by Nathan Roden
Simon continued to stare. He did not move.
Boone walked to Simon’s side.
“Simon,” he said softly. The dragon did not move. Boone pulled on Simon’s wing.
“Simon. Please.”
Simon backed away.
One of the young men began to cry.
“What kind of army do you wish us to join? A talking dragon? A dragon that wishes to be king?”
Sir Edmund looked to his fellow knights.
“Do you know these men?”
They nodded.
Brock’s friends helped him to his feet.
“I’ll make this short and sweet, boys,” Sir Edmund said. “We cannot allow you to hinder our efforts in the north. So, you must join us. We know who you are and we know your families. If you betray us, we will find you. And I’ll let you in on another little secret.”
“We have other dragons. Really, really big dragons.”
“I’m still growing,” Simon said.
Edmund nodded. He pointed at Simon.
“You heard the king. He’s still growing.”
Twelve
Simon walked away from the camp to the west. He had wanted to spend much of his time alone, of late. There was too much to think about, and he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. He sensed changes within himself, and they were not all good. He walked to a nearby stream where he liked to listen to the tranquil sound of the running water.
They returned from Marcelo with six new recruits to their cause. Four of them were the heathens who had intended to have their way with Boone and Helena before Sir Edmund and the other knights intervened. One of those young men brought along his two younger brothers.
Simon did not care for the idea of depending on those who served only out of fear. How would these men perform in the heat of battle?
Simon thought back to what happened in the woods of Marcelo. He had the arrogant ringleader, Brock, pinned to the ground. The man would have hurt Simon’s friends if he had his way. Rage had almost consumed Simon at that point. In the past, he would have thought the situation through carefully. But for a moment, he could not hear or see anything. The presence and pleading of his friends were shut out by the anger and need for vengeance that washed over him. For a moment, he wanted to tear the man in half. He wanted to spill his blood.
He needed to.
He felt the surge flow through him. His instinct was to raise his leg and strike—using his talon to spill the man’s guts on the forest floor.
Boone had gotten through to him in the last foggy moment before those angry desires came to pass.
But what about the next time? Simon thought.
He had spent far more days inside of the dragon’s body than he had as a boy or man. And now, he had entered into another phase of the life of a dragon.
He was growing again. And he was becoming more aggressive. His instincts were becoming more pronounced. More powerful. And more unpredictable—forever striving to push aside his intellect and his reasoning.
These things worried him for multiple reasons. Were these the workings of the mind of a real dragon? Or was he becoming overwhelmed by the trouble that surrounded him on every front?
Would he reach a point where his mind did not rise above his instincts? Could he become a liability to his friends?
Could he become…dangerous?
“This is a nice spot, eh?”
Simon jumped. He thought he was all alone in the woods.
Ben Blankenship was out for a walk as well. He carried his sleeping daughter, Angel.
“It certainly is,” Simon said. Simon sat down, trying to be quiet.
He looked at Ben’s little girl and immediately thought of Jaclyn and her baby. Lucien’s baby. His nephew.
All the wrong feelings welled up inside Simon along with these thoughts. Fear. Anger. Jealousy.
Rage.
“Are you all right, Simon?” Ben asked.
“She’s such a beautiful baby,” Simon said. “Ah, to be able to sleep so peacefully.”
“I know,” Ben said. “There is much to miss about the peaceful innocence of youth.”
“Her grandparents,” Simon said. “They obviously love the child. Do you trust them?”
“They know the rebellion is real, now. When they discovered Sir Edmund was with us, they began to understand what is to come. They have never experienced life inside the kingdom. They’ve always thought we were safe here. And they will be safe here, for now—as long as we succeed.”
Ben and Simon heard laughter coming from upstream.
“That’s Boone and Helena,” Ben said. “They left before Angel and I did—said they were going to have a bath. I told them Angel and I were coming, and they had better keep their clothes on.”
Ben rubbed his arm.
“Helena hit me.”
“Yes,” Simon said. “She will do that.”
“They’re not…you know,” Ben said.
“Acting married,” Simon said.
“Yes,” Ben said. “Boone wants to wait. He wants to have a proper wedding after the war is over. I admire him for that.”
Simon stared ahead and grunted.
“He also wants to wait for one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“He wants his best friend to stand beside him at his wedding, after his friend’s days as a dragon are over.”
They could see Boone and Helena now. They had moved downstream where the water pooled deeper. They had yet to see Simon and Ben. They laughed and swam into each other’s arms. They kissed deeply and passionately.
A wave of warmth and happiness swept over Simon. Two of his best friends in the world were in love. They had found their soul mates.
There was a time, not so long ago, when these good feelings would stay with Simon.
But today, his thoughts wandered. He pictured himself laughing and frolicking in a peaceful stream—with the girl he loved.
The tempest of rage began to build in his mind.
The girl he would never have.
The girl who was married to his brother. Carrying his brother’s child.
Simon pushed himself to his feet.
