by D K Drake
“That is a valid point,” Kenton said. “Javan needs to earn the right to ride Starshade, not expect her to submit because she doesn’t know any better.”
Happy to have someone on her side, Taliya inched closer to Kenton who stood across from her.
“We set Kisa aside for him,” Ravier said. “How would keeping the Dusk Stalker in our care be any different?”
“It’s way different.” Taliya watched Kisa lick the dirt off her scales. She was that picky about her appearance because she learned how to be her without anyone around dictating who she should be or how she should act. “Kisa had fifteen years of freedom before Javan collected her. She had a chance to live and experience life as a dragon should. All dragons have that right.”
“And I have the right to have my deal honored.” In one swift move, Jane drew her axe, straddled Starshade, and placed the blade on the weak dragon’s neck. “I get my battle, or this dragon dies right now.”
Swords flew into the hands of Javan, Micah, Kenton, and Ravier as the men moved into position to surround the Destroyer. Taliya found herself in the middle of the circle alongside Jane. She knew all blades aimed for the Destroyer, but she couldn’t help but feel trapped. “Guys, swords down.” No one listened.
“Stab me if you want, gentlemen, but this dragon will die with me.”
“Javan,” Taliya pleaded, looking past the points of his swords and into his glowing green eyes, “don’t let her kill Starshade. Please. Agree to the battle.”
“We did accept the Destroyer’s help to get us through the portal.” Kenton sheathed his sword and turned to Javan. “This is your game. You’re the Collector vying for the throne. It’s ultimately your decision.”
“Well?” Taliya bit her lip, held her breath, and waited for Javan to speak.
◊◊◊
Intentionally avoiding eye contact with Taliya, Javan kept his focus and his swords trained on the Destroyer. He hated the idea of facing her in a battle. He had a hard enough time collecting Kisa when only Micah fought against him. Now he would have to battle three people—one bent on murder—for his dragon? That kind of pressure made him sick to his stomach. “You can take that okty and fly out of here,” Javan said. “We’ll give you your freedom. Just put the axe down and step away from the dragon.”
“I don’t want my freedom. I want a battle.”
“I like the idea,” Kenton said. “The battle will build character.”
“My character is fine,” Javan said. He wanted to keep Starshade close, bond with her as she grew, and earn her respect so she would choose to let him ride her. That’s how he wanted to grow his collection. “My collection is not. I need Starshade in order to win the throne. I can’t put her in harm’s way.”
“She’s already in harm’s way.” The Destroyer lowered her axe so that it touched Starshade’s skin. “You have three seconds to decide whether she lives or dies.”
“Fine.” Javan stepped back, holstered his swords, and motioned for Ravier and Micah to do the same. “You win. You’ll get your battle. But you remain our prisoner until it begins.”
“Fine.” Jane stood, smirked, and surrendered her axe to Micah. “Killing a dragon who isn’t strong enough to fight back wouldn’t have been much fun. I’ll wait until she’s grown, but I’ll still let you watch me slice her head off.”
Javan lunged for the Destroyer, but Taliya stepped in front of him. She latched onto his elbow. “Let’s walk and talk.”
He reluctantly followed her out into the meadow. When they were away from the prying ears of the crowd around the portal, he jerked free from her touch and halted. “I don’t understand you. I thought your job was to protect dragons, not willingly send someone after them who wants to kill them. How could you agree to this insane demand of hers?”
“If I believed for one second that the Destroyer could defeat either one of us, I would never have made this deal with her.”
He studied her blue eyes. They were filled with determination and confidence, a lot more determination and confidence than he felt. “It’s still a risk. An unnecessary risk.”
“Listen, I made this deal for four reasons. One, I know without a doubt that you can collect Starshade before the Destroyer can even get close enough to think about taking her head off. You need to know that about yourself as well.”
Javan wasn’t so sure about that, but he let Taliya keep talking.
“Two, it was the only way to get her agree to help us get through the portal. If we hadn’t come when we did, Starshade would already be dead. And three, you need her to help you collect a Midnight Stalker. I’m not sure if you are aware of this or not, but there is an evil dragon who dominates Midnight Territory. She needs to be eliminated before you can even think about collecting a Midnight Stalker, and the Destroyer specializes in eliminating dragons.
“Aren’t you supposed to unite all four Bloodlines, anyway? This is how you do it. You beat the Destroyer in a legitimate battle, get her on your side, and take down Omri with the support of all four Bloodlines.”
“Your logic breaks down in one respect: how can we trust the Destroyer? She almost killed Starshade a few minutes ago, and she still won’t tell us her name. How do we know she’ll keep her end of the bargain and stick with us if I win?”
“Wasn’t Micah your enemy not too long ago?”
“Yeah. So?”
“So you already have practice turning your enemies into allies. You’ll bring her around to your side.”
The prophecy did say he would unite the four Bloodlines. He didn’t know any other Destroyers. He might as well work on making this one his friend. “Okay. You make some valid points, and I am a man of my word. But don’t expect me to ever agree to any deal again without knowing every detail beforehand.”
“That’s fair.”
She turned to go, but Javan stopped her. “Wait. You said you had four reasons. What’s the fourth?”
