by Bianca D’Arc
There were just a few dragons gathered in the massive space below. Livia tried to identify them based on the descriptions she’d heard and those she’d already met. The new leadership was there—a pretty peach female and a striking bronze male. Then, there was Lord Skelaroth, of course. And a few others she didn’t know and couldn’t guess at. They looked older, though.
Genlitha landed, and Gowan helped Livia down from her back. There were only three other humans besides her small party—the knight leaders and their mate. They occupied one side of the bottom row of the amphitheatre. Skelaroth sat in the center, and Genlitha had set down on the opposite side so that they all surrounded the sea dragon Lord.
Skelaroth turned to watch them land and then settle into their places. He waited until everyone was still before speaking to all present.
“The reason for my visit here is twofold. First, I wished to see this place and judge for myself how my brethren dragons live in this land. Diplomatic relations are now open between us, and I hope for further progress on that in the coming years. But, more importantly, I bring news that is of special interest to you, my friends first met on Gryphon Isle.” Skelaroth looked at all five of them, one at a time. “The pirate Fisk’s ship has been sighted near land. It has not docked, but it has set anchor in a position from which it can launch smaller craft to a nearby coastal city. Much traffic back and forth from the ship to the shore has been observed, though we cannot know from beneath the waves what goes on or who is in the smaller vessels.”
“Perhaps he’s trying to smuggle the book ashore. If they’re trying to get the book to the Citadel, the quickest route is over land,” Gowan said, frowning.
“The quickest route is by air,” Genlitha reminded her knight. “But, Goddess be praised, it seems Fisk doesn’t have any winged compatriots.”
“It won’t be easy for him to get the book across Draconia,” Drake said. “Why not go through Skithdron?”
“Time,” Livia put in, knowing she was right, but not entirely sure why. Could this be why she’d been dreaming about traveling across Draconia lately? She’d thought maybe those dreams were just fanciful wishing to see new places, but in light of this news, it felt different now. “There is a time component to his plans. Some event he needs to have the book in place to meet. Perhaps a celestial event. I keep dreaming of the moon. The full moon in an icy part of the world.”
“Some magic is heightened at the full moon,” Genlitha offered. “And going the length of Draconia is the shortest route to the Citadel from any point on the Southern shores.”
Livia realized that the dragons all seemed to know exactly where the Citadel was located, while all the humans had were vague references to ice and snow. She thought that interesting. Apparently, the dragons didn’t tell everything to their knights.
“If I may,” Seth stepped forward hesitantly, “which city are we talking about, Lord Skelaroth? In which direction does it lie?”
“To the west, my friend,” Skelaroth answered at once. “You understand, we do not know what you two-legged folk call it, though this situation points out that it would behoove us to learn the names of your coastal communities so we can discuss them more efficiently.” He looked back at the leadership, all of whom were nodding. “I can tell you that west of here are two small towns with about a half-dozen fishing boats each. Then, there is a rocky promontory and a hidden cove where humans do not go on foot, only by boat. And not humans of good intent. Much human blood has been spilled into the water there over the years.” Skelaroth shook his head as if in disapproval. “The boat is anchored in that deadly cove and the boats that go out from it head for the large city just beyond. It is a place as large as the city that lies below this Lair. Perhaps even a bit larger, with more trade ships and fishing boats.”
“Ouray,” Livia breathed. “You must mean Ouray, milord. We have a large trading post there and several warehouses.”
“And because of this, you have contacts in the city?” Drake asked her.
Livia nodded. “Yes, of course. I’ve even visited our operation there several times over the course of the past few years to check on special projects. We built a warehouse near the docks last year. And we also built our own docking facilities just for our ships. There’s even a small boathouse like the one below my house here that Sir Hrardorr has made use of several times. If he wishes, he—or any of the sea dragons—would be welcome to use my family’s boathouse in Ouray. I’ll just send word ahead to empty the slip and leave it empty for the time being.”
“That would be most welcome, Mistress O’Dare,” Drake replied, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment. “If I may be so bold, though, if you are comfortable with traveling to Ouray, we could probably use your help on the ground there.” She was surprised by his words.
