras’s wound would be healed already. Still, I can do a little and speed it along. How does it feel now?”
“Better.” Andras stood and flexed his leg. “Any help is welcome, especially now. We still have a long ride ahead of us. You need to change your shirt. I’ll give you one of mine. The rogne detest the smell of the sand crabs. We have to wrap the baskets in tarps soaked with suchi juice.”
“Thanks.” Haytham nodded.
Andras turned to the lieutenant. “Kesari, stop gaping like a youngling and get this fruit loaded up.”
It wasn’t long before their group mounted and was making their way through the jungle. The soft rocking of the rogne was slightly hypnotic and Hay became drowsy. Suddenly a commotion from the back of the caravan had everyone stopping. A snake had fallen from a tree and onto the lap of one of the men. He screamed and fell from his rogne. The men nearest stood back as the snake slowly slithered off.
“What’s wrong with him?” Hay asked. He watched as several men lifted the now still form onto the back of his mount.
“The snake was poisonous,” Kesari said. “He died quickly. There was nothing anyone could do.”
“His dragon master is kind,” Andras said, shaking his head. “The man’s family will be well cared for.”
Andras waited for everyone to remount and then motioned the column forward. Hay sighed. He wouldn’t be dozing in the saddle anymore, not until they were out of Glaw Forest.
That evening Haytham plopped down next to Andras in the small hut. Andras spoke to Kesari about the rest of the journey. Hay wrinkled his nose at the smell of lizard that now permeated his clothing. Sighing, he stretched out and pulled the silver flute from his pocket. He fingered the mark of the gryphon, and then lifted it to his lips.
He ran through the notes available and then let the music take him, playing purely by instinct. His mind filled with peace and healing. With a certainty that everything would be fine and life was good. He felt uplifted, free, and flying above all worry. His body relaxed and became languid.
Hay blinked, his hands lowering the flute to his lap. He didn’t know how long he had been playing, or how much time passed. The music continued to echo in his mind and he felt refreshed. Rapt faces stared at him. Every man squeezed in to hear him play.
“You have a rare gift, my friend.” Andras clapped him on the shoulder. “Back to work, men.”
Haytham smiled and fingered the flute. He’d always loved music, another gift of the Air House. All sound including music was vibration traveling on air. But never had he felt so in tune with an instrument. As if the flute itself connected with his soul and controlled the song.
“I don’t think it was just me, but thank you. The flute is magical.” Haytham placed it in his pocket.
“Your song was magical,” Kesari said. “I feel great, like after a long sleep. I could go on for hours.”
“Good,” Andras said. “You take the first watch then.”
The few men remaining in the hut chuckled and joked about the lieutenant opening his mouth. Kesari chuckled along with them.
“If you need me, I’ll be walking the perimeter.” Kesari left the group and went into the night.
§
By the third day of the journey, Haytham’s music became an expected treat every evening. Hay learned each man’s name and helped with chores, including joining Andras on guard duty.
Today they crested a hill and Hay saw his first farm. Many of the small holdings kept animals in pens, a pig-like creature called a Banweh that Andras’s team carried as jerky, and a herd animal that seemed to be a cross between a cow and a deer called an Eilon. The farther they rode, the more farms came into view. At midday, they rode their large lizards into one of the holdings. A man came from the house, a frown on his face, while a woman peeked from the window.
“What do you want?”
Andras raised his eyebrows at the man’s tone. “To trade, if you are willing. A basket of suchi fruit for two Eilon and two Banweh.” Haytham noticed the gleam of avarice on the farmer’s face.
“What if I don’t want to trade?”
“Well, you can trade with me now and get suchi fruit for your trouble, or you can wait until the king calls for your tithe next week, and I will take the animals anyway.”
“One basket for each animal. Four total.” The farmer crossed his arms over his chest.
Andras and the farmer went back and forth, bartering for a while, finally deciding on two Eilon and one Banweh for two baskets of Suchi fruit.
The farmer’s wife appeared with small cakes and a sweet drink that tasted like honey mead to seal the deal. Because Haytham stood at Andras’s side, he was included in the serving. He smiled at the farmer’s wife in thanks. Everyone shook hands and it was time to leave.
