FireDrake (30 page)

“I’m Belora.” Her green eyes were curious as she regarded the prince.

“I’m William.”

“William! But you’re…” She trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

“He’s hurt, is what he is.” Krysta stepped forward. “I know it seems strange and we can answer all your questions later, but he really is Prince Wil. Ask the dragons if you don’t believe us.”

Belora cocked her head to the side as if in thought. A moment later she strode forward, placing her hands on William’s shoulder.

“I don’t understand any of this, but I can help. Turn around now and let me see to your wound.”

Mace watched yet another flagrant display of magic as the young woman—famous throughout Draconia for being one of the lost princesses of the House of Kent—laid delicate hands on Wil’s injured shoulder. Within moments, the wound began to knit as her special brand of magic took form. Mace could actually feel it.

Something was different now. He’d seen skilled healers do their work before. In fact, he’d witnessed both Queen Alania and Princess Arikia heal dragons and knights alike in the Castle Lair, but he’d never felt this tingle of magic before. He’d seen Princess Belora from afar as she visited her sisters, but he’d never spoken to the youngest of Adora’s daughters.

The innkeeper stood back, watching with just a bit of awe on his round face.

Villagers began the grisly business of cleaning up and trying to recover, all the while, the small woman worked healing magic on William’s deep wound.

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“We all heard your distress call. We came as fast as we could. I knew a dragon was in trouble so I made Lars take me along.” Belora spoke soothingly as she worked her healing.

“Thank you, cousin. I know this seems odd to you, but I really am William. I’m just a little older than you expect. To you, I’ve only been gone about five days, but to me, it’s been just over five years.”

“I don’t understand it, but Kelvan is sure to be getting the story out of your dragon friends as we speak. He doesn’t like me to say it, but he’s a terrible gossip,” she teased, even as Wil winced. She had to manipulate his arm in order to reach the deepest part of the wound and was talking, Mace noted, to help distract Wil from the pain. “Who are your companions, Wil? Shall I guess?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “We were told a minstrel named Drake and a Guardsman had taken off with Jenet, Nellin and Sir Mace.”

“I’m Drake.” He nodded wearily. “Did Ren and Lilla make it to the Border Lair safely? Are they well?”

“They are doing better each day, though it was a close thing. My mother stayed behind to look after them when I insisted on coming here. So you’re the minstrel? Funny, I could have sworn I saw you throwing fireballs. I’d have said you were some kind of mage.” She winked, smiling as she moved Wil’s arm again. He was in less pain now, Mace could tell from Wil’s expression. The princess was truly gifted. “And I suppose you’re Sir Mace. I don’t think we’ve ever met officially though Kelvan talks about his friend Nellin from time to time and I met Jenet when I was at the castle last.”

Mace nodded politely. “I’m glad to meet you, Princess Belora. Thank you and your mates for coming to our assistance.”

“Towns up and down the border have been having trouble the past few days. We’ve been on even higher alert than usual.”

Sir Gareth walked into the tavern yard at that moment and headed straight for Mace.

They shook hands in the warrior way and exchanged grim expressions as he looked at the carnage all around.

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“My lady is right,” he said to the group. “Something’s stirred up the skiths and King Lucan’s soldiers these past few days. My bet is, you’re the reason.”

“You’d win that bet, Gareth.” Mace nodded grimly.

“We had intelligence even before Wil was snatched that Lucan is after one of the younger princes. He must have heard about Wil’s abduction.” Drake stepped forward to meet the knight.

“It’s been the talk of the land,” Gareth agreed.

“I have to get back to the castle,” Wil said as Belora finished up. “Thank you, cousin.”

“You should rest for the night at least,” Belora admonished him. “It will you do no good to reinjure the wound I’ve just managed to heal.”

“We’d planned to stay the night in this town anyway,” Mace added.

“Now that we know what’s stirred the hornet’s nest…” Gareth eyed William thoughtfully, “…we can help. You’ll have company as you make your way toward the castle. Hopefully you can avoid any more incidents like this until after you get a chance to see the king.”

