Legend of the Iron Flower Box Set (Books 1-4)

by Billy Wong

"Yes. You think we should tell Finn the truth, now?"

  A brief silence passed between them before Rose answered. "No."

  Derrick didn't fight her on it. "Fine. If you're not ready, you're not ready."

  "Maybe I should put more effort into studying magic. It could be that the key to freeing Finn from his draconic form will be of our own making, and not found in the ruins of the past. What do you say, you want to help me?"

  He thought it might distract him from the unbearable pain that had crippled him in recent days. "All right, Rose. He's my friend too, and I know how miserable he is being a big lizard. So hopefully our differing attitudes towards magic can balance each other out, and let us make progress but safely."

  "I'm looking forward more to getting home now," Rose said with a smile.

  They made their way into Hullel in at least better moods than when they'd dismounted Finn, and Derrick dropped Rose off at her mother's house before making his way to the hospital. Now that he felt a little less miserable, his fears of facing guilt actually grew, and he dropped the magic amulet off at the front desk without daring to meet Charles or find out if the boy would suffer lasting harm. Then he went to check on his friend in her reunion with her mother.

  Sneaking a peek through the window, Derrick saw Rose crying in her mom's arms, and thinking it wasn't a good time to intrude decided he'd best seek Finn's company instead. The dragon should be happy to hear a new idea about how to return him to human form, and might have some insight to contribute. Allowing Rose time to take comfort from being with her mother, he left Hullel.

  Upon reaching Finn, Derrick smiled for the first time in weeks. "Rose and I were talking, and we considered that maybe we could figure out how to change you back with the magic we have access to, rather than continuing to go out searching for a way to do so. You think it could work?"

  We're not exactly advanced in the study of magic. Considering we've never heard of the ancients doing it, I suspect it would be a difficult task even if we were. Besides, I already tried to change back using magic and all that happened is I can't cast spells anymore.

  The failure of Finn's previous attempt was discouraging especially given he had been the best mage among them. But Derrick argued, "I don't think many of the ancients would have tried to find a way to reverse the transformation. After all, back then it was considered an honor to become a dragon, not a curse as it is for you. The man-dragon did find a way to halt its transformation, though not reverse it, but that wasn't what it wanted in the first place. And while you can't cast spells, you can still help us learn. How about we study the man-dragon's research and start from there?"

  That sounds reasonable. You know what would be perfect? If the energies that give me my draconic form could be used to restore my spellcasting ability. Now that would be a good trade. Pausing, he sighed. It'll never happen, though. It'd be too perfect a solution for real life.

  It probably was, but Derrick shook his head. "You never know. It's not unacceptable to hope for the best."

  As long as you're prepared for the worst, right? Finn mused. They laughed at the old cliche, and chatted while they waited for Rose. Though the ache of grief kept Derrick from being as happy as he might have been, anger towards his friends seemed distant now, and he at least tried to look forward to better days in the distance.

  #

  Lise's mouth was set in a tight grimace at the extensive new scars on her daughter's body, which she'd insisted on seeing despite Rose's assurances that they were "nothing." Now she shuddered as she realized that just about anyone else could have easily succumbed to a fraction of the injuries Rose had taken.

  "It was just a ballista bolt and a bunch of other wimpy missiles," Rose assured her with a chuckle. "And some long nails on one of the monsters. I'm fine. I just wish... I'd been smarter."

  Lise knew the look she gave her daughter was less supportive than she'd have liked, but she couldn't help her terror after hearing Rose's account of the past few weeks, and seeing its gruesome aftermath on her body. "Rose, it's heartbreaking your friend died, but you also have to think of yourself. It could've been you, and I couldn't stand that. Why do you have to keep going on and on living such a dangerous life? You've borne more than enough hurt for anyone." She often tried to convince Rose to quit her warrior ways, and though it never worked, Lise hoped desperately that the trauma she had just been through would discourage her.

  She was both pleased and surprised to hear Rose's response. "I probably won't fight as much anymore, actually. I've got other things I need to do. Mom, I do wish I could've been a better daughter for you. I'm sorry." Lise didn't completely believe she wouldn't forego other responsibilities to join a battle she believed in, but still, anything that might help keep her only daughter safe was better than nothing.

