A sneak peek from the fourth and final book in the I, Dragon series

 

One

 

Queen Jaclyn Lamont Morgenwraithe was dreaming. Oddly enough, she was dreaming she was asleep—on a filthy mattress in a dungeon cell. Something tickled her toe. She pulled up her legs, curling herself into a ball.
Rats, she thought.
Jaclyn feared rats almost as much as she feared bats. She moaned quietly. She held her breath when she felt hair brush against her arm. Jaclyn felt a nibble on her…on her breast.
Jaclyn’s eyes flew open. She opened her mouth in a silent scream.
Suddenly, she realized her dream was not real.
Her newborn son was hungry.

Jaclyn laughed at herself. She cooed and held the baby tight. She helped him to nurse. Jaclyn reached for her source of comfort, which she carried in the pocket of her stolen trousers.
But the pocket was empty. She tried the other pocket. Empty.
No…
With the baby still to her breast, Jaclyn climbed to her feet.
It must be close by. It has to be.
She looked behind trees. She kicked aside leaves. She reached down to move a fallen limb.
“My queen?” Helena said. “What’s wrong?”
The baby’s mouth slipped away, and he began to cry. Jaclyn adjusted her shirt, and the baby found his way back.
“I’ve lost…a parchment. A very dear piece of parchment.”
“Oh,” Helena said. She reached into her pocket and took out Simon’s note.
“I forgot to return this to you. It fell from your pocket just before little Nicholas came.”
Relief flooded Jaclyn’s face.
“Oh, bless you, Helena!”
Jaclyn took the piece of parchment and held it to her heart. She put her free arm around Helena and kissed her cheek over and over again. She stepped back with tears streaming down her face.

“Do you know what this is?”
Helena smiled and nodded.
“It is perfectly preserved, as well, my queen. The rains have not marred it at all.”
“I have Caleb to thank for that,” Jaclyn said. She closed her eyes.
“Dear, sweet, Caleb.”
“Did you know that when Caleb took this note from the giant, it was torn in two? Caleb mended it, and now it carries a spell of protection.”
“I’m so happy for you, my queen.”
Jaclyn scowled.
“Did I not ask you to call me by my given name—as true friends do?”
Helen caressed the baby’s face. And then she put her hand to Jaclyn’s cheek.
“I am honored to be called your friend. But as long as I draw breath, you shall be my queen.”
Jaclyn sighed.
“I will not demand you address me a certain way. That would be foolish. But I want you to remember this, Helena. I was not born a queen. As a young girl, I enjoyed nothing more than playing with the rowdiest of boys—catching frogs. Climbing trees. Digging in the mud. I spent much of my youth filthy and sweating and it drove my mother mad. But I was so happy! I never wanted to be a queen—to have people bow before me and behave as if I am somehow better than they are.”

Jaclyn frowned. She swallowed hard.
Helena’s eyes opened wide.
“My queen? What’s wrong?”
Jaclyn opened her mouth—
And belched. Loudly.
She laughed—both at herself and the look on Helena’s face.
“You see?” Jaclyn said. “Is that the behavior of a queen?”
Helena failed to stifle a laugh of her own.
Jaclyn touched her baby’s lips.
“This is only mother’s milk. It imparts no holiness or magical powers. And for that, I am glad.”
“I want to be your friend,” Helena said. “But how do I be a friend and still show the proper respect?”
Jaclyn smiled.
“We will find a way, Helena, my dear friend. Together.”

 

 

Two

Viceroy Nicholas Lamont and Captain Thaddeus Finn stared out from the guard tower at the main gate of Islemar. A dozen dragons circled overhead, led by the female they had come to know as “Mother”.
“It is hard to believe such a peaceful quiet will become a raging war,” Lamont said.
“Should we send some of the dragons to Morgenwraithe?” Finn asked. “If war is imminent, why shouldn’t we make the initial move?
“I have considered that,” Lamont said. “But that is Simon’s decision to make now. Our own relationship with the dragons is fragile. It is based on the communication skills of a ten-year-old boy and the clan’s loyalty to the mate of their former leader. We asked them to partner with us—not volunteer to be used as weapons.”
“I realize that, my Lord,” Finn said. “I raise the question only to limit the loss of life and to save our city. Sterling has cannons and he will bring them all—including those that belong to the hunters from the Southlands.”