“Of course. I’m happy to help,” she told him, glad to see the new leadership wasn’t marginalizing her possible contributions. On the contrary, they seemed to actively want her assistance. My, how times had changed.
“We’ve talked this over briefly, and we would like to ask you all to go after Fisk and the book. Sir Hrardorr would be of great help scouting below the water, of course, while Lady Genlitha and Sir Gowan can scout by day from above. Mistress O’Dare can interface with her people and provide logistical support to ours, and Seth…” Drake turned his attention to Seth, who had been standing quietly beside Hrardorr, watching events. “I believe you could be of significant help by contacting one of my friends among the local healers. In fact, I think you could function very well as the primary contact on the ground for your group. You can go where the others can’t. You can also communicate your findings silently, which is a handy skill in such situations. If you’re willing, I want you to follow the trail on the ground into every tavern and hellhole, until you find news of Fisk and the book.”
Drake’s tone became more impassioned as he went on, and Livia was affected by it. His words drew her in, and she felt her emotions stirred by them. She realized then that Drake of the Five Lands, famous bard, had a gift for oratory as well as music. She also began to realize he was, no doubt, like many of the fey bards, a spy of some considerable skill. He might even be one of those rare powers known as a spymaster. That would explain a lot.
And, if Seth took on this task—if they all took on these tasks—for Sir Drake, would they then all become part of his spy network? Might they be called upon in future for information or even field work? Rather than making her fearful, Livia felt a little thrill down her spine at the idea. She wanted to help and she, more than anyone, knew how extensive the O’Dare holdings were—in both locations and people. She had her own little web of information-gatherers that reported to her about business opportunities and events in other lands where her father’s ships traded. Maybe she was a spymaster of sorts herself, she thought with an inward giggle. This was getting exciting, and she began to see lots of possibilities for her to help her friends, her people and her land.
“Yes, sir,” Seth replied immediately. “I would welcome the opportunity to assist in any way I can. And besides, where Hrardorr goes, I go, until the spell that allows him to see through my eyes fails.”
Drake nodded, as did his fighting partner, Mace, but it was Lady Krysta who spoke. “You are a true son of Draconia, Master Seth.” She seemed to hesitate before she went on. “I want you to know that there will always be a place for you in the Lair.” Her mates looked at her in surprise as she went on, seeming to pick her words with delicacy. “It hasn’t escaped my notice that the addition of two new apprentice healers here may have displaced you a bit. At the very least, it has upset your usual routine, and for that, I’m sorry.”
“Lady…” Seth seemed very uncomfortable with the turn of topic and all the attention focused on him. “Bronwyn has needed more and better help than I could provide for years now. I’m just glad she’s finally getting it.”
Krysta smiled kindly. “Again, you prove your selfless heart, Master Seth. I have been talking t
o people here since my arrival and learning the ways of this Lair. Everyone I’ve talked to has a very high opinion of you—humans and dragons alike. I just wanted you to know that your future here is secure, if you wish it to be. You have not, and will not, be forgotten in the reshuffling.”
Seth gave in and simply bowed his head respectfully. Perhaps he thought acquiescence would end this line of conversation sooner.
“Thank you, milady. I am honored,” he said, looking to Livia as if he wished the topic had never been raised.
“Yes, well then.” Drake took the lead once more. “I ask that you begin gathering provisions for your journey. I’ll be writing instructions and letters of introduction for you, and you must have them before you depart. Sir Mace and Lady Krysta will see to arming you. I know you men have swords, but there are other, less obvious, weapons they can help you with. Mace will see to you men, and Krysta will take Lady Livia in hand.” Drake sent his mate a cunning smile along with those words. “Let’s plan to meet for lunch in our private chambers. That ought to give you enough time to gather what you need. I suggest the dragons talk at length with Lord Skelaroth and get whatever additional information may be found from his people’s reports.” Drake gathered his things in preparation for ending the meeting. “Once again, thank you, milord. With your reconnaissance and willingness to share information, we may yet be able to stop Fisk and the book from going any farther.”