“Thank you, Gareth.” Mace felt his burden ease. “That would be much appreciated.”

The tavern owner approached once more after having gone off to help some of the wounded villagers. “I have a few rooms and accommodation for your dragons, sirs.

Please stay the night with us. I think it would make the entire village feel more secure.”

“We will be happy to stay.” Drake turned his charm on the man. “We’ll need three rooms. One for Sir Gareth, his partner and his lady, one for Wil and one for us.” He pointed from Krysta to Mace and back. We’d like Wil’s room to be between the other two, if that’s possible.” Drake spoke in low tones so that only the immediate company could hear his plans. The innkeeper nodded agreeably. “We can arrange that, sir. No trouble at all. Interior room, with no access except from the hall. I know how you knights like your security. I’ll set my girls to fixing the rooms up right away.”

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Drake walked off with the tavern owner and Wil and Belora followed slowly after. It was clear the prince was still in a bit of pain and the lady watched over him. Krysta followed as well, shaking her head at how Drake charmed the innkeeper.

Mace felt Gareth’s eyes on him. Gareth was older than he and Drake, but Mace had trained with him for a year after being chosen by Nellin, and knew the man well.

“So what’s this? Nellin’s taken a mate?”

“He has. Lady Jenet.”

“But she’s been pining away for some poet for the past decade or more, so they say.”

“You just met him.” Mace started walking toward the inn and Gareth fell in beside him. “Have you ever heard of the bard called Drake of the Five Lands?”

“Who hasn’t? He’s played for every monarch but our own. He’s the most famous of all Jinn bards.”

“He’s also Jenet’s knight partner. Newly chosen and in need of training.” Mace slowed his pace just before they reached the door. “He’s also, I’m sure you saw, a mage of great power, newly discovered. Something called a Firedrake. He can call magical fire at will and it only burns what he wishes it to burn. Go easy on him. This has all happened in the past three days. It’s been a bit of a shock.”

“To you as well as him, if I don’t miss my guess.” Mace fought not to wriggle under Gareth’s scrutiny. “Why are you so easy with this, Mace? How can you partner so easily with a stranger?”

“He’s not a stranger.” Mace felt his heart rise to defend his fighting partner. “We grew up together. He’s Sir Declan’s son.”

Gareth whistled between his teeth. “I heard Dec was so hard on his only boy, the kid ran off.” He looked to the doorway and back to Mace. “Declan is a great knight and he’s mellowed over the years, but he’s always been a ball-buster. I always felt sympathy for his son, though I’d never met the lad, but he’s turned out to be quite a surprise, hasn’t he?”

“You can say that again.” Mace shook his head. “Drake’s taken all life has thrown at him and he always comes out on top. Give him a chance. I know you’ll like him. He’s www.samhainpublishing.com 213

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even more talkative than you are.” Mace said the last with a mocking grin. Gareth was a garrulous sort and though Mace liked him very much, he got along with his fighting partner, Lars, better. Lars spoke even less than Mace did and the two men understood each other well.

“Congratulations on your joining, Mace.” Gareth stopped him with a warm hand on his shoulder. “Once we get Wil to safety, we’ll celebrate it properly.”

“I look forward to it.” Mace led the way into the dark interior of the tavern.

The wounded were given a place in one of the large private parlors that served as a sort of hospital when needed. Princess Belora organized the villagers to patch up folks as best they could, while Drake, Krysta and Mace went off with the men to help the villagers set up watches and deal with the aftermath of the day.

After she’d reorganized what was left of the village guard, Krysta left the warriors to see what she could do inside the inn. She wasn’t much of a healer, but she could wrap a bandage properly. She also set herself the task of watching over Princess Belora and the wounded. If further attack should come, Krysta would be on hand to defend them until help could arrive, if needed.

They spent long hours putting the village back to rights. Many had been injured, but when the princess finally told Krysta to seek her bed because she was swaying on her feet, she went. The dragons had bedded down in the tavern yard where a pool of sand had been set aside for their use. Drake escorted Krysta to the room that had been assigned them. Mace was already there when they entered and stopped short.

