Quest Of The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) (25 page)

“At first light then,” Neki said.

“No,” Michel said. “I’ll go. You can find the power with little problem. Ren may need you.”

Neki was about to argue when Quinton cut him off. “Michel is right, Neki. We need you here.”

Neki scowled but didn’t protest.

Ren wanted to ride with Michel, but Quinton’s stare stopped him from even making the suggestion. And Quinton was right. He needed to focus on finding the One, not ride into the unknown.

“I’ll go with Michel,” Galvin said, casually rested his broadsword on his shoulder. In the light of the fire Galvin looked like death itself. Although Galvin was soft-spoken, he was fiercely protective, and he could wield a sword better than any man Ren knew.

Ren nodded in acceptance. “I don’t like sending any of you away, but so be it. In the morning we split in three directions. My group will ride northwest toward the Alcazar, Galvin and Michel will ride to the Cliffs, and Bentzen’s group will ride to Ketes.” Ren paused and turned to Galvin and Michel. “But be quick. If you aren’t back in two days time I’ll personally come after you.”

“That won’t be necessary, my prince,” Galvin said, his voice soft yet fierce.

Ren felt almost sorry for any man who tangled with the swordsman. The only blood he had ever seen on Galvin was someone else’s.

If Ista had left any traps for them Galvin would be the first to notice.

- - -

The wolven were behind him again. Markum ran so fast he could barely feel his feet touching the ground. He could hear the beasts’ howls above his own rapid breath. He couldn’t outrun them this time.

He felt something grow hot in his hand and looked down at the prophecy book. The silver dragon’s blue eyes were glowing with a light hotter than the bluest flame.

His mind said to keep running, to put all the distance he could between himself and the wolven, but his heart said to stop and read the book. The book would tell him what to do.

Markum skidded to a stop and opened the book’s cover. The howls were closing in, but he made himself concentrate on the page before him. It was the prophecy he had read at Stardom. It didn’t help. Panic rose in his gut. He forced himself not to look back.

He turned the page. More words began to appear, words that hadn’t existed before. His heart leapt as the apparitions formed before his eyes. They formed not only prophetic verse but also notes in the corners and margins.

One word on the top of the page glowed with an eerie blue light.

Jump!

Markum didn’t hesitate. He jumped with all his strength just as the wolven’s hot breath exploded on the back of his thigh.

He soared upwards so high he was able to grab hold of a tree limb. The wolven jumped and snapped below him, but they couldn’t reach him. Swinging one leg over the branch, he propelled himself up only to come face to face with the man he had seen before, the one with the ageless eyes. The One turned to look at him, long, dark hair reaching his waist, dark eyes soaking up every ounce of light. His widow’s peak gave him a look of grave intelligence, but he held no smile.

The One reached for him. Markum tried to scoot away, but he couldn’t move fast enough. The man gripped his upper arm, and Markum could only watch as he was shoved off the branch.

As his body plunged toward the wolven, Markum screamed… and woke up, shuddering.

Night had long since fallen. Beside him, Neki snored with contentment, saber resting by his side. The emerald twinkled in the light of the dying flames and cast a green glow on the figure sitting by the fire.

Ren was supposed to wake him for the second watch but Markum knew his watch was long overdue. Ren stared out into the night, muscles tense. Markum knew Ren worried for their safety. Markum suddenly realized why he respected Ren as much as he did. The people surrounding Ren weren’t his subjects. They were his family.

When Markum shifted, Ren turned and motioned for silence. His copper eyes reflected the golden light of the fire, sending urgency with the message. Markum froze and peered into the night, suddenly aware of another presence.

The campfire sent gossamer shadows into the woods, bringing stones to life. Out of the depths of the forest a hollow screech rose to the heavens. Markum leaped from his pad as Quinton, Galvin, and Bentzen jerked awake and bounded to their feet, swords in hand. Quinton was about to step forward to guard his prince when Ren caught his wrist.

“Put your weapon away, Quinton.”

Quinton’s jaw sagged in shock. “Ren – ”

“Now.”

Neki moaned in his sleep, unaware of the commotion surrounding him. Renee and Marva stood together behind the men. Although Marva tried to put on a fearless front, her eyes betrayed her.

