Dragon Fire: Dragon Knights (The Sea Captain's Daughter Book 2)

by Bianca D’Arc

  He got to his feet and began to move, unable to contain his anger.

  “What is it?” Livia asked sleepily, still held in Seth’s arms.

  Gowan hated to ruin the moment, but the so-called men up at the Lair were responsible, and Seth and Livia deserved to know what had happened. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, turning to look at her in the slanting afternoon light.

  “After due consideration, the noble leadership of our Lair has decided to do nothing to help our allies on Gryphon Isle.” Gowan was in a fine temper, his voice reverberating off the walls of the cave as he began pacing again.

  Seth and Livia sat up. Their idyll was coming to an end, and they all knew it. Livia got up and walked toward the cave opening. She slid her hand across Gowan’s shoulders on her way to the water.

  Seth followed her in, both of them rinsing off quickly while Gowan tried to settle his temper. The others were taking the news much better than he was. While none were happy with the decision of the Lair’s leadership, neither Livia nor Seth were letting their anger get the better of them.

  Gowan realized he’d still held out some hope for the leaders. He’d hoped maybe their dragon partners could talk sense into them, but he shouldn’t have been so naïve. The dragons were as stuck in the mud as their knights. They didn’t want to force their knights’ hands into a battle that could very well end them. The dragons were only protecting the knights who had shared so very many years with them.

  They were old men. Men who had lived longer than most humans due to the magic of their dragons extending their lifespans. Gowan hadn’t been with Genlitha long, but he thought he understood the bond. The dragons didn’t want to lose their knights any more than the knights wanted to die, leaving their dragons behind. Gowan really couldn’t blame the dragons, when he looked at it that way. They were protecting the ones they loved. They were trying to keep their families together just a little longer.

  But the gryphons were in dire straits, and there was an alliance to uphold. Gowan knew that by the time word reached the capital and the order came back to aid Gryffid and his people, Gryphon Isle could be lost.

  Livia came back and began to dress, as did Seth. Gowan went out and rinsed off quickly, then rejoined them. He’d made a decision, and he wasn’t sure if he should tell the others or not.

  “What are we going to do?” Livia asked quietly as they all got back into their clothing.

  “We? Nothing,” Gowan said, trying to be firm but kind. “Me? I’m going to go help them. Gen and I talked about this. If the Council made the wrong choice, we both feel we have no option but to go rogue and help the gryphons ourselves. We’re going to fly out at first light.”

  “I’d like to go too,” Seth said quietly. “I can help the wounded and the fighters on land.”

  “That you can, my friend,” Gowan agreed, neither encouraging nor denying Seth’s words for the moment.

  If it came down to it, Genlitha could probably carry two riders the great distance to the island, but Gowan hesitated to get anyone else in trouble with the Lair’s leadership. Seth’s family lived here, and Gowan didn’t want to make trouble for them.

  “Has anybody spoken to Hrardorr yet?” Livia asked, putting the finishing touches on her outfit.

  She looked as fresh and beautiful as she had when she’d walked over the dunes to meet them, and Gowan was taken in again by her charm. She really was lovely. And kind. And generous.

  If he wasn’t much mistaken, he was falling madly in love with her, which was a new experience for him. He’d never felt like this before for any other woman. He didn’t know how it could work long term, but he vowed to enjoy every moment he had with her and work to keep her in his life for as long as he possibly could. Hopefully—somehow—forever. Though he didn’t really see how.

  “He was the decisive factor in the battle for Dragonscove,” Seth agreed. “He would be very helpful, if he was still inclined to lend a hand.”

  “Still?” Gowan asked, curious.

  “We’d begun discussing this the other night,” Seth told him. “But I’m not sure we really thought it would be necessary. We were hoping the leadership would step up and do the right thing.”

  “I haven’t talked to Hrardorr recently,” Gowan admitted, “but I think Genlitha has been speaking with him. We were both hoping—like you—that the leadership would make the right call.” Gowan sighed, his anger having turned to disillusioned disgust. “We need to talk to Gen and Hrardorr.”