Lamont nudged Finn.
“Your…friend is coming.”
Lady Magdalena and her brother, Tanner, climbed the steps. Lamont and Finn bowed their heads.
“Good morning, my lady. Lord Raven.”
“Good morning,” Magdalena said.
“I’ve never been addressed as ‘lord’,” Tanner said. “Not surprising, since I am an orphan runaway slave.”
“Hard times can break a man,” Lamont said. “Or they can make him a better one.”
He smiled at Magdalena.
“The same can be said for ladies.”
Magdalena looked out over the roads leading to the south and to the west.
“May the gods smile on you today, Lord Lamont,” she said.
Lamont sighed.
“Simon will be here before dawn. I instructed Noah and Oliver to return by that time.”
Lamont placed his trembling hands against the wall.
“Jaclyn…Jaclyn. Where are you, my sweet child?”
No one else spoke. Lamont turned and faced them.
“She could be anywhere. But we must protect those we can.”

“Tanner and I have something to do,” Magdalena said. “We will not be able to return before dawn.”
“Where are you going?” Finn asked.
“I must take care of something I should have done sooner,” Magdalena said. “The books and notes given to me by my teacher—they remain hidden inside my home. I have kept them hidden for years. Soon, I will need them.”
“Why?” Finn said.
“To end the curse. To give Simon his life back.”
“I will go with you,” Finn said.
Magdalena shook her head.
“Tanner and I can do this quickly. And without any confrontation.”
“We will be searching for the queen, as well,” Tanner said. He touched his nose.
“With these.”
Finn took Magdalena’s hand.
“Please, be careful.”
“We will. I’ll see you soon.”

Outside of the village gates, brother and sister transformed into wolves. They followed the King’s Road toward Morgenwraithe Village. They slipped into the woods to avoid travelers, of which there were few. The people they saw were in a hurry and held swords or spears in their hands. Their frightened eyes scanned the sides of the road. The coming war was no secret.
The wolves continued their journey to the west. With the sun nearing the horizon, Tanner stopped abruptly and cocked his head. Magdalena stopped beside him. A high-pitched sound reached their keen ears. It came from the south, filtering its way down the mountainside through the dense forest. The sound came again, and then, no more.
The wolves became human.
“Did you hear it?” Tanner asked.
“Yes,” Magdalena said.
“Do you think—?”
“Yes. That was a baby crying.”

 

 

Three

Simon woke up somewhere west of Islemar and east of Morgenwraithe. He wondered if it was part of the life of a dragon—flying while asleep. His instincts told him he was traveling in the right direction. But if Boone Blankenship had not climbed high into the trees surrounding their camp to tie a banner bearing the colors of the village of Islemar, Simon might have missed it.
Simon stilled his wings and glided toward the ground. He fell asleep again until something struck him between the eyes. Simon woke in a panic. He had flown directly into the path of a flock of geese.
A quick succession of birds caromed off of Simon’s head and body. He flapped his wings in an attempt to rise above the flock, but his wings collided with geese on both sides.
Simon lost altitude and crashed through the treetops. Heavy branches slowed his fall, and he came to a stop about ten feet above the ground. He closed his eyes and exhaled.
“Busy night, eh?” a voice said.
Simon opened one eye.
“It was.”
“I put up a banner,” Boone said. “Did you see it?”
Simon laughed. He kept on laughing until Boone began to worry.
“What would I do without you, Boone Blankenship? Seriously. What would I do?”
“I don’t know,” Boone said. “Where have you been?”
Simon grumbled as he wrestled free of the tree branches.
“Doing a favor for a friend—and sending a message,” he said.
“Sending a message? What does that mean?”
Simon breathed in and a deep, low growl escaped as he stared into the sky.
“Do you remember the day we met Helena?”
“Of course, I do.”
“How do you think she felt—living every day of her life as a servant inside the castle while her father’s head was picked clean by the crows?”

Boone stared at Simon for a moment in silence.
“I try not to think about that.”
Simon glared at Boone. His eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared.
“Why? Why do you not think about it? Do you think she can ever forget about it?”
Boone’s expression clouded over. He balled his fists.
“Because it serves no purpose! What are you trying to say, Simon? That I don’t love Helena? I haven’t suffered enough? That my life is so much easier than yours? Or Helena’s?”
“I’m only saying—”
“What if I don’t like what you’re saying? Which I don’t!”
“I’m trying to tell you where I’ve been—”
“Oh, is that what you’re doing? Because it sounds to me like you’re forgetting who your friends are!”
Another growl.
Boone folded his arms across his chest.
“So. Tell me. Where have you been?”
“There is a new head on the wall of Castle Morgenwraithe. Dathien’s head.”
Boone nodded in thought.
“Does Lady Jacobs know?”
“She does.”
“Good,” Boone said. “If vengeance or revenge can somehow ease her loss, then I am happy for her.”

