Dragon Defense (Heirs to the Throne Book 3)

by Diane Rapp

  “Forshell was the man who tried to kill Donovan during the tournament for the crown. He used a poisoned blade to render Donovan senseless.” Lauryn shuddered.

  “Yes. Your father was unaffected by the poison and slaughtered Forshell. He claimed the throne, and Forshell’s family was disgraced by the defeat. Now Salizar plans to reclaim his rightful inheritance and a daring abduction will prove him worthy.”

  Tamarind grinned. “With several good wives at his side, Salizar might lead all the tribes as Grand Mullah.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “The information was hidden and cost me a small fortune to trace the lineage.” Tamarind’s eyes twinkled. “A spoiled princess gets her way. I suspect my father sent Salizar to fetch me for this very purpose. He knew I’d fall in love with Salizar and will accept him as my husband after the kidnapping.”

  “You’ve got strange marriage customs.” Lauryn sighed.

  Tamarind bristled. “My father has a duty to provide a man of courage and position for his daughter. If the man cannot pay the bride-price, there are other ways to prove her value.” Tamarind sounded serious.

  “I thought your value was established by Jarrack’s payment.”

  “Yes,” Tamarind said proudly. “Now, when I marry a young husband, my value was already known. What more can a woman ask?”

  “How about love?” Lauryn fought her own emotions.

  “Love? Of course I love Salizar. Who could help but love such a handsome man?”

  Lauryn swallowed hard. “We’d better arrange for your abduction. What do you suggest?”

  “It won’t be easy. The women’s quarters are impossible to breach. There are many guards, and…”

  The doors crashed open and one of Tamarind’s guards fell into the room…dead. Tamarind screamed as black-clad figures swarmed inside. The Samurai drew their swords but fell under the onslaught.

  Lauryn and Tamarind clung to each other until one man pulled a scarf off his face and bowed. Lauryn shouted, “Salizar! I was supposed to arrange the details! What do you mean by storming my quarters and…killing…these guards?”

  “What better opportunity?” Salizar grinned. “This situation would never arise again. Now follow me!”

  “Not me! Take Tamarind but I’m not part of the deal!”

  Salizar shook his head. “We can’t leave a living witness. Do you wish to join your guards in death?” He raised the tip of his sword to her throat, and blood droplets splattered onto her tunic.

  Lauryn knew she had no choice. “Give me a moment with their bodies. The Samurai have words that must be said for the dead.”

  “You have little time,” Salizar said.

  Lauryn bent over the bodies and mumbled words that sounded like prayers. She checked for signs of life and discovered a thin pulse in one woman. The other two lay dead. Lauryn clasped the crystal in her necklace and felt a surge of power flow into her body. The Samurai groaned, but Lauryn masked the sound with a cough. She forced the woman into a deep sleep, planting mental instructions in the woman’s mind.

  Drained of energy, Lauryn rose and glared at Salizar. “I won’t forgive you for killing them. It wasn’t necessary.”

  “This is a swift death. You’d best not think of the torture the mullah delivers to a guard who fails.” Salizar glanced toward Tamarind. “He’ll wreak revenge on everyone, your guards or hers, it doesn’t matter.”

  “He speaks the truth,” Tamarind said. “Let’s leave so these deaths aren’t meaningless.”

  Lauryn felt afraid the Samurai who lived now faced a dire fate. She couldn’t let the woman suffer on her account.

  “See to the women.” Salizar ordered. His companions forced gags into their mouths and wrapped them in black cloth. They lowered the women by ropes from the roof and into a gaping pit.

  The silent figures carried their bundles through a maze of tunnels, while Lauryn cast her mind out for help. The stone at her throat grew hot, increasing the reach of her power. Soon she felt a familiar mind.

  Help me! She cried and the mind opened to her touch.

  Lauryn where are you? Lauryn recognized Andrew. She flooded his mind with pictures of the kidnapping, her fear, her anger, and her helplessness. Andrew remained calm and gave her courage. I’ll find you and bring you back.

  First go to my room. One of my Samurai is still alive, so don’t let the mullah take her. She’d face a terrible death. Lauryn finished the message with the last of her strength.