“Tonight, we will feast in Zaltana,” Andras said. They walked to their mounts while the lieutenant tied the animals to one of the rogne. “You will have to meet with Cressida before we can take you into the dining room. Don’t worry, I’ll save you a plate.” Andras pulled banweh jerky from his saddlebags and handed a piece to Haytham.
“I wonder what Candace will think when she sees me.” He chewed on
the dried meat.
“She’ll be thrilled that her Destined One came to claim her. Play your flute for her. Women like things like that.”
Haytham chuckled. “How would you know? You’ve never mentioned a sweetheart.” They both climbed onto their saddles and turned their beasts toward the road.
“No. The lady I would court is from another house. It is forbidden.” Andras shook his head.
“What if she was your Destined One? Didn’t you say the dragons follow the Destined One mandate?” Now that the road widened, they could ride side by side. Haytham kept his beast next to Andras’s rogne.
“Our laws are complicated. Besides, how would I prove such a thing?” Andras asked.
“I could call forth your magic tattoo,” Hay said. “Since your father is the King Dragon, I’m sure you have magic, even if you don’t realize it. When you touch your Destined One, your tattoo will take on color. See how mine has started to fill in?” Haytham held out his wrist for Andras to examine. “It will fill in completely once the ceremony is completed.”
“Yes, I saw Candace’s tattoo as well. Let’s do it. With proof, my father will help me claim Zahrah for my own.”
“I knew it was Zahrah.”
“How?”
“Your tone softens when you say her name.”
Andras nodded. “My heart softens, too.”
Haytham chuckled. “You’ve got it bad. I have one last question before we do the spell. What if Candace’s mother doesn’t like me?”
“Then you’ll be dragon chow, my friend.” Andras chuckled.
“Thanks, that makes me feel so much better.”
§
“Mother, the dragons follow the Destined One mandate, right?” Candace dusted the shelves in her mother’s office.
“If it pleases them to do so.” Cressida looked up from her desk and the production reports for the farms she controlled. Today, she wore a lovely cream colored full length dress with a large beaded gold dragon on the skirt. “Why do you ask?”
“I just wondered.” Candace returned the tome to the shelf. “Tell me about Zahrah. You two seem close.” Candace felt a ping of jealousy, then dismissed it.
“I took Zahrah into my service soon after I returned from Earth. I needed help and she needed protection. It benefited both of us.” Cressida returned her attention to her work.
“Come on, Mom. I think you are fond of her.”
“Yes, I suppose I am. Zahrah has made my life simpler. I appreciate her.”
“What if she found her Destined One?” Candace held her breath.
“Candace,” her mother sighed. “You know I don’t believe in Destined Ones…”
Candace started to interrupt, but her mother stopped her with a hand motion. “That being said, I would want Zahrah to be happy. A happy servant is a better worker, so I’ve found. But sometimes situations aren’t as simple as they seem. The dragons have many laws and some conflict with each other. Do you understand?”
Candace nodded. Did her mother already know about Zahrah and Andras?
§
Haytham sat straighter in his saddle. Today was the day. He would claim his Destined One, if his future mother-in-law didn’t eat him. Hay shook his head. No, he would think positively. Once Cressida knew about him and his desire to claim her daughter, she’d give up on her stupid plan to mate Candace to the king. He needed to make a good impression.
He looked down at his clothes covered in dirt and other gunk from the journey. Too bad he couldn’t shower first. Andras explained that in order to enter the palace, he must be invited by one of the dragons.
The group rode their rogne through a long tunnel and into what Haytham suspected was a caldera. Young boys came over to grab the reins and Haytham slipped from the lizard’s back. He patted the reptile in affection and whispered his thanks for a safe journey.
Andras clapped him on the back. “Good luck with Cressida, my friend. I’ll look for you at dinner.”
“I’m starving already. That last piece of jerky didn’t last long.” Haytham winked. “Not much of a last meal, was it?” He offered his hand to his friend. They both chuckled.
“Don’t worry, after my father hears how you saved me, he’ll want you in his guard. Things will work out.” The two men shook hands.
Two guards Hay’d never seen before escorted him to a room to await Cressida’s arrival.
Chapter Seven
Haytham sat on the cold hard cot in the dungeon and stared dejectedly at the dirt floor. He wanted to scream, rant, and rage, instead he waited. Shaking his head, he still didn’t know what he did wrong. He rested his head in his hands.
