The Dragon's War Read online

  “I don’t think so,” Skye said. “I’m really out of practice.”

  Skye recognized several members of the Royal Guard who were bringing down the targets with considerable skill. The unique insignia on their armor brought Skye’s gaze back to Eira.

  “You’re a member of the Royal Guard!” Skye exclaimed.

  “I am,” Eira said with both the pride and humility. Skye was used to such contradictions with the Ha’kan, for they were always proud of the collective while minimizing their individual achievements.

  “But you’re not assigned to the castle.”

  “No,” Eira said, “I have a very special assignment. It’s the duty of my unit to protect the former High Priestess, who has retired to her childhood home. It’s more of a formality for she is practically worshipped there and no harm would ever come to her.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Skye said.

  Eira drew her bow and took a place on the line. She began firing with a methodical skill as she continued talking.

  “I hope to eventually protect the Queen and her staff. That would be a great honor.”

  Skye, too, took the line, but she was nervous. Eira was skilled even for the very talented Royal Guard, and Skye hadn’t fired a bow in months. She frowned. She had been sitting around eating chocolates and sipping tea with her mortal enemy. This thought made her even more distracted, and the bow hung limply in her hand.

  Senta stood next to one of the nearest catapults and watched her First Ranger stand there indecisively. She was joined by Rika who frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. Even Torsten slipped up beside her, his approach silent until he made himself known.

  “That’s not good,” he muttered. “She’s thinking too much.”

  “Torsten,” Senta said thoughtfully, “what say we turn a few of these catapults around?”

  Torsten did not at first see what she was getting at, but then he understood. “Better make it five or six. And light the missiles on fire.”

  Senta raised an eyebrow at Torsten’s ruthless raising of the stakes, but he knew Skye better than anyone. She signaled the operators of the two catapults nearest her, who looked at her as if she had lost her mind. Rika and Torsten adjusted two others. The flight paths of the poised missiles were altered, the balls were ignited, then all waited for Senta’s signal.

  Eira paused on the line, catching sight of the curious actions of the First General. Skye was oblivious, staring at a patch of dirt in front of her with a frown on her face. She was entirely someplace else, that much was certain. Which is why Eira was more than a little concerned when Senta gave a signal and suddenly five balls of fire were flying right at Skye. She tensed to tackle the Tavinter to get her out of the way.

  But that was not necessary as the bow came up as if it possessed a will of its own. An arrow was notched and flying while a second appeared to leave the bow almost at the same time. Both arrows flew true, in opposite directions, impaling and redirecting the balls of flame that came from either side. A third arrow was already in the air, this one dead center to where two of the targets converged, impaling both with such force the single arrow reversed their course. It did not appear that Skye would get off the fourth arrow, however, and the ball of flame was near to striking her when she simply took a stance, then thrust the arrow forward as if it were a sword, cleanly impaling the flaming ball of tar and hay and stopping it instantly. She stared at the missile on the end of her arrow as the fire smoked, then went out, and a slow smile spread across her features.

  All on the line had stopped in astonishment at a feat none thought they could replicate, one that the Tavinter had accomplished with ease. Skye dropped the arrow to the ground and snuffed out the remaining flame with her boot.

  “You were a little slow on that last one,” Senta called out across the field, which caused much laughter amongst the Royal Guard and a lot of shaking heads. They knew the formidable First General was as impressed as they were.

  “I will try harder next time, First General,” Skye called back.

  “Welcome back, First Ranger,” one of the Royal Guard called out, a sentiment echoed throughout the field.

  Eira moved back next to Skye on the line. “So, that is ‘out of practice’ for you.”

  “Well,” Skye said, feeling all of her confidence returning, “maybe I’m not as rusty as I thought.”

  The entire day was play. Skye spent some time on the archery range, joyfully challenging Torsten to games they made up, just as they did when they were children. Eira joined in, no matter how ridiculous the rules, and Senta was pleased to see that the deadly precision of her First Ranger had returned with a vengeance.