  "You're a fine daughter, and I'm proud of all you've achieved. But I do miss you, so why don't you stay here for a while? It's rather lonely here, now that your dad's gone."

  Rose looked conflicted for a moment, then smiled. "Sure, why not? I'll just tell the others to go on ahead. Other things can wait, Mom; I missed you too. It'll be nice to spend some time in my hometown again after all these months."

  Overjoyed, Lise kissed her daughter's cheek, and with a happy tear in her eye said, "It's finally time for me to teach you how to be a girl again."

  Laughing, Rose kissed her back before demanding cheerfully, "What?! Are you saying I'm like a man?" Lise couldn't help but be shocked and momentarily outraged at her crudeness when she slapped her breasts. "These are all woman, if a bit beat up!"

  Though she disapproved, she couldn't hold any anger at her precious little girl for long, and laughed herself. "Ha! I'll show you how real women act, you ape!"

  Rose shrugged. "Real women act the way that feels right to them," she countered casually before walking away to see her friends off.

  Lise meant to make her daughter think on her parting words. "Maybe, but that's not how you'll find yourself a new man!"

  #

  Rose's trip back to Finn's waiting place was troubled by her mother's words. She'd tried to outright dismiss the notion of abandoning Finn, but as she walked she grew afraid again she would never see him return to human form. What then? Would she give up human love for the rest of her life—a long time provided she didn't get killed in battle or succumb to her massive accumulated damage—or try and find a new man?

  What her mom hadn't known was that if she did seek new love, she had Brandon waiting for her in Resnick. She rather liked the count in spite of herself, and if Finn was—heaven forbid—dead, she might well be tempted to give him a chance. Already she'd allowed him to take her in a bodily sense, but not invested much of the expected emotions into it—she had been too distraught to take any real pleasure, but only used the physical sensations to distract her from her anguish. Still, she recognized him to be a good lover, who would've satisfied her in a better time. She loved Finn dearly and always would, but when was it time to give up on an impossible dream? For both their sake, though, she forced herself to believe that time had not yet come. Besides, it wasn't in her to give up before trying everything there was to be tried. She just hoped her mom wouldn't work too hard to change her mind, even without knowing all the details.

  Thinking this, Rose hesitated briefly when Finn and Derrick came into view. "My mother's feeling lonely, and wants me to stay for a while. You go on without me, all right? I'll be back soon, and help you find your cure."

  Sure, it's no problem. Me and Derrick will just get started beforehand. With a laugh, Finn added, Looks like this time, we men are the ones doing the hard work while you relax. Enjoy it, Rose. I'm glad to see you finally take a break.

  "I think we should go to Gustrone and pick up my kids first," she suddenly decided. "I think my mom will be happy to see her grandchildren, and I miss them too. I've got to stop neglecting my motherly duties, like I have been."

  The men didn't disagree, and Finn dropped Rose and Derrick at the center w
here she picked up her twin infants. When she returned and she and Finn were alone, he said, I could have saved her, you know.

  Rose blinked. "What?"

  Julie, I mean. I didn't want to mention it in front of Derrick, but... I can't cast spells on my own anymore, but I think maybe if I'd taught you how to draw the magic back out of Thorn, I could have used it to save her.

  She felt a lump in her throat, and sobbed. But she couldn't blame him. "You didn't know what was going to happen. No one could have. We all thought Derrick would make it back safely, but..."

  I'm glad you're not upset with me. I should teach you to withdraw the magic from your sword, though. It's a simple spell—you might not be able to do much with it, but if you gave it to me, it could save us from another tragedy.

  "Teach me, then," Rose said firmly. "I'll gladly lose the enchantment from my blade, over another friend."

  So he did, and she came back to her mother's house a day late. She giggled bashfully as Lise stared at her nursing her children from her torn up breast, which she had been glad to find could still feed her babes.