  Seth had picked up the last evidence of their interlude, and the cave looked much as it had when they’d arrived. Nobody would know they’d spent the most enjoyable hours Gowan had ever spent in a cave there. It would be a memory he would cherish forever.

  They were ready to leave, and Livia struck out across the sand, the men following close behind. They could see the dragons in the distance. Genlitha and Hrardorr were huddled together, clearly deep in discussion, while the young blue dragon and Flurrthith played in the sand near the water’s edge with the children and Leo.

  Livia marched right up to Hrardorr and cleared her throat, gaining the blind dragon’s attention.

  “Have you decided what we’re going to do?” she asked without preamble.

  Gowan admired her straight talk. He didn’t know many other women who were so direct and clear thinking. At least not any he’d ever bedded. His former bedmates tended to be a bit more fluffy-headed, which he thought was a shame now that he knew the value of a strong woman.

  “Help them, of course,” Hrardorr’s thoughts came to Seth, Gowan, Livia and Genlitha.

  “Good,” Livia said, nodding in satisfaction. “I truly believe you are the only one who can, Sir Hrardorr. Like you saved Dragonscove. I have just one request. I’d like to be there. I want to travel to Gryphon Isle and help in whatever way I can.”

  “No!” Gowan didn’t realize he was going to shout, but it came out anyway, drawing a stubborn look from Livia.

  “Sweetheart, we don’t want you in danger,” Seth tried to explain, but from the firm set of her jaw, she wasn’t having any of it.

  “And I’m supposed to just sit here and worry while you’re all out there fighting? It’ll drive me mad. Better if I’m there and can help in some way, even if only just relaying communications. I can do that, at least.” She was winning the argument, though Gowan didn’t like it. “Besides, if you don’t take me with you, I’ll just set sail myself in my little boat, and come right after you, over the water. Flying with you would be much safer, I’m sure. Especially when I get closer to the island…and the pirate fleet.”

  “Dammit.” Gowan had to concede that she had the guts to do just as she threatened.

  “There is one issue,” Hrardorr put in quietly, his voice in their minds suspiciously calm. “I cannot carry anyone on this journey since I’ll be landing in the water some distance out and going right to work. And strong as dear Genlitha is, I doubt she could carry more than two such a long distance. Poor Flurrthith barely made it here unencumbered. He is too young to make the journey with a rider.”

  “I can carry two. Gowan, of course, and I’m sorry, dear, but Seth would be the next logical choice,” Genlitha said, her gentle azure gaze on Livia.

  “I can carry Lady Livia.” A new voice joined their conversation. It was deep and rumbly. A dragon’s voice, but not as calm as Hrardorr or Genlitha.

  Of course. Xanderanth.

  Gowan looked at the big blue dragon, standing not too far away with his young knight.

  “I didn’t know it was possible for dragons to eavesdrop on each other,” Gowan mused, not quite angry. He’d had an inkling that Xander and Leo would want to come along if they knew Gowan’s intent, after all.

  “It is possible, but most of us have better manners than to do it,” Genlitha scoffed, tilting her head in adult disdain as she looked at the younger pair.

  “Your pardon, milady,” Leo said aloud, striding forward to meet Genlitha’s gaze. “Xander meant no harm. We’
ve both been rather anxious about the situation, and we want in on whatever rescue operation is mounted—whether official or not. Flurrthith’s people need help.”

  “You’ll get no argument on that from us, lad,” Hrardorr said quietly, Genlitha appearing still too appalled to speak to the young knight. “What we propose is not sanctioned by the leadership of the Southern Lair. You could get in serious trouble if you join us in this. We are all older than you, with much less to lose. Both you and Xanderanth have long careers ahead of you, and we would not wish you to jeopardize that by acting in haste.”

  “Thank you, Sir, but we both feel it’s necessary to uphold the alliances made by our king. And after meeting Flurrthith… Well, Sir, there’s just no way we could stay behind and not help him and his people.”

  Xanderanth stood right beside his knight, in unity with Leo.

  “I can carry two riders,” Xanderanth put in. “I’m the strongest dragon of my age group. Everyone says so.”

