Dragon Redeemed Page 3

  “She is a most persuasive women.” Aaron smiled at Keira, then brushed a kiss across her knuckles. Xavier turned away and idly wound a ribbon of flame between his fingers. Beside him Aldwin swallowed nervously, the scent of his discomfort filling the air, and Xavier smiled in amusement. A decade had passed since Aldwin joined Aaron’s household, taking over from his uncle. Thomas had served as Aaron’s steward for many years, until old age made it impossible for him to continue with his duties. He had remained at Storbrook, however, living out his last years in peace and quiet. But where Thomas had taken Xavier in his stride, Aldwin had never been comfortable in his presence.

  “So what are the rumors you mentioned?” Xavier asked Aaron as he poured a glass of wine.

  “The food’s about to be served. Come to my study after supper and we’ll discuss it then.” Aaron glanced around the room, then half rose to his feet. “Tobias,” he called, “I hope you have your fiddle.”

  “Aye, Master,” the man called out.

  “Good! Make sure it’s tuned and ready to bring us to our feet with some dances.”

  “Aye, Master!”

  Aaron sat down as a serving maid placed a tray on the table. He turned to meet Xavier’s questioning gaze.

  “You’ve been away from humans for too long,” he said. “You need to practice some social niceties before we leave in the morning.” Aaron grinned at Xavier, who poured himself another glass of wine and gulped it down, hoping it would fortify his nerves for the coming ordeal.

  Chapter 3

  Xavier turned from the window as Aaron and Aldwin entered the study. The evening meal had ended a few hours before, and Xavier suffered through a few dances before excusing himself. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy dancing – in fact, moving gracefully across the floor brought to mind soaring through the air – but he had little patience with girls who could not speak for giggling.

  Aldwin glanced nervously at Xavier, who was idly pulling flames from his hand, as he gathered a pile of papers from Aaron’s desk.

  “I’ll have that report ready for you by the morning,” he said to Aaron, gripping the pile against his chest and scurrying to the door.

  “You shouldn’t tease him as you do,” Aaron said as the door closed firmly behind him.

  “How did you land up with a steward who is terrified of dragons?”

  “He’s not terrified of dragons, just you. And you do little to set him at ease.”

  Xavier snorted. “I’m the least terrifying of all the dragons he’s had to deal with. Apart from Father, I’m the only one who won’t make a meal out of him.”

  “I’m not likely to eat my steward,” Aaron retorted. “And you’re the only one who makes it clear you’re not human.”

  “It was never an issue for Thomas.”

  “Aldwin is not Thomas. Show him some respect.”

  Aaron crossed to his desk, and Xavier took a seat across from him. “You were going to tell me about the events in Civitas.”

  “You remember the stories about Black Jack?”

  “The dragon that started the change in Father? He’s been dead for years, hasn’t he?”

  “Yes. I killed him more than fifty years ago. But before I did, he spent weeks terrorizing the citizens of Civitas. He murdered dozens of people in the streets, and set homes and warehouses alight. People lived in fear of the black beast that was ravaging their city. For years, people trembled at the mere mention of the word dragon. A league of hunters was formed, and a number of clan members were killed.”

  “The same league Father was part of.”

  “Correct,” Aaron said. “But as time went by and no dragons were seen, people forgot their fears. The league was finally disbanded and things settled down.”

  “I’m guessing something’s happened to change that?”

  “Yes. Rumors have been spreading through the city that dragons are on the rise and preparing to invade.”

  “What’s got them started?” Xavier asked.

  “That’s what we need to discover.None of our clan members have done anything to cause alarm, which makes me think this is a deliberate attempt to stir up trouble. But there’s more.” Aaron ran a hand over his forehead. “I’ve been receiving reports about dragons being attacked. Last month, in three separate incidents, dragons were shot at with longbows, and just last week, a youngster lost his life. We’ve grown complacent, sure of our superiority, forgetting that there are those who would see us dead.”