Simon raised his head and snorted fire into the air.
“I…I don’t understand,” Simon said.
“What do you not understand?”
“My entire childhood—I was weak,” Simon said. “And helpless. I don’t know how I stayed alive. You were fearless, even as a young boy. You saved my life—more than once.”
Simon looked away.
“I’ve changed. I’ve grown up. I no longer have to be a burden to you. But since you met Helena, you have changed as well. We used to spend whole days together. You taught me everything I know.”
“There is more to life than hunting and killing,” Boone said.
“Not for me,” Simon said.
Boone sighed.
“It is true. We have not spent enough time together lately, my friend. I worry that you might forget…”
“What?”
“You’re a man, Simon. On the inside where it matters.”
“Each day that goes by now, I feel like less of a man,” Simon said. “I am surrounded by people who care for each other. I see people, like you, in love. And I…I have feelings, too. But these feelings have no fulfillment. They have nowhere to go. I do not belong—anywhere. My feelings only sour in my stomach and torment me. They fester and burn and I become angry—”
“I do care about you, Simon, but we need you to pull yourself together—”
“I don’t know how!”

Helena burst through the trees. She cast a worried look at Boone and then Simon.
“Oh. There you are. You’re back. That’s good. Jaclyn and the baby are fine.”
Helena forced a smile.
“Do you want me to leave?”
“No. Don’t be silly,” Simon said.

“When shall we leave for Islemar?” Helena asked. “I believe the queen is strong enough.”
“We should go as quickly as possible,” Boone said. “Are you going to carry them?”
Simon shook his head.
“It’s too dangerous. We’ll take a coach.”
“A coach?” Boone said. “Where are we going to get a coach?”
Simon raised his head and blew a blast of fire—higher and more intense than any Boone had ever seen from his friend’s mouth.
“The kingdom’s stables—or the nearest stables we can find! It makes no difference!”
Boone and Helena shared a worried glance.
They heard shouting coming from near the stream where Jaclyn and the baby were. Boone, Helena, and Simon ran in that direction.
Noah Lamont and Oliver Vaughn lowered their swords. Tanner Raven and Lady Magdalena had surprised them. Tanner lowered his hands as Magdalena ran and threw her arms around Jaclyn. They wept together. Jaclyn handed Magdalena the baby.
“By the gods!” Magdalena exclaimed. “He’s so beautiful!”
“Of course, he is,” Noah said. “He’s my nephew.”
“I had nothing to do with it.” Jaclyn said.
Noah hugged his sister.
“Don’t be silly. With my good looks and your stinging wit, the child cannot lose.”
“My king,” Oliver addressed Simon. “Are you all right? I believe I saw you crash through the trees.”

“Oh?” Jaclyn said. “Simon? Are you hurt?”
“No,” Simon said, a little too sternly.
“Where did you go?” Jaclyn asked.
“I went to observe Sterling’s troop movements. He was moving cannons toward Islemar. I slowed him down.”
“What happened?” Noah asked.
Simon narrowed his eyes.
“It seems that the kingdom is officially under Sterling’s rule. For now.”
“What do you mean?” Jaclyn asked.
“The blood seal of protection wrought by King Vehaillion—it now protects Sterling. The spell deflected my fire.”
“Oh, no!” Jaclyn said.
“What can we do to stop him?” Noah said.
Simon snorted flames into the air. His angry eyes burned with orange fire.
“The spell protects him from magic, but that is all. Aside from magic, he will bleed and die just like any other man.”
Simon laughed. A wicked laugh.
“What is so funny?” Jaclyn asked.
“What is so funny?” Simon repeated. “The side of Sterling’s face is what is funny! I needed no magic to push a red-hot shield against his face. Now, when he turns the heads of women, it will be because of fear and disgust! Now, he is a monster! Just like me!”
No one joined in Simon’s laughter.

“Did my father send you?” Noah asked Magdalena and Tanner.
“No,” Magdalena said. “I have to get something from my house.”
“Now?” Oliver said. “We are on the brink of war. What is so important?”
“My books,” Magdalena said. “My books and notes I was given by the sorcerer who taught me. I will need them…to put an end to the curse.”
Jaclyn stepped next to Simon and put her hand on his side.
“What a wonderful day that will be—for you, and for everyone in the kingdom!”

Simon was overwhelmed and confused. There was too much to consider; the thought of waking every morning as a man. The thought of being king of the realm. But there were dark thoughts as well. Jaclyn was his brother’s wife. She held Lucien’s son in her arms. If the curse was broken, what would become of Lucien? Lucien had nearly brought about Simon’s death. Was he capable of carrying out the same justice?

