Dragon Child by Elana A. Mugdan

Author:Elana A. Mugdan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Dragons, fantasy, magic, YA fantasy, young adult, epic fantasy, adventure, sword & sorcery, magic powers, fantasy series, magical creatures, juvenile fiction, first in series, The Shadow War Saga, Dragon Speaker, Dragon Child, Dragon Blood, Dragon War, Dragon Empress
Publisher: Shivnath Productions
Published: 2019-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“A double agent works only for himself.”

~ Danisan Carvaziae, Twelfth Age

“The twin cities,” said Cezon, gesturing to the valley below. “Made it in record time, even with you trogs plodding at a snail’s pace.”

A silver river snaked across the flatlands, barely visible through the drifting mists, separating the settlements of Vendale and Venaeton. Keriya could tell the northern city promised to be almost as impressive as Noryk. Gleaming white skyscrapers soared into the air, their thin points spearing the low clouds.

“Wait til we get to the king,” Cezon chattered as he led them onward. “Won’t he be thrilled to see the three of you!”

Max muttered something under his breath, but the words ‘my father’ and ‘executions’ were audible.

“Now don’t you forget how hospitable we’ve been,” said Cezon, waggling a finger at Max.

Cezon had treated them decently—at Endred’s urging, Keriya suspected. He’d provided surprisingly good protection. On their third night of travel, a group of bandits had seen their campfire and tried to attack. But Cezon and Endred were accomplished warriors, and even Iako had shown some skill. The bandits had retreated quickly. This was ultimately why Keriya had remained in Cezon’s company.

“He’ll bring us to your palace,” she had reasoned with Max.

“We should be trying to escape,” Max had argued. “This is another delay.”

“It’s the best way I can help Thorion—and Fletcher, Roxanne, and Effrax, wherever they are. Those wanted posters will only go away if I tell my side of the story. I can’t keep running. I have to face the Allentrian rulers.”

Now that she’d reached Vendale, Keriya was regretting that decision.

But I must try, she reminded herself, going through her mental list of reasons to give herself strength. For my friends. For the empire. For Thorion.

Her hand strayed to her hip—not longing for her lost sword, but to touch the stolen book through the fabric of the pack Cezon had given her. “You carry your weight,” he’d told her the day they’d left the inn, stuffing it with provisions and tossing it to her. Keriya had gladly accepted the bag to hide her pilfered treasure.

Though she didn’t know Allentrian runes, she had a feeling the book might prove useful. The apothecary had mentioned it contained ancient prophecies. Maybe she’d find another piece of the puzzle.

“Veils on,” Cezon instructed as they entered the outskirts of the city. Farms and houses lay scattered here, but ahead Keriya could see an ordered grid of well-kept roads. She and Seba donned their masks without complaint.

“Sorry, Your Grace,” said Endred, offering Max a third veil. “You’ll be recognized, and Cezon wants to reach the palace without trouble.”

Max, who had elected to walk beside Keriya, took the veil and slid it over his head. “Not much longer,” he assured her, linking his arm through hers. Behind them, Keriya heard Seba let out a harassed and angry humpf.

They stopped before the white wall encircling the inner city. Keriya, who’d heard several of Cezon’s aliases when she had first traveled with him, was interested to hear what story he would concoct to get them inside.

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