Dragon Lord (10 page)

“Where are you going?”

Edana spun, a hand still resting on her horse’s saddle, the reins also in that hand. “Nowhere, father. Just for a ride.”

“Alone?”

“I’m not going far.”

“What have I said about riding alone?”

Edana dropped her gaze to the stableyard ground, trying to hide her anger. “That it’s not safe.”

“And?”

“I’m not to ride alone.” Her head rose. “But I’m not going far.”

“You.” Adalric pointed to a stableboy who hurried to his side. “Unsaddle the horse and put it away.”

Edana continued to clutch the reins for a moment before she let the stableboy take her horse. “I wasn’t going far,” she muttered.

“Take a stableboy with you in future. Now go to your room.”

Edana glared at her father’s retreating back. She was tempted to saddle another horse and go. She thought of Fen waiting. Her hands tightened into fists. But she couldn’t. She momentarily closed her eyes. She had to think of River. Any trouble she caused for Fen would also affect River.

It wasn’t fair. Someone must have said something. She looked around the stableyard. It was quiet. Like always. Her father was never at the horse stables at this time of day. Usually he was asleep. The stableboy came out of the stable and with a glance towards her, hurried away.

Had he been the one who’d told her father? Maybe she should try even earlier tomorrow morning. Before anyone even thought of waking. Yes, that should work. Holding back a smile, she strode towards her bedroom. He wasn’t going to stop her. Mornings were hers. She gave enough of her day to him and the way he thought she should live.

The next week passed quickly for Fen. Edana didn’t turn up at the Restday lunch, much to Hanun’s disappointment. He wanted to share River’s triumph with her. She was also absent in the early mornings when Fen normally met her. Instead, Fen spent all his spare moments teaching River to remember complicated flying patterns so if he was distracted again River would still be able to keep going.

Halfday came before they were ready for it. Fen was once again nervous even though he knew what to expect at the competition grounds. The wait through the earlier races seemed to crawl and Fen joined River during lunch. Again he left River at the race arena door after making sure River remembered the flight pattern.

In the owners’ area, Fen looked for a spot where he’d be less likely to be disturbed. It was difficult since he now knew so many of the Dragon Lords.

The race began. The dragons flew into the sky as each aimed for first place. River headed for the front of the pack. Fen sent him pictures of where other dragons were compared to him. There was no need for River to look anywhere but ahead. He weaved amongst the other dragons and glided close to the spires in the middle of the arena. Second place. The dragon ahead of him glanced back. The gap closed. Another dragon tried to come past him on his right. River flew towards him. The distance shrank. Fen showed him one coming up on the left. River weaved. The dragon in first looked back again. The gap shortened. The first checkpoint loomed ahead. River gained on the first dragon as they spun and came towards the spires again. River was on the tail of the first dragon. They wove through the spires. Fen sent picture after picture. River glided close to the spires, his wings tucked in so as not to tear them.

The lead dragon glanced back and River shot past her. She tried to come along his left again. River swerved. They were coming to the final checkpoint. The dragon aimed for River’s left. The opening closed. She tried to go above him. River shot forward.

A round of applause signalled the end of the race and Fen nearly slumped to the ground from excitement and tension. He held himself still and breathlessly waited for the announcer.

“So this is where you hid.” Adalric came up beside him.

Fen glanced over to him, a polite nod for Adalric, another for Edana who stood beside her father.

Adalric turned to see who Fen greeted. “I thought I said for you to stay with our guests.”

“Sorry. I didn’t hear you.” Edana lowered her eyes.

“Didn’t hear me? You seem to hear very little of what doesn’t suit you lately.” Anything else Adalric might have said was stopped by the announcer.

“Quite a race today. Unexpected results. First place goes to second time racer River of Carson Dragon Stables, second place to Golden Fancy of Renarlo Dragon Stables and third place to Ruby’s Jett of Omanato Dragon Stables.”

There was a rush of sound from the crowd as everyone talked at once about the newcomer’s success.

“Congratulations.” Edana broke the silence between Adalric and Fen.

“Not bad,” Adalric said grudgingly.

“Thank you,” Fen said.

