Riders of Fire Complete Series Box Set books 1-6: YA Epic Fantasy Dragon Rider Adventures

by Eileen Mueller

  The captain narrowed his eyes, voice soft and menacing, “Just what are you planning, Kierion?”

  “If I do manage to persuade dragon riders to join us, what can you offer them?”

  The captain’s chuckle was like a rockslide. “Whatever you want.”

  §

  Adelina was in the middle of pulling a beer for a huge tharuk when the strangers strolled out of the captain’s office. Hoods off now, there was a handsome dark-haired man with his arm around a blonde woman, a mage trailing sparks and a man with—

  It was Kierion. She braced herself, ready to call out, but his eyes swept past her as if she wasn’t even there. He swaggered across the tavern. He’d seen her without a flicker of recognition.

  Sure, with her hat pulled down over her face and without riders’ garb on, she looked different. But surely a man who loved her would have known who she was. She was about to call out, when she noticed the captain scrutinizing her. By letting on she knew him, would she put him in danger? She grabbed a cloth and began wiping beer and tharuks’ spittle off the bar.

  Maybe he had recognized her. Maybe she’d hurt him too much. Destroyed his tender feelings for her. Between tharuk grunts and slurps, her own harsh words echoed in her ears, “Flame you, Kierion. I don’t know if we killed Seppi by taking him out into the snow.” She’d practically accused him of murder, when he’d only been trying to help.

  Seppi’s dead body had brought her mother’s death crashing down around her and opened old wounds too deep to heal. Wounds caused by her father—not Kierion. Her accusations had been unfair. She wouldn’t blame him if he never spoke to her again.

  So, she kept her trap shut. Kept her eyes averted as the dark-haired man kissed Gret and they all left, Fenni trailing sparks out the door.

  “Oi, you!” Tharuk claws swiped, just missing her nose. “My beer.”

  The tankard overflowed, froth spilling over Adelina’s hands and beer running over her clean counter. She slammed the glass on the bar and retrieved the cloth. Scowling, she ignored demands for beer while she mopped up the mess. If only it were as easy to clean up the mess she’d made with Kierion.

  §

  The captain had been watching the new barmaid these past few hours. There was more to that dark-haired girl than met the eye. Onyx eyes glittering below that sloppy hat of hers, she missed nothing. A slip of a girl, she had fine curves hidden under the baggy clothing she wore, but he had no interest in young things like that. And it was better his men didn’t notice either.

  The girl nodded to a tharuk, face carefully neutral, and pulled the monster an ale. It was a necessity having these beasts in the tavern. Captain wrinkled his nose. They stank. And their business stank too. Although he was the still the captain of a pirate ship, he didn’t like slaves. Once there’d been a scourge which had wiped out half his crew members. A bright idea of the second mate’s, they’d sneaked in through the back entrance to Death Valley and procured a few slaves while Zens wasn’t looking. He shook his head. Never again. The condition of those men, women and littlings had horrified him. Dried out husks with barely a wit between them, they’d hardly been able to speak. Within a day on board, most had died. The captain grimaced.

  There was something uncanny about this girl, the way she sized up patrons and changed her expression to suit each one. She’d watched those men at the door posturing like bulls over that pretty blonde wench. She had a quick mind and a fast hand with a weapon. Obviously trained. Why was she here? A spy? For whom? Zens? Or the dragon riders?

  He snorted again. Not that it would make much difference if the dragon riders were going to be in his crew soon. That bloody Kierion, smooth talking swine, he was. Captain had never even realized the lad was a dragon rider. But the blighter had saved his life. He snorted again. After what they’d done, he’d vowed to hate them forever, now he had one on his crew.

  But things had changed. Soon, he might have more riders. The captain turned that fact over and over in his mind, wondering how he could work it to his advantage. And what use he could have for the girl.

  §

  As they left the Brothers’ Arms, a gaggle of Nightshaders was trooping in, led by the hulking Brutus. Ever since that first fight in the alley, Brutus had accepted them—on the surface—although his eyes glinted with malice whenever he looked at Fenni.

  On the top step, Danion leaned in and kissed Gret’s cheek and then her throat.

  Heat seared from Fenni’s fingertips in a burst of flame. He quickly clenched them, quelling it.