Could he murder his own brother, the father of Jaclyn’s child? It would not be out of character for a King with the Morgenwraithe name. But Simon had no desire to follow in the footsteps of his cruel ancestors.
These questions paled in comparison to what Simon felt now. The touch of Jaclyn’s hand affected him like nothing else could. Her touch was only her flesh against his scales, but brought a flush of warmth he had seldom felt. It was a feeling he could not describe.
But then rage washed over him. It came out of nowhere. It came from a foreign place; a place of darkness that threatened to consume him.
Jaclyn was not his. She would never be his.
Simon backed away from Jaclyn. Her hand fell to her side. Simon glanced down only once and saw the hurt in Jaclyn’s eyes.
He walked away.

 

Four

Lord Sterling Morgenwraithe laughed as he approached the dragon. The dragon was stretched taut, bound with chains between a pair of enormous and ancient trees trunks. The trunks flexed but held firm as the dragon struggled. The limbs and leaves had been burned away hours ago during the dragon’s pointless efforts to regain its freedom.
The dragon had nowhere to go—surrounded by a thousand armed soldiers. Not that Lord Sterling would allow anyone else to claim the beast’s life. No, he had waited for years to watch the life fade from this particular dragon’s eyes.
This dragon was not really a dragon at all. He was Sterling’s own cursed nephew—but not for much longer.
Simon Morgenwraithe, the dragon who should have been king, was entirely spent. His limbs and wings held no more strength and his belly was void of fire. There was nothing left now but for Sterling to end Simon’s life.

Simon’s head hung lifelessly against his chest.
Sterling leaned in where only Simon could hear his words.
“I have always hated you.”
Simon did not raise his head. He summoned the strength for his last words.
“I have killed hundreds of men while waiting for you, Uncle.”
Simon raised his head. His eyes flashed.
“You’re next.”

Sterling roared as he raised his sword high above his head.
And then Sterling screamed in pain.

King’s Guard and servants ran through Sterling’s bedroom door.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” they cried.
“By the gods!” some of them said as they cringed. Two servants vomited.
It was all a dream…

Thrashing about in his sleep, Sterling had torn the bandages from his head. Pieces of partially-healed flesh had pulled away and stuck to the gruesome cloth. Blood sprayed onto his bed and bedclothes.
Three members of the King’s Guard covered their mouths and stepped back. One of them grabbed a servant by the collar.
“See to him immediately!”
Four servants scrambled about, not sure what to do.
“We are not healers, my lord!”
“Get someone competent in here at once! Call for the women!” A guard yelled. “Bring the midwives! The nursemaids! And send for Lady Jacobs!”

The servants attempted to keep Sterling still to avoid any further damage. But there was no one willing to applying any real force. Sterling pushed away from them, still screaming.
Sterling fell silent for a moment. He had caught sight of himself in a mirror.
In a fit of blind rage, Sterling tore the heavy mirror from the wall. He swung it against the wall, roaring and screaming like a wild animal.
One of the Guards grabbed another servant and whispered to him.
“Remove every mirror from the castle at once.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
That servant rounded a corner and collided with Captain Raynard. Raynard threw the servant to the floor.
“What the hell is happening here?”
Raynard stepped into the room.
“Great Vehaillion’s ghost.”
Seconds later, another servant ran into the room. He swallowed hard and stared at Sterling. He was very happy to see Captain Raynard.
“My Lord, there is something you must see.”
“What is it?” Raynard snapped.
“I cannot explain, My Lord.”
Raynard motioned the servant away. He followed.

When Raynard saw the crowd gathered in the outer courtyard, he knew the news could not be good. As he drew closer, Raynard saw villagers, guards, and soldiers staring at him with apprehension.
Raynard stopped and raised his head.
His gaze fell upon the brilliant blue robe.
And the large, bald head—its eyes now only vacant sockets.
“Get it down,” Raynard growled. “And assemble my officers. I will be in the Council Room.”
Raynard fell into a chair at the Council table.
“Bring me wine,” He said to a servant. The servant returned quickly. Raynard reached for a goblet.
“The tasters will be here soon, my lord,” the nervous servant said. Raynard ignored him.
“Who knows how many tomorrows we will see?”

The officers of the army and King’s Guard began to arrive. Sterling walked through the door, pausing to rest against the wall. His bandages had been reapplied rather sloppily. One eye, his mouth, and very little of his face was left exposed. Raynard and the officers stood. Sterling shook off the help of a servant and seated himself.
A young army officer ran into the room. He stopped quickly when he saw Sterling. Obviously, he had not expected to see him there.
“What is it, boy?” Raynard and Sterling said at the same time. Sterling’s voice was muted.
The boy held forth an envelope in a trembling hand.
“It has some type of wax seal on it, my lord. Most….most unusual.”
Raynard took the envelope. His head jerked when he saw the seal the boy spoke of.
“Is that a….?”
“I believe it is a thumb, my lord—pressed into wax.”
“Where did you get this?” Raynard asked.
“In the pocket of the giant’s robe, my lord.”