  Then Dallan and Rika came along and the play moved to swordsmanship. The Princess had picked up on Skye’s penchant for creating outlandish challenges. Lifa settled into the stands to watch and Skye waved to her, then blushed profusely, for Lifa was surrounded by Priestesses. Some were from Lifa’s own inner circle, Leya, Freya, and Ama, but Astrid flanked Lifa on one side and on the other was a woman as magnetic as the High Priestess. She had her arm around Lifa’s waist and Skye recognized Helena, Lifa’s mother, from the celebration at the Academy.

  The Queen joined the spectators, which only encouraged Dallan to ramp up the exuberant chaos of the free-for-all. Although none equaled Skye with a bow, the sword was Dallan’s forte and even Senta was tasked with keeping up with her. Senta had been responsible for much of Dallan’s training and was pleased to see her pupil close to surpassing her. Still, the joy of mock battle was not enough to deter the First General from her duties. When she locked swords with Dallan, she leaned in close to whisper to her.

  “Do you see the figure over there?”

  Dallan nodded, stepped around, and locked swords again. “Yes. I’ve been watching her for quite some time. Do you know who she is?”

  “No,” Senta said with some concern.

  The figure was doing nothing out of the ordinary, rather was just leaning against a stone wall with her arms crossed over her chest. There was nothing threatening in her stance. But she was fully hooded so that her features were hidden, unlike everyone else present, and the clothing itself did not lend itself to easy identification. It was plain, neither Tavinter nor Ha’kan, but perhaps elvish in origin. Senta could not imagine that anyone could get past the Royal Guard without challenge, and even if they did get past the Royal Guard, they would not evade the Tavinter who detected everything. But until very recently, there had been a contract with the Assassin’s Guild to kill a head of state, and the Queen, the Princess, and Skye were all right here. The figure was making Senta uneasy.

  “There’s one way to find out,” Dallan said. She disengaged from Senta and held up her sword, turning about.

  “I seek a new a new challenge,” she said loudly, “I need a new playmate. How about you?” she said, pointing her sword directly at the cloaked figure. There was a moment of silence at the strange calling out, and Skye stopped her current engagement with Eira and felt a finger of unease trace itself along her spine. Very slowly, the figure pushed away from the wall, and just as slowly lowered the hood.

  Dallan dropped her sword into the dust. “I yield.”

  Senta stabbed her sword into the soft earth, a grin on her features. “As do I.”

  And the Ha’kan as one breathed out the name, and even the High Priestess herself murmured it with such pleasure it caused Helena to glance over at her in surprise.

  “Raine.”

  Skye’s reaction was far less subdued. “Raine!” she cried, and rushed the Scinterian warrior. She would have tackled the woman were Raine not solid as stone. Instead, Raine spun her about then set her on her feet, hugging her tightly.

  “I’m so glad to see you,” Raine said. She brushed Skye’s fair hair from her eyes. “And I’m so sorry I couldn’t come for you.”

  “’Tis no matter,” Skye said excitedly, “Dallan, Rika, Torsten, Idonea, even Syn, they all came for me.”

  “
As I knew they would,” Raine said, clapping Dallan and Rika on the back as they joined the reunion. She clasped arms with the First General as Senta greeted the Scinterian warrior, then was enveloped by a welcoming phalanx of the Royal Guard.

  “So that is the Dragon’s Lover,” Helena said, leaning across her daughter to address the High Priestess without taking her eyes from the newcomer.

  “Oh, yes,” Astrid said.

  “I must say that the legend does not do her justice.”

  And indeed it did not, for Raine was the product of a Scinterian father and an Arlanian mother, two extraordinary races that had passed from the world. The Scinterians, allies of the dragons and the most fearsome warriors of all time, and the Arlanians, a gentle people so sexually desirable they were annihilated by the lust of others, these were the races that had produced the impossible melding that was Raine. Helena admired the creature in front of her: lithely muscular, golden hair, dark blue eyes, chiseled features, and understood why she captivated her people.

  Raine approached the Queen, who had risen from the stands and stepped down onto the field.