  “You think the rumors are related to the attacks?”

  “Perhaps. That’s why we need to travel to Civitas.”

  “And then what? Even if they are related, we can still easily protect ourselves. After all, there is little humans can do to harm us.”

  “Something has set this off, Xavier. We could ignore it at our peril. We’re far stronger than humans, it is true, but they are just as crafty as us, and we’re not indestructible. A wise leader will always seek to understand the threats against his people, rather than just ignoring them.” He leaned back in his seat. “You have a great deal of knowledge, Xavier, but you have much to learn about leading the clan. Even if these threats are harmless, it will be good for you to be involved in the investigation.” He tapped his desk with his fingers. “We will leave first thing in the morning. But first I need to feed.”

  Xavier rose from his seat. “I’ve never understood how that doesn’t drive you crazy. I don’t think I could feed on a human. Kill him, yes. Eat him, no.”

  Aaron met his gaze steadily. “Do you not think I would stop if I could? You know as well as I do that it’s part of our curse, that I would die without it. I long for the day when we are freed from this need.”

  “You really think the story of a savior is true?”

  “You know that I do. You also know I think it may be you! I have lived a long life, Xavier, and seen many things that I would not have believed possible a hundred years ago.” He waved his hand in Xavier’s direction. “You, for one – which strengthens my belief that you have a special destiny before you. So I, like most of our clan, cling to the hope that this curse will one day be broken – that we’d no longer need human flesh to survive, and that our women could bear our young.”

  “You still would have married a human, though.”

  Aaron grinned. “True. There is none other like your grandmother. Now go, and leave me to my despicable needs.”

  The sky was turning pink when they left Storbrook the next day, their dragon bodies warming the crisp dawn air as they turned in the direction of the city and crossed the Northern Mountains. Keira rode on Aaron’s back while Xavier flew behind, the satchel Keira had given him thumping annoyingly against his chest. They stopped at nightfall at the edge of a forest, and Aaron and Xavier formed an impenetrable fortress around Keira while she slept.

  The first rays of light were staining the sky when they took to the air the following morning, and it was early afternoon when a sprawling manor came into view, built within sight of rolling hills that spread as far as the eye could see. The original building had been built in a horseshoe plan around a central courtyard, but various additions had created a haphazard arrangement. Xavier landed behind Aaron on a wide stretch of lawn as Favian stepped from the house, his red hair gleaming in the hot afternoon sun. He was joined a moment later by his wife, Cathryn.

  “Master, welcome,” Favian said, thumping his chest with a fist.

  “Peace to you and your home, Favian,” Aaron replied. “It’s good to be here.”

  Keira slipped from Aaron’s back and embraced Cathryn, and Favian turned to Xavier.

  “It’s been a long time since we last saw you,” he said. “As Aaron’s grandson, you are always welcome here.”

  “I trust you will welcome him as your master one day,” Aaron said.

  Favian’s gaze returned to Aaron. “You know my feelings about that. I like the boy well enough, but his father is –”

  “My son-in-law,” Aaron cut in. “Favian, I have alwa
ys trusted your loyalty and love. Do not fail me now.”

  “My loyalty remains with you, Aaron, but how can the son of a hunter be our next master?”

  “You know the circumstances of his birth. And look at him – his power is evident.”

  Favian turned back to stare at Xavier, who met his gaze steadily. “I will keep an open mind,” he finally said.

  Cathryn cast Xavier a shrewd glance. “Why don’t you go change on the roof, Xavier, and meet us inside.”

  The roof of Drake Manor had a clever design which allowed dragons to change without being seen. A stairway led into the house, and in a few minutes Xavier was striding down the passageway to the parlor. He entered to find Cathryn and Keira already seated, while Margaret and Owain, Favian’s parents, sat across from them.

  “Margaret, you’re looking well.” Xavier said with a smile as Owain rose and grasped Xavier’s hand.