“Give it to me!” Sterling growled. Raynard nodded to the boy. The boy walked around the table and gave the envelope to Sterling.
Sterling scraped off the offensive digit on the edge of the table. He ripped open the envelope in disgust.
Inside were two words scrawled in blood.
You’re next.

 

 

Five

The three young men traveled in single file. Their horses tossed their heads, irritated by the limbs and leaves that slapped them at every step. It could not be helped.
King Lucien and his friends, Brendan and Reese, were on the run. Lucien was still months away from his seventeenth name day. His uncle, Lord Sterling Morgenwraithe, was the ruling power in the land until that time came. But after Lucien landed a punch to his uncle’s jaw, Sterling almost beat Lucien to death.
If Sterling or any member of the King’s Guard or Army found the three friends, their lives would be over.

“Where are we going?” Reese asked. Both of his arms were bleeding. He swiped his hand across his face and looked at the blood on his fingers. “I’m going to bleed to death if we stay in these woods. Or the wolves will smell us. Neither is a good way to die.”
“Not much farther,” Lucien said. “I’m going to the sorceress.”
Brendan stared at Lucien. Lucien held his left arm awkwardly across his chest. His arm had a constant tremble. Lucien winced with every step of the horse.
“We have to stop soon, Lucien,” Brendan said. “You don’t look so good.”
Lucien sat up straighter.
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not,” Reese said. “You took a hell of a beating, Lucien. It will take time for you to heal.”
“We don’t have time,” Lucien said.
Brendan moved his horse in front of Lucien’s and stopped.
“What are you doing?” Lucien demanded.
“You’re just a boy, Lucien,” Brendan said. “Even younger than Reese and me. Sure, you’re the king and you train like a soldier. But you’ll never be the beast that Shawn was.”
Reese moved beside Brendan.
“And we watched Shawn crumble to the ground at your uncle’s hand,” Reese said. “That man is the devil.”

Brendan tapped the side of his head.
“Stay smart, your grace. What will it serve you to act proud and brave if we have to bury you in these woods?”
“We’re only men,” Reese said. “Not gods. We’ will have to keep our wits and be might lucky to stay alive.”
Lucien felt a shooting pain in his abdomen. He winced.
“You are good friends,” Lucien said. “What did I do to deserve you?”
“Ha!” Brendan said. “Who said you deserve us?”
“So, why are we going to the sorceress?” Reese asked. “I know her curse made you king, but…”
“But what?” Lucien said.
“She…she gives me the shivers, is all,” Reese said. “I don’t trust magic. Never have.”
“Well, her magic doesn’t work on me,” Lucien said. “We have a…we have an understanding. The Lady is actually quite fascinating. And Sterling despises her.”
“She can’t be all bad, then,” Brendan said. “Let’s go. You need to rest.”

Dawn broke over the village of Morgenwraithe. By the time the young men reached Lady Magdalena’s house, sweat formed on King Lucien’s forehead. Brendan and Reese watched him with concern. They helped Lucien from his horse and they walked to the door.
Lucien knocked.
“It is Lucien, my Lady. Please, open the door.”
There was no response, only the wind in the trees. Brendan knocked. Louder.
Lucien pushed on the door handle. The door was not locked.
“Are you going inside?” Reese asked.
“I told you. She cannot harm me.”
“Perhaps not, but that does not keep her from turning Brendan and me into toads!”
“Then stay here,” Lucien said as he pushed the door open.
“I’m coming with you,” Reese said. “Stay here and stand guard,” he said to Brendan.

Brendan drew his sword. He raised his head and stared into the woods. He sniffed the air.

****

The wolves became human.
“Do you see him?” Tanner whispered.
“Yes,” Magdalena replied.
“He’s in uniform,” Tanner said. “A soldier.”
“King’s Guard,” Magdalena said.
“Wonderful,” Tanner said. “Where there is one, there will be more.”
“Not necessarily,” Magdalena said. “Lucien has fled the castle, leaving Sterling and Raynard in charge of an uncertain war. There may be those who refuse to follow them.”
“Maybe,” Tanner mused. “Whoever he is, he stands between us and your house.”
“We don’t have time for this,” Magdalena said.
“Stay here,” Tanner said. “I’ll take care of him.”
“What are you going to—Tanner!”
Tanner was gone.
He ran to the edge of the forest, raised his hands, and stepped out of the trees.
“Hello, friend!” he called out.
Brendan charged to meet him, his sword raised.
“Who are you? What is your business here?”
“Do not be alarmed, my friend,” Tanner said. “My little daughter is ill. I come seeking medicine.”
“This is not the home of the healer,” Brendan said. “The healer lives on the far side of the village.”
“Yes, I know,” Tanner said. “But the Lady who lives here, Lady Magdalena, she sometimes keeps medicine as well.”

