by Ramy Vance
Ascent to the Nest
Dragon Approved™ Book Two
Ramy Vance
Michael Anderle
The Ascent to the Nest Team
Thanks to the Beta Readers
John Ashmore, Kelly O’Donnell
Thanks to the JIT Readers
Kathleen Fettig
Misty Roa
Diane L. Smith
Angel LaVey
Larry Omans
Deb Mader
Dorothy Lloyd
Micky Cocker
Jeff Eaton
Jackson Hendricks
If I’ve missed anyone, please let me know!
Editor
The Skyhunter Editing Team
This Book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.
Copyright © 2020 by Ramy Vance & Michael Anderle
Cover Art by Jake @ J Caleb Design
http://jcalebdesign.com / [email protected]
Cover copyright © LMBPN Publishing
A Michael Anderle Production
LMBPN Publishing supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.
The distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.
LMBPN Publishing
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First US Edition, January 2020
eBook ISBN: 978-1-64202-677-1
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Author Notes Ramy Vance
Author Notes Michael Anderle
Other Books by the Authors
Connect with The Authors
Chapter One
Alex sat on her porch and listened to the passing cars. The streets were fairly empty for the middle of the day. She could hear her parents moving around nervously near the front door. Today was the day.
It had been nearly a week since Alex had finished the Middang3ard expansion and spoken with Myrddin and Manny. Part of her still thought the whole thing had been a dream, but after getting ready to leave this morning, she knew she was wide awake.
George and Liza opened the front door and stepped outside. Myrddin had left without restoring her sight. He said it would happen after he prepared the necessary magic, but Alex wished she could see their faces one last time before she left. She would probably be able to see them when Manny arrived, but it would be with someone watching. It was already hard enough to show them how she felt.
Liza sat down next to Alex and rested her hand on her daughter’s knee. “Guess you’re heading out a lot sooner than we thought you would.”
Alex smiled and nodded as she squeezed her mom’s hand. “You know, I’m kinda scared. Actually, ‘scared’ isn’t the right word. I’m terrified. I have no idea what this will be like.”
George took a seat on the opposite side of Alex and lightly punched her shoulder. “You got this, kiddo. It can’t be any worse than what you’ve already come across in the game. And besides, Myrddin said you’re one of the best he’s ever seen. He wouldn’t want to risk you.”
“It’s not that. I’m not scared of any of that. Myrddin mentioned something like a boot camp when he emailed me. He made it sound like, I don’t know, like a school or something.”
Liza chuckled as she squeezed Alex’s hand again. It was a habit she’d had since Alex was a small child, and it always made her feel like a baby. Sometimes Alex hated it, and other times, it was the most comforting thing in the world. “You afraid of finally having to go to school?” Liza asked.
Alex leaned back and turned her face to the sun, which felt amazing. “What if everyone has a problem with me?” Alex asked. “Or I don’t make any friends? What if I end up being shyer than Kevin is?”
“Honey, no one could be as shy as Kevin is. That boy is hardly able to string two sentences together. But hey, even you said he’s pretty popular in Middang3ard, so there’s hope for everyone.”
Alex folded her arms. She felt her face pouting and wished she was doing a better job of hiding her emotions. “I don’t understand why I have to relearn everything. Myrddin said I’m one of the best that they have. What else do I have to learn?”
George stood up and cleared his throat. Alex felt like he was going to turn on “Dad Mode.” It was that specific noise he used, the one that was more of a cough than an act. “You know, that might not be the best attitude to have, kiddo,” George started. “You might want to try some humility. Just a little bit.”
“I know. I know. I’m just… I just don’t want to have to meet other kids, okay? It’s always so uncomfortable for me. I never know what to say or who to talk to, or if I’m even allowed to talk to anyone. It’d be easier if I could just learn on my own.”
“That’s just because you’re used to learning on your own. That doesn’t mean it’s the best way to do it. Besides, did you pick up all your dragonriding skills on your own, or did you get help from other players?”
Alex turned away from her father’s voice. He was right, but that didn’t mean she wanted to give him the satisfaction of admitting it, even though he knew already. He knew her better than anyone.
Alex heard her mother stand. “Looks like your ride is here.”
Alex listened to a car roll up their driveway. It was nearly silent, so it must have been a newer model. It had to be Myrddin or Manny if her parents recognized it.
Alex reached for her mom’s arm, not that she needed help to get to the car. She just wanted to feel her mother close by.