  #

  Derrick imagined Rose must be enjoying her stay at her childhood home, and envied her for her happiness. Upon returning to the Center for Magical Study, his depression had returned in full force, when he'd gone to his room and laid eyes upon Julie's things. Things she'd never use again, and whose silent reminder had driven a fresh spike of grief into his tortured heart. He'd heaped some blame onto his friends for Julie's death, but really, his failure to protect her had been the worst of all.

  He was the one closest to her and most concerned for her safety, yet had not been able to do anything to protect her at all, too weak to even stand with her in battle when she took her initial wound and only watching with bewildered eyes when she later collapsed. And then he'd failed her again, unable to complete the simple task of bringing back the item which would have saved her life. He didn't know how he could cope with being here again, where everything around reminded him of the happy times with Julie now over forever. He might have been better equipped to bear the pain with his best friends at his side, who'd always managed to cheer him up in the darkest of times. But Rose was with her mother, healing her own shredded heart, and Finn hid in his cave, unwilling anymore to draw the attention of humans after his earlier violent encounter with a patrol of soldiers.

  Left alone to ponder his loss, Derrick could only feed his own misery, allowing it to consume him bit by bit as he tried to carry on his normal life. He could see the scholars under him too noticed his foul demeanor, as he grew easily frustrated when one of them would have trouble with the work or ask what he thought a silly question. He'd snap then at the unfortunate person, yelling at them to smarten up or fall behind. He didn't provide the considerate guidance he had before, and was soon approached by Kenneth, one of the most talented students of magic here since the opening of the center.

  Now the young man walked up to Derrick and asked, "Do you need a break, Professor? It looks like it. I'd be happy to take over instruction of the new folks for you while you rest and sort things out."

  Kenneth was indeed good, and might do adequately in teaching his less advanced colleagues. But Derrick didn't think a vacation would do him much good, but only give him extra time to brood and grow more despondent. Besides, Kenneth wasn't greatly more advanced than everyone else, and Derrick hesitated to put him on too much of a pedestal. "I'm fine, I don't need a break."

  "How about I just help you out, and tutor the people who are not doing as well?"

  He didn't know if Kenneth did this out of good will, or simply wanted to curry favor with him or the others. Either way, he knew the staff would be more content if they could again get the kind of personal guidance he'd once given himself, but asked, "If you wanted, couldn't you just tutor those who want it without asking me?"

  "I thought it would be better to get your approval. Besides, I'd likely get more interest with your endorsement."

  Derrick could appreciate his cunning. "All right, you'll be my official tutor. Thanks, Kenneth."

  He announced the next day that those who having trouble could turn to Kenneth for aid, but wondered if the young man knew what he was getting into, if he understood how much time he would have to devote. A few days later, he found out Kenneth was charging a fee for his services. So much for generosity. At least this got those scholars he particularly dreaded talking to off Derrick's back. He didn't need to be helping some enthusiastic young girl one on one, and being reminded of his love so painfully lost.

  #

  Brandon dreamed of Rose. He'd finally tasted her, before she left for the arms of her undeserving husband, and confirmed she was the one woman who would suit his side more than any other. She was so caring and selfless, and the strongest as well—the one to protect him like he would her, hold each other safe in one another's embrace from the evils of the world. He'd always had to be strong himself, but wanted to share his strength with one his match, and always dreamed of meeting a warrior goddess like Rose. A woman head and shoulders above most men in strength and valor, yet as beautiful—scars be damned—and gentle as he'd ever want in a female. Now that he had found his perfect soulmate, he wouldn't give her up without a fight, not to that worthless man inconsiderate of her needs she called a husband.

  This Finn was, to be sure, a man incapable of appreciating what he had. The famed "first mage of the era" hadn't even shown up to help his wife in the most dangerous of battles, where she'd been wounded nearly unto death. Not only that, but he had left her to despair alone in the aftermath of a friend's death until Brandon acted in his stead to dampen her grief. What did Rose say, that Finn had been forced to go afar in the pursuit of magic? It seemed unacceptable that he'd value such work of dubious worth over his courageous wife, deserving of his constant love and support. Well, if Finn wouldn't give Rose her due, it was up to Brandon to save her from his neglect and her own stubborn sense of commitment, her greatest and perhaps only flaw.