Lord Skelaroth bowed his head in acknowledgment, but said nothing. It was clear the meeting was wrapping up and everyone was heading for their dragon friends to get a lift down to the main part of the Lair. But Livia had something else to say.
“Sir Drake.” Livia stepped forward, daring greatly. “While we are away, I think perhaps you should make the acquaintance of Mr. Stuart. He’s the business manager for my father’s holdings in my absence and can be trusted.” She saw hesitancy and skepticism in Drake’s eyes, so she went a bit further. “If it helps, he is also Sir Leo’s father.” Perhaps the connection to the Lair would help Drake trust Mr. Stuart a bit more easily than otherwise.
“Is he, indeed?” Drake looked intrigued. “I’ve not yet had time to establish firm contacts in Dragonscove.”
“Like you, the Stuart family is newly arrived. They moved here to be closer to Leo and Xander, though I guess that plan is foiled now that they have mated and moved to Gryphon Isle. Still, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and their brood of children now live along the shore, just west of the harbor. In fact, the attack yesterday was on their dock. You should probably pay them a visit. Mr. Stuart has all kinds of connections and information about trade beyond Dragonscove and into other lands where our ships trade.”
“Yes, he could be a very valuable resource, milady. I thank you for suggesting it,” Drake said quietly.
Livia smiled, glad she’d spoken up. If Drake was a spymaster, as she suspected, Stuart’s information could only help Draconia in Drake’s hands. She trusted the knights of the realm implicitly. And the fact that Drake and his family had been sent here by the crown held a lot of weight with her.
*
Seeing through Seth’s eyes was a marvel Hrardorr could not take for granted, but he knew Seth had a few things he had to do on his own in the short time allotted to them between being given their new mission and the lunch at which they would receive their final instructions. Hrardorr had a few things he wanted to do too—away from human eyes.
He’d gotten so used to being on his own most of the time since Theo’s untimely death, that he found it hard to have Seth around. Not on Seth’s account, but more because his presence reminded Hrardorr of what he had lost with young Theo. In the normal course of business, they would have enjoyed several centuries together, sharing experiences, good times and bad. Only, Theo had never really gotten the chance. He’d died much too young, and Hrardorr still felt the loss keenly.
So Hrardorr asked Seth to see him to the feeding grounds, where he could eat a meal in peace among the few other dragons who were hungry or preparing for duty later in the day. It wouldn’t do to feed right before needing to fly. He could do it, of course, but it would make him uncomfortable. Better to eat now and give his body a chance to begin digesting before they took off later today.
Also better to eat now because he was unsure what the provisions would be like where they were going. He might not get a chance to eat again for several days, so it was best to prepare. Dragons could go weeks between large meals if they had to, but since livestock were kept in abundance for the Lair, there was no reason to go without while he was here. And it had been a while since Hrardorr had eaten a steak.
He’d been contenting himself with hunting fresh fish for the most part, even while on Gryphon Isle. The sea dragons had shown him some particularly tasty crustaceans that crawled along the seafloor. He’d never had those before and found them quite tasty. Crunchy, too, which appealed to his wild nature.
Seth accompanied Hrardorr while he stalked and caught a cow up on top of a plateau set aside for such creatures. Each of the small herd eaten by a Lair dragon earned the herdsman who owned it a handsome recompense, so the farm folk from miles around liked bringing stock to replenish the herd as often as they could. Such a system benefitted both farmer and Lair, because the crown paid handsomely to support the fighting dragons and their knights.
Seeing through Seth’s eyes, Hrardorr felt the unmistakable thrill of the hunt as he hadn’t in a long time…on land. In the water, he could hunt in a new way, without using his eyes, but it wasn’t quite the same. It wasn’t what he remembered from the earlier part of his life. It wasn’t like this. Chasing down the beast he’d selected from above and then moving in for a swift, silent kill. His wilder nature reveled in such things, which he knew most humans didn’t understand. He was a dragon, after all—a creature of death and destruction who chose to live civilly with humans because he also had a mind that was capable of reasoned thought.
