The Dragon Stone: Book 02 - Return of the Dragon Riders by Kristian Alva

The Dragon Stone: Book 02 - Return of the Dragon Riders by Kristian Alva

Author:Kristian Alva
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781937361037
Publisher: Defiant Press
Published: 2011-10-04T05:00:00+00:00


Part 2: The Siege

The Crystal City

Elias and Thorin had been with Kathir for days, hidden inside his horse-drawn cart. Kathir didn’t speak much, but otherwise treated them well and fed them at regular intervals. Thorin spent most of the time sleeping and telling stories. Elias used the time to study his grandmother’s spellbook and explore the power of the dragon stone. Whenever he touched it, he felt stronger. It boosted his abilities but also drained his energy. He didn’t tell Thorin.

Eventually, they stopped. Kathir removed the tarp and ordered them out of the cart. A thick fog hung in the air. Even so, Elias squinted. They had been covered by the tarp for so long that even muted light seemed bright.

“This is the Lopt River,” said Thorin. “I haven’t been here in ages. The river is muddier than I remember.”

“That’s right. It is,” said Kathir. “The runoff from the Trautt plains ends up here, and manure from the plainsmen’s livestock clouds the water. It’s not safe to drink unless it’s boiled. Even then, it tastes pretty terrible. The people at this settlement have a distiller, so I can purchase clean water from them. We’re taking the rest of this trip by water, so I need to get us a boat. Stay by the horses, and don’t even think about escaping. If I have to chase you down, I’ll knock you unconscious for the rest of the journey.”

“What makes you think you can?” said Elias, jutting out his chin. He thought he might be able to stun Kathir with a spell, even with his hands tied. Kathir didn’t know about the dragon stone granting him additional power.

Kathir chuckled. “I know about your powers, youngling. You wouldn’t be the first mage that I’ve bested, or even the twentieth. Just sit down and wait quietly, or you’ll regret it. Trust me.”

With that, Kathir turned around and walked towards a tiny store by the river’s edge. A few minutes later, an old man tottered out, and Kathir started to bargain with him. They haggled back and forth for a while. Then they stopped and shook hands.

Kathir walked back to where Thorin and Elias stood. “It’s done, let’s go. Leave the horses. I traded the horses and the cart for a sailboat.”

Elias looked down towards the river and saw a tiny blue sailboat with a patched sail sitting at the edge of a rickety dock. “That piece of junk? It looks like it’s ready to sink any moment.”

“It’s fine. Now get moving,” ordered Kathir.

The old man from the store came down to the river’s edge and gleefully patted one of the horses’ heads. It was obvious who had gotten a better deal in the bargain. The man was so thrilled that he tipped his hat and bowed as they got into the fishing boat.

There was barely enough room for the three of them. Kathir unfurled the tiny sail, which was covered with a patchwork of repairs, and they were off. Kathir manned the boat in silence.



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