  Brutus glanced at Fenni’s hands. His hard eyes flitted to Fenni’s face. “Hey Danion, I think wizard boy wants a turn at your girl.” Brutus’ gaze slid over Gret’s curves and down her long legs.

  Another Nightshader chortled, “Wouldn’t we all?” leering at her.

  Danion’s head snapped around, his dark eyes blazing at Fenni. “You touch her, boy, and I’ll string your entrails from the doorway of this tavern.” His glare roved over each of the Nightshaders. “The same goes for any man who lays a finger on her. She’s mine. Got it?”

  Hurriedly, they looked away from Gret, eyes anywhere except her. “All good. I like my guts on the inside, sir.” Brutus said.

  A nervous titter ran through the Nightshaders.

  Danion took Gret’s cheeks in his hands and leaned in, kissing her thoroughly.

  Rage simmered inside Fenni, seeing that man’s mouth claim her soft lips. He contained it, shoving his anger down somewhere dark and deep, where no one would see it.

  Amid catcalls and whistles, Danion released Gret’s face and took her hand.

  She blushed, smiling, and lowered her eyes, just like a besotted lover.

  By the dragon gods, a man could only take so much. Summoning all the courage he could muster and coiling his rage inside him, Fenni followed Danion, Gret and Kierion down the steps. The whole way back to Danion’s quarters, Fenni tamped down his anger. But his raging jealousy reared again as Danion held Gret’s hand and whispered to her, occasionally stopping to kiss her again. Just like a man in love. Danion must’ve fallen for Gret too.

  Fenni remembered Danion’s lewd comments the night Gret had walked into the bar. His anger flared again.

  They traipsed along the alley and up the stairs to Danion’s room.

  The moment they shut the door, Danion dropped his arm from Gret’s shoulders and rounded on Fenni, pushing him up against the wall. “Keep your urges to yourself, young man.”

  He hadn’t realized how strong Danion was until those arms pinned his shoulders. “And you keep your mouth to yourself.” Fenni snapped. “Kissing her, like that.”

  “You fool. Your sparks and flaming jealousy incited interest from those Nightshader pigs. Do you want the captain to take her—or one of his stinking thugs? You can be glad I staked a claim to her publicly. It might be the only thing that’ll protect her from being ravaged.” Danion dropped his hands from Fenni’s shoulders, running his fingers through his tousled dark curls. “Although I’m hoping it won’t goad Brutus into trying his luck.”

  Gret paled.

  Danion pushed a finger at Fenni’s chest. “You think I want this? I have a wife and littlings at home. Flirting with your girl is the last thing I need.”

  Gret pushed between them, eyes blazing. “Acting like two bulls with locked horns and talking about me as if I’m not even here is the last thing I need.” She stalked out the door and slammed it behind her, leaving them all gaping.

  “Well, you both had that coming,” Kierion said, stepping toward the door. “I’ll see if I can find her.”

  §

  Gret ran along the alley, head down, boots churning through the snow. She was so mad, she could smite those idiots’ heads off. She wasn’t a piece of meat for them to fight over like scrapping tharuks. Didn’t they know she had feelings?

  Feelings that were now so utterly confused. Gods, she’d really liked Fenni. Thought she’d loved him. But then again, she’d never seen the simmering jealou
sly and possessiveness that Danion brought out in him. And now she’d been kissed by Danion. More than once. She’d only been acting, but her body had betrayed her, arching into him, looking into his deep eyes, enjoying the sensation of his lips on hers.

  He’d just said he had littlings.

  Her blood thundered. Fenni wasn’t the only one Danion drove to simmering anger. He was married, with littlings. He didn’t need to act his part so perfectly.

  Footsteps sounded behind her.

  She spurted ahead and turned down an alley. It didn’t matter whether it was Fenni or Danion—she didn’t want to see either of them now.

  The footfalls followed, faster now, splashing though the slush.

  Gret dashed around another corner and smacked into a wall of muscle.

  Strong hands gripped her arms. Brutus leered down at her. Raucous laughter and clanking tankards drifted from a half open door. The stench of latrines was overpowering. Horrified, Gret realized she was at the back of the Brothers’ Arms.