  “Welcome, Xavier,” he said. He cocked his head and gave Xavier a critical look. “You are looking strong. I think Aaron may be right about you being our next master.”

  “I’m definitely right, Owain,” Aaron said, striding into the room, Favian on his heels. “Not only will Xavier be the next master, but I believe he will be the one to break our curse.”

  Owain’s eyebrows flew up. “That’s a bold claim, Aaron.”

  “And time will bear me out. But we aren’t here to discuss Xavier’s future. Do you know anything more about these rumors that Zach has written to me about?”

  “Will’s been keeping his ear to the ground,” Favian said, taking a seat beside his wife. “No-one seems to know how they originated, however.”

  “According to Zach, fears within the city are growing. He hears talk daily about a possible dragon attack.”

  “Will has said the same thing,” Owain said. “Clan members are growing concerned. I also received news today about another attack.”

  “Who?”

  “Rueben Brant. He was injured, but managed to get away. The arrow was tipped with wolfsbane.”

  “The clan must be made aware of these threats and look to their safety. Owain, ensure that communication is sent to all within our borders, but make it clear that they are not to go on the offensive. I don’t want to start an unnecessary war.”

  “Of course, Aaron.”

  “What do you plan to do?” Favian asked.

  “We need to get to the bottom of the rumors and discover who is behind the attacks.”

  “Do you think the palace is involved?” Margaret asked.

  Aaron considered for a moment. “I don’t believe so. John has his own concerns.”

  Cathryn gave a most unladylike snort. “You mean, he’s too busy pleasuring his whores to care?”

  Aaron smiled blandly. “I don’t follow the affairs of the king.”

  “Well, I doubt he is long for this life. They say his indulgences will be the death of him.”

  “How long do you plan to remain, Aaron?” Margaret cut in.

  He gave an amused smile. “We’ll stay the night and travel to Civitas in the morning.” He glanced at Favian. “Are you coming?”

  “Who else is joining you?”

  “Max, I believe, and Lydia and Lleland.”

  “I’m not sure I can be spared at the moment, but send word if you need me.”

  Aaron nodded. “Very well.”

  The guests were served a hearty meal, followed by an evening spent in pleasant conversation. Xavier did not know the others well, and after a few hours, he excused himself and headed to the chamber prepared for him. He glanced at the bed, piled with quilts and furs. Once he arrived in Civitas, there would be little opportunity to take his natural form. Stripping off his clothes, he jumped to the window ledge and flung himself into the night air, spreading his wings as he soared into the sky. He changed form as soon as he was beyond the house, and headed to the nearby hills. With the knowledge that he would soon be restricted to small buildings and narrow lanes, finding a place to rest with solid ground beneath his belly was a temptation he could not resist. A cave, a few hours from the manor house, offered him the seclusion he sought, and he spread himself over the floor with a smile of satisfaction. Breathing in deeply, he captured the rich earthy scent in his mind, knowing that soon all he would be able to smell were the rank odors of humanity.

  By the time he arrived back at Drake Manor the following morning, Aaron and Keira were outside, waiting for him so they could leave. Within minutes they were soaring towards Civitas, landing a few hours later on a stretch of grass hidden from the main road by a small hill. The city lay just beyond the river, stretching into the distance, while a pall of smoke hung over the valley. Beneath the gloom the city seethed with humanity, a constant hum echoing around the surrounding hills. With Keira walking between them, the two dragons joined the throngs of people crossing the bridge that led to the huge city gates.

  Never before had Xavier seen so many people in one place. Noises and smells assaulted his senses, and his skin itched from the dust churned up by thousands of passing feet. The crowds bustled and bumped into one another as the bridge creaked and groaned with the weight of so many people. No sooner had he entered the gates than Xavier felt the city close around him. Buildings loomed over the streets, blocking the sunlight, and the roads teemed with people. From every direction hawkers, housewives, children and livestock could be heard, their shouting, laughing and bellowing creating a cacophony while their scents mingled together. Dogs scavenged for food, darting between feet to snatch falling morsels from travelers, while pedestrians moved quickly to avoid the passing horses and carriages. With a sympathetic smile, Keira hooked her hand around Xavier’s arm and drew him close.

