The Dragon Whisperer by Lucinda Hare

Author:Lucinda Hare [Hare, Lucinda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781407049687
Publisher: RHCP
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Grounded

'You're grounded. The dragonmaster has been informed.'

'What?' Darcy was incredulous as he flung his helmet on the floor in a rage. 'He was just a stupid commoner! Just a gnome. What does it matter that he died?'

'Just a stupid commoner?' The Earl Rufus's voice was menacingly quiet. His eyes coldly considered his son. 'He was a young boy of ten. Last time it was just a dumb dragon you killed, never mind that she was one of our best breeding mares. Do you realize how vital pedigree battlemounts are in this war? And how about your friend, Guy? Does his injury not matter either? He was expected to take his place at his father's side on Dragon Isle.'

Darcy shifted uncomfortably.

'He will never fly with the SDS now.' The Earl shook his head. 'Or any frontline regiment. His father, the Commander of the Night Stalkers and one of my oldest friends, is furious, and rightly so. When are you going to learn, Darcy, that you have a duty of care to those around you?'

Darcy yawned. He had heard it all before. He would apologize, his father would return to the war, and life would go on as before. Simon and Rupert and a group of friends were waiting for him. They were going out to the local tavern for a night's drinking and gambling.

'And servants, Darcy, cannot be bullied and intimidated by inappropriate use of magic. Only undisciplined children behave that way. Magic may compel obedience, but it does not win hearts and minds. You must earn their respect and loyalty, both on and off the battlefield.'

The Earl's jaw hardened: he could tell Darcy's attention was drifting. 'Being an Earl's son is not just about having the best of everything, or having your own way all the time. I banned you from the battleroosts. You deliberately disobeyed me. There are many responsibilities that go with the title of Earl, and if you are ever to inherit the earldom, you are going to have to convince me that you merit it.' He paused, waiting to see if his son was even listening.

'What? Merit it?' Darcy echoed blankly as what his father had said sank in. 'If? If I ever?' He sprang to his feet. 'I'm your heir!'

'No, Darcy. Dragonsdome is no longer yours by right. You will have to earn it. I am tired of your irresponsible behaviour and your tantrums. Your little escapade with a battlegriff cost one life and put many others at risk, not least your sister's.'

'Half-sister!' Darcy spat, a lifetime of jealousy and resentment rearing up within the two words. 'No one apart from you even knows who her mother is! She could be anyone, even the lowliest servant! It's a disgrace to my mother's noble birthline. It's—'

Anger flared openly in the Earl's eyes. 'I have decided that you are to be enrolled at Battle Academy immediately, whether you wish to or not. They will teach you discipline and responsibility. They—'

'B-but I'm to be a captain in the Queen's Second Unicorn regiment!' Darcy pleaded, suddenly contrite.

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