Seth didn’t seem to be disturbed by the hunt, though, for which Hrardorr was glad. He would remember this hunt when the spell ended and cherish each memory.
Hrardorr brought his kill to a cleared area near where the herdsmen made the climb to the high meadow. There was only the one route to the top, and a gate barred any of the herd from leaving that way. Once they were up on the plateau, they were there until a dragon ate them.
Lucky for Hrardorr, there was a group of herders just finishing up delivering new stock. They had horses too. Hrardorr saw his chance to get a few minutes alone…if Seth was agreeable.
“Thank you for letting me hunt, Seth,” Hrardorr began. “But you don’t need to stay. I know you probably have things you’d like to do before we depart once more. Why don’t you ride back down to the Lair on one of those horses, and I’ll meet you back there later, after I’ve eaten.”
Hrardorr watched through Seth’s eyes as he looked from Hrardorr to the horses and men by the gate and back again. He could almost feel Seth’s indecision.
“Are you sure?” Seth seemed torn between whatever it was he had to do to prepare for the journey and being Hrardorr’s eyes. It was good of him, but the dragon wanted some time alone just now.
“I’m certain. I can eat without having to see the carcass, though your assistance was much appreciated for the hunt. You are not as faint of heart as many humans, Seth. I doubt even poor Theo would have accompanied me on a hunt without so much as jest or hint of revulsion.”
“I was raised by dragons, Hrardorr,” Seth said, laughing. “I’ve seen your kind eat many times. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”
Hrardorr nodded. That must be the difference. Seth was used to dragons and their ways. Theo hadn’t been Lair-bred. Hrardorr had still been teaching the lad about how dragons lived and behaved when he’d been killed.
For the first time, Hrardorr realized he was thinking about Theo without the soul-deep pain in his heart. He could reflect on the short life of the young man with sorrow, but not debilitating pain. That had to be progress,
didn’t it? Hrardorr wasn’t sure what it meant, exactly, but he was glad to be free of the pain thinking about Theo had brought him in the recent past. It was a relief, really.
“Well, if you don’t really need me, then I should check in with my family before I leave again. I’ll head back down to the Lair and meet up with you there later, all right?” Seth said, walking backward toward where the herdsmen milled with their horses. “Just call for me when you need me, and I’ll come as soon as I can.”
“Perfect. Thank you, Seth.”
Even as he left, Seth kept his gaze on Hrardorr so he was able to see himself and how his kill was arranged before Seth left the plateau. Once Seth’s vision was of the trail downward, Hrardorr closed his eyes, blocking the magical vision. He would keep them closed until Seth returned. Seeing what Seth was doing was a bit disorienting when Hrardorr was elsewhere.
He was back to sightless, but he wasn’t senseless. He felt the change in air currents when another dragon flew close above. Perhaps it was another hungry fellow out for a quick hunt and meal? Hrardorr thought little of it and began eating.
He was about halfway through his meal when he felt another presence come up beside him. Too small for a dragon, even a young one. Human, then. Hrardorr sniffed and recognized the scent of family.
Cole.
“You know, that young man would make a good knight.” As usual, Cole didn’t beat around the bush when it came to speaking his mind. Hrardorr had always respected that about his young human sibling.
“You know as well as any why I refuse to take another knight,” Hrardorr answered, still concentrating on his meal, his eyes closed but his senses sharp. He hadn’t grown up with Cole, but he’d been around the man enough to know he meant well and felt some affection for Hrardorr.
“Speaking as a human who has loved and lost, I can tell you that Theo would not want you to continue to be this unhappy. He would want you to find another to partner, another to share part of your very long life with. It’s clear to those who can see you with Seth that you two have already formed some kind of bond. It wouldn’t take much to bring that bond into full fruition. All you’d have to do is speak the words of claim. Seth is already yours in his heart. I can tell just by seeing how he is with you. He loves you like the brother to his soul. He would die for you.”
