Unquiet Slumber

by Paulette Miller

  Seth rolled his eyes but then pondered for a minute. He said seriously, “Is it true that human females can’t conceive from a Draak? Are we sure that we can only have children with a full-blooded Draak?”

  Marcus, ever the historian, responded. “In my 221 years I’ve never known of a conception between a Draak and a human. Even if a human woman by some miracle did conceive, she could never carry to term. Both she and the unborn child would most likely die because their bodies are too frail to carry the strength of a dragon. I’ve seen enough children die in battle. I don’t need to see that in the bedchamber.” He shivered at the thought.

  Everyone went somber and remained silent for a few minutes.

  Marcus gestured at Nathaniel, saying, “No matter what ‘lover boy’ over there says, don’t try to bed a human. Unless you’re a seasoned Draak that has gained exceptional control over his body, you could take a human to your bed at night and find her dead in the morning. You’re very young and would most likely be overwhelmed by the experience and shift into a full dragon at a very inopportune moment. Imagine the results.”

  Both Seth and Nathaniel winced and nodded. Given the look on their faces, Marcus knew they had the proper picture in their minds.

  Marcus shifted in his seat and said, “Enough talk of finding women. Our quest is to find a Draak warrior. We’ve been chosen for this journey and I won’t fail, so let’s get moving. The sun has crossed the midpoint, and I’d like a decent meal followed by a good night’s sleep. Come, my young tracker. What does the map say about this area?”

  Seth pulled out the map he had acquired in the last village. “Based on the map, twenty miles due East we should reach a thick woods called Hartwood Forest. It has a clearing with some rock cliffs that could provide us a protected place to stop for the night. The forest hugs the edge of a human village called Trille.”

  Gabriel tapped the bow hooked to his saddle. “Good. I could do some hunting and get us some meat to eat.”

  “And maybe we’ll just ‘happen’ to come across a stranded woman that could use my ‘rescuing’.” Nathaniel waggled his eyebrows.

  Everyone rolled their eyes. Gabriel laughed and moved his horse closer to Nathaniel’s, saying “Only in your dreams!” He swatted Nathaniel’s horse so it jumped into a trot. Marcus and Seth followed, leaving Gabriel in his normal guard position behind them.

  Marcus kept them moving at a brisk pace so that they would reach the clearing before nightfall. Other than Nathaniel, the rest of the group stayed quiet, remembering Gabriel’s daily advice that their enemies were always watching. The prospect of a night spent out of the saddle kept Nathaniel, however, singing loud songs about the joys of female companionship. Despite the added risk Nathanial’s bawdy singing brought to their journey, the Draak couldn’t help relaxing as they listened to their friend’s beautiful voice. His healing gifts worked through song as well, apparently, because they all felt more energetic and hopeful than they had in days.

  Nathaniel’s voice only added to his appeal since his looks alone could lure any woman, regardless of race. He was striking, standing over twelve hands tall with long, wavy brown hair that showed a hint of red in the sun. His hair hung halfway down his back, and he always kept it pulled back in a ponytail. His eyes were deep blue and women swore that they twinkled when he smiled at them. No matter the situation, his naturally bronze skin exuded charisma, and women seemed to throw themselves at his feet the moment they met him.

  Nathaniel wasn’t brought on this quest to seduce women. He was an exceptional healer from his Sett. Although Nathaniel looked in his mid-thirties, he was 175 years old, giving him well over a hundred years to practice his womanizing skills. Shortly after the quest began, he decided that he would give the youngest member of the group, Seth, lessons in the ‘joys of women’.

  Young Seth wasn’t handy with the ladies but he was handy with a map. His exceptional tracking and mapping skills distinguished him from everyone in his Tracker Sett, guaranteeing him a place in this important quest.

  Seth looked 18 but had just celebrated his 34th birthday. In Draak society, he was considered a very young adult who wasn’t yet old enough to take a life mate. He was still very awkward and unsure around women and therefore eager to learn all he could from Nathaniel. One particularly embarrassing evening helped Nathaniel realize just how much Seth needed his expert guidance.

  While visiting a tavern, an exceptionally curvy woman with breasts barely contained by her tight corset walked up to Seth and sat herself on his lap. She began to run her fingers through his short, red hair while saying what a lovely boy he was. When she whispered some other places she wanted to put her hands, Seth panicked. He jumped up, dumping her on the floor, and ran from the room while mumbling something about checking the horses. After everyone was done laughing, Nathaniel left the tavern to find Seth.

  Nathaniel found him in the stable, brushing the horses and sulking. He called out, “Hey Seth.”

  Seth grunted in response.

  Nathaniel knew how embarrassed and frustrated Seth was. He walked over and patted his shoulder saying, “Don’t feel bad. We’ve all been through what you’re going through.”

  “Not you.” He replied in disgust. He had yet to see Nathaniel even slur a single word with any woman.

  Nathaniel shook his head. “You’ve only seen me in the present day. Remember that I’m almost 150 years older, so I’ve had a few years of practice. Believe it or not, I was once like you.”

  “Ha! A Blue would never be like me. Your Sett has a natural ability when it comes to seducing women.”

