Red Dragon's Keep (The Dragon's Children Book 1) Read online

  He scrubbed at his face. “The only way to kill them is to let them get close and run them through or shoot flaming arrows at them. Spears work but swords are chancy. They run right up the blade and kill even while they are dying.”

  Raina chimed in, “They won't cross running water. It almost seems to burn them if they get into it. They kill and eat everything.”

  “Do you have any idea who or what is commanding them?” Lady Aeden asked.

  “Twice we saw some kind of winged creatures perching in the trees in the gloom as they attacked,” said Faolan. “Marta was the one who caught that during one of their raids. We kept watch during the next one and didn't see anything. At the end of the last attack right before we reached Red Dragon’s Keep, Kevin saw it again.”

  Thomas turned toward the girl who sat shyly behind her parents, trying to be invisible. “Marta, can you tell us what you saw?”

  She blushed when she was singled out. “My Lord, Lady, it was very dark and I couldn't see well. My night-vision was gone and the firelight hid most of the surroundings even though the fire was very large. The creature had great wings that were folded at its sides. The tips of its wings rose above its head by half again its size. It looked like it had large pointed ears. Its arms were crossed over its chest. I couldn't tell if it was clothed. After the second attack failed, the creature flew away to the south and west.”

  Thomas looked at her steadily for what seemed like a very long time, thinking about what she had said. “Has anyone heard or read of anything like she describes?” He put his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand.

  Lady Aeden cleared her throat. “I may have caught some gossip in the market about a flying creature cloaked in darkness guiding the Demons. It sounded like one of the tales told to children to make them behave.”

  “So here is what we know,” Thomas said. “The Demons don't attack during the day, probably because they can't see. Maybe the light hurts their eyes. They won't cross running water. They burn. They can be killed, albeit better not in close combat. There is some kind of creature controlling them or at least directing them, maybe some kind of Smachtmaistir, a Demon controller. Does that about sum it up?”

  Everyone thought for a moment, considering the information. Breanna added, “There are people working with them and they have a High Draiolc, a human sorcerer, working with them.”

  “You're right, Breanna,” Thomas said. “There are spies and collaborators here and probably throughout the kingdom. I wonder what they hope to gain.” He shook his head in frustration. “How do we use this information? What can we do to draw the Demons together and then defeat them? We need to learn the best way to kill them.”

  “What about an ambush?” both Owen and Cameron said at the same time. “Jinx,” said Owen. “Don't talk until someone says your name,” he ordered, pointing at Cameron. Cameron scowled.

  “If we could get some of the Demons together right before the sun comes up or right after it goes down, maybe we can set them on fire or shoot them, see what works best,” Owen suggested. “Cameron, you can talk now,” he finished. Cameron stuck his tongue out at Owen.

  “Hmm.” Thomas considered. “Gregory, what do you think?”

  Gregory frowned. “Perhaps we should start small. Take a troop of soldiers and freeholders and travel a week away from the Keep. Set up camp and be prepared for anything. Send out scouts to draw them in. That might work. At least you’ll get in some practice killing them.”

  “How soon do you think we can set this up? If Jalyn wasn't lying and a host of Demons is on its way, maybe we should wait until they attack.” Thomas stood and moved to the window behind his chair.

  Do not wait, counseled HellReaver. You must find out what works best to kill the beasts in large numbers. In the past, the Demons worked in small groups to harry and harass Steadings, travelers and patrols. A leader only emerged when the numbers of Demons became large enough that they could call it forth.

  “HellReaver suggests that we not wait. He says that we need to find out how the Demons fight. I think he's right,” Thomas told the group.

  The Halorans looked at each other in confusion.

  “My Lord, who is HellReaver?” asked Faolan.

  Thomas reached for his scabbard and drew his sword. HellReaver flamed with magelight.

  The Halorans sat frozen in astonishment.

  “This is HellReaver. He is a Sword of Light.”

  Greetings and well met, Faolan. You and yours are welcome indeed. HellReaver spoke to everyone.

