The ethereal works again? he asked as things started coming back to him.
“Only here, at our castle,” Zahrellion answered. Her smile, as she slid her fingers lovingly through his hair, threatened to melt the icy stuff that had coated his heart in that crater. He saw that the triangle on her head was the color of blond wood now, but said nothing.
“Where are the others?” he asked. He tried not to enjoy the touch of Zahrellion's fingers, but it was useless.
“Marcherion is guarding the star ship,” Rikky answered. “I have to take his place soon. He’s a vigilant bastard.”
“You’ve been tending Jenka, Rikky,” Zahrellion scolded. “Let Aikira and me split your watch again.”
“No,” Rikky said flatly. “I can handle my duty.”
“That’s not the point, Rikky Camille,” Aikira scolded as she stepped into Jenka’s room. “We don’t want anything to happen to our best healer.”
“You said fastest flyer last time,” Rikky smiled. “Both are correct, but Jenka’s awake now. March needs a break. I’m going, so deal with it.” He patted Jenka’s shoulder, and then decided that it wasn’t enough. He reached down and hugged his friend tightly for a beat. Then he turned and left with deep thumping strides.
“How long have I—?”
“Almost a full turn of the moon,” Zahrellion said. “Winter is upon us.”
“And the Sarax?”
“Those that broke free have spread across the land. Only one has returned to the star ship and Blaze scorched it to a husk,” explained Zahrellion.
“What of the rangers and Lem?”
“Holed up in that keep for the winter,” Aikira told him. “That fool druidon Lanxe led an attack of his enslaved vermin on them just days ago. The weather ended most of them before they got there. From what I could tell when I flew over, the rangers stayed in the keep and watched them freeze. I bet my favorite boots Lanxe marches on Richard’s kingdom in the spring, but there’s naught to worry about for the moment, Jenk. You fortified the encasement well. Rest. The Dour nearly sapped the life out of you.” She scratched at her nose and gave Zahrellion a look. Her big eyes were liquid, and the gap between her front teeth was prominently beautiful when she smiled. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have chores.” She shook her head as if the two of them were hopeless, then squeezed Jenka’s hand and left the room.
Jenka started to ask another question, but Zahrellion leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips.
“What was that for?” he smarted and pulled away in confusion. “Is Marcherion not enough for you?”
Zahrellion nearly stood and stalked away, but somehow she managed to keep from it. She clenched and unclenched her fist while fighting the urge to throttle him. It never failed that he always found the absolute stupidest things to say to her. She knew Jenka was dense, and knowing that she knew, she decided she had to have better control of the way he sometimes irked her. She had to keep from letting his stupidity drive her away.
“He just isn’t you, Jenka.” She kissed him again, first on the lips, then on the nose.
“We’re Dragoneers, Zahrellion,” Jenka argued, but only halfheartedly. Her smell, and the huskiness of her voice was melting his resistance.
“We can be lovers and Dragoneers,” she said. “Crimzon said so. Either way, I’ll always love you.”
Jenka sighed and tried to untwist his thoughts, but it was no use. Before he could stop himself he started to respond.
“Shhhhh,” Zahrellion stopped his words with a fingertip on his lips.
“I know you do, Jenka,” she smiled deeply. “I’ve known it all along.”
The End of Book II
The Saga of the Dragoneers:
Part I - Full Confliction
The First Dragoneer
The Royal Dragoneers
Cold Hearted Son of a Witch
The Confliction
Also by M.R. Mathias
Crimzon & Clover I – Orphaned Dragon, Lucky Girl
Crimzon & Clover II – The Tricky Wizard
Oathbreaker – A Faery Tale Short
King of Fools
The Adventurion
And don’t miss the International Bestselling Wardstone Trilogy
Here is what people are saying about:
The Sword and the Dragon
(The Wardstone Trilogy Book One)
Overall The Sword and the Dragon (A+) is an impressive debut - a traditional fantasy that manages to be fresh. It succeeds in offering a complete reading experience.
--Fantasy Book Critic
This is an epic fantasy, and I do mean epic… A fat fantasy, the kind you would expect from a Jordan or Tad Williams.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone wanting a solid, traditional fantasy read.
– B. V. Larson Bestselling author of MECH
This book is a monster and not just in size. M. R. Mathias has managed to do something extremely difficult in the fantasy genre - create something new and unique. Well written and compelling it literally turns the pages itself. I would compare this to Lord of the Rings except that LOTR couldn't hold my interest like this book. Mathias' characters are rich and well developed, the story flows easily and the reader is lost in the incredible world that's been created.
If you like fantasy then you will absolutely love this book. I cannot wait for the sequel.
-Tracey Alley author of The Witch Wars trilogy
Like any good epic novel, the author creates an entire world slowly and carefully through the actions of its characters. I was drawn in, and still don't want to let go!
-- Christopher Dyer
An Indie treat. I'm looking forward to see what M.R. Mathias writes next.
- Vaughn Heppner author of The Outlaw Knight, Star Soldier, and Bio Weapon
Fans of Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis, will find much to enjoy in M.R. Mathias’ debut fantasy novel, The Sword and the Dragon (Book 1 of a trilogy). Starting with a mountain-side harvest of hawk eggs, the reader is then taken on an epic adventure through the Mainland Kingdom, encountering on the trek clansmen, a Lion Lord, lizards, serpents, elves, witches, a giant called Borg, a giantess called Berda, a bald-headed wizard called Pael, monsters and magic, kings and queens, lords and ladies, and many others, along with a great mix of campfire legends, swords and sorcery, and exhilarating battles.
This is a big book on a grand scale, but don’t let the fact that it’s a long story put you off. It is also a fast read with a steady flow throughout. Read this book, take up your sword and get ready for a hugely enjoyably adventure.
--John Walker author of Wrath and Remembrance, Hitting Back, God’s Soldiers, Blood and Water
Cold Hearted Son of a Witch (Dragoneers Saga) Page 16