  “I’m never completely comfortable in the city, either, but you’ll grow accustomed to the crowds.”

  “Never,” he averred with a shudder. “How any dragon can choose to live in such a place is beyond me.”

  “Not everyone is as solitary as you, lad,” Aaron said.

  “There’s not even enough room to stretch your wings.”

  “As Keira says, you will grow used to it.” They turned down a wide street, and Xavier relaxed slightly as the crowds began to thin. They came to a stop outside a tall house and Aaron rapped his fist against the door. It was opened a moment later by a young woman who glanced between them nervously as she stepped back.

  “Good afternoon, Paulina,” Aaron greeted her. “I believe Master Favian sent word ahead of our arrival.”

  “Yes, Master.” She opened the door wider as Lydia rushed into the hall, Lleland a few paces behind.

  “Xavier! You’re here, in the city!”

  “Hello, Mother,” he said. “What a ghastly place. How do you manage to stay here so often?”

  She smiled as she ran her hands down his arms. “You grow used to it.”

  He shuddered. “I hope not.”

  “I see Keira has decked you out with some suitable attire.” She sent her mother a grateful smile. “But your hair needs a trim.”

  “Really, Mother?” Xavier said good-naturedly, running his hand through his silver locks.

  “At least tie it back, son. You look like a ruffian.”

  “Xavier,” Lleland said, thumping him on the back and sparing him making a response. “Good to see you again. You must be parched with all the dust. Come have some ale.”

  They followed the pair into the hall, where Lleland gestured to a brimming jug of golden liquid. Xavier poured himself a cup and was just finishing it when the front door opened and a blast of hot air blew into the room. Xavier grinned as Zach and Max entered.

  “Well, well, look at the monster Aaron managed to drag down here,” Max said, laughing when Xavier rolled his eyes in a very human gesture.

  “Am I going to hear this from every dragon I meet?” Xavier asked.

  “Probably,” Zach replied. He slapped his nephew on the back. “How does it feel to be wearing human skin?”

  “Terrible.”

  “D
on’t worry – you’ll get used to it.”

  “I’d rather not,” Xavier muttered.

  “How’s Anna?” Keira asked.

  Max’s smile softened. “She’s well. She wanted to come to the city with me, especially when she heard you would be here, but Betty is still struggling with the change.” Betty was the youngest of Max and Anna’s children and just starting to show signs of her dragon nature. Max and Anna had been blessed with a brood of six, an unusually large family for dragons. “She’ll join me if she can,” Max added. He turned to Aaron. “So what is our plan of action?”

  Aaron gestured to a bench. “Tell us everything you know.”

  “There’s not much more, unfortunately,” Zach said, taking a seat. “We’ve been unable to trace the source of the rumors.”

  Aaron nodded, his expression contemplative, before turning to Xavier. “How do you think we should proceed?”

  Xavier pulled a ribbon of flame from his palm as he considered the question. “How many dragons live in the city?”

  “About six dozen,” Zach said.

  “We should call them together and see if collectively we can pool our knowledge and see what we know.”

  “Good idea,” Max said approvingly.

  “I agree,” said Aaron. “Let’s spread the word that we’ll meet tomorrow at noon, and see what we come up with. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this within a few days.”

  Chapter 4

  Evelyn dipped her quill into the pot of ink that stood in the corner of the small desk.

  ‘Dear Mother,’ she started. She stared at the sheet, wondering what to write. It had been over a week since her last letter, and yet she had no news to offer. She glanced at the latest missive received from Mother, reminding herself of the news from home, then lowered the nib of her pen.

  ‘I trust this letter finds you well. I received yours yesterday, and am glad to hear that Mary has recovered from her twisted ankle. I am sorry to hear that there has been a fox in the henhouse.’