Tides of Darkness by Richard Fierce

Author:Richard Fierce
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonfire Press

9

I gripped the saddle and held on with all the strength I could muster, but the force pulling against me was too much. My hands slipped free and I could feel my legs getting ready to go next. The fleeting thought that if I fell I would land in water was only mildly comforting.

The spinning abruptly stopped, and through my dizziness, I could see Demris had joined the fray. Sion drew back and let Demris deal with the dragon.

Are you all right?

I’m fine. Just a little disoriented, I replied.

Once the world stopped turning, I watched Demris toss the blue dragon around like a tiny doll. Demris was bigger than Sion, and he appeared even larger next to the blue dragon. Perhaps he was a juvenile.

He is full grown, Sion said. Something must have stunted his growth.

He looks lean. Do you think he’s starving?

I don’t know. The others are afraid. Their fear fills the air.

The blue dragon broke away and fled, returning to the cave he’d come from. Demris joined Sion, and I looked at Maren to see if she had been injured. She appeared to be fine and nodded at me.

Take me to the cave, please. Perhaps now that he’s suffered defeat, he’ll be willing to talk.

Sion glided to the cave opening and tucked her wings in at the last moment, landing inside. She used her claws to halt her momentum. The dragon was scuffling around in the darkness, his heaving breaths loud inside the chamber. I slid out of the saddle and saw Demris wheeling around in the sky.

He’s making sure we don’t get trapped in here, Sion said.

Good idea.

I tried to walk past Sion, but she kept her bulk in the way and wouldn’t let me pass.

What are you doing?

He may look frail, but he can still kill you. Stay behind me.

I conceded the point and stayed where I was.

You there, I said, reaching my mind out to the dragon. He ignored me. I expected as much, but I would not give up that easily.

Are you injured? My friend is a sorcerer and can heal you.

Go away, the dragon’s voice was just as feeble as he looked.

Are you the leader here?

You must be mind-deaf. I told you to leave.

I’m not leaving until I get some answers, I said.

You are going to get us punished. Please leave.

Punished? By who?

The dragon rumbled irritably, and I could feel the vibrations through the cave floor.

How did you find this place?

The Assembly told me about it.

What is the Assembly?

They are the council of dragons.

I have never heard of this council. Drakus is the only ruler here. When he finds out you have invaded his territory, he will not show you mercy.

I’m not afraid of him, I said.

You should be.

My dragon says you are frightened. Are you scared because of Drakus?

Everyone fears Drakus.

Is he your king?

The dragon made a sound in his throat that sounded like laughter, but there was no mirth in his chortle.

You must be a human. They have kings. We have no kings here, only the god Drakus.

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