“Oh. That.” She held her head high. “I need to prove to myself that I am a capable Protector. I need to know I can outwit a Destroyer and take a scale from Azurrior’s forehead to brand him as Protected before she can get near him.”
He saw doubt creep into her eyes. “You will,” he said, understanding the importance of needing to prove oneself. “The Destroyer doesn’t have a chance.”
◊◊◊
The two old guys wandered off to chat, leaving Micah alone with the Destroyer. Maybe now that she was talking, he could finally learn her name. “I would congratulate you on your ingenious deal…if I knew your name.”
“A name isn’t necessary for you to offer your praise. And by the way, I am indeed done trying to kill you. I don’t need a blade to my throat to persuade me to honor my deals.”
“How noble of you. But what about the deal you made with my father to assassinate me?”
“Destroying dragons trumps eliminating you. Besides, if I bring the heads of two Dusk Stalkers to Omri, he’ll be so grateful that his position on the throne is no longer threatened that he’ll overlook the fact that you are still alive.”
Micah wanted to tell her that his father didn’t overlook anything. You either followed his orders or you died. He didn’t much like the Destroyer, but he didn’t want her to die. That’s why when the battle began, he wouldn’t attempt to hunt any dragon. Instead, he would hunt the Destroyer and make sure she didn’t succeed in her quest.
Chapter 55
Gibbet
The adrenaline that had kept Taliya going for the past few hours began to wane as she and Javan walked back to the portal area. Hunger, fatigue, and fear of the impending battle overwhelmed her. She stumbled, but Javan caught her before she fell. “Thanks.”
“You okay? You’re looking a bit shaky. Is it because of that cut on your head? The Destroyer didn’t do that to you, did she?”
“No. I banged it on the cliff wall, but I’m fine.” Using Javan as a prop, she steadied herself. “Just need some food and rest. It’s been a long day.”
“Where do you think that is?” The idea of visiting a new place revived her. “My guess is some cave in the mountains north of here. Where else would he be able to conceal two dragons? Unless he had Kisa take them back to Dusk Territory. They would be safe there, but that would be disappointing because I’ve already seen that part of Zandador. I’d prefer to explore somewhere I’ve never been.”
“I hope it’s not a cave.” Javan moaned. “I got used to sleeping in an actual bed while on Earth, and I would like that trend to continue.”
“As long as the dragons are safe, I don’t care where we sleep.”
“I don’t think Azurrior is going to be safe much longer.” Javan nodded toward Silverspike. The huge dragon was snapping and clawing at the tiny dragon who literally ran in circles around his neck. “I’ll go rescue the little guy.”
“Please do.” She smiled, pleased with the spunk of her dragon. Releasing him into the wild would be good for him but sad for her. “I’ll check on Starshade.”
Unlike Azurrior, Starshade wasn’t moving. She had curled her tail around her body and was sleeping peacefully. “Too bad Azurrior can’t share some of his energy with you.”
“I wouldn’t mind having a dose of that energy myself,” Ravier said, joining her. “I haven’t slept much since you’ve been gone.”
“Why’s that?”
“It took the dragons and I most of the week to get through the mountains. It was only yesterday when we finally reached our destination.”
“You got through the mountains? That means you made it to Gibbet.” Taliya’s heart rate sped up. She had never been that far north before. She had to know what it was like. “Is it true that miniature people live there in elaborate villages in the trees? What kind of food do they eat? I hope it’s good. I am pretty hungry. And do the rhinorats really exist? Are they as big and as ugly and as mean as the legend states?”
“I don’t know how you say so much so fast. I don’t even remember all your questions.” He motioned toward Kisa. “How about we have Kisa take us there, and you can find the answers to your questions yourself.”
“Gladly!”
“You stay put. I’ll gather everyone and bring Kisa over here so we don’t have to move Starshade.”
“Sounds good.” She squatted by Starshade’s ear. “Did you hear that, girl? We’re going to Gibbet. For once, I won’t be the shortest person around!”
Starshade barely opened her eyes and promptly shut them again. “That’s all right,” Taliya said. “You keep sleeping, and I’ll be excited enough for the both of us.”
While she waited for the teleportation trip, she commanded her mind to recall everything about Gibbet she had ever heard or read. She wanted to be prepared, but more importantly, she wanted something to think about besides the guilt that ate at her for making that horrible deal with the Destroyer.
◊◊◊
Certain that Starshade was safely wrapped in Kisa’s tail, Javan placed his hand on Kisa’s hind leg. “Hands on, people.” He waited for everyone to get in position, but before he ordered them to go, he needed to question Kisa. “You sure you can teleport us all at once? I can’t even take one other person with me when I teleport.”
I could teleport a hundred humans if I needed to, but the little blue dragon is distracting. Nevertheless, I am sure my mind is strong enough to overcome the commotion.
“Then take us to Gibbet.” Javan closed his eyes and braced for the tingling sensation this type of travel provided. Seconds later, the sweet aroma of flowers assaulted his nose.
“Wow. This place is amazing!”
The awe in Taliya’s voice encouraged Javan to look around. He stood on a soft layer of golden dust among trees whose trunks were wrapped with vines of colorful flowers.
