The Dragon Knight's Soul Read online

  The Dragon Knight’s Soul

  By D.C. Clemens

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter One

  I stood in a shaded corner of the Silver Queen’s otherwise well-lit war room, hiding my shaking fingers under my crossed arms. From here I listened as the Voreen and Prusal admirals discussed their terms of surrender with the princess and her admiral. The room was a fair-sized one, but Gerard, Bell, and the rival commanders own two protectors made it a tight fit. Speaking face-to-face with both enemy admirals had not been deemed necessary to end the battle, but Odet wanted to draw out information concerning Niatrios’ leadership.

  At least, that had been the idea.

  The meeting concluded without Odet touching on anything beyond our current situation. Outwardly, her disarming words only wanted for hostilities to cease at any price, but thanks to the dragon ally witnessed in the clear sky not an hour ago, her undertone carried an uncompromising threat of destruction should war need to resume. Neither the thirty-something Voreen admiral nor his older female counterpart wished to die at sea by dragon fire.

  After the capitulated duo and their protectors left, I asked, “Why didn’t you dig deeper?”

  Odet sat back down. “They couldn’t have known much about the intricacies of their political states. Voreen is a nation that will always take experience over youth, especially in a navy of old, stern sailors. The so-called ‘admiral’ would not be taken seriously by those with true practice and power. Prusal, on the other hand, views women in power with contempt. Thus, each nation threw people they judged as their most expendable in this mission. Not exactly the type I expect to be in the know, but they would make the perfect pawns for those serving the Advent.”

  “I hope you’re right, princess.”

  “Trust me, what they sent might have been meant to overwhelm us, but the insult is still there. In a sense, this is the most informative insult I’ve ever received. I’m certain the Advent would have preferred their pawns to invest greater resources and better respected people in this surprise attack. As they did not, I imagine it’s due to the Advent’s influence not being so prevalent. That’s says something, doesn’t it?”

  “I suppose it says they can start a war, but can’t force the military leadership to take too great a risk.”

  She nodded. “Admiral, make certain the enemy fleet keeps their word and heads home first. As soon as they do, you may order our own homeward course.”

  “As you wish, Your Highness.”

  When the admiral left, Odet relaxed, at least as much as she could in her lavish armor. “Now, where were we?”

  “The nismerdons,” answered Bell.

  “Oh, yes. Mercer, you said something about one needing a forest to recover its power?”

  “A forest makes the most sense, but anywhere where they can siphon life without being discovered is a possibility. Ghevont has a few woodlands in mind. I’m betting those in Efios are our best chance at finding something.”

  “And another dragon gave you this information?”

  “An old flame of Aranath’s, if you can comprehend such a thing.”

  The dragon unified a snort and a snarl in response.

  Continuing, I said, “Iterra really, really didn’t like Ghevont recreating her summoning rune away from the temple, but I needed to learn how to replenish the crystals. I wanted to take a few empty crystals from your kingdom’s horde, but it turns out I’m not skilled enough to take advantage of more than the two I already carry.” I clenched my fists. “Anyway, the annoyed dragon showed us a rune Aranath can use to refill the crystals himself, so while they’re not easy to use, no part of the world is out of reach for me now.”

  “Still, Efios will be a long journey. Are there nearer forests you’ll check first?”

  “Yes. As obvious as it sounds, Caracasa’s Forest of Giants will probably be my first stop. I suppose I’ll have to check Gremly as well.”

  “You’ll be leaving soon, then?”

  “As soon as I can, but you can now spread the news that a dragon knight protects Alslana. In fact, I might go to Gremly first just so I can fly over Oclor and let their armies see Aranath for themselves. I suspect that’ll get them to take stock long enough for your father to get back to Ecrin.”

  “Combined with your support, having Father back should deter any more major surprises.”

  “Speaking of my support, I’d like you to speak to the Warriors Guild on my behalf. Tell them a dragon knight plans to visit their Efios guild houses to acquire information on the Advent. In exchange for relevant information regarding the cult, I’m prepared to offer my aid in any local contract of theirs.”

  “How generous of you. I’ll be certain to send the message.”

  “Make sure to stress the importance of keeping an eye on strange goings-on in or near major forests and other out of the way areas.”

  “Will do. By the way, I’m assuming with a dragon’s wings available, you won’t be sailing with us back home.”

  “Would you?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “You know, now that you mention it, I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to get back on Aranath from a boat. Is there a nearby island I can use?”

  “Or you could use a griffin to fly on to a dragon,” suggested Gerard.

  “Not a bad idea.”

  “Bell, Gerard, please leave us alone for a moment.”

  The duo glanced at each other, then yielded to Odet’s request. Before stepping out the door, Gerard told me, “Thank you again, dragon knight. This battle would have taken more lives were it not for your intervention.”

  “It’s the least I could do for my allies, knight.” When the door shut, I asked, “Is this about your sister?”