Liza and George guided Alex to the driveway as her hands trembled. She hadn’t admitted to them how frightened she was of leaving. It wasn’t just the prospect of being at war with the Dark One or having to learn completely new things. She was afraid of leaving her parents.
Her home had been her entire life before she found Middang3ard. There wasn’t anyone she loved or trusted as much as her parents. Now that she thought about it, she’d rarely left the house for more than a week. The longest she’d ever been gone was on a trip with her debate team.
Manny’s voice broke Alex’s anxious train of thought. “Good to see that you are up and ready to go. Also glad to see you got the part about not packing anything since everything you need will be provided.”
“What about friends?” Alex grumbled.
Manny harrumphed at Alex’s statement. “I believe that part is up to you,” the Beholder retorted snidely. “There’s only so much we can offer, but I assure you that everyone in your class is about the same age. You’ll at least be around peers.”
George placed his hand on Alex’s shoulder, and she instantly felt better. “How old are your dragonriders?”
“Alex would be one of our younger riders. Most were recruited at about the same age, but our oldest? I don’t believe we have anyone over the age of...” Manny’s voice trailed off before he finished. The abrupt stop meant he didn’t want to complete his sentence.
Given the topic, he didn’t need to. Dragonriders didn’t get very old since most died in battle.
Great, Alex thought. Just great. Dead girl walking here.
There was an awkward silence as all four tried to figure out what should be said next. Alex already knew what time it was. This was the part where she was supposed to say goodbye. This was the part where she was supposed to leave behind everything she’d ever known.
This was the part where she was supposed to begin her adventure.
If there was ever a time for her to be brave, this was it. They’re probably freaking out right now, Alex thought, trying to imagine what her parents must be feeling.
Alex turned to Liza and threw her arms around her. She kissed her cheek and felt the damp tears running down her mother’s face. Then she turned to her father and hugged him as well. “I should get going,” she said. “I’ll message you guys as soon as I get a chance. I love you.”
Alex pulled out her foldable cane and opened it. She tapped it on the ground and turned in the direction of the car. Manny floated next to her. “You know, I can help you see—”
“Not now,” Alex interrupted. “When we leave, okay?”
“As you wish.”
Alex tapped the cane against the car and felt around until she found the door handle. She opened it and slipped inside. As she listened to the engine turn over and Manny breathe uncomfortably at her side, she’d never been happier she couldn’t see. Watching her parents would have broken her heart.
Listening to them was hard enough.
Chapter Two
Alex felt the car moving and assumed they were on the highway since they hadn’t stopped for some time. Manny had asked a couple of times if Alex wanted him to lend her his vision, but she’d declined.
It was fairly obvious to him that Alex didn’t want to talk. She’d cracked her window and was letting the cold air hit her like a hard slap across the face.
After an hour or two, the car stopped. Alex grabbed her cane, opened the door, and stepped out. She felt around for a few seconds before deciding she didn’t want to start off without directions. “Manny, where are we?”
Manny, floating beside Alex, coughed quietly. “We’ve gone as far as the car can take us. The rest of the ride is by plane.”
Alex’s heart jumped into her throat. She’d never been on a plane before. Neither of her parents made enough money to travel for fun. A couple of times, Liza or George had left town for a few days, but they’d never taken Alex with them.
It wasn’t a point Alex liked to bring up. Her lack of travel was a sore spot between her and her folks. She had a sneaking suspicion they could afford to take her but were afraid of how her sight might impact the trip.
Alex knew she was being paranoid. There had never been a situation where Alex’s parents discouraged her from doing something because she was blind. She was just looking for excuses to be bitter.
Funny how your first feeling after leaving home is bitterness, she chastised herself.
She shifted her weight from foot to foot and tried to find the right words for what she wanted to say. She’d never been good at asking for help, not even from her parents. Asking for assistance from a floating demon-head full of eyeballs wasn’t the easiest thing in the world for her.
Luckily, Manny spoke first. “Uh, is there something you need?”
“Could you guide me in the direction of the plane?”
“Are you sure you don’t want to use my eyes?”
“All right, I guess it’s about time. Lend me your peepers, fellow countryman!” She tried to say jokingly, but her excitement at seeing again, even if it was through his eyes, broke through.
There was a flash of bright green light, and Alex nearly stumbled from the shock. She still wasn’t used to that part, but there it was: the world right in front of her eyes. Granted, it was still tinted with the odd green color she recognized from the game, but she could see.
Alex looked around at the small private airport. She’d read about how rich people could afford their own planes and assumed Myrddin wasn’t any different. He was one of the richest people in the world, after all. People that rich didn’t have time to wait at airports.
