Quest Of The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) Read Free

they didn’t know Ren. Ren loved his father, despite Wyrick’s rejection. Ren would never harm Wyrick, and he would die before he harmed the Zier people.
    Markum had adamantly refused the triplet advisors requests to stand with them during the dragon match. He just couldn’t bear to see Ren’s death. The advisors had tried to give him hope, telling him anything was possible, but Markum knew Ren couldn’t escape.
    Markum rose and threw on his cloak. He needed to find the advisors. Even though Valor would deny Ren a proper burial, Markum had vowed to visit Ren’s grave before leaving Stardom. Markum didn’t know where he would go or what he would do, but he couldn’t stay here, not without Ren.
    After combing his hands through his unruly brown hair, Markum opened his bedroom door and strode into the black marble hallway. Although the reflection of golden chandeliers and candlesticks still wavered in its polished surface, Valor hadn’t wasted any time transforming the hall. Where before rich tapestries lined the walls, filled with Zier’s history and lineage, now the walls were bare. Where before powerful statues of Zier’s great kings towered over entrants, now the hall was empty. It was a stark reminder of recent events.
    Markum was so engrossed in his own sorrow he didn’t see Quinton until Ren’s captain was right before him, grabbing his shoulders. Quinton’s soft gray eyes danced with renewed hope.
    “Ren’s alive, Markum! Praise the Maker, we have another chance to save him!”
    Markum stood, stunned, as Quinton described the events in detail. The golden dragon of Zier, stitched in the center of Quinton’s black uniform, danced with his words.
    “Go to the library. The advisors are waiting.” Quinton slapped him on the shoulder and hurried past.
    “Quinton?”
    Quinton turned, brown hair tousled from worry.
    “Did you say a silver dragon?”
    “Yes. What of it?”
    “Did you see its eyes?”
    Quinton frowned. “For the love of the Maker, Markum, didn’t you hear me? Ren’s alive. To the Abyss with the silver dragon!”
    Quinton uttered a curse before hurrying down the hall.
    Markum stood silently as something nagged his consciousness. It was something Quinton had said – a side note to the miracle, a title given to a miracle worker.
    Dragon Tamer.
    “May the Maker have mercy,” Markum said, recalling an ancient verse. Markum clenched his fists. He had to find that verse. He had to tell the others …
    Dragon Tamer.
    “May the Maker have mercy,” Markum said again. Ren’s trouble had only just begun.
    - - -
    When Michel sat down, clouds of dust floated into the air. He groaned, every limb aching, and reached for his water skin. The new colt would be the death of him. It was as spirited as Renee had been when she first arrived at Stardom. Michel smiled, but the memory brought more pain than joy. His loss hurt as if it were yesterday. It would only lessen when his brother died.
    Michel winced, ashamed of his thoughts, and quietly whispered for the Maker’s forgiveness. He had no right to condemn his brother. They had both fallen in love with the same woman, but Wyrick was first born. He had first rights.
    Michel lifted the leather skin to his lips, almost laughing when he remembered the golden mug he used to hold at Stardom. It was ironic. He didn’t miss the castle, the servants, or the wealth. He only missed one thing, and that was something he could never have.
    Closing his eyes, Michel let his tired muscles relax. He had seen the earth more than he cared for that day. The colt had bucked him off at every turn. His entire body felt bruised, but it was his pride more than anything else that was raw and tender. He was getting old. Breeding the king’s finest stallions would one day be transferred to another, and he would quietly pass out of thought as if he had never been born. His horses were all that kept his name on the lips of the people.
    As the sun’s rays warmed his worn limbs,