  Don’t fear, my love. I’ll safeguard her for you. Rest and renew your strength. His mind cradled her like warm arms that wrapped her mind in comfort. She absorbed the warmth of the stone and slept.

  *****

  Andrew paced while Maggie spoke on the radio. He must do something to soothe the dull ache inside his chest. He couldn’t sit around here waiting for instructions.

  “Yes, Donovan, one of the guards survived. We got her safely hidden from the mullah and started a massive search for the girls.”

  She looked at Andrew and nodded her head. “Andrew believes he can find them. Somehow he’s mentally linked with Lauryn.”

  The radio crackled and they heard Donovan say, “Tell Andrew to find Lauryn but use caution. We can’t spare Trenton for the search.”

  “Call us tomorrow at this same time.” Maggie signed off and turned to Andrew. “I don’t like you going off alone. How can you keep in touch? We can’t afford to lose you.”

  “I know where they’re heading. I’ve got a plan that I’m coordinating with Felesia and her dragons. If I’m right, we can rescue Lauryn without bloodshed.”

  “Okay, work it out. I’m going to be real busy repairing the reactor.”

  Andrew smiled. “Jordan’s in mental contact with his sister, Shariel, and things are rolling already.”

  “You made arrangements before I got Donovan’s okay?” Maggie laughed. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter. Get moving.”

  *****

  Lauryn lay in a tent, wondering how to escape. She heard feet walk along the edge of the tent and tucked her blanket tightly around her body. Finally she fell into a fitful sleep, plagued by nightmares. Oddly different scenes flashed through her dreams.

  In one dream she cooked over a desert campfire, and a young dark-haired boy snuggled against her side. She smoothed his hair and said, “Mommy’s proud of you. I wish Salizar lived to see his son.”

  Another dream placed Lauryn at Havenshire, where a red-haired son scampered through the room chasing his blond sister. Lauryn smiled when Andrew kissed her forehead. “How’s my queen today?” he asked. She rubbed her swollen belly and smiled.

  “Your queen wants to find another way to populate the kingdom.”

  The final dream was the most frightening. She saw Salizar chase Andrew through a colossal dust storm while explosions flashed all around them. An image of Salizar dying changed into a scene of Andrew’s death with each new flash.

  Lauryn woke with a start. A strong hand covered her mouth and she struggled against the grip.

  “Don’t fight me, little one.” Salizar whispered and settled down next to her. “You’re meant to be my bride. My mother saw a vision.”

  The words invoked the images from her dream—a dark-haired son and Salizar’s death. She shook her head and Salizar lifted his hand.

  “Dreams don’t always show the future. Chella had visions all the time and half of them were false.” She gripped the blanket tight and he laughed.

  “That means the other half were true! You think to protect yourself from me? By the law of the desert I’m already your husband. You lay unguarded in this bed next to me.”

  “I will choose the man I marry! You married Tamarind first, and I won’t become a second wife.”

  “You’ll be my wife and bear me a son to rule the world.” His lips curled into a seductive grin as his hand stroked her body through the blanket. “You’ll learn to enjoy my love making. I’ve seen passion spark in your eyes at my touch.”

 
; The memory of the red-haired boy in her dream flashed into Lauryn’s mind. “I saw a vision that showed my future with Andrew. I won’t be forced into a loveless marriage,” she growled.

  “I’m here but Andrew is not. If I must use force during our first encounter, so be it.” He slipped off his robe and the muscles on his naked body gleamed in the moonlight. His manhood rose as he grinned like a devil, eager to sample his prize. The sight fascinated and terrified her.

  She felt rolling waves of lust from Salizar hit her mind, spurring her own anger. It burned like a hot coal in Lauryn’s chest and hands as the crystal dragon blazed to life. Salizar ripped the blanket away and clamped his fingers over her knees.

  His eyes narrowed as he moved over her body.

  “No!” she screamed and closed her eyes. She held up both hands and blasted Salizar with a white-hot ball of energy. He grunted with surprise and rolled away, clutching his chest. An agonized scream erupted from the man, and Lauryn scrambled away from a writhing body on the floor.

