The Last Dragonlord Read Free

Shan? Have you told him yet that you’re leaving him behind? I wish I could see it when you do.
    Linden grimaced at the thought of how his Llysanyin stallion would take the news. I thought I’d wait until the morning. He’ll probably bite me. Where are you bound for?
    Otter replied, Believe it or not, we’re on our way to the great city of Casna, as well.
    There was a sly feel to Otter’s mindvoice that Linden knew well. Someone was in for a teasing. Wondering who was the intended victim, he said, What are you doing at sea?
    For the past few months I’ve been visiting a kinsman who lives now in Thalnia. You might remember him—Redhawk, a wool trader. His son Raven’s best friend is a trader-captain, one of the Erdon merchant family of Thalnia. I asked to go with her; I’ve an itch to travel again. She agreed to let me sail with her.
    Redhawk? Raven? Linden thought a moment. Ah! I remember them now, especially the little boy; red hair and a passion for horses.
    Otter’s chuckle tickled in his mind.
    Little? The lad’s now nearly as tall as you are! And still horse-mad, much to his father’s despair. A pity he’s not along; the two of you would get on well together.
    Linden nodded, forgetting as he always did that Otter couldn’t see it; it felt as though the bard stood next to him. And why are you going to Casna?
    It happened to be the first northern port the Sea Mist is bound for. I’d planned to journey to Dragonskeep to drag you out of there and go traveling with me. Poor Maurynna; when she heard that, she was wild to come with me. Tried to talk her uncle, the head of their family, into letting her take a trading trip overland, but he was having none of that.
    Linden wondered who Maurynna was, then decided she must be the captain. And from the feel of Otter’s mindvoice, he now knew who the intended victim was to be. Otter—what bit of mischief are you planning?
    Never you mind, boyo. Then, wistfully, Gods, but it’s been a long time.
    Linden sighed. He’d forgotten how long the years were to truehumans. It was part of the magic of Dragonlords; to be caught out of time until the dragon half of their souls woke, years passing with the swiftness of days—both blessing and curse.
    He rubbed his temples; even with the aid of the merlings’ magic, his head was beginning to ache. He said, Kief and Tarlna are coming, as well. A brief wave of sadness washed over him. He hoped Otter didn’t feel it.
    Tarlna, eh? Aren’t you the lucky one, Otter said. But Maurynna
will be delighted — three Dragonlords in Casna!
    Linden raised an eyebrow at that. Oh? was all he said, but he put a world of meaning into it. When will you make port?
    I’d guess in a few tendays or so, but I’m not certain. Perhaps sooner; we’re making good time or so I’m told. We left Assantik two days ago, looking for something Maurynna calls the Great Current. Ah, Linden—may I ask you a favor?
    Here, then, was his answer. Of course. What?
    Would you mind if I introduced her to you? She’d be thrilled.
    Oh, gods. Another one looking for a Dragonlord as a lover’s trophy, no doubt. He hoped she wasn’t the sort to gush. Still, she was a friend of Otter’s; he couldn’t refuse. No—I don’t mind.
    I should warn you right now that you’re one of her heroes. She’s always loved any story about Dragonlords—and about Bram and Rani and the Kelnethi War. This will be a dream come true for her. You’re not only a Dragonlord, boyo—you’re Bram’s kinsman who fought alongside him and Rani.
    Linden cringed. This was going to be worse than usual.
    Kief and Tarlna. A moment’s hesitation, then Otter said, I’m sorry, Linden; it will be hard for you, won’t it?
    Linden bowed his head. Somehow, at Dragonskeep, although there were soultwinned couples all around him, he could ignore it. Whenever it became too much, he had friends he could escape to in the outlying villages or he could go riding in the mountains. But in Casna, the only