  “I beg your forgiveness, your Majesty. I should have presented myself with more formality, but they seemed like they were having so much fun.”

  Halla gave the deep curtsy she would give only to others of equal stature, and although Raine was not a head of state, she had more than earned the honor. Raine returned the deep bow.

  “You are always welcome here, Raine,” Halla said. “And as promised, your chambers are just as you left them. Will Talan be joining us?”

  “Yes,” Raine said, “soon. She left for the north to tie up a few loose ends, but should be here within a day or so. It’s our intent to ride with you to Mount Alfheim. Well,” Raine corrected herself, “Talan will probably fly. I will ride with you.”

  “That is generous of you and we welcome your company.”

  The Queen was joined by the High Priestess and another woman wearing the garbs of the Ministry whom Raine did not recognize, at least initially. Raine took Astrid’s hand and brushed a kiss across it, which caused a flicker of violet in Raine’s eyes. Helena caught her breath at the lovely color. She had heard rumor of the beauty of Arlanian eyes, but until this moment, had never seen it.

  “You’re going to get me in trouble, High Priestess,” Raine said mischievously, knowing her eyes had nearly displayed.

  “Would that were true or even possible,” Astrid said, a smile playing about her lips. Flirting with the Arlanian was as enjoyable as it was futile. “Raine, this is Helena, our High Priestess for the southern territories.”

  This woman was as seductive as Astrid, and Raine brushed another kiss across Helena’s hand. She then examined her closely. “And Lifa’s mother, if I am not mistaken.”

  “You are correct,” Helena said with a gentle smile.

  This introduction caused Raine’s gaze to seek out Lifa, who still sat in the stands and waved to the beloved Scinterian warrior. Raine experienced a strange sensation, one that reminded her of a small band of imperials in the wilds a quarter of a century ago, a Tavinter scout by the name of Isolde, one who was filled with magic she did not use, and carried a child that none sensed but Raine. Raine’s eyes drifted to Lifa’s midsection, although her form had yet to change.

  “I see that congratulations are in order.”

  Lifa beamed with pride, and the Queen was astonished at Raine’s insight. For a creature that was immune to magic, Raine’s sight at times went beyond magic. Raine offered her arm to the Queen in a gallant gesture, and the Queen accepted the escort. A small entourage settled in behind them, which Senta joined. Raine paused at the younger Ha’kan.

  “I will be back later for that challenge,” Raine said to Dallan.

  “Of course,” Dallan said, “but I reserve the right to call on my companions for help,” she said, waving to Rika and Skye.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Raine said. She examined the charming woman next to Skye, one who possessed a familiar sultriness, then turned to the High Priestess. “I see it’s family day all around.” She winked at Skye. “Have fun,” she said laughing over her shoulder as she escorted the Queen from the field.

  Eira was overwhelmed by the cheerful stranger, a novelty for all Ha’kan, but particularly for one with the magnetism and allure of the daughter of the High Priestess. Rika clapped her on the shoulder, recognizing the very pleasant discomposure Raine inspired in all of them.

  “Don’t worry, you get used to that.”

  “That seems unlikely. She clearly lives up to her Arlanian heritage, but is she really that good a warrior?”

  “Better,” Dallan said firmly. “It’s difficult to describe the impossible, and Raine manages the impossible all the time.”

  “But she—, she is—,” Eira could hardly get the word out, it was so unfamiliar to their culture.

  “Monogamous?” Rika interjected, chuckling. “Yes, much to our despair. But when you meet her lover, you will understand all.”

  “So you were able to get the Assassin’s Guild to rescind the contract?” Senta asked as Raine settled into the circular seating area around the fire pit in the center of the Queen’s forums.

  “Yes,” Raine said, frowning. “I was able to make a deal with the vampyres to cancel the contract. And yes, it was as sordid as you are all imagining.”

  “Sordid” wasn’t exactly what Senta was imagining.

  “And what would the vampyres take in exchange for such a request?”