“I have to go.”
Thirteen
Lucien rode alone ahead of the procession. Inside the castle gates, he handed his reins to the stable boy without a word. He walked past the castle toward the training grounds. He had no desire to lie in his empty bed and stare at the ceiling. Two castle guards followed him.
Lucien turned.
“Leave me alone!”
“You’re going to the training grounds—in the dark, your Grace?”
“It won’t be the first time.”
“As you wish.”
Lucien began lighting the torches that surrounded the archery range. He heard a voice.
“I thought we might find you here.”
Two of Lucien’s friends, Brendan and Reese, stepped into the light.
“Is it true—about the queen?”
“Yes,” Lucien said. “She’s been placed under arrest.”
“By Sterling’s hand, I’m sure,” Reese said.
“By mine,” Lucien said.
“But why—?”
“She and Oliver are involved in some…some secret conspiracy. Oliver’s friend was assigned to the Border Guard. He deserted his post. We may never know why. He’s dead.”
“Stoddard?” Brendan said. “Tim Stoddard is dead?”
Lucien nodded.
“By Sterling’s arrow. Where’s Tree?”
“Tree” was their nickname for their friend, Shawn. Shawn had towered over almost everyone in the village.
Brendan and Reese exchanged a troubled look.
“Well?” Lucien said. “Where is Shawn?”
“You haven’t heard?” Brendan asked.
“Stop playing games. Haven’t heard what?”
“Shawn is dead. Sterling struck him in the head with his own helmet.”
Lucie
n reached blindly for a bench. He leaned against it.
Brendan offered Lucien a wineskin. Lucien looked him in the eye. He looked at Reese.
“You don’t drink.”
“We didn’t use to,” Reese said.
An hour passed. No arrows had been loosed, but three wine-skins were emptied.
“I want to kill him,” Lucien said.
“Don’t let the wine cloud your judgment, my king,” Brendan said. “Sterling is always listening.”
“Of course, he is,” Lucien said. “That is just one more reason—that I want to kill him. I used to only dream about killing the dragon. But I no longer care if he lives for five hundred years. I want Sterling to die.”
“What happens to the baby?” Reese asked.
Lucien leaned forward. He pushed his palms against his temples.
“I don’t know.”
“It gives me no pleasure to mention this,” Brendan said. “But time grows short. If the queen carries an heir, you could be in great danger.”
“Lucien,” Reese said, “a male child could give Sterling another seventeen years to rule the kingdom—if you should die.”
“I know Sterling is ruthless and half-mad, but murder the king? Do you honestly believe the entire kingdom will stand by and do nothing—?”
“He won’t run his sword through your heart, your Grace. Sterling is much too wise for that. He would make your murder look like an accident.”
“We couldn’t help Shawn,” Brendan said. “We didn’t know what Sterling was going to do. But we won’t stand by and let him kill you.”
Lucien took a drink.
“Ha! How will you stop him?”
“Name one of us your squire. You’re the king—make both of us squires!”
“Two of Raynard’s best bowmen? Are you mad? They would never allow it!”
“The dungeon is a nasty place,” Brendan said.
“Don’t you think I know that?” Lucien snapped. “I was angry. And confused. My head felt like it would explode. I went with Oliver because he knew things he had no business knowing. And now it’s too late.”
“It’s damp and cold,” Reese said. “Not the best place for a baby—or his mother.”
“I would never have thought Oliver capable of treason,” Brendan said.
Reese stretched his arms over his head and yawned.
“Far too much to ponder for one day. I’m going to bed.”
“Me too,” Brendan said. “Are you coming, Lucien?”
Lucien picked up his bow.
“I’ll be along soon.”
Reese and Brendan paused at the sound of an arrow striking the target.
“I wouldn’t trade places with him for all the gold in the world,” Reese said.
Brendan clapped Reese on the shoulder.
“Nor would I.”
Fourteen
The wolves stopped north of the rows of tents outside of Drakal. They took on their human forms.
Magdalena walked around a tree and stopped just short of the tip of an arrow that was leveled at her eyes.
Helena sighed and lowered her bow.
“Did you ever stop to think that people might be hunting in these woods?”
“Where have you been?” Boone asked. “You should tell someone before you disappear into thin air.”
“I’m not accustomed to having anyone care,” Magdalena said.
“Well, you need to get over that, Sister,” Helena said.
Magdalena smiled.
Tanner rounded the corner.
“Oh,” Boone said. “I get it now. That’s the bloke who saved our backsides. So, you two are an item, now?”
“This is Tanner. My brother.”
“Your—?” Helena said. “No. Are you serious?”
Tanner offered his hand.
“Tanner Raven.”
Boone shook Tanner’s hand.
“Boone Blankenship. Pleased to meet you.”
Helena looked at Magdalena.
“Your name is Raven? I didn’t know that.”
“Slaves are encouraged to forget their surnames,” Magdalena said. “Where is Simon?”