  Livia’s face lit with a triumphant smile. “That settles it then. I’m going.” She turned her smile on Xander. “That is, if you will be kind enough to consent to carry me, Sir Xanderanth.”

  “It would be my honor,” Xander replied, bowing his head slightly.

  If they were setting off in the morning, Seth had a lot of packing to do. He advised the others on what to bring then rushed back up to the Lair to begin collecting medical supplies. He had to be discreet, of course, but Bronwyn soon figured out what he was up to. How could she not, when he was raiding their shared supplies?

  She gave him a nod and a smile, though, assuring him that she’d hold down the fort while he went off to do what needed to be done. He was surprised that she stood behind his decision, but then realized he shouldn’t have been. She was a woman of honor and had a very compassionate heart. She’d met Flurrthith and heard his report. She understood. Something had to be done, and the leaders were too old and cautious to do it.

  So it fell to Seth and his small group of adventurers. It would either be a fantastic success or way too little, way too late. But at least they would try. Unlike the rest of the Lair.

  Bronwyn made him sit down and write a note to his parents. She knew he was riding into danger, and while she might understand why he had to do what he planned, she insisted that he leave some message behind for his parents—both human and dragon—to explain in his own words why he felt the need to go. She claimed his folks would be proud of him for deciding to aid their allies in their time of need, but Seth wasn’t so sure. His fathers hadn’t been supportive of his decisions for a long time now. He didn’t expect that to turn around overnight.

  Although…they had been different toward him since the battle in the cove. Not enough time had passed since he’d taken up arms to defend his hometown to know how his fathers’ new attitude would affect their relationship, but things had been much more positive since the battle than they had been in years.

  Seth wrote the letter Bronwyn required and made her promise not to deliver it until he was missed. With any luck, that might not be until late tomorrow night or even the next day. By then, he’d be on Gryphon Isle, hopefully doing some good.

  After that task was done, Bronwyn helped him pack. She also helped him come up with excuses for carrying multiple packs around the Lair. If anyone asked, he was to tell them he was operating on Bronwyn’s orders, replacing supplies in the stashes she kept around the Lair for ease of access.

  Nobody asked, though, so Seth was in the clear. They’d decided to put everything in Hrardorr’s chamber, since nobody dared to visit him and he had a number of empty side chambers that would suit their purposes well.

  Seth had a slightly harder time getting enough food for the journey to the island, but he managed it, and by midnight, he’d secured all the needed supplies he could think of in Hrardorr’s side chamber. Seth would stay there that night, so as to be ready to go at first light. Actually, Hrardorr and Seth would sneak out before first light, with the supplies.

  Hrardorr’s coloration was so murky that he wouldn’t be easily seen, and nobody really questioned his comings and goings anymore. Not since his prowess in the water had become common knowledge.

  Hrardorr would carry the supplies and make a low, slow pass over the beach. Seth would drop the supplies and follow them down. He might take a few bumps and bruises landing on the sand, but it was better than getting dunked in the water when Hrardorr landed in the sea.

  The others would meet them on the beach, and they’d take off from there at first light.

  It had been up to Genlitha to tell Flurrthith of their plans—and of the Lair leadership’s dithering. The leaders hadn’t even had the decency to tell Flurrthith themselves. Instead, they’d merely sent a messenger to tell the gryphon that nothing could be decided until word had come from the capital.

  Genlitha had calmed the young gryphon after the messenger departed. He was staying in her chamber for the night again, and Genlitha kept Hrardorr and Seth apprised of the gryphon’s reaction and mental state. She had managed to calm him after a while, and when Hrardorr had spoken into the gryphon’s mind himself, assuring the youngster that he would personally roast the enemy fleet, as he had done when they attacked Dragonscove, Flurrthith finally settled down to rest.

  Genlitha watched over the young gryphon through the night. She had promised to alert Seth if he was needed, but Seth slept through the night in Hrardorr’s chamber, his rest undisturbed. When Hrardorr woke him gently, in the hour before dawn, Seth was eager to get going.