  “Yes. It should please you to know I’ve kept her proposal secret from everyone. It hasn’t been easy. Anyway, while it should only be a topic between you and Beatrice, circumstances dictate that I take more than a passing interest.”

  “There’s no new information to give, if that’s what you’re getting at. We met too briefly to say anything personal. Besides, the Advent might have been flushed out of their base, but they are far from eradicated. One of her terms for her hand, if I recall.”

  “The most bendable of her terms, however. With Father alive and well, and your public proclamation, I believe she’ll only double down on the offer.”

  “Let her. I can’t give her an answer until the Advent and nismerdon are rid of. I trust you can make her understand that.”

  “She will.”

  Noticing her biting a piece of her lower lip, I asked, “Is there something else, princess?”

  “Yes. Well, that is, I recall you once said you would let Aranath whisk me away anywhere I wanted.”

  “I remember. Wait, you want me to fly you back to Ecrin?”

  “It should be fun, no? How’s it like flying on a dragon?”

  “Pretty grand, actually. Though Clarissa will give you a d
ifferent answer.”

  “Really? That’s a shame, but it seems to have relaxed you a bit.”

  “Has it? Aye, maybe a tad or two. Difficult to be too sour with a dragon on one’s side.”

  “Indeed. I imagine the Advent have to be losing some of their confidence.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far, I’m afraid. The cult has already proven to prefer underground lairs, something dragons aren’t specialized to breach. And while they can fly over forests just fine, fighting among the trees basically means burning them all to cinders. Not the most efficient strategy. This doesn’t even take into account the powerful nismerdon magic that can tolerate dragon fire and possibly clip Aranath’s wings in a single attack. There’s also… What?”

  She stopped shaking her head. “Perhaps I should retract my remark that you’ve learned to relax. Catch your breath, dragon knight. There will be plenty of time to worry about such obstacles later. For now, I’d like to focus on something more agreeable. Will you permit Gerard, Bell, and I to fly with you back to Ecrin?”

  “Are you certain a quick flight around the fleet isn’t better?”

  “Do you believe it’s too dangerous to fly back?”

  “No. As long as a surprise storm doesn’t overtake us, the flight should be smooth. I just don’t want to fly you a hundred miles only to find out you enjoy flying as much as Clarissa does.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Clarissa thought so as well. If you’re serious, then we really do have to find a stable place to strap you in properly without having to do a high-wire act.”

  “We’ll stop at the first isle we spot, then.”

  “Fine, but if we don’t find a big enough rock by noon tomorrow, I’m leaving without you.”

  “It’s up to you. In the meantime, a private cabin will be set aside for your use. I assume you haven’t been on too many beds since leaving the Draceran temple.”

  “You assume correctly. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She stood up. “Now, it’s time I get out of this armor.”

  “Good. It’s too gaudy on you.”

  “I think so as well. It’s fine craftsmanship, of course, but my family ward has always felt like enough defense to carry. Anything extra suffocates me.”

  “I’ll let you find your breath, then.”

  Chapter Two

  I awoke in my cabin fully refreshed. Not only did flying nonstop over continents and seas imply that a comfortable bed had not been obtainable, but sleep itself had been sporadic. As a result, it felt more than agreeable to lie on something soft without the pressure to keep on moving.

  I stepped out to an overcast mid-morning, though the warm, calm air let a bubble of buttery aroma collect over the immobile ship. A large portion of today’s royal breakfast consisted of warm bread slices softened with butter, powered with sugar, and dipped in honey. A plate of it was offered to me by an overawed deckhand. I took the silver plate and ate the hearty meal as I looked out onto the collection of tiny islands the ship floated a hundred yards away from. The only green on these rocks came from the algae growing on them.

  Stepping up alongside me, Gerard said, “Found them at dawn. The one in the middle looks big enough for Aranath to gain his footing. I gotta say, the prospect of flying on a dragon… I had a dream about it, and I don’t tend to remember when I have one. This one I did.”

  “You’ll only have more after experiencing it firsthand. My first dream last night woke me up after my body thought it fell off Aranath. When will Odet be ready?”

  “Already am.”

  I turned around to see the princess wearing a black leather tunic over her long-sleeved blouse of white. Light brown breeches met darker brown boots at her knees. A simple pony tail kept her tresses of gold in check. Her curved short sword hung inside a brown scabbard. The informal style made her seem too attainable for my liking, for I knew she was anything but.

  “We can go as soon as you’re ready, Mercer.”

  I tossed my scraps into the sea and handed Gerard the plate. “I’m ready.” Going to the bowsprit, I unsheathed my sword and gripped the hilt tight. My eyes aimed between the horizon and clouds. “Ready, Aranath?”

  “Yes.”

  I collected prana into my hand. Aranath responded by sending his own power to the sword. In an increasingly efficient spell, I summoned a dragon from its realm. I placed the beast as high as I could over the water, so about two hundred feet up. Aranath needed to act quickly to avoid falling into the water. He opened his immense wings and gave a couple of whirlwind flaps strong enough to push a ship. A grumbling roar forced everyone to look up at him as he flew toward the biggest isle.