“He left less than an hour ago,” Helena said.
“Left? For where?”
Helena sighed.
“He took Caleb to Islemar. Caleb threatened to go by himself. He’s terribly worried about Sara and Zeke.”
“But the child is blind!” Magdalena said. “How can he possibly—?”
“Calm yourself, My Lady,” Boone said. “They took Rolf Roball with them. He is unknown in the north.”
The sound of hoof beats reached them.
“There is disturbing news from the north,” Magdalena said.
“Who are those riders?” Boone asked.
“Friends of yours.”
Belinda and Adam dismounted. Belinda spotted Boone and walked straight toward him. Boone wasn’t sure what to expect. Belinda reached for him. Boone winced and turned his head—until he felt Belinda hugging him.
She stepped back and held Boone at arm’s length.
“So, you haven’t gotten your fool-self killed yet.”
Belinda threw her arms around Helena and hugged her.
Belinda held onto Helena’s arm and winked at her. She motioned toward Boone with her head.
“I see you’ve kept him alive. Did I tell you that he’s the worst burglar in the history of burglars?”
“Thank you, My Lady,” Helena said. She bit her lip. “I’m so sorry about…about…”
Belinda patted Helena’s hand.
“Yes, dear. Thank you.”
Belinda looked around at the swarm of soldiers.
“It’s true, then. You prepare for war.”
Nicolas Lamont approached from the training area. He addressed Adam.
“Sheriff Jacobs?”
“Lord Lamont,” Adam offered his hand. “Have you met my mother?”
Lamont bowed.
“I have not had the pleasure, though I have heard many good things about you—and your husband. I am so sorry, My Lady.”
“Thank you, Lord Lamont. And I’m afraid—”
Magdalena grabbed Belinda’s arm. She stepped between Belinda and Lamont and shook her head slightly.
“I must speak with you, Lady Jacobs.”
Magdalena pulled Belinda aside.
“We should wait until Simon returns before…before we say more.”
Magdalena walked toward Lamont.
“We have to get Simon to come back. It is important.”
“Why?” Lamont asked. “They shouldn’t be long.”
“I can’t explain now.”
Magdalena gripped Tanner’s arm and pulled him toward the north.
“You have to help me.”
Magdalena fell forward and became the wolf. Soldiers stood still and dropped their swords and bows. The wolf raised her head and loosed a howl. She became a woman again.
“Help me!” she screamed at Tanner.
Tanner pointed at a nearby hilltop.
“Let’s go up there.”
Tanner looked at the others and shrugged. He dropped to all fours and transformed.
The pair of wolves bounded up the hill. Their silhouettes could be seen against the sun—and their distressed howls carried across the winds.
“Well,” Sir Edmund Braun said. “We are an interesting bunch.”
Nicholas Lamont looked like he might fall over. Boone and Helena grabbed his arms.
“You missed the introductions, Lord Lamont,” Helena said. “That man is Magdalena’s brother.”
Lamont nodded.
One of the former members of the Border Guard spoke up.
“We just might have a chance, after all.”
Simon cocked his head. He thought he heard a familiar sound in the wind. He heard it again.
Caleb leaned close to Simon’s head.
“That’s Lady Magdalena!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes!
We have to turn back!”
“What are we doing?” Rolf Roball cried.
“Hold on!”
Simon made a sweeping turn.
This can only be bad news, he thought.
Sir Edmund clapped Lamont on the shoulder.
“I hope this works. I must go and speak to a friend. Promise me you’ll do nothing drastic until I return.”
Lamont nodded.
Magdalena and Tanner returned to the camp in their human forms. The soldiers backed up to let them pass.
Helena pointed to the sky.
“Look! They heard you! They’re coming!”
Rolf Roball and Caleb slid from Simon’s back. Simon saw people he did not know standing with Magdalena, Boone, and Helena. A strange feeling ran through him. He braced himself to learn why the wolves had summoned him to return.
Fifteen
Simon watched in silence as Belinda told of seeing the queen and the king’s squire paraded through the streets of Evenshire in shackles. Those listening were silent and kept their eyes on Nicholas Lamont. One by one they offered him quiet words of encouragement.
Simon turned and walked toward the woods. Boone ran to catch up with him.
“Where are you going?”
“I need to be alone.”
“You’re not…you’re not leaving, are you? You can’t—”
Simon crashed through the trees, leaving Boone’s question unanswered. Helena stepped to Boone’s side.
“What is he doing?”
“For the longest time, I would have expected him to go away alone to grieve—or even cry. Now? I don’t know what to expect. He kills when he needs to eat and it doesn’t seem to bother him anymore. It wasn’t like that for years.”
“He’s getting bigger,” Helena said.
“I asked Caleb about that. He has learned much about dragons from the babies—”
“They’re not babies anymore. They’re growing fast.”
“Caleb says that dragons go through several periods of growth. These periods can be spread over fifty years.”