He’d tried to be respectful, stating his claim, assuring Cressida that he would do his best to make Candace happy. Her mother had listened right up to the point where he said it was against the law to keep Destined Ones apart.
Cressida flew into a rage, smoke actually came out of her nostrils. Haytham wasn’t sure if she wanted to roast him or intimidate him. He shuddered, remembering the woman’s fury.
“What do you know about our laws?” the beautiful woman roared.
The rest was kind of a blur. Guards ran in and grabbed his arms. Cressida continued shouting. Something about Destined One law not being enough here in Hreghen. Then she’d ordered the men to lock him up. Here in the dungeon. What the hell was he supposed to do now?
He could escape, but how would he get to Candace and then to the portal? Would Candace even want to come with him? She didn’t know him much at all. Sure, there was an attraction and the pull of Destined Ones, but Hay wasn’t sure it would be enough if they had to make a run for it.
He sighed. Calling on his magic, he pulled air into a ball above his hand. Then he blew on it, visualizing the molecules getting tighter and tighter. Ice crystals began to form and the ball turned white. The temperature in the cell started to drop. He could try and freeze the iron lock and break it open.
The door at the end of the hall of cells opened, the hinges squeaking loudly. Haytham released the ball of air with a shake of his hand and walked to the cell door. Andras carried a covered food tray, the smells making Hay’s mouth water.
“It’s cold down here. I’ll get you a blanket. I spoke to my father.” Andras slid a food tray through a narrow crevice near the bottom of the cell door. “He promised to help you claim your Destined One. He asks that you be patient. I’ll keep bringing you food and make sure you’re as comfortable as I can, but that’s the best I can do.”
Haytham knelt to take the tray. A hefty portion of a tasty smelling meat stew sat in the center bowl with two pieces of bread on the sides. A small dish held pieces of suchi fruit for dessert. His stomach rumbled. Hay picked up the tray and walked back to the bed with it. A metal spoon was the only utensil. He sighed.
“How long?” he asked, sitting to eat. “What’s going on? Does Candace even know I’m here?”
“No, and I think it would only make things more difficult if she found out. I don’t think you’ll have to wait more than three or four more days.”
“Three or four days? Andras, I’m in the dungeon!”
“I know. I’m sorry. There are political issues involved. Laws put in place before the Destined One mandate. My father is trying to work them out. Not just for your benefit, but mine and his, as well.”
“Wait.” Haytham paused with a spoonful of stew halfway to his mouth. “Your father has a Destined One?” Andras nodded.
“Cressida is my father’s mate and Destined One, instead of going through with the mating, she ran away to Earth. She thought my father only wanted her to beget an heir.”
“That’s how Aiden and Candace came about?” Hay shook his head. Things kept getting more and more complicated.
“Yes, but my father loves Cressida and wants to go through with the mating. When she returned, he waited for her to come to him. She didn’t. There is a law that states that the king must marry a virgin. Cressida had two children with her human husband.”
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“So, everyone knew she wasn’t a virgin. Why doesn’t your father change the laws?”
“It’s hard to convince dragons to do anything, let alone agree to changing a law that has become a long-standing tradition. But there is also another tradition that trumps the virgin bride law. My father is going to convince Cressida to mate with him as a dragon. A mating flight, witnessed by the people is the oldest tradition of dragons.”
“What if she says no?” Hay felt his heart plummet. Cressida didn’t seem especially keen on Destined Ones. What would she think about the king’s suggestion?
“Don’t worry, there’s a reason my father is the King of Dragons. He’ll have more than one plan in play.”
§
Candace slipped into her mother’s apartments. Hearing voices, she wondered who visited.
“Cressida, come fly with me,” a deep male voice said. Candace shivered as the voice caressed her senses. Whoever was here, his voice dripped sexuality.
Zahrah hurried over and motioned Candace into a small sitting room next to the entrance. Once inside, Zahrah stood near the door peeking out and wringing her hands. Candace sunk onto one of the large cushions littering the floor.
“What’s going on?” Candace asked.
“Shh,” Zahrah whispered waving her hands in agitation. They both listened to her mother and the guest.
“That would be inappropriate don’t you think, Your Majesty? Especially since you’ve called for a Virgin Dance.” Her mother sounded angry. Candace cringed. Did her mother chastise the king?
Fiery Magic Page 8