Hanun came through the crowd to stand beside Fen. His eyes fell on his brother, distaste written on his face. He turned to Fen. “Good showing. A lot of potential our River.” He stressed the word ‘our’.

“Don’t expect it always. Wait until he’s experienced enough to join the regular events,” Adalric said.

“We look forward to it.” Hanun glared at his brother.

“Make the most of the novice races while you can. Before you know it, he’ll be one of the crowd again. His wonder status reduced amongst experienced racers.” Adalric turned to his daughter and said sharply, “Edana.” He strode through the crowd, expecting her to follow.

“I’m sorry.” Edana stepped closer to Fen. “My father doesn’t like to lose. It doesn’t happen often.”

“Your father,” Hanun said.

“You’re well?” Fen ignored Hanun.

Edana nodded. “If I can forget the walls have eyes. Very vigilant eyes.” A bitter smile and she turned to hurry after her father.

“You want to explain that to me, boy?”

“What?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. I can recognise voices no matter the face that goes with them. Or doesn’t.”

Fen almost groaned. “You speak in riddles, Hanun. Why don’t you collect our winnings?”

“This conversation isn’t ended. I’ll collect the winnings, but we’ll deal with this later or I’ll ask others the truth of the matter.”

Fen nodded. He watched Hanun walk off as he tried to come up with a way to get out of telling Hanun the truth. And if that was impossible, how much of the truth it was safe to tell him. He thought Hanun had grown fond of him and Edana over the weeks, but his hatred for his brother was strong. It had consumed him for decades.

His hatred for his brother… Fen smiled, in mid-thought. His hatred for his brother might be the key. Feeling more confident of his next move, Fen sauntered down to where River was stabled and congratulated him on his flying.

“And what about me?” Mouse demanded.

Fen and River shared a moment of amusement. “Thank you, Mouse. You did a great job.”

“Not that it would’ve mattered.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mouse looked Fen straight in the eye. “I’m not stupid.”

“I never said you were,” Fen hedged.

“I’m out there for show.” Mouse pointed towards River. “He don’t need me, but it’d be strange to them if he didn’t. You just don’t want questions.”

“Maybe you should remember that.”

“There’s a blood oath,” Mouse complained.

“Sometimes there’s ways around them.”

“Not if you don’t want there to be.”

Fen measured Mouse’s response. Finally he nodded.

“Do I get another feast for being such a good trainer?”

Fen grinned. “Every night if we keep taking first place.”

“You will, won’t you?” Mouse asked River. He turned back to Fen. “It took me a bit, but I figured it out. River’s different. I hadn’t met other dragons so I didn’t know. But I’m not stupid.” Mouse glanced behind him. “Someone’s coming.” He slipped outside.

After the run in with Rhone last time, Mouse had somehow managed to get them a pen at the end of the corridor. Fen was glad. He didn’t want to risk River. A pen easily guarded had been welcome. Mouse entered.

“One of Rhone’s people. They’ve gone. They know where I am now.” Mouse had paled, his eyes wide.

“Is that a problem?”

“I don’t know. He has a blood oath on me too. Don’t know what it says though. Didn’t think it’d matter. He would have heard I was caught in the market. I reckoned he would have thought me dead.”

Fen closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. He could have shaken Mouse. Then he reminded himself of how willing he’d once been to do anything for a feed and a relatively safe place to stay.

“You kicking me out?”

Hearing the fear in Mouse’s voice, Fen shook his head and opened his eyes. “No. But, I’ll have to think about this. We can’t have him calling up an unknown oath on you at the wrong moment.”

“What can we do?”

“Give me time. I’ll figure it out.”

Mouse looked relieved. “I’ll get everything ready to take River home.”

Fen nodded. He turned back to River as soon as Mouse had gone. “Any brilliant ideas? I sure could use some help.”

River sent a wave of reassurance.

Fen sighed. “Thanks, River.” He closed his eyes and leaned against River. His hand absently stroked the scales.

As soon as River was settled in his pen at the Carson Dragon Stables, Hanun grabbed Fen by the shoulder.

“No escape, boy.”

“I wouldn’t think of it. I was going to organise a snack for us. It’s been a busy afternoon.”