  She wrapped her body with the torn blanket as enraged riders swarmed the tent, brandishing scimitars. When Salizar’s mother entered, she examined her son.

  “He lives. Carry him to my tent!” She turned on the girl. “If you fail to marry him, you mark him with death,” she said.

  Lauryn shook her head. “I saw a different future, one where Salizar doesn’t live to see his sons grow up. I can’t choose that path.” The old woman pursed her lips, and Lauryn knew her words hit the mark. “You’ve seen it too! If I bear a son to Salizar, he’ll die.”

  She shrugged. “Salizar may die in either event. I’ve seen several versions of the future, but the best one leaves me with a grandson to rule the world. I choose that future.”

  Lauryn shook her head. “Visions are difficult to interpret or never happen at all. You saw what happened when he tried to force me, so don’t let him make that mistake again.”

  The woman scowled. “We could tie you down and let him do what he must.”

  “And risk turning your son into a eunuch? Don’t try.”

  The old woman shook her head. “He has time to convince you to obey.” She stomped from the tent and Lauryn collapsed onto the rumpled bedding. Her hands shook and tears streamed down her face.

  What’s wrong, Lauryn? I lost contact with your mind. Andrew flooded her with love and tenderness as she sobbed. Finally she shared the memory of Salizar’s attack and felt his anger. I’ve got a rescue plan but you must reach the spaceport. Do you have enough energy to keep him at bay?

  He’ll be wary of my power. I don’t think he’ll move against me soon.

  Andrew explained their plan, and Lauryn felt hopeful.

  *****

  Riding horseback across a sea of sand reminded Lauryn of the journey over the same terrain. At that time Salizar appeared self assured and arrogant. Now he brooded, acting aloof, distracted, and wary. He kept his gaze trained on the horizon.

  Lauryn and Tamarind rode side by side. Tamarind talked about mundane subjects that meant little to her companion, but Lauryn enjoyed the distraction of Tamarind’s company. The royal facade vanished, replaced by a hopeful, naive, girl trying to act like a woman and a wife.

  Tamarind and Salizar shared a tent for several nights, but Lauryn saw no outward sign of affection between them. The girls avoided speaking about Salizar, but Lauryn felt sure Tamarind knew about his attempted rape. Lauryn tried to forget that night but her gaze often drifted toward the desert chieftain.

  Lauryn drank from the water jug. She felt hot and nauseous, couldn’t drink enough to quench her thirst. The tepid water tasted metallic, hardly satisfying. She longed for the sweet, cool spring water of home. Tears filled her eyes, spilling unfettered down sunburned cheeks, and she suddenly found Salizar riding at her side. She glanced behind and saw Tamarind drop back.

  The expression in Salizar’s eyes was calculated to make a woman melt into his arms. She dropped her gaze and her lips tightened into a thin line.

  “You must understand, Lauryn.” His voice sounded soft, cajoling. “I live for the tribe and I must fulfill my destiny. I didn’t intend to harm you.”

  Lauryn’s anger exploded. “What did you intend when you tried to rape me? You use women in your quest for power, just like Jarrack!”

  Salizar stiffened. “I planned to make you my wife. If you knew what glorious destiny awaits us, you’d understand what must happen.”

  “Destiny? You don’t know your destiny, and I won’t be your wife! You already have one wife.”

  Salizar frowned. “My mother saw our future.” Lauryn glanced at the old woman who rode at the head of the group. “She has the gift of prophesy and saw our future.” Salizar spoke in a reverent tone.

  “Glimpses into the future are cryptic, sometimes wrong.”

  He frowned. “You will bear my son, and he will rule this land.”

  “No!”

  “You are Donovan’s firstborn, Lauryn. When you bear my son, he will be heir to the throne of Havenshire.”

  She glared at Salizar. “If your mother believes I’ll bear your son, why did you take Tamarind to wife?”

  Salizar swallowed and lowered his gaze. “I’ll also sire a son with her. Two sons from royal houses will bring our tribes together. When you demanded I take no other wife, I couldn’t comply. My destiny lies in both houses.”