  “Just what I was looking for.” Brutus grinned. “A bit of entertainment while the boys play a round of nukils.”

  §

  At Gret’s scream, Kierion couldn’t help it, he melded with Riona without even thinking. “Riona, help.”

  Moments later, he rounded a corner and found himself at the back of the Brothers’ Arms. Brutus was holding Gret up against the outside wall of a latrine.

  Riona’s roar rippled the air. Gret squirmed from Brutus’ grip and kicked him hard in the groin. He crumpled to his knees, groaning. Whipping her sword from its scabbard, she held the tip under his throat.

  Panting, Kierion ran over. “Riona, please fetch Danion.”

  “You’d be better play this cool, or that man may decide she’s an attractive challenge.”

  “Thanks, good advice.” He slowed and swaggered over to Brutus and Gret, waiting until he’d circled them entirely before speaking, “Wait until Danion hears about this.” He ignored Brutus’ glare. “So, you’re keen to display your entrails to the world, are you?”

  Moments later, Riona landed on the roof of the Brothers’ Arms with Danion on her back. Danion swung down on a rope and dropped to the tavern’s yard. Riona swiped at the rope, cutting it. It twisted to the ground like an angry snake. Danion snatched it up and ran over to Brutus, who was still on his knees with Gret’s sword at his throat.

  Brutus’ eyes widened, taking in Danion. “S-sorry, boss,” he said, his eyes smoldering with anything but remorse.

  Danion ignored him, thrusting one end of the rope at Kierion. “Tie him up, and leave an end trailing.”

  Kierion knotted the rope around Brutus’ belly and tugged it tight.

  Danion put his fingers between his teeth and whistled. Flapping wings whooshed overhead—Danion’s blue. He threw the long end of the rope into the sky. His dragon snatched it and yanked Brutus above the rooftops, whacking the thug’s shins on the eaves of the Brothers’ Arms.

  Danion chuckled. “I told her not to be gentle and to leave him in Spanglewood Forest.” He turned to Gret. “Are you all right?” Danion took her in his arms and hugged her.

  Thankfully Fenni wasn’t here to see Danion hugging the woman he loved.

  Seeing their embrace hit Kierion in the gut—the pang of missing Adelina’s cute perky smile, the way she teased him, her musical laugh at his stupid jokes. Those stunning dark eyes that he lost himself in every time he gazed into their depths. The warmth of her in his arms when he comforted her the way Danion was holding Gret now.

  He ground his boot into the stone. He was a fool for ignoring her. Blinded by his own hurt, he hadn’t considered her feelings—yet again. Now that the battle in Montanara was over, he’d head back to Dragons’ Hold and tell her he cared for her. He swallowed. And hope she cared too.

  He’d flaming well tell her anyway. His heart was hers—whether she wanted it or not.

  Boots thudded down the alley, and Fenni rounded the corner, panting. “Master Giddi’s been taken by Commander Zens!” He froze, staring at Danion and Gret, jaw hanging.

  §

  Everyone froze. But it wasn’t Fenni’s news that had shocked them—Danion had Gret in his arms again.

  Fenni gaped. He wanted to run, flee, hide. But his feet were rooted to the stone. His legs refused to budge. Gret was hugging Danion. This was no show. No one was watching. She’d chosen Danion over him.

  His magic guttered and died, leaving him stone cold.

  In the flickering light of a lantern on the tavern’s back wall, Gret stared at him, tears staining her cheeks.

  “Gret, what’s wrong?” Fenni blurted. He couldn’t help himself. He had to know. If Danion had hurt her—

  “She’s had a terrible shock,” Danion said.

  Gret let out a loud sob and raced to Fenni, throwing herself at his chest. His arms closed around her shaking body. She cried into his shoulder. He stroked her hair, murmuring, “It’s all right now, Gret. It’s all right.”

  “I-it was awful. Brutus attacked me, wanted to—”

  Fenni could well imagine what Brutus had wanted. “You’re all right now.”

  He tilted his head, trailing soft kisses through her hair, murmuring until her sobs quieted.

  Her arms slowly crept around his back, and she clung to him, breathing deeply, resting her cheek against his shoulder.