  The question came from Gimle, as she came into the forum, having received word of Raine’s arrival. The entourage had diminished to the members of Halla’s own staff, Senta and Astrid, as well as Helena. And Raine knew that if Helena was staying in the Queen’s forum, an honor beyond compare, Helena had the Queen’s trust.

  Raine’s discomfort was evident. “Their leader,” she cleared her throat, “manipulated me to acquire several things that she wanted. And in the end, I gave her my blood in exchange for the cancellation of the contract.”

  Helena lifted her hand to her chest in dismay.

  “No, no,” Raine said, sensing her train of thought, “I cannot be turned to vampyrism. Vampyrism is half-disease, half-magic, and I am immune to magic.”

  “Immune to magic?” Helena said. “I have never heard of such a thing. What an incredible gift.”

  “A gift from my parents,” Raine agreed.

  Raine’s discomfort over her contact with the vampyre was evident, but Gimle’s scientific curiosity was too great. “I have read in literature that, although the vampyre bite is painful, it can also be pleasurable.”

  “Um, that is true,” Raine said. “It was a very erotic experience.”

  “I am surprised that your love allowed such an experience to proceed,” the Queen said.

  “She was there for the show,” Raine said dryly, and the Ha’kan all nodded as if this were perfectly acceptable. “And she threatened to bite the vampyre in two if things went too far.” Raine was thoughtful for a moment, then turned to the Queen. “Halla, the Ha’kan are much more long-lived than the sons and daughters of men. Do you remember the Empress Aesa?”

  “Yes,” Halla said, and Astrid nodded as well. “The Empress was a lovely young woman who disappeared right after the birth of her son, the current Emperor’s father.”

  “It was under suspicious circumstances, if I recall,” Astrid said. “They never found her body, but it was presumed she was murdered.”

  “Yes,” Raine said, who looked younger than all present but was centuries older. “I remember.”

  “Is there a reason why you ask?” the Queen said.

  “No, no,” Raine said quickly. “Not really. One of the many ‘tasks’ I was required to fulfill was to break into a tomb in Hrafn. It had a very powerful seal that none could get past. And in a bit of a coincidence, I discovered the seal was placed there by Isleif decades ago.”

  “It is astonishing how small Arianthem can be at time
s,” Senta commented.

  “Agreed. There was a treasure inside, one that the vampyre wanted, and the treasure was from the Farlein dynasty, which made me think of the Empress. The whole thing was incredibly strange,” Raine said, contemplating the entire adventure. “At one point in time, the price on my head was larger than all the heads of state’s combined.”

  “And why do I have the feeling that was intentional on your part?” Senta asked, taking a glass of wine offered by an attendant.

  “Because you know me, First General,” Raine said, also taking a glass. She raised it to Senta. “They can’t very well kill anyone else if they’re all trying to kill me.”

  “And Talan was successful with the dragons?” the Queen asked.

  Raine took a long drink of the crisp white wine. “More than successful, although it nearly ended in disaster. She easily outwitted the two Ancients who fought against her in the Great War, anticipated their every move. But she did not foresee the Goddess interfering.”

  The Scinterian’s tan skin paled slightly and Halla knew of whom she spoke.

  “Hel was there?”

  “Not there,” Raine said. “But she gave Volva restraints that Talan could not escape from, and they nearly drained the life from her. It was why Idonea had to abandon her rescue of Skye, to save her mother. Thank the gods that Skye is so skilled.”

  “And Skye can thank Idonea for that skill, or at least its development,” Gimle said, “so she hardly abandoned her.”

  They were all still piecing together the various events that had occurred across a wide swathe of the continent. “I stopped in to see Y’arren on my way here. She described the spell that Skye cast, hiding thirty people from sight and making them untouchable. Unbelievable.”

  “Dallan said the wood elves saved them when Skye could no longer maintain the spell,” Halla said. “I would like to send Y’arren a gift and hoped you would help me find something suitable.”

  Raine was thoughtful. “Y’arren wants and needs little. She values material goods and wealth not at all. But she is very fond of tea and sweets, and from what I’ve sampled, the Ha’kan specialize at both. You needn’t send much; it will be the thought that pleases her.”