  A small boat was lowered and boarded by the future dragon passengers and a random sailor. The sailor used a water spell to steer us toward Aranath, who had settled on an island as long as himself. The boat deftly maneuvered around the smaller islands before we reached the edge of black rock.

  On stepping on to the island, Odet said, “It’s an honor to properly meet you, Aranath the Sky Lord.”

  The dragon’s head bowed. “A pleasure, Princess Astor.”

  “With no battlefield to distract me this time, I can now unequivocally say that you match the presence of Mytariss herself.”

  “Too high a praise for me, Your Highness.”

  “He’s right,” I said. “It’s best to only think of him as a big lizard-bat that speaks.”

  A grumble vibrated the back of the dragon’s neck. I gained easy access to the saddle by bounding on to the top of Aranath’s folded wing and grabbing a dangling strap to pull myself the rest of the way. Bell followed my example and watched as I secured myself to the saddle, so it was the bodyguard who showed Odet and Gerard the quick fastening process.

  When everyone had attached themselves to the saddle, I looked behind me and said, “The first part will be a little rough, so hold on tight. Whenever you’re ready, Aranath.”

  The dragon rose his upper body and spread his wings. I sensed the air around him swirl even before he flapped his forelimbs. The lurch after the flap would have sent anyone unprepared and unrestrained tumbling off the saddle, but with ready warriors on his back, Aranath did not have to concern himself with upended passengers. With three rolling flaps the dragon lifted us higher than any ship’s mast, bringing out giggles and squeals from the girls. He leveled out a few hundred feet in the air.

  “This is fantastic, Mercer!” exclaimed Odet over the wind. “How can Clarissa hate this?!”

  My answer was to snap the reins once, signaling Aranath to ascend. Yelps from the three behind me told me they had been less braced than before.

  “M-Mercer!” chided Bell. “Let’s n-not do anything t-too w-wild with Odet here!”

  Now over a thousand feet high, I told Aranath to straighten his flight path by pulling the reins back. I decided not to push it for the rest of the journey, though I would have if it were only me and Odet. For the time being, I allowed the unaccustomed fliers a period to adapt to the new elevation and the balance needed to get comfortable. With a thousand miles to cross, they would get three or four days to conform to the sky’s way of life. Might get addicted to the concept if they weren’t careful.

  Owing to Aranath gliding twice as fast as a galloping horse, the wind whooshing past our ears made conversation a hassle. I experienced long moments when I forgot three others sat behind me at all. Yet another reason to enjoy flying. Soaring over a boundless sea was a dash disconcerting, though. Not as worrisome as being in a ship, of course, but without experienced sailors and maps to keep me notified of my location, the sense I could get lost remained a worry. Still, I trusted Aranath’s sense of direction, so I never brought it up.

  We flew for the entire afternoon without seeing anything close to resembling a perch. We thus had to keep on flying longer than I liked. Exploiting the unwieldy dragon prana from the crystals felt something like squeezing an abrasive rock harder and harder without relent. I didn’t know what would hap
pen if I dropped it in midair, but it couldn’t have been good.

  Finally, with the sun not far from the horizon, a large tropical island came within view. As we had done before, Aranath flew higher, wanting to be small enough for anyone looking up to regard him as nothing more than a bizarre looking seagull. His sharp vision then swept over the landmass to make sure he avoided being seen by people that would either panic at the sight of him or mobilize. This criterion had Aranath diving for the island’s southwestern shore, where a thin beach hugged the sea.

  His landing was as gentle as he could help it, but to the crabs buried in the sand, it produced a not so negligible earthquake. The instant my boots touched the ground, a blast of sand notified everybody of the dragon’s disappearance from our realm. As the others laughed and rubbed sand out of their eyes, I took deep breaths to reclaim my bearings.

  “Are you okay, Mercer?” Bell asked once she mended her balance and sight. “Your hands are shaking.”

  I opened my eyes and hid my fists under my cloak. “I’m fine. It’s just like training your muscles for too long. I only need to walk it off. I’ll be good to go again by dawn.”

  “A lovely place to walk something off,” said Gerard. “Do you think it’s populated?”

  “It is,” I said. “Aranath saw a fishing village on the eastern side. Can’t be more than three miles out.”

  “Sounds like a good place to eat a few fresh fish.”

  “The rest of you go ahead. I’ve been holding it in for the last couple of hours.”

  “We all have,” said Odet. “Come, Bell, let’s find a bush fit for a princess. We’ll then head for the village, understood?”

  We agreed.

  As it happened, with my business taken care of minutes earlier, I found myself dozing off against a palm tree, too content to head for the village. In fact, I probably would have snoozed in that position for the rest of the evening if Gerard calling my name didn’t interrupt it. The patchy heavens were by now nearly quenched of sunlight. Gerard spotted me and walked on over.

  “You sure you’re all right?” he asked.

  “If someone’s life depended on me reaching the village, I would run all the way there. Is someone’s life in danger?”