Tanner lowered his arms.
“Get your hands up!” Brendan yelled. “Put your hands behind your head!”
Tanner raised one hand. The hilt of Brendan’s sword burst into flames. Brendan screamed and threw down the sword, but it did not hit the ground. The sword flew into Tanner’s hand. He pointed it at Brendan.
“I’m sorry, my good fellow—”
Reese and Lucien burst through the door with their swords raised.
“Drop it!” Reese barked.
A blood-curling scream sounded from the woods. The men froze. The screaming continued.
“Maggie…”
Tanner crashed through the woods. The men followed closely.

They found Lady Magdalena lying on the ground. Her agonized screams continued as she clawed at the steel-jawed game trap that pierced her ankle.
Tanner fell to his knees and tried to hold Magdalena still. She clawed at his arms and continued to scream. Tanner looked up at the other men.
“Don’t just stand there, you louts! Help her!”
Brendan and Reese knelt on either side of Magdalena. They grabbed the jaws of the trap and pulled. Their fingers were wet and slick with blood. The trap slipped from their grasp. Magdalena screamed even louder.

A bolt of pain shot through Lucien’s body. He grimaced and almost fell to the ground.
Tanner glared at him.
“Are you going to just stand there?”
Reese grabbed Tanner by his shirt.
“No one speaks to the king like that if they wish to keep their head!”
Tanner’s eyes widened.
“The king…?”
“Can you use your magic, my lady?” Lucien asked Magdalena.
Magdalena opened her mouth, and then her head fell to the side. She lost consciousness.
“Get her inside,” Lucien said.
Brendan and Reese carried her as Tanner patted her cheeks. Lucien held the door open.
“Please wake up, Maggie,” Tanner pleaded.

An arrow flew between them and pierced the door.
“Halt!”
Two members of the King’s Army charged toward them, one with a bow and the other waving a sword. Tanner watched another arrow carom off of the wall. He slammed the door shut behind them. Brendan and Reese lay Magdalena on the table; the same table where Boone Blankenship and Helena Fuller had once cared for her.
Brendan looked around.
“Where is my sword?” he demanded of Tanner.
“I dropped it. In the forest.”
Brendan threw up his arms in disgust.
“How many soldiers did you see?” Lucien asked.
“Two, at least,” Reese said. “But more will come. They are watching this house. We should not have come here.”
Reese jerked a pointed finger at Magdalena.
“Her screams could be heard for miles.”
Tanner balled his fists.
“And I suppose if a bear trap nearly took off your foot you would grunt once and carry on!”
“That will be enough!” Lucien snapped.
Tanner scowled.
“Pompous wank—”

There was pounding on the door.
“Open the door, traitors! We know who you are!”
A stone shattered a window on the other side of the room. Two flame-tipped arrows followed. Tanner raised his hand, and the flames went out.
Something heavy hit the front door. The door frame cracked. Another flaming arrow flew through the broken window. Another heavy blow struck the door.
Magdalena moaned.
“Tanner.”
Tanner ran to Magdalena’s side.
“Maggie! Can you hear me?”
Magdalena raised a trembling hand. She pointed toward her bedroom.
“Linen chest. Fal…false bottom.”
Tanner ran into the bedroom. He opened the chest and threw linens to the floor. He felt along the bottom and found a nail head raised just enough to allow his fingernail under it. Beneath the false bottom Tanner found a satchel. He looked inside and found exactly what Magdalena had described.

The front door exploded into the room. The first soldier inside swung his sword at Reese’s head. Reese blocked the sword with his own. The second soldier was close behind. He had an arrow notched. He aimed at Brendan’s head as he pulled back on the bowstring. Brendan was defenseless. He turned his head.
A flash of black and gray flew in front of him. A snarling mass of hair and teeth latched onto the bowman’s neck. His bow clattered to the floor as he screamed. The screaming did not last long. The soldier’s throat was torn out.
Reese blocked two more blows from the soldier’s sword until the wolf leapt at the intruder’s chest. The hopeless man fell to the floor and met with the same fate as the first soldier.
Reese dropped to his knees. He leaned forward on one arm. Brendan grabbed his friend’s shoulder.
“Are you hurt?”
Reese caught his breath and shook his head. He turned, and the look of horror on his face made Brendan follow Reese’s stare.
“Bloody hell…” Brendan whispered.
“What?” Tanner said.