And now, neither do I, Alex thought. Guess this must be a big deal.
Alex pointed at the slim airplane a couple hundred feet in front of her. “Is that the one we’re going to take?” she asked, trying to make sure her voice was even and not too excited. For some reason, she didn’t want Manny to realize she’d never been on a plane.
Manny floated ahead, flanked by the car’s driver. “Yep, that’s the one,” the Beholder said. “Myrddin sent his fastest plane for you. He’s very anxious to get you started on your training. He says it’s imperative. You were my most important recruit all week. Jeez, I was losing sleep over you.”
Alex laughed as she tried to keep up with him. For a creature with no legs, he sure as hell moved quickly. “Why were you so worried about me?” she asked.
“Myrddin was stressing me out. He kept going on and on about how I was going to lose an eye if I messed this up and terrified your parents, as if he’d forgotten how easily humans spook. Come on, we just go up the stairs.”
Manny floated up the plane’s staircase. Alex held her breath as she took her first step. She hadn’t realized her trip to Middang3ard was going to provide so many different experiences.
The inside of the plane was decorated modestly but still managed to be luxurious. There were few seats—six at most. Each had a table, and there was a hefty amount of space between them. There was another table built into the wall, and it was set with snacks and fresh fruit.
A television hung above the counter. Alex gravitated toward it, still trying to hide her growing excitement. She chose the seat directly in front of the television and buckled her seatbelt. “We have to wear these, right?” she asked.
Manny laughed as he floated into the seat across from Alex. “I think wearing a seatbelt while flying thousands of miles in the sky is a pale excuse for safety,” Manny joked. “But whatever helps you feel comfortable.”
Alex smiled and looked at Manny as she reclined in her seat and tried to find the remote. “I’m not afraid of heights. I mean, it can’t feel any worse than VR, can it?”
Manny’s eyes all blinked at once, causing Alex’s vision to black out for a second. So, she really was seeing through his eyes. “Uh, we’re allowed to watch TV on the flight, right?” she asked.
Manny was reading a dossier on his table and looked up with one of his spare eyes. “Huh? Yes, of course,” he answered. “I think it only gets elvish channels, though. It’s mostly news. I don’t think the elves grasp the medium’s potential for entertainment, although their books are spellbinding enough. Fair warning—the news of late is a little depressing, to say the least.”
“Where’s the remote?”
“Oh, there isn’t one. It’s magical. You just imagine it on, and there you go.”
Manny’s eye turned back to whatever he was reading, and Alex turned her attention to the television. She concentrated on turning it on, and a blip appeared. The blip slowly blossomed into an image on the screen. Alex wanted to squeal.
This was the first time she’d ever watched TV.
The image was of a thin man walking through a forest while talking to himself. There were words written on the bottom of the screen. Even though Alex didn’t know what the English alphabet looked like, she knew that what she was seeing on the screen wasn’t English or even human.
It was an easy conclusion since the thin man on the screen was anything but human. He looked vaguely like one of the elves from Middang3ard, but somehow, even through the television, he seemed more real. His skin was thin, almost see-through, yet he didn’t look frail.
The elf’s body looked wiry and strong. He didn’t look like he was having a hard time making the hike through the woods. Alex turned to Manny. “Is this the news?” she asked.
One of Man
ny’s eyes flipped up, and he looked at the television. “This? Yep, this is the news.”
“It’s just someone walking through the woods.” Alex had never watched the news before, but she’d listened to it enough with her parents to know it was nothing like this. Usually, someone would explain a story.
“Elvish news is very different from human news. For one, elves don’t like being lectured. It doesn’t matter by who. So they’ve come across a more ‘pleasant’ way to deliver information to each other—soothing visuals with the news running at the bottom.”
Alex unbuckled, then stood from her seat and walked to the television. She couldn’t see much of the color of the forest. She was limited by Manny’s color spectrum and the planes of vision in which he saw. But she could see that the forests were massive, sprawling things she’d never seen the like of in Middang3ard. “There’s nothing like this in the game,” she said.
“That’s because the game is based on human ideas of what fantasy realms look like. In reality, each realm is much different than the next. The dwarven mines are nothing like a human could ever conceive. Not because you lack imagination, mind you, but because the dwarves are very different from any other race. And don’t even get me started on gnomes. Those guys are insane.”
Alex felt a rumbling from the plane. She turned her attention from the television to the window next to hers. As she walked back to her seat, she saw they were moving. Was this what her parents experienced every time they flew? This sense of adventure?