Mace lay sprawled on the bed, sitting up against the headboard. In his right hand, he toyed with a small ball of flame as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. His usual stoic expression was replaced by curiosity as he regarded the fire bouncing merrily in his palm.

“Sweet Mother!” Drake swore.

The flame winked out as Mace closed his fist.

“How can this be?” Krysta asked, astonished.

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Mace stood. “I have no idea, but…” he paused, clearly uncomfortable with his thoughts, “…when I walked into the fire, I felt something…” Again he trailed off as his thoughts jumbled. “I felt something open up between us. And between me and the fire.

It’s there now. I can feel it deep within me, very near the place Nellin and I share in our souls. It comes when I call and it leaves when I close the connection.”

“It’s like a river of fire beneath your feet, only it’s not one of substance, but of pure energy.” Drake moved into the room. “Isn’t it?”

“That’s a good way of putting it. But this isn’t my power, Drake. I’ve had some time to think about it. The only reason it’s accessible is because of you. It exists in the same place in my soul that’s joined now to you, through Krysta and then to Jenet. It’s a convoluted path, but it’s open now, as it’s never been before. I think the only reason I can use this power of
yours
,” he emphasized the last word, “is because we’re bonded partners now.”

“But that’s great!” Krysta started forward, hugging him. “Isn’t it?” She pulled back, enthusiasm gripping her. “I mean, that makes two Firedrakes instead of just one. Think of the tactical advantage if you can both work the fire magic.”

“She’s got a point.” Drake leaned back, watching them both.

“And if you can show your father how to access his fire,” Krysta went on, addressing Drake. “He might possibly be able to share it with Sir Ren and then there will be four of you. We can use every weapon we can get if all these portents are to be believed. This is a good thing.”

“If you say so.” Mace looked uncertain.

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Gareth and Lars, along with Belora, Kelvan and his mate, Rohtina, escorted them back to the castle. It was quite an honor guard for one black dragon and a newly joined family. Word spread quickly and Drake wasn’t surprised to find a crowd gathered on the landing platform when they arrived. Jenet and Nellin landed first, making way for Wil between them. They weren’t taking any chances with his safety. They all knew what a shock it would be for his family to find him so changed.

Drake helped Krysta down from Jenet’s back and Mace met them, flanking her other side as they faced Roland. The king was understandably confused.

Drake bowed. “My liege, we found your brother, but he’s a bit…” Even the golden-tongued bard was at a loss for words, it seemed.

“I’m older than they expected.” Wil’s voice carried from behind the trio. Drake moved aside to allow William—now clad in black fighting leathers—to walk forward and face his brother. William didn’t bow, but he did nod his head in respect to his king, his brother. “I know it’s shocking, but for me, five years have passed, while for you it’s been five days.”

“How in the world?” Roland looked to Mace for an explanation. Mace was the steadiest of the lot and stepped forward, making his bow as well.

“We traveled to Gryphon Isle and met the wizard Gryffid.” The dragons gathered all around hushed, as did their knights. “He had your brother abducted in order to train him with his army of fair folk.”

“What you’re telling me sounds like a fairy tale,” Roland said with disbelief clear in his voice as he gazed at Wil.

Mace nodded. “I know, my liege. But every word is true. And there’s more, but I think it should wait ’til we are more private.” Mace shifted his eyes to the attentive audience all around and Roland sobered.

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“Good idea.” Roland stepped forward to face the tall young man clad in scarred black leather. “Wil? Is it really you?”

William nodded, clearly choked up. “It’s really me, Rol.”

Roland reached out to his little brother, cupping the side of his head. A flare of power from each of them met and held as they recognized each other. Roland knew the flavor of his brother’s magic and knew in that moment—somehow—his brother had grown up.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Wil said, breaking the silence.

“Sweet Mother!” Roland whispered his amazement as he drew his youngest brother into a crushing embrace. “It is you!”

They gathered in a private chamber, big enough for Nellin, Jenet, Kelvan and Rohtina to join them and give their version of events. Roland, Lana, Nico and Riki listened to every detail of the chase and discovery of William on Gryphon Isle.