  Raina reached out and gripped Faolan’s arm with fingers like steel.

  “Well met, HellReaver,” Faolan faltered with a small nod to the sword, patting Raina’s hand.

  “I agree, Lord Thomas,” said Gregory with a chuckle.

  Captain Braden echoed him, “We should try a small sortie.”

  “Very well. Captain Braden, pick thirty men and thirty freeholders,” Thomas ordered. “We need enough able bodies here to guard the Keep. I'd like to leave first thing in the morning, two days from now. I think supplies for two weeks should be enough.”

  “Yes sir,” Captain Braden said, as he saluted and left the room.

  “Thomas, what do you want us to do?” asked Owen. “Should I go with you?”

  “Not this time, Owen. If something happens to me, you're next in line as Father's heir. I think it would be better if you stayed here with Cameron, Evan, and Breanna and helped with setting up defenses for the Keep.”

  Breanna's lower lip trembled and tears filled her eyes.

  “Nothing's going to happen to me, Breanna. It's just better to anticipate things and take steps to fix any problems before they happen,” Thomas told his sister.

  “I know, Thomas. I just wish it could be like it was before,” she exclaimed.

  “We all do, Breanna. Wishing won't fix it, so we need to make it happen. It will get better, I promise.” Thomas walked around the table and gave Breanna a hug.

  She reached up and clung to him for a moment.

  “My Lord, I'd like to come, with my two sons,” Faolan volunteered. “There are half a dozen freeholders who are women who would make good leaders here at the Keep. Raina and Marta are well versed in this type of warfare,” he suggested.

  “Thanks for volunteering, Faolan,” said Thomas. “Would you take charge of the men under Captain Braden? I know you were the Master Sergeant in charge during the last war. Would you serve so again?”

  “Yes I would, My Lord. Kevin, Jaiman, let's go and get ready.” Faolan stood and touched his right fist to left shoulder. He and the boys stood up from the table and left the room.

  “Lady Aeden, will you come with us?”

  Aeden looked at Thomas and gave him a crooked smile. “Nothing could keep me away,” she said. “Come, Raina and Marta. Let's get you set up with the other freeholders staying here. Owen, Cameron, Evan, Breanna, come with us to help set defenses. My Lord, we'll see you at dinner.” She saluted as well and herded everyone out of the Library.

  Thomas turned and gazed pensively out of the east window, the same direction that his parents had taken to support the King. He felt as if he had shouldered one of the stones that made up Red Dragon’s Keep. What if I'm doing the wrong thing and throwing away lives that will be needed here?

  You are not, HellReaver spoke. This step must be taken to ascertain the strength and tactics of the Ciardha Demon. Best do it now in a small way and win, than later when there are hordes and you lose. Do not forget I am with you, as is Lady Aeden.

  Thank you, HellReaver. I've not forgotten.

  You must allow Lord Owen to choose his sword, as well as Cameron and Evan. They must start training immediately. Tonight is a good night for such a choice.

  Thomas was startled at HellReaver's advice. Don't you think they’re too young?

  No. They’re ready.

  All right. Thomas left the Library for the great hall, shaking his head in wonder.

  Chapter 25

>   “Owen, Cameron, Evan. HellReaver told me that you should choose your swords tonight. Lady Aeden, would you come with us?” Thomas asked after dinner.

  Lady Aeden’s left eyebrow rose in surprise. She glanced at the sword sheathed at Thomas’s side. “Tonight?” she asked.

  It is the night of the new moon, a fitting time for new beginnings, HellReaver replied.

  “Ah,” she responded. “I’d not paid attention. So it would.”

  The boys’ eyes were huge.

  “Come on. Let’s get this done,” said Thomas.

  The boys, Thomas and Aeden rose from their tables and made their way through the tower, out across the receiving area behind the kitchen to the salle.

  Night had fallen and the air was crisp and cold. Clouds crowded and darkened the western horizon, promising a storm by morning. They walked through the salle and into the hall that led to the armory.