  Lauryn laughed. “Your mother told you about one future, but she didn’t explain every possible future. I saw another.”

  Salizar’s eyes widened with fear. “What did you see?”

  “Your mother’s ambition blinds her vision. If you sire sons on both of us, your life is forfeit.”

  “No.” Salizar gasped.

  “Ask your mother, Salizar. Ask if she sees your face in this glorious future.” Lauryn couldn’t stop herself. “Two sons might bring the tribes together, but I see nothing about a man living to raise those sons.”

  Salizar whipped his horse and rode off, his robes swirling.

  Lauryn’s head swam with the memory of her vision. Salizar’s son could be real if she yielded to him. If he treated her with kindness and love, she might become that mother with a dark haired son. Lauryn suddenly knew she’d become queen and bear a son, but he wouldn’t be Salizar’s child. They walked a narrow line, but the rape attempt robbed Salizar of his future. Her chest ached and her breathe came in short gasps.

  Destiny! She understood why Donovan hated the responsibility of the throne.

  Tamarind rode closer. “What did you say to Salizar? He looked frightened and angry.”

  Lauryn glanced at Salizar’s mother. “I confirmed what his mother already knew.”

  “You won’t be his wife? Really, I wouldn’t mind if you came into his harem, Lauryn. Within the tribes sisters often take the same husband so they can live together. You’re a dear friend, just like a sister. Won’t you come keep me company? Life in a harem can be very lonely.”

  Lauryn almost laughed but felt Tamarind’s fragility. “I’ll be your sister, but I won’t be Salizar’s wife. I made that very clear.”

  24 ~ DRAGON SQUADRON

  Marasuta rode into Havenshire castle, followed by Samurai. Ronda rode at his side. Donovan greeted his friends with enthusiasm. The old soldier glared down at him from his stocky horse.

  “Why did you not send for me?” Marasuta’s words were an accusation. “Had the wolves not sent word, we’d sit out the entire war without knowing about the fire in the skies.”

  Donovan swallowed the lump in his throat. “There wasn’t time old friend. We barely had time to prepare.”

  “Am I not a valued warrior?”

  “I value your knowledge and expertise.” Donovan looked embarrassed. “I’m very glad to see you here.”

  Marasuta nodded. “It’s well you remember those who serve with honor.”

  “I’d never forget, Marasuta. Come hear what we face.”

  Marasuta slid from his horse and motioned to the troops. The soldiers moved as
one unit toward the guards’ quarters, while Marasuta followed Donovan inside.

  Donovan gazed at Marasuta. He wasn’t entirely truthful with his friend. He failed to send for Marasuta because there was little the Samurai could do in a modern conflict. Marasuta’s sharp gaze met his and Donovan sighed.

  “I’ve much to tell you, old friend, and I seek your advice. Drako is plunged into a war of technology and we don’t know how old skills might fare against spacer weapons.”

  Marasuta nodded. “I’ve put much thought into the problem, Donovan. Regardless of the weapons we face, wit and skill put us at an advantage. Remember the things that they’ve forgotten and make use of your assets.”

  “I’m glad to see you.” Donovan smiled. “Thanks for coming.”

  “The duty of a warrior is to serve, regardless of the type of war.” Marasuta bowed and Donovan realized his hair was more white than black now. The warrior’s body still moved with suppleness and assurance.

  “Good. Lauryn was kidnapped. Andrew needs help with the rescue and asks your Samurai to meet him at the spaceport. They want to create an unforgettable welcome for the desert riders.”

  Marasuta grinned. “We’ll ride like the wind through the night. I know that Andrew loves Lauryn and would give his life for her.”

  Donovan’s surprised expression made Marasuta’s eyes twinkle. “A father does not always know these things. We’ll pack supplies and be off within the hour.”

  *****

  Felesia, Jordan, and Andrew mounted dragons and flew to the spaceport. Shariel and Brandon immediately asked questions about the fireworks in the sky. They told a quiet audience the story of Maggie saving Asbohar from destruction, and then Andrew explained about Lauryn’s abduction.

  He said, “We plan to give the desert riders a surprise when they enter the spaceport.”