Quest Of The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) Read Free Page A

Michel gave himself over to well-earned rest. The horses circled the training ring outside, their pounding hooves creating a rhythmic music. Their song floated in his dreams, taking him back in time.
    The day had been bright and a bird’s song echoed on the wind as he rode bareback through the fields at full gallop. The wind burned his eyes, bringing the tears he couldn’t cry on his own.
    When he reached the stream, Renee was already there. They didn’t speak. Each heartbeat was precious and each look revealed their feelings. As the sun rose higher, they sank into each other’s arms. Although they dozed, Michel was fully aware of the sounds around him: the sensual trickle of water, the soft movement of the grazing horses, the grass dancing in the breeze.
    A soft groan caused him to roll over and reach for Renee. She wasn’t there. Michel stirred, a sudden pain in his chest.
    The sound came again. Michel opened his eyes with a start, the dream dissipating as quickly as it had come, and came to full attention. The worn board on his front landing groaned under stealthy weight. Someone was outside, someone who didn’t want to be heard.
    Michel reached for his sword just as shadow of a man passed across the floor. Michel spun, catching a brief glimpse of the soldier’s bald head before a flaming torch was hurled through the window.
    Michel ran to the door as shouts echoed on the wind. Broken glass exploded to his right as more torches were thrown inside. Michel yanked on the door but something was blocking it from the outside. He tried to cut it down, but his sword was dull from years without use. Michel turned, choking as the smoke ensnared him and the heat began to build.
    The men were already boarding up the windows, trapping him inside.
    He had let down his guard. After all these years, he thought he and Wyrick had come to a silent peace. When he had first left Stardom he had been expecting an attack, even waited for one, but now he felt betrayed. He had never asked Wyrick for anything in over twenty years.
    Then a thought struck him: Wyrick must know about Ren. Michel’s eyes burned with shame. There was no fight left in him. His brother wanted him dead. Now, he would never be able to ask for Wyrick’s forgiveness. And Ren …
    The horses screamed. A crash indicated they had broken free of their pen. A soldier shouted orders for the horses to be gathered for the Crape crown.
    Michel heaved for air. The Crape crown?
    Fear’s cold grip clutched Michel’s soul as the flames rose around him. Wyrick would never allow his lands to be taken, not with any breath in his body. And if Zier had been overthrown …
    Michel fell to his knees, resolve deepening in the pit of his stomach. He had to survive. He may be Ren’s only chance.
    Michel crawled on his hands and knees, searching for the board he had never nailed down. After all these years he didn’t know if the escape tunnel would still be passable. When had he last been inside, five years ago? Ten? But it was his only chance.
    With frantic fingers Michel searched each board, choking as the smoke grew thick. Finally, one board lifted under his touch. Michel dove into the hollow head first, pushing himself through the narrow gap in the earth.
    - - -
    Ista didn’t turn when the door opened, and she didn’t transform into the beauty she had once been. Her true image reminded Valor of her power. She ruled Newlan. Although he could have the title in name and bearing, she ruled him.
    Valor’s children sat opposite her, bound and gagged. Chris sagged against Manda, too weak to sit up on his own. His shaggy blond hair was matted with fever, and every so often his eyelids fluttered wildly. He hadn’t responded well to the sleeping herb given him, but then Ista knew he wouldn’t. Chris Kahn would soon give up the fight.
    Ista offered Manda a sympathetic smile. The redhead’s face flared with rage as she muttered something incomprehensible through her gag. Ista chuckled.