  The armory doors stood unguarded and locked. Lady Aeden frowned. “Lord Thomas?”

  With a gesture, Thomas sent his magelight over the group.

  Lady Aeden opened her left hand and magelight glowed within. “Isn’t there supposed to be a guard?” she asked.

  “Yes, there is,” Thomas responded.

  Shadows shrouded the ends of the hallway. Something didn’t feel right.

  “Get behind me,” he whispered to the others. Darkness rustled and scraped to the right.

  Thomas drew HellReaver from his scabbard. The sword flamed. Lady Aeden raised her hand and OathKeeper flared into being. Sword light threw the corridor into sharp relief.

  Crouched in the corner was indeed a terrifying creature. Scales covered a grey and black form that stretched up and up until the tips of its folded wings nearly touched the ceiling. Blood red eyes gleamed at them. Claws at the end of impossibly long fingers reached out as if to rake them over bodies. A ridged muzzle filled with triangular teeth opened wide as a husky laugh filled the corridor.

  “You have come to ME,” it rasped. “How delightfully ironic. I do not have to invade the Tower itself!” Thunder boomed in the corridor as the monster spread its wings and slammed them down, racing toward the group.

  They surged back against the wall and ducked with cries of fear. Thomas raised HellReaver with a shout and swung the sword at shoulder height. The blade bit deeply into the creature’s shoulder and wing. Lady Aeden thrust OathKeeper into the creature’s chest. Its’ shriek spiraled higher and higher until the sound abruptly cut off and the creature disappeared.

  “Ah, gods! What was that and where did it go?” gasped Thomas as he staggered against the wall.

  “I don’t know,” Lady Aeden panted, hands on her knees. “I feel the lure of portal magic here in the corner. I’d lay odds that this is one of the betrayals that Jalyn worked in the Keep. Where there is one there will be more. We’ll have to do a sweep of the entire Keep and neutralize every one of them.”

  She straightened and moved to the end of the hallway. “Yes. Here is the portal rune.”

  Everyone hurried to cluster behind her. Carved on the bottom stone of the corridor wall was a complicated rune that looked like a tree, arrows and a mountain enclosed in a star.

  Aeden held her magelight close to the wall above the rune. She spoke three words. “Scrios seoathru doras.”

  A burst of bilious green light flashed from the rune as it disappeared, and stinking smoke filled the end of the corridor. The boys started coughing and backed away. Aeden turned her head and waved her hand in front of her face, her nose crinkling in disgust.

  Turning toward the armory doors, she shooed the boys away from the disintegrated magic.

  “Lord Thomas, please open the doors. Only one of your blood has that power once they are locked and guards are gone.”

  Thomas walked to the doors and laid his hand on the lock. It clicked open. Thomas just shook his head and pushed the doors open, waving his magelight into the room.

  Owen, Cameron and Evan entered uncertainly, crowding behind Aeden as if for protection.

  They stopped just inside the doors. Eyes darted along the line of weapons, and then turned in worry to Thomas and Aeden.

  “It’s all right,” Thomas told them. “I know it’s hard, but you need to calm down and think about something soothing, like maybe sleeping in the sun.”

  Lady Aeden put her hand on Owen’s shoulder. “Remember what Thomas told you about choosing HellReaver? You must do the same thing. Calm. Listen to your gut and follow your heart.”

  § § §

  Owen looked apprehensively along the walls filled with weapons. He began his walk with tentative steps. He felt a drawing toward the right, so moved in that direction. He saw a short sword that fascinated him. As he walked toward it he was filled with certainty. This was his. He reached out and took the weapon in hand. Power flared through his body.

  Welcome Owen. I am HeartStriker. We will do well together.

  A smile of joy lit Owen’s face. “He says his name is HeartStriker!”

  § § §

  Cameron looked at Lady Aeden. She gave him a solemn nod. He moved to the left, letting his heart lead. An ornate saber caught his eye and he moved unerringly to take it by its grip.

  Cameron, I greet you gladly. Well met. I am called GhostWalker.

