You want to know what happens next? The good news – there is a book two, it’s still in the works though. More good news – here’s a teaser of Chapter One that only subscribers can read:
We wanted to create something that had never been before.
It took thinking of magecraft and how we train new mages in a way no one had ever considered possible.
From the personal journal of Ozora
Dean of Magics
The Bestiary
*****
“Twenty silver says he runs. Or pisses himself.” Fraser murmured.
We trailed behind my friend, and fellow magecraft student, Taenya DeLange, who’d linked arms with Quinn Cantrell, Earl of Belizar. She led us through stone halls, winding our way through the keep guarding the harbor. The Earl had but just arrived, with a list of demands from his king. Taenya was taking him to meet the one who really was in charge here in Hastrior.
Although Cassyrra herself would deny that was so.
“Nope.” I whispered back. “And technically that’s two but, why not? I’m feeling generous. You’re still wrong. He faints.”
Fraser Connell, Scourge of the Seas, scrubbed at his jaw as we followed the pair ahead of us, considering. He’d offered the wager on Quinn’s reaction to meeting Cassyrra.
“Done.” We shook on it.
Taenya and Quinn ignored us, lost in their own conversation as we traveled the dark and sometimes musty corridors of Hastrior’s keep. Not entirely abandoned, and since we moved in, not yet recovered from years of neglect.
Before long she unlocked a thick wooden door that let out on the north wall. A wide clearing rolled before us. At least a hundred feet of grassy field lay between the keep and the coastal scrub oak woods that filled the interior of the Hastrior peninsula. This side of the keep looked out toward the further coastline. The city and keep sat on the southern side, the north coast was some miles distant.
Taenya cautioned Quinn, “Listen, whatever you do, don’t run.”
He tossed one hand and scoffed, curling his lips in a rude sneer. “Taenya I assure you I am not a man who frightens easily.”
Okay, so I only just met him, but I would not have expected that phrase to come out of his mouth. Clearly there was more to Quinn Cantrell than his prettily made-up face and well-tailored clothes.
Once we all stood in the nearly knee-high grass outside the keep, Quinn did a slow pirouette. The skeptical lift to his brow as he took in his surroundings growing steeper with each pivot.
“Why have you brought me this roundabout route? Will we traipse through the woods now?” He asked, the sneer on his face now infecting his voice.
Cassyrra hopped over the southwest corner of the keep.
Our encampment sat on the south wall so instead of walking around, she jumped. Flaring her wings wide and giving several strong downbeats provided just enough lift to clear the walls. She threw us all into deep shadow when she passed overhead, a momentary chill in the otherwise bright, sunny day.
The massive dragon landed in the clearing between the us and the north woods.
For a first meeting, it was a bit dramatic. However, the hop allowed her to show off the sharp contrast of her pale blue wings and indigo hide. Even in the bright sunlight, the tapestry of spells woven into her being glowed, illuminating her immense, shadowy frame. Brilliant sapphire and amethyst made her a living, moving work of art that was also lethal beyond imagination.
Just the sheer size of her was enough to terrify most. Standing with all four feet on the ground her shoulders were less than ten feet below the stone wall’s top battlements. If she wanted, she’d have no trouble climbing over them.
She settled on her haunches and lowered her long forearms to the dirt. Hide and scales creaked and scraped against each other as she folded herself. A discordant collection of sounds, like armor – leather, plate, and ring – rubbing together, carried across the grass. Rattling, clanging, and chiming, easily heard in the silence that followed her arrival.
Laying down her wings stretched taller than the corner turret. She spread and fanned them, sending great gusts of wind over us before folding them with a leathery rustle.
Cassyrra blinked at our little group, then her nostrils flared and a gush of steam rose as exhaled, settling comfortably to the grass.
++ Be welcome, emissary of Alurenth. I know your lovely kingdom. ++ Cassyrra’s telepathic voice was silent, but unmistakable.
Quinn fainted, dragging at Taenya who threw her arms around him. When the man slumped, Fraser stepped up and slung the emissary over his shoulders. He shot me an accusing glare as he carried Quinn’s limp form back toward the keep’s door.
“Cleobah told you. Somehow, she told you.” He accused as he stalked past me, Quinn draped over his shoulders.
I blinked at him innocently. The sphinx had not told me. Not in so many words.
“You know she can’t do that. You owe me.”
He growled but said no more and strode toward the door. Taenya laughed and jogged to catch up to him.
“Here. I’ll help you get him settled. Cassyrra wants to talk to you.” She waved me toward the dragon as she caught up to Fraser.
The dragon had crossed her forelegs like a cat.
++ Come Ozora. There’s something important I’d like to discuss. ++
I walked over to Cassyrra. Her bulk no longer intimidated me, but she never failed to inspire awe.
++ I am continually impressed by your ingenuity. You have a positive genius for innovation. I knew I was right choosing you as my first Adept apprentice. ++ She extend her foreleg in invitation. I’d spent many hours perched on her leg like a bench, listening and learning from the wise, ancient dragon.
“I thought it was all of us? Me, Taenya, and Fraser?” I asked. I felt more than heard her answering rumble of draconic laughter.
++ They are indeed Adept potential, but both have more training to complete before they are ready for that level spellcraft. You on the other hand, have managed to craft Adept-type spell effects from humble components that any Journey mage might have on hand. ++ Cassyrra angled her long jaws so that one glittering, gem-like eye was focused directly on me. It was bigger than my head. The full weight of her presence pressed on me. ++Impressive. Which is why you are getting Adept assignments, and they are still learning the basics. ++
It’s not every day an ancient dragon mage compliments your magical skills. I blushed and thanked her.
++I’m quite looking forward to seeing you grow in our new school. I understand you and Fraser have mended your differences. ++ Her tone was peaceful as ever but there was also a hint of gentle teasing. ++How are you getting along with Cleobah? ++
My mouth opened but I managed to stop what was about to jump out, remembering at the last minute they were longtime friends.
The sphinx Cleobah’s actions a few weeks ago were instrumental in rescuing Fraser from his former friend, but there was no denying her attitude did get on my nerves. Cassyrra must’ve seen my hesitation. ++Cleobah does have a challenging personality. ++
I managed to keep myself from snickering at the dragon’s delicate phrasing.
++But I promise you she essential to our success. You’ve already found some value in her friendship, no? ++ Her tone was sly and her lid slipping to cover that brilliant eye was definitely a wink. Now I blushed for real. I might have interpreted something the sphinx said to my financial advantage.
I was now twenty silvers richer than I’d been this morning.
*****
Thank you for subscribing! I’m so glad you’re here and I can’t wait to share more of Ozora, Fraser, and Taenya’s adventures iwth you.
Serena Dracis 