  “Trust me when I say that I was once awkward and unsure.” While looking around to see if anyone was nearby, he leaned in closer to Seth. “Can you keep a secret?”

  Seth was intrigued. “You know I can.”

  He motioned Seth to join him on some hay bales nearby. “If you tell anyone what I’m about to tell you, I’ll lock you in a room with a bunch of overly friendly, naked women.” He took in a deep breath and said, “Believe it or not, when I was your age, I was very arrogant and overconfident.”

  Seth laughed, thinking that Nathaniel was still one of the most egotistical Draaks he knew. Given what he had seen on this quest so far, his big head seemed well deserved. Seth quickly apologized so that Nathaniel would continue.

  Nathaniel ignored his outburst and started his story. “I was raised mainly by Duncan, an older cousin of mine. I thought I knew everything and didn’t take advice from anyone. Actually, until I knew better, I tried to do the opposite of whatever anyone told me. I was a real handful.” He chuckled at the memory.

  “One day, I decided I was ready to experience adult Draak life. Duncan warned me that I was still too young, however, I thought differently. When he couldn’t convince me otherwise, he guided me toward choosing someone safe. Instead, I chose a much older and very experienced Healer Draak. I thought she was stunning and truly believed that I could handle her. Well, I showed up and tried to let nature take its course. I wanted her to like me so badly, somehow I flared the mental connections I use in healing. I had very little control on my talents back then and my body over did it a thousand fold.”

  Seth, with his eyes locked on Nathaniel, asked, “What happened?”

  “Let’s just say that I was way over my head and, before we even really got started, I ended up running out of her home. I was so focused on getting out with my body parts intact, I raced out the door without my clothes. I was too embarrassed to go back in and get them, so I headed home naked. As fate would have it, I ran into a group from my Sett, including Duncan. I tried to play it cool, acting like everything went better than planned. Then, I heard my name being called. I turned and saw my intended love interest coming after me with a fire of desire flaming in her eyes. She wasn’t about to give up her offered toy.”

  Seth gasped. “What did you do?”

  Nathaniel chuckled. “The only thing I could think of. I screeched like a girl and hid behind Duncan, beg
ging for his help.”

  Seth let out a loud laugh.

  “Looking back, I have to admit it was funny. But at the time, I was scared to death. It took several of the males to distract her from her target and Duncan used his charm to break the mental hold I had on her. Needless to say, none of them have let me forget it. It was a very long time before I decided I was ready to try again. When the time came, I heeded my cousin’s advice. I found someone more appropriate for my first time.”

  “Given the way women fall at your feet, why haven’t you taken a life mate?”

  Nathaniel shrugged and replied, “I guess I’m still not ready. Since the magic has never blessed one of my unions, maybe it’s just never meant to be. However, I find the hunt quite enjoyable.”

  Seth sighed and, with a twinkle in his eyes, he said, “I think I want to fall in love right away. I can’t wait to have a mate and a family of my own.”

  Nathaniel shared several more embarrassing stories, leaving Seth bent over with his sides hurting from laughing so hard. They talked for hours until their traveling companions found them and they headed back to the tavern to stay for the night.

  If Seth was to take lessons about women from anyone, it should’ve been from Gabriel. At 382, he was the oldest member of the quest. He had been mated three times and had many children. Despite his success with Draak females, Gabriel had a tendency to scare human villagers because of his appearance. Standing almost a head taller than Nathaniel, he was bald and covered in tattoos and scars. He was one of the strongest Draaks and the current leader of the Royal Guard, which was an elite group of warriors sworn to defend the Seer and the Draak home village of Haven. His natural protective instincts led him to evaluate each town’s defenses and escape routes before relaxing with his more charismatic companions. Contrary to his severe demeanor, Gabriel was renowned as a patient, self-controlled Draak who excelled at teaching.

  Just before the quest began, Gabriel retired from his position as Draaken, the leader of his Warrior Sett. Thanks to his extensive experience, the Seer had initially asked Gabriel to lead the quest, but he had declined. He suggested that Marcus would be a more effective leader, offering instead to mentor Seth and provide the travelers protection.

  Marcus was slated to be the next Draaken for his Architect Sett. At 221 years old, he was renowned for his exceptional negotiating skills and his faultless military strategy. Unlike Gabriel’s rugged presence, Marcus’ sharply groomed beard and mustache and tall, lean posture inspired confidence and trust in both friends and strangers. Although these traits made him the ideal leader, he was struggling to motivate the members of the quest after months of fruitless searching.

  Chapter 3 - The Hunt

  Marcus and his men reached Hartwood Forest later that day. While following a narrow trail that led toward their intended campsite they heard a rustling sound behind some bushes. Gabriel slid off his horse, grabbed his bow, and walked quietly toward the sound.

  Seth whispered. “What is it?”

  “Evening meal, brothers.” A big grin lit Gabriel’s face as a wild boar squealed and ran further into the woods. “The hunt is on and he’s mine!” Gabriel bellowed as he headed off into the trees in hot pursuit.

  “Gabriel!” Nathaniel yelled. “You don’t get to have all of the fun. I’m right behind you.” Nathaniel leapt off of his horse and headed into the trees.