Tanner felt something drip from his chin. He looked down in time to see a second and third drop of blood hit the floor. He wiped his chin and looked at his hand. His hand was covered in blood.
Brendan helped Reese to his feet. Brendan cleared his throat.
“What the hell are you?”

 

 

Six

Tanner took Magdalena’s hand.
“We have to go,” he said. “There is no choice. We’ll hide and then send for Lady Jacobs.”
“I’ll carry her,” Brendan said.
A horn sounded from not far away.
“We have to get out of here,” Reese said. “This place will be overrun by soldiers within minutes.”
Magdalena squeezed Tanner’s hand.
“Take the books and go,” she said. “You’ll never make it with me. I cannot run.”
“I’ve told you before, Maggie. I’m not losing you again.”
“They can’t hurt me, Tanner. They don’t dare. If I die and Simon’s curse is broken, Sterling has no lawful right to power.”
“And neither do I,” Lucien said.
Tanner balled his fists and glared at Lucien.
“Whose side are you on?”
“As long as Sterling lives, I am king in name only. He will kill me on sight.”
Tanner shook his head.
“This is far too complicated.”

“I never wanted to be king,” Lucien said. “But if we do not leave now, we will all die.”
“I’m not leaving her!” Tanner yelled.
Magdalena pushed herself up onto one elbow. Her eyes blazed and lights crackled through her hair. A powerful gust of wind came from nowhere and blew all four men through the front door. The door was blown into the opening and sealed shut by an unseen force. The broken window was sealed at the same time.
Tanner got to his feet. He held the satchel against his chest. The others got to their feet as well. They heard the rapid approach of soldiers.
Without a word, they struck out through the forest.

Three dozen soldiers took hold of the tree trunk that lay close to the door of Magdalena’s house. Twenty seconds later, the door crashed to the floor for the second time. Soldiers flooded into the home, holding swords and bows with arrows drawn. Ten men held swords leveled at the wounded sorceress while the others searched the house. They stepped around the two dead men.
The soldiers snapped to attention when their superior officer walked into the room.
Captain Raynard stared at the dead men. He walked to Magdalena’s side.
“You really should consider a different residence, my lady. The woods around here are simply teeming with savage beasts.”
Raynard grabbed Magdalena’s injured foot. He turned it to the side, unmoved by her screams.
“Oh, my. It appears you stepped into a bear trap. Is this true?”
Magdalena bit her lip and did her best to stay quiet.
“Yet, I see no trap. Where is it?” Raynard asked with a sly smile.
Magdalena said nothing.
“This makes four of my men who have died at your door—three of them have had their throats ripped from their bodies. Perhaps you see why I have a difficult time seeing this as coincidence.”
“I saw…” Magdalena muttered feebly.
Raynard stepped closer.
“I’m sorry? I didn’t hear you.”
“Wolves. It was wolves. They followed these men through the door.”
“Wolves, eh? They ripped out these men’s throats for mere sport?”
Raynard gave the men a closer look.
“They are not bitten anywhere else, so obviously these wolves were not hungry. And they ignored you completely in spite of the fact that they could smell your blood and you lie here like a buffet feast. Is this some of your magic?”
“Yes.”

Raynard turned to his men.
“Make a stretcher. The Lady comes with us.”
An officer spoke.
“Y-you do not wish to send for the healer’s wife?”
Raynard looked around the room.
“Perhaps later. For now, I want her away from this place.”
He glared at Magdalena.
“Sterling will be most interested in these latest events. He will wish to speak to the lady. Far too many mysterious events occur within these walls.”

****

Tanner rode behind Brendan on his horse. They rode out of sight of the King’s Road toward the east. Convinced they were not being pursued, they led their horses to a stream.
Tanner drank from the stream and stood. Lucien was staring at him.
“You called the sorceress, ‘Maggie’. How is it you are so familiar?”
“I am the lady’s brother.”
“I have known Lady Magdalena my entire life,” Lucien said. “I have never heard of any brother.”
“Surely there will be a better time for long tales,” Tanner said.
“You saved our lives,” Reese said.
“I saved my sister’s life—and my own. You just happened to be there.”
“Fair enough,” Reese said. He pointed to the satchel strapped across Tanner’s chest.
“Where are you going with that?”
“I don’t know you,” Tanner said. He searched their eyes. “Where do your loyalties lie?”
“We don’t know you either,” Brendan said. “And we’re not exactly quick to trust blokes who change into wolves.”