  He'd visit her soon, and since he wagered Finn would not be there to oppose him, he thought it would be an easy thing to turn the passion they'd shared into a bond which would last and free her from the dead weight she tied herself to in defiance of all sense. He wondered if she would be willing to join him in governing Resnick; but if not, it hardly mattered. His status as a count hardly defined him, and he'd readily live where she wanted to for the sake of making her happy. He could abandon his position without much regret, knowing there were in fact people better qualified. He knew himself only a serviceable ruler, easily distracted by affairs more important to him than governing. Ashleigh for one would likely do a better job than he, were she to take his place.

  For a moment, he recalled memories of the good times he'd had with the soldier, but brushed them aside; she was kind and strong, but what drove them apart had been her overwrought humility. She'd always acted like he was too good for her, being of noble blood, and he hated that his woman would view herself as below him. What he wanted was somebody who could truly call herself his peer, not one who prided herself on her male partner more than her own merits. Brandon knew Rose would never think a man superior to her on the basis of birth—the woman who'd fought and beaten kings and princes could hardly doubt herself over her peasant origin. He left his manor happy, looking forward to finding his better half.

  #

  Lying bored in his mountainside cave, Finn picked at his lunch of a moose and wondered how his friends were doing. Life was dull, as usual for his draconic existence, and he looked forward to Rose's next visit, though he didn't know when that would be, his love staying with her mom for the time being. Picturing her sweet round face, lovely pink lips, bright blue eyes, and luscious waves of black tresses, he smiled. It couldn't come too soon, even if it was tomorrow!

  Chapter 8

  As Rose was away from her residence at the center, it was melancholy Derrick who received the warrior's mail. He hesitated to read it more than Julie had, b
ut thinking his friend wouldn't much mind, finally gave in to his curiosity and opened the latest letter from Rose's one-armed friend Loreen. What he read cut through his heavy mood to ring alarm bells in his mind.

  Apparently, whole small villages were being wiped out in northern Coblan, and rumor spoke of evidence left amid the destruction of titanic monsters. The phenomena had gone on for months, but been largely ignored by the nation's ruler, Rose's longtime enemy who Loreen reluctantly worked for again. Prince Wilner was much more concerned with the "civilized" southern half of his country from which he'd come than the northern regions he had added to his territory. Derrick remembered the fagres, and wondered if the events in Coblan were of the same nature. But the reports of ogre or fagre attacks had diminished drastically following the sealing of the Resnick portals, and the creatures also seemed not to have the discipline to destroy whole towns in such a way as to prevent any escapees. But they had appeared to grow smarter after each battle, and he supposed they could be the cause. He resent the letter to Rose.

  #

  The bathing Rose heard a knock on the door and scrambled to dry and dress herself, her mother out buying food. Throwing on the dress Lise had provided—her regular clothes were in the wash—she opened the door, and immediately jumped back while a curved sword cut through the air before her. The cloaked wielder barged in after her, and three more hooded figures followed. What audacity, attacking here! Rose just felt glad they'd come when her mother wasn't home as she dodged a thrust and caught the first enemy by his wrist. She disarmed him with a twist that broke his arm, then threw him into another intruder and powerfully kicked a third to send him flying against a wall. She heard planks crack, but had no time to think about the damage to the house as a bolt flew through the fourth attacker's cloak and directly at her chest.

  He'd shot with the crossbow hidden behind his garment, giving her no chance to anticipate the missile's path. But Rose caught it anyway, temporarily freezing him with shock. She spotted glistening poison on the head. Shaking off his paralysis, he drew a sword and charged. Rose dodged his slash, plunged the crossbow bolt into his neck. He fell aside, and she snatched up the two dropped swords to throw them into the chests of the second and third person who had invaded her mom's home. The first man, who sat cradling his broken arm, screamed, "Sis! Nooo!" and ran to the dying third attacker. Rose realized that one had been a woman, her brother pulling back her hood to reveal her pretty, anguish-wracked face. With a pair of final coughing breaths as she grabbed at the hilt protruding from her chest, she fell limp.