“A couple of minutes and then I come looking for you.”

Fen smiled. “You’ll enjoy this tale, Hanun. We were going to tell you. Just not yet. You’re absolutely going to love the plan we’re slowly putting into motion.”

“I had better.” Hanun strode to his sitting room.

Fen quickly arranged for refreshments before he joined Hanun. He also used those minutes to organise what he planned to say. He knew he’d only have one chance to get this right. Hanun wasn’t pleased he’d been kept in the dark. Especially since it was something to do with his hated brother.

Fen sat near Hanun and looked out at the paved courtyard. He listened to Hanun’s fingers as they drummed on the arm of his chair. He wasn’t certain what was the best way to start the story. He needed a way to make Hanun sympathetic to Edana.

“Do you remember what you said the first time Edana dined here?” Fen asked.

“What has that to do with anything?”

“We talked about how females of the upper classes are only there as decoration. A status symbol.”

“I’m not senile, boy. I remember.”

“Then surely you recall Edana saying she’s trapped by her birth. She’s been searching to find a way to make her own life. But if you’ve been amongst the upper classes you should know how tightly they hold onto anything they think is theirs.”

“Even if it isn’t theirs to hold onto,” Hanun said bitterly.

“Exactly. Edana’s desperate to escape her father’s not so tender care. But she can’t. She’s trapped.”

“How? Surely she could leave any time. You’d take care of her. Hell, she could come here. She’s my niece after all.”

Fen shook his head. “Far more complicated, Hanun. She isn’t a widow. That’s a disguise she uses to escape his notice. He has her birth blood and in the eyes of the law he owns her until she reaches twenty. Now if you know of a way around those two problems, I beg you to tell me.”

Hanun shook his head. “Blood’s binding.”

“So we’ve found. If her father knew she was coming here, he’d kill her. But she needs to escape sometimes.”

“Then why hasn’t she been coming lately?”

“You heard her. The walls have eyes. She’s been watched more than usual, Hanun. I think her father suspects something. We need to know if you’ll help her if possible. I don’t know if anyone can help, but…”

“Of course I’d help her. It’s not like she asked to have the parents she has. What a family to be born into. Most of them are scum.”

“So we can count on your help? And to keep our secret until we can find a way to get Edana away from her father?”

Hanun grinned. “He’ll hate to lose her. She’s his only heir.”

Fen nodded. “He’ll turn the country upside down. We’ve got to find where he’s hidden her blood. Then she’ll be free.”

“Oh, this is too good. Just too good.” Hanun leapt to his feet. “Do you have any idea where it might be hidden?”

“We’re working on it.”

“Is there anything I can do to help find it?”

Fen shook his head. “We’re trying not to raise his suspicions. We don’t want it hidden too well.”

“Hmm. No.” Hanun paced the room. “He wouldn’t trust it too far from him. He’d want to lay his hands on it in a hurry.”

Fen nodded and let Hanun plot and plan.

“Has his study been searched? Maybe a secret panel in the wall or behind a picture? Or a false bottom in a drawer. The study seems the most likely place. He’d want it in an area only he’d go.”

Fen calmly nodded when he would have preferred to shout in triumph. Hanun was caught.

“I have to think about this. There has to be some logical place to keep it,” Hanun muttered as he walked from the room. He didn’t even pay any attention to Fen who was finally able to let his smile break free.

Fen was relieved to see Edana waiting for him the next day to take her to lunch with Hanun. As soon as they were riding towards Hanun’s, Fen told Edana about Hanun’s discoveries and what he’d told him.

“But we aren’t doing anything of the sort,” Edana protested.

“He doesn’t have to know that. Besides, if you had a way to escape and not have blood trackers find you, you’d take it.”

“Yes, but-”

“Ed, forget it. Stick to my story. As far as Hanun’s concerned, you’ve searched for the blood your father keeps to track you. Listen to his suggestions. If you think they aren’t good, say you’ve searched in those places. Play along.”

“I know where it’s kept and it’s impossible to get. It’s locked and spelled so no one but my mother or father can get it.”

“Hanun doesn’t know that. Let him think you don’t have a clue where it is. That you’re looking for it.”