  He readied himself, using the chamber usually set aside for a dragon’s knight in Hrardorr’s suite, wondering just briefly how it would be if Seth actually was Hrardorr’s knight. Or any dragon’s knight, actually. He’d wake up in a chamber like this every morning, with a dragon partner of his own heating the entire place to a comfortable temperature, waiting for him just on the other side of the stone wall.

  It was a lovely fantasy, but Seth knew Hrardorr would never choose another knight. Particularly not Seth. Still, it would be an honor and a treat to be aloft on Hrardorr’s back this morning. He knew such a chance would not come again, and he planned to enjoy the novel experience.

  Shrugging off his somewhat sad thoughts, Seth dressed in his dark cloak and got everything ready. He coached Hrardorr silently as they took off and glided down to the beach. The drop of the supplies went well. Seth’s own tumble to the sand was about as bumpy as he’d expected, but he came out of it unharmed. Hrardorr set down in the water and walked ashore with Seth’s guidance.

  Now all they had to do was wait for everyone else to get here. Shouldn’t be long now.

  Livia had composed a note to her father. She didn’t want him tearing apart the town or Lair looking for her. That would be irresponsible on her part, to create such an inconvenience for everyone. Plus, even in his fastest ship, her father could never get to Gryphon Isle before she did on dragonback.

  He couldn’t really come after her—at least not quickly—so she felt safe enough in telling him where she’d gone and why. Somebody outside the Lair needed to know how shamefully the leaders up there were treating their allies on Gryphon Isle. Maybe her father could get word to the king faster, though she didn’t know how. Still, her father was an honorable man. Surely, he would understand her reasons for taking this action.

  Maybe.

  After he stopped shouting.

  If he ever stopped shouting.

  She shuddered just thinking about it and was glad she wouldn’t be there to see it. If she lived through this adventure, she’d take her lumps if and when it came to it. But first, she just had to try to do the right thing by the gryphons.

  She left the note with Rosie to give to her father only after he started looking for her. Rosie was making a lot of extra money these days with all the secrets Livia was asking her to keep, but the housekeeper had her own sort of twisted sense of honor. Livia knew Rosie wouldn’t betray her, as long as she kept the extra cash flowing. Once Ros
ie’s loyalty was bought, it stayed bought.

  Livia climbed down the trellis from her room just before dawn and made her way, with her small pack, to the beach. She felt very much as if she was going to meet her destiny. She could only hope it would turn out to be a good one…

  Gowan and Genlitha didn’t have to come up with any pretense as to why they were leaving the Lair so early in the day. They’d been assigned the far patrols for a while now, and nobody noticed their odd comings and goings anymore.

  They left from the main landing ledge only a few minutes behind Hrardorr’s departure from a much less-used portion of the Lair. There was no real way to camouflage Genlitha’s sky blue hide in the darkness before dawn, so they winged away in the direction of their usual patrol, only veering out over the ocean after they’d lost sight of the Lair’s sentries. By that time, the sun was starting to make an appearance, and Genlitha’s pale blue scales began to take on their usual reflective properties, making her much harder to spot in the pale sky.

  They looped back around to the beach below Dragonscove, finding Hrardorr and the rest of their party already there. Xanderanth and Leo had spent the night at Leo’s parents’ home, just past the dunes, so they had easily walked the distance to the meeting point, with no one the wiser.

  Seth was already doling out the parcels of gear and supplies he and Hrardorr had smuggled out of the Lair. Xanderanth—strong as he was—would carry the lion’s share, though Genlitha would take an extra satchel or two, as well. Hrardorr could not carry their supplies for the same reason he could not carry a rider. He would be landing and working in the water as soon as they drew close enough for him to reach the enemy fleet underwater but not be seen going into the sea. Genlitha would judge the distances for him and keep in touch with him if he needed intel from the surface.

  Hrardorr’s greatest value lay in being the surprise attack. Once the pirate fleet realized dragons were coming to help, they’d probably be looking more closely for the one dragon who had done such damage against them in their last encounter. They’d be watching the water as well as the air.