I am going to return for the winged dragons, Kisa said. When I leave, make sure you glance up.
Kisa disappeared, and Javan looked up. Tall trees with bushy tops and thick branches surrounded him. But it was what he saw in the trees that took his breath away. An entire city ten feet off the ground lived above him. Swinging bridges connected buildings of all shapes, sizes, and colors to one another. It was hard to tell from his perspective, but the buildings appeared to be made for midgets.
Ravier put two fingers in his mouth and let out a long, shrill whistle. “All is well,” he shouted. “We’re back, and I have the Collector with me.”
Doors and windows creaked open, and little people no more than three or four feet high dressed in clothes that matched the colors of the flowers and tree tops began pouring out of their houses onto the porches and walkways. They were the most adorable group of folks he had ever seen.
“Javan!”
Surprised that someone in the village knew him, he turned to his left and saw a tall, red-haired woman waving at him from a balcony of a round, bright yellow house. Could it be? Was that really who he thought it was?
“Grandmother!” He ran toward her while searching in vain for a ladder. “What’s with this place? How do I get up there?” He paused and scanned the bridges.
“I can lead you to a ladder, but it won’t help you find your mother,” his grandmother Hannah said, seeming to read his mind. “She’s not up here.”
“Oh.” Javan lowered his head and swallowed, too choked up to say anything else.
“That’s because I’m right behind you.”
He spun around and met the beaming eyes of his mother. “You’re alive,” he whispered. “I wasn’t sure I would ever see you again.”
“Nonsense.” She was thinner than he remembered and stood with the support of a cane, but she had survived. She hobbled to him. “I missed the first fifteen years of your life. I wasn’t about to miss watching you win the throne.” She tossed the cane aside and stretched out her arms. Javan smiled and hugged her, thankful to be in the warm embrace of his mother. Then two more arms encircled him.
“This is so touching.” Taliya squeezed him and his mother. “Doesn’t this feel like a big group hug king of moment? I knew I would be happy if we found you, but I didn’t think I would be this happy.”
“Thank you, dear.” Esmeralda pulled away. “Who exactly are you?”
“Me? Oh. Taliya. Dragon Protector.”
“The Dusk Stalkers are alive because of her,” Javan said. “She got us through the portal and back.”
“Then I must thank you.” She shook Taliya’s hand. “You look familiar, like someone I know. You must be Hizel’s daughter. He was a great, bold man, and a good friend. Then he was assigned to marry your mother. I’m afraid I don’t have anything kind to say about her.”
“Me, either,” Taliya responded. “But I can already tell you are kind and loving. You are a Protector as well, correct? I have so many questions for you. Can we chat? Over lunch? I am quite hungry.”
“Hold on, Taliya.” Javan gently pushed her away. “She’s my mother. I should get to talk to her first.”
“No.” Micah stepped forward. “I need to talk to her first.”
“It’s you.” His mother shivered and fainted in Javan’s arms.
◊◊◊
Shame cut straight to Micah’s heart at the sight of Esmeralda. He remembered every horrible word he said to her and about her while he dragged her around the Land of Zandador in chains. He had slapped her. Kicked her. Whipped her. Yet she never complained. Never fought back. Never ridiculed him. She simply took the abuse she didn’t deserve with dignity.
No wonder the sight of him made her faint.
He turned to go, to find anywhere else to be. He certainly didn’t earn the right to be in her presence.
“Micah.” Javan’s voice stopped him. “She wants to talk to you.”
He closed his tear-filled eyes and shook his head. “I don’t want to cause her any more pain. Let her know I’ll stay out of her sight until we leave this place.”
&n
bsp; “That won’t be necessary,” Esmeralda said. “It is necessary that we speak.”
He slowly turned around and sunk to his knees in front of her. “The things I did to you are unforgivable. Nothing I say or do now can take away the pain I caused, but I am truly sorry. To prove it, I will let you punch and kick me as much as you want, and I promise not to fight back. Please. Make me bleed.”
He spread his arms out, lowered his head, and braced for impact.
Soft fingers touched his chin and lifted him up. “Ravier told me you had a change of heart. I see for myself that is true. You are forgiven.”
“What? How can you forgive me for the awful things I did to you? I won’t let you forgive me.” Tears spilled down his cheeks. “I need you to hit me!”
Instead of hitting him, she hugged him. “Perhaps it’s time you forgave yourself. Holding on to anger and regret doesn’t change the past, but it does prevent you from growing and creating a better future.”
He returned the frail woman’s embrace and sobbed. With every tear, he let a piece of his past go. And he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop crying any time soon. He was going to have to shed a lot more tears to release the dark deeds of his history.
Chapter 56
Dragon Assignments
Taliya waved at Myal and Hiara, two of the young girls she had come to know over the past week as she crossed the bridge in front of their house. “Are you all ready for another game of Vine Wars after I take care of the dragons?”
“Yes!” Hiara clapped. “I’ll get everyone ready.”
“Do you think Javan will play with us, too?” Myal asked. “I want him on my team.”
“Hey. What about me?”
“You’re good with your slingshot, but he’s better at throwing. His team always wins.”