Lucien raised his hand as if making an oath.
“On the souls of my ancestors, I do not care if I ever serve one more day as king of this realm,” Lucien said. “I never wanted to be king.”
Lucien looked away.
“There is one thing that must happen. My uncle has to die.”
“Your brother was the rightful king,” Tanner said. “I understand he is still alive.”
Lucien spat on the ground.
“We can thank your sister for that.”
“She is not the same person she was back then,” Tanner said.
“How would you know that?” Lucien asked. “Where were you?”
“I am not important,” Tanner said. “What would you do if the curse was broken? If your brother was no longer trapped in a dragon’s body?”
Lucien’s shoulders sagged.
“It is too late. Sterling wants me dead. If Simon had the chance, he would kill me as well.”
“I wish to ask you a single question, King Lucien,” Tanner said. “What do you want?”
Lucien rubbed his chin. He looked Tanner in the eye.
“It is likely too late for what I want. My only hope is to find my wife and child alive. I want to find them and take them far away from this place.”

“I think your brother also wishes your uncle dead,” Tanner said. “And I believe he still has love in his heart for you.”
“What are you saying?” Lucien asked.
“Queen Jaclyn is very much alive. And so is your son.”

 

 

Seven

It took only an hour for Simon to locate a carriage for Jaclyn and the baby. Boone opened the door to a private stable and hitched a horse to the coach.
A man and woman rushed from the house.
“Hey! You, there! Stop! Thief!”
Boone looked up, but continued what he was doing.
“I’m not stealing anything, my lord. I’m borrowing this coach—on the kingdom’s business.”
The man raised a pitchfork.
“Kingdom’s business my a—!”
A low-pitched growl shook the ground. The man and woman turned. The man dropped the pitchfork and wrapped his arms around his wife.
“We need the coach for the queen and her newborn son,” Simon growled. “The coach will be returned and you will be compensated. Any questions?”
“N-n-no. Be on with it!”
The man and woman ran into the house and slammed the door.

The coach required the small group to stay on the King’s Road on the way to Islemar. Simon circled overhead, staying as low as possible. He saw no troops behind them, toward the village of Morgenwraithe, but he knew they were back there. He could feel them. He could feel Sterling and Raynard and their burning hate and lust for absolute power.
The journey was uneventful for much of the day. Less than twelve miles from the gates of Islemar, Simon scouted the road ahead. He saw a group of soldiers eating a meal at the side of the road. Simon hovered above Boone and the others.
“There is an army squad ahead.”
“Is it possible to avoid them?” Noah asked.
“Not with this coach.”
“We are not far from Islemar,” Helena said. “Perhaps we should abandon the coach.”
Simon stared up the road.
“No. I will take care of this.”
“What are you—?” Boone tried to ask, but Simon was already gone.
They waited, not moving. Seconds later, they saw fire and smoke in the air in the distance. The sounds of men’s screams reached them.
Ahead, on the road, they watched in horror as a man ran toward them, screaming and engulfed in flames. He slowed and fell to the ground.

“Boone?” Helena said.
“Yes?”
“Simon is starting to frighten me.”
“I know. Me too.”
A minute later, Simon stepped from the forest next to the dead man. He clamped his jaws on the charred remains and dragged them into the trees.
He hovered over the group again.
“The way is clear.”
Boone looked at Simon’s jaws. He had done more than kill the soldiers.
“Simon?” Boone said.
Simon looked at Boone. Boone moved his hand in front of his face.
“You have …never mind. We should go.”

Three hours later, the gates of Islemar were seen in the distance. Simon flew high and blew fire.
“Islemar! Behold your queen!” he roared.
The guards at Islemar saw the spectacle. They sent word to Lord Lamont.
Lord and Lady Lamont ran through the gates. Others followed them.
Noah Lamont drove his horse at top speed to reach his parents.
“Mother! Father! We found her! Jaclyn is well! And so is your grandson!”

Simon had no desire to interfere with the reunion of Jaclyn and her parents. He felt no need to be present at their first meeting with Jaclyn’s baby. He dove toward the village gates.
Simon was struck by a blinding jolt of pain. His wings faltered. He did not understand what was causing the pain. And then, it became obvious. Simon looked down and could not believe his eyes.
His left rear leg was broken and bleeding. The leg was almost folded in half.
But how? How did this happen?
Simon screamed in agony—but he did not hear his voice. He heard the voice of a woman.
He heard the screams…
Of Lady Magdalena.

Simon heard another voice nearby. The screeches were familiar to him. He was no longer alone in the sky.
Mother flew at his side, but she could not help him.
Blood sprayed from puncture wounds on both sides of Simon’s leg. The pain was too much for him to bear.
Simon could not control his fall. People and guards ran for cover. Simon crashed head-first into the village gates.
The leader of the dragon clan, and the rightful king of Morgenwraithe, lay still.

 

 

Look for I, Dragon Book 4 late 2017