  §

  Fenni’s breath brushed Gret’s cheek. The warm hum of his mage power soothed her. He trailed tiny kisses through her hair. Stroked her back. Murmured. And held her safe.

  Her swordsmanship and wits had saved her. But then she’d fallen apart. Danion had hugged her, tried to comfort her, but it had felt so wrong. She’d desperately wanted Fenni.

  And then he’d been there—shock and devastation on his face. Oh gods, oh gods, she’d never meant to hurt him. Flame Danion’s stupid antics. She shouldn’t have let him hug her.

  “Are you all right?” Fenni murmured.

  “I am now,” she whispered, gazing at his green eyes.

  Gret reached up and traced his lips with her fingers. So soft. He kissed her fingertips one by one. And held her, the hum of his magic surrounding them in a warm glow. Somewhere behind her, a door crashed open and terse voices argued. But Gret ignored them. Ignored the world, held safely in the arms of the man she loved.

  §

  Kierion and Danion leaned against the back wall of the tavern, arms folded. Kierion gestured with his elbow at Fenni and Gret still embracing in the tavern’s yard. “At least you won’t have to explain to your wife why you keep kissing another woman.”

  Danion sighed. “I don’t have a wife—or littlings. I was just trying to keep Fenni off my back.”

  Danion was a slick liar; Kierion had to give him that. “So…” Kierion whispered, “you actually do like Gret?”

  Danion shrugged a shoulder. “What’s there to not like? Pretty on the eye, a sharding good fighter and a fine dragon rider. She’d do any man proud.”

  Perhaps he was right, but a different girl flashed to Kierion’s mind. One not as leggy, or as blonde. Kierion sighed.

  “You like her too?” Danion asked.

  “Nah, I like my girls half the height, with raven hair and midnight eyes.”

  “Sounds tempting.”

  Kierion glared.

  Danion gave a soft chuckle. “I was only teasing.”

  The back door to the tavern crashed open, hitting the wall. Kierion and Danion palmed their blades.

  “Get that rutting dragon off my roof!” the captain roared.

  “Kierion stepped into the light. “Ah, sir, Riona’s mine. I’ll tell her.”

  “Yours? The one that saved me?” The captain growled, “Riona can perch there whenever she wants. Just tell her not to knock off any shingles, or you’ll be replacing them.”

  Kierion sheathed his blade. “Yes, Captain.”

  The captain’s eyes narrowed at Danion. “If that dragon is Kierion’s, why were you swinging down on her ro
pe?” Danion spluttered as the captain continued, “And why were you throwing that blue a rope—the one that took Brutus away?”

  Danion coughed. “Ah, I’m her rider, sir.”

  The captain snorted, waving a hand at the embracing couple. “And I suppose they’re riders too?”

  Kierion broke in, “Gret is. Fenni rides with me.”

  “I know that. He blasted a gaping hole in that stinkin’ shadow beast.” The captain snapped, “Exactly how many riders are there in the Nightshader crew, Danion?”

  “A couple.” Danion’s unruffled nonchalance was back in full swing.

  “A couple?” The captain counted the four of them off on his fingers.

  “Well a few, then.”

  “A few what? A few dozen? I suppose you expect me to take them all into my crew, dragons included?”

  Kierion grinned. “Not a bad deal in return for a life, Captain. Fast, efficient fighters, who can beat back these dark dragons.”

  Danion smiled. “I’ll introduce you to them all in the morning.”

  “You drive a hard bargain, Kierion,” the captain growled. “I’ll see you all here in the morning for breakfast. But…” He held up a finger. “I’m not feeding dragons.”

  “I’m sorry, captain,” Kierion said. “I won’t be here for breakfast. The Dragon Mage, Master Giddi, has been taken by Commander Zens. I need to take the news to Dragons’ Hold tonight.” Although he could let the blue guards relay the message, Lars would appreciate being told in person.

  And it was time to see Adelina.

  Dragons’ Hold

  “This may sound a bit harsh, Tomaaz,” Tonio told him, “but your dragon has been turned. If we can’t extract that burrowing arrowhead, we may have to kill him.” Tonio drummed his fingernails upon the council table. “I wish there was another way.”

  Lars muttered. “It might be the only way.”