“I guess I don’t have a choice.” Edana sighed heavily. “This is all getting so complicated.”

Fen smiled. “Surely you hadn’t thought it’d be easy.”

“I guess not.” Edana sighed again. “Oh, I brought a gift for River for doing so well in the races.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

Nothing Fen said could make her tell him and they finally reached Carson Dragon Stables where they went to see River first.

“Oh, you sweet thing.” Edana threw her arms around River’s neck when he bent his head down to her. “How I’ve missed you.” She buried her face against his scales for a few moments before she pulled away. “I have a present for you.” She reached inside her belt pouch and pulled out a small cloth bag.

River bent forward and nosed at the cloth. He lifted one paw and held it out. Edana pulled open the drawstring of the bag and tipped it up. A large ruby fell onto River’s paw. His claws closed over it.

“I guess you like it, huh?” Edana asked.

“I like it. Thank you
,
”
River thought to her.

“Oh wow. I know Fen said you’re getting better at talking, but you’re doing it so clearly now,” Edana said.

“Quietly,” Fen warned.

“Oh, of course. But it’s so exciting.”

“And he’ll be able to speak like us eventually.”

“How do you know?”

“He told me.”

Edana turned back to River. “I can’t wait.”

Fen reached out and rested his hand on Edana’s shoulder. “We should see Hanun. We need to know where you stand with him.”

“Go now
,” River urged them.

“I wish I had more time to spend with you.” Edana said. River lowered his head in acknowledgement. “I’ll have to see you fly before I go home today.”

“Come on. We need to deal with this,” Fen said.

“I’m coming.” Edana rested her head for a moment against River.

Hanun waited for them in the dining room. He rose to greet Edana who’d removed her widow’s robes.

“Fen told me you’re looking to escape your father. Is that the truth?”

Edana stopped, startled by the abrupt question. “Do I seem like the type who enjoys being a decoration? I’ve dined with you, talked with you. What sort of person do you think I am? One to willingly let another choose their path for them or one who likes to tread her own road?”

Hanun chuckled. “The curse of the family. Good to see it doesn’t skip the females. Come and eat.” Hanun sat down.

Fen and Edana sat in their usual seats, one on each side of Hanun.

“I guess you’ve been and fussed over River. Everyone pays their respects to him first. I should feel jealous of that dragon. Except I’m too pleased with him at the moment. He’s something special. Taking first place when he’s not much older than two,” Hanun said.

“He did well yesterday.” Edana moved her hand from the table so a servant could put a filled plate in front of her. “I’m very proud of him so I can imagine how pleased the two of you are.”

“How did your father take it? What did he say once he was out of the public eye?” Hanun asked.

Edana laughed. “I see now why you were so pleased to see me today. I’m in the perfect place to tell you how your scheming is affecting the one you’re aiming it at.”

“Well girl, don’t keep me in suspense.”

“He was livid. All the servants stayed out of his way and dinner was dreadful. I thought he’d choke on every mouthful. He muttered about beginners’ luck, he threatened to fire useless trainers. I’ve never seen him so angry. He’s lost occasionally to Bastian, but never to anyone else. They have the two most successful stables. I think everyone breathes a sigh of relief when they don’t have dragons for certain classes or events.”

“Good.” Hanun raised his glass in a toast. “You’ve made my year, girl.”

“I’m pleased, Uncle Hanun.”

Hanun paused, his glass halfway to his mouth. He stared at Edana and carefully placed his glass on the table. He nodded. “So I am.” He smiled. “So I am. Well, you’re more pleasing a relative than your father. Haven’t seen any of him in you yet.”

“Oh, there’s far too much of him in me,” Edana said.

“Her pig-headedness for starters,” Fen pointed out.

Hanun stared at Edana for a moment. “For certain. Ah well, at least it’s in a prettier package.”

The rest of the meal passed pleasantly, finishing with Hanun’s suggestions of where to look for Edana’s blood. Hanun even suggested bringing in a blood tracker to track it down. Afterwards, they watched River practise. Fen was feeling good on his trip back to Hanun’s after delivering Edana to where she’d left her horse. Things were going well. There were still a few difficulties. But on the whole it was going well.