Quinton sheathed his sword, Bentzen and Galvin following. Markum looked at the trio in disbelief.

“It could be wolven, Ren,” Markum said.

“It’s not.”

Markum didn’t know how Ren could be so sure. In the distance, a shadow swayed violently. Its large eyes glowed orange in the firelight. The hollow screech came again.

Markum glanced at Ren, but his prince looked calm as a frozen pond.

The eyes blinked and moved closer. Whatever it was had on an armor of ivory. Markum could see the soft texture of the design in the chest region.

Ren took a step forward. Quinton’s fierce whisper urged him back, but Ren didn’t listen.

The eyes watched Ren sink to his knees and dig into his pack. After a dragon’s breath, Ren withdrew a piece of dried apple and tossed it to the creature. The eyes disappeared as the creature bent to sniff the bounty.

Taking a fallen branch, Ren ignited the tip and swung it out before of him. The clearing was immediately illuminated, revealing what stood only cubits away.

Wide, brown eyes blinked in the sudden light. Ivory scales coating the creature’s sides and front shimmered a pearly radiance. Rust-colored fur grew long around the creature’s feet and neck, short around its muzzle, and shivered in the slight breeze. Its long tail curved upward in curiosity.

It was a kota, one of the most loved magical creatures of all time.

The men stood still as Ren took another step forward, holding out another piece of dried fruit. The kota started to prance. Its ivory hooves glistened in the night, drumming a beautiful rhythm.

As Ren moved closer Quinton came out of his daze and urged him back, but Ren paid him no heed. Markum touched Quinton’s arm, silently telling him all would be well. Kotas were gentle, beautiful animals that only used magic when attacked. Their magic was a stunning ray that emitted from a curved horn on the crown of their head. As of yet the horn of the small creature was only a short stump. It would soon grow to be almost the length of a man’s forearm.

When Ren knelt before the creature, the kota leaned against him and gently lifted another piece of apple out of Ren’s hand.

Chapter 14

The sun had yet to rise but all the men were up. With the group splitting three ways the lighthearted banter was strained. Everyone worried about what would happen after they parted ways, Ren especially. Michel watched as Ren’s eyes darted from Bentzen’s group to Renee and then back again, brooding over the dangers with a furrowed brow.

Michel went back to stuffing his pack. It was going to be a hot day. The morning’s air was muggy and the clouds were heavy with rain. Summer was coming to an end, but it was ending in full force.

Years ago, after leaving Stardom, he had become fearful of goodbyes, even good ones. If he poured a cup of water he never finished it. He always left a sip or two. He knew it was foolish, but it was who he had become. Endings didn’t bode well for him, and he had a sick feeling in his stomach that when he and Renee parted this time he would never see her again.

Stealing a glance at her, his breath caught. The morning’s light outlined the shape of her body against her thin smock, but she was still the queen. Even though Wyrick was dead he had nothing to offer her. She deserved castles and riches, nothing he could possibly provide.

He forced his eyes back on his pack and shoved some dried meat inside. The past few days had been wonderful. He was with Renee, gazing into her soft blue eyes, the scent of her hair filling his lungs. They had talked about each other’s lives, of the landscape, of Ren. They had shared dreams and visions of the future. Never once had they discussed their goodbye, and never once had she insinuated he would become part of her life, but he was with her, and that was all that mattered.

He hadn’t touched her other than to help her off the horse, but when he held the reins her arms rubbed his hands and her hair brushed his chest. He had never loved another, and he never would. Razons were known for their loyalty, and stubbornness.

Ren was a Razon as well, in every way. Ren felt as much or more for Aidan as Michel did for Renee. The men had questioned Ren about Aidan, and he had responded to their questions as best he could without divulging his true feelings, but Michel knew Ren’s heart. He saw the truth in Ren’s eyes.

The girl had given her life to Ren without even knowing him. The bond of the Maritium was sacred and complete. Michel didn’t know if Ren knew the sacrifice Aidan had made. Now the bond was growing without Ren even realizing it. Michel could only pray Aidan could be made whole again or Ren would never be complete. But as much as Michel hoped for Aidan’s restoration, he also feared it. Ren and Aidan could never become more than what they were now. It was forbidden.