  Cameron turned to Lady Aeden. “GhostWalker.”

  A primal shiver visibly shook her body.

  § § §

  Evan was bouncing lightly on his toes. “My turn?” he asked her. She nodded and smiled.

  Evan already knew which sword was his. He walked straight down the right side of the room to the back wall and took a sword that was very plain with a black leather wrapped grip and basket guard. Unlike the other blades, this one was black but appeared to shimmer in the magelight.

  I am ShadowSworn, Evan. We belong together.

  “He is ShadowSworn,” Evan said.

  § § §

  Lady Aeden looked at the eager young faces before her. She marveled that so many of the Claiomh Solas – the Swords of Light – were gathered here in this place. Almost as if someone had known what was coming and prepared for it.

  “Come. Let’s return to the Dragon Tower and get to know your blades,” she said. “Thomas, tomorrow we must search the Keep for runes and signs of magic. An early start will still let you leave in two days.”

  Chapter 26

  Thomas groaned as he pulled himself out of bed. He’d been up very late, searching the Keep from top to bottom for magical sabotage.

  He, Lady Aeden, and, surprisingly, Breanna and Marta, had found eleven more portal runes from the highest room in the tower to one of the storage rooms in the lowest level. There had even been two in the stables. All of the runes carried the stink of Jalyn’s treachery and the tang of some greater magic. Those portals would have allowed Demons to invade the Keep before anyone was aware they were there. Breanna had found over half of them.

  Thomas pulled on his travel clothes that he’d had laid out last night. The threatening storm had not materialized, thank goodness. It was going to be hard enough traveling in the cold without a fresh layer of snow to impede them. His travel bags had been packed and were ready to be loaded on the back of his saddle.

  You should have Breanna choose a weapon. She will be here and is sensitive to magic. She could be taken easily without her own protection, HellReaver informed him.

  Thomas straightened in outrage. My sister? Choose a weapon? What?

  Is Lady Aeden less of a threat because she is a woman? HellReaver chuckled and answered his own question. Of course not. Take Breanna this morning to choose her weapon before you leave.

  Thomas threw his arms in the air and acquiesced as he moved to the bowl of warmed water that his chamberlain had left on the commode. Fine. I’ll take her after breakfast. Oh, she’s going to love this. Is there going to be anyone left to teach her how to use it?

  Silence greeted his question.

  Marta, Haloran’s daughter, has been trained, the sword s
lowly responded. If she agrees, she can continue training Owen, Cameron, and Evan, as well.

  I’ll ask her to come with us when Breanna chooses, Thomas answered with brusque curtness. He was upset that his little sister needed to be armed to protect herself from danger. That was his job and he felt that he’d failed in his responsibility.

  Better she have the skills and not need them, than need them and not have them.

  Agreed, Thomas responded. He grabbed up his saddlebags and left for breakfast.

  § § §

  Thomas found Gregory walking to the great hall for his own breakfast.

  “Gregory, would you please send for Marta Haloran? I’d like to ask her to step in and take over weapons training for my family. Faolan said that she’d been trained and there is no one else.”

  “I’ll send for her at once, my Lord.” Gregory looked at Thomas out of the corner of his eye. “Is something wrong, my Lord? You sound upset.”

  Thomas stopped abruptly. Gregory swung around to face him.

  “HellReaver suggested that Breanna needs a weapon. That’s why I’m angry. She shouldn’t have to do this.”

  “I understand, Thomas. War changes everything. Better to face reality than live in a fantasy and regret it.”

  “I know,” Thomas said glumly and started walking again. It had all been a game to him before Jalyn, before his parents had been taken. He’d give anything to go back to those days.

  They entered the great hall together and Gregory moved to the end of the room to send a skully for Marta.

  The enticing odors of bacon, sausage and eggs pulled Thomas to the long table set along the kitchen wall of the room. He filled his trencher and walked to his seat at the high table.

  Captain Braden entered the room and walked to the table. “My Lord, the men are ready whenever you are. Roads are clear, according to the scouts I sent out early this morning.”