  Gabriel retorted, “You can come but stay out of my way. I’m starved.”

  As Nathaniel ran to catch-up, he yelled a challenge. “The one that kills the pig gets to be served by the other, so get ready to be my servant tonight. That pig is mine!”

  As their voices faded into the distance, Marcus chuckled and said to Seth, “We’ll let them have their fun.” He pointed to a small clearing in the trees. “Let’s set-up camp over there.” Marcus smoothly dismounted from his horse and handed Seth his reins saying, “Go take care of the horses.”

  Seth walked his and Marcus’ horses to the edge of the clearing, tying them to trees along a grassy section. He then went back after the other two horses, which were waiting patiently along the path. Seth was grateful that the well-trained battle stallions hadn’t followed their headstrong riders into the woods.

  While their companions settled in, Gabriel and Nathaniel continued their pursuit of the boar, gradually herding it toward the side of a large rock protruding out of the hillside. Nathaniel sniffed the air and whispered, “Can you smell that scent in the air? What do you think it is? It can’t be coming from the pig.” The scent was wonderful and he breathed it in deeply, causing his body to shiver.

  Gabriel also caught the scent, but it wasn’t affecting him as much as Nathaniel. He replied, “Hmmm, it smells heavenly, but right now I’m more concerned about my stomach.”

  They continued their advance on the boar.

  In a low voice Gabriel murmured, “There’s an arrow stuck in the boar’s right side.” He snuck a little closer. “The wound looks fresh. There must be a hunter close by.” He sniffed the air again, only detecting that unusual, but very pleasant, scent.

  The boar was starting to stagger as the bleeding from the wound increased.

  “He’s ours!” Nathaniel exclaimed in an emphasized whisper. “Let’s get him first. I’m starved.”

  Gabriel waved Nathaniel to the left as he proceeded to the right. They had the boar cornered, but he wasn’t going to go without a fight. Nathaniel saw an opening and lunged, trying to grab the boar’s back legs, but it spun and slipped through his grasp. He cursed as he fell to the ground yelling, “This pig is slippery!”

  Gabriel waved him back into position and readied his bow. He was just about to release, when something whished within inches of his right ear. It was so close to the side of his face that he felt a slight breeze. He watched in shock as the boar dropped dead with an arrow through the side of its head.

  Gabriel whirled around, with his arrow still drawn, searching for the person that shot the arrow. The mystery was quickly solved when Tianna dropped out of a tree, squarely between the two men and her prey. By the time she straightened up, she already had an arrow drawn and was pointing it back and forth between the two hunters.

  She glared directly at Nathaniel and said in a calm but determined voice, “You’re incorrect sir. The pig’s mine.” As their eyes met, she felt an odd sensation in her chest and her heart skipped a beat.

  Nathaniel instantly dropped his weapons and exclaimed, “I love these woods. It rains women!”

  Nathaniel examined the woman from head to toe and noted that she barely stood to the height of his shoulders, however, what she lacked in height, she made up in other ways. She was all female with ample curves in all of the right places. She took his breath away.

  Tianna stood straight and proud in her home-made tree climbing clothes. The outfit was made out of thin deer hide that looked very soft and flexible. It consisted of a sleeveless shirt that stopped at the waist, long pants, and leather shoes that resembled slippers. She also wore fingerless gloves that ran up the length of her arms. The garment laced up the sides of her legs, along her torso, and up her arms. The leather laces held the material so tightly to her body that it seemed almost as a second skin. Just enough of her own skin peeked through the laces that it was obvious to any observer that the leather was all there was.

  Between the scent in the air, Tianna’s attire, her brilliant blue eyes, and silver hair reflecting the light from the setting sun, Nathaniel was mesmerized. He had never reacted so strongly to a woman before, and his pulse sped.

  Gabriel, however, held his arrow at the ready and pointed it directly at the woman’s head. He knew there was a hunter in the woods, and he was prepared and willing to fight for the kill. He never would have guessed the hunter would turn out to be a woman. Human women don’t hunt. He also solved the mystery of where the captivating scent was coming from; it was coming from the meat-stealing huntress standing in front of him. He took in a deep breath and his mind blurred for a second
as her scent filled his senses. He wondered who and, more importantly, what she was.

  Gabriel, trying to clear his head, began to argue with her. “You stole my kill. We had it pinned.”

  Tianna snapped her attention and arrow back to Gabriel saying, “You only caught the pig because I slowed it down for you with my first arrow.”

  Gabriel shot back, with a slight grin that he couldn’t hold back, “I’d have taken it down with one arrow.”

  Without even twitching a muscle, Tianna retorted, “Ha! I’d like to see how well you’d shoot an arrow into a running pig while jumping between trees.” She scanned up and down his body, not moving her bow an inch. She chuckled. “You’re the size of a hut. Can you even climb a tree?”

  He found that he liked arguing with this woman, and even more, liked the way that she talked to him. Most women had a hard time even looking at him, much less speaking to him. This tiny girl wasn’t just staring him straight in the eyes, she did it with absolutely no fear. “No, not a girl. She’s all woman,” Gabriel thought to himself.