Michel glanced at Ren and smiled. The kota hadn’t left Ren’s side all night. The creature leaned against Ren’s leg as if it were a dog and not a creature that would grow to be the size of a large horse. Ren’s hand casually rested on the kota’s head as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Michel shook his head, chuckling.

Although half-starved, thin, and fairly weak the kota was more beautiful than Michel had ever imagined it could be. The head of the animal was flatter than a horse, almost like a deer. Its neck was full, with a thick mane of the rust-colored fur curling in all directions and running down and under its chest. Its muzzle was the same color as the scales, and a lighter fur surrounded its eyes, accentuating its gentle observation.

When Michel turned back to Renee he was surprised to find her looking in his direction. His heart swelled when she blushed and turned away like a young girl, but sunk again as he remembered what the morning would bring. He was leaving her again, and he hadn’t even begun to tell her how he felt.

Michel shoved his apprehensions aside and quickly tied his pack. He may never see her again. He couldn’t let his misgivings and concerns mask the truth. His life, or hers, could be taken at any time. He had to show her how much he loved her.

When his pack was tied he looped it over his shoulder and walked to her. Her back was turned and her soft voice tickled his ear as she whispered to her new mount. With a tentative hand, he brushed her shoulder. Her lips parted in surprise when she turned, but she quickly lowered her eyelids and reached for his hand. He barely heard Bentzen say they were ready to depart.

He opened his mouth to speak. Nothing came out.

She knew how he felt. Couldn’t she read it in his eyes?

He squeezed her hand, trying to convey all the love he held inside. He felt empty, knowing his action wasn’t enough. But what else could he do? Renee studied him, eyes questioning. Then, without warning, she kissed him.

It was so quick he questioned if it had happened at all. When he was finally able to take the air into his lungs he drew in her warm breath. Every breath he had ever thought of her, every time he had ever dreamed of kissing her, he hadn’t expected it to be so sweet. Nothing and everything had changed since he left. Now her touch meant more to him than it ever had before. He loved her with all his soul. Every breath he had ever taken was because of her.

Her blue eyes searched his face. Did he love her? May the Maker help him.

He pulled her to him, hands running over her face and down her arms. He didn’t care who saw. He was with the woman he loved and it may be the last time he would ever see her. He pulled her tighter. Her nails dug into his back with reckless need. Their embrace was more sensual than anything he could have ever imagined.

When they finally parted Michel ran his hand down her cheek, too overcome to speak.

“I love you, Michel, with everything I was and am. I love you and only you,” Renee said.

“You don’t know how much I’ve thought of you,” Michel said, “wished you were there beside me. Blessed Fates, how I love you still.”

Renee closed her eyes, ingraining his words to memory. He kissed her forehead, once again feeling the bitter ache of goodbye.

“I want you to be safe. I would never forgive myself if you came to harm.”

Renee nodded, clutching his arm as if he were trying to pull away.

Bentzen rode up beside them. Michel swallowed back his emotions and helped Renee on her horse. When she was settled she looked down at him, lips twisting into a flirtatious grin. “Soon, my lord, you’ll stop sending me away.”

Michel chuckled and stepped closer. He tugged on her hand until she leaned down and met his lips in another kiss. This time it was soft, and lingered between pain and sadness. He held her to him, forcing her eyes to linger on his own. “Soon, my queen, you’ll be begging me to leave.”

“Not on your life,” Renee whispered before she raised a mischievous eyebrow. “I’m not the one who’ll be begging.”

Before he could reply, she spurred her horse forward to meet Marva, stopping only to say a few words to Ren. Michel watched with mixed emotions. Part of him was exuberant Renee held thoughts of being with him in the future, but somehow the other part of him knew they may never have the chance.

Tol sat in front of Bentzen, face lit with excitement. He was going on another adventure as a knight of the crown prince. Michel couldn’t help but chuckle as Tol bowed to the men with pride. Ren had given the boy hope, in more ways than one.

Although Ren smiled, Michel saw the worry in his eyes. But Marva, Renee, and Tol would be safer away from the main party, and Bentzen would keep them from harm.