Omensent: Son of the Dragon Lord

Omensent

Son of the Dragon Lord

Book Seven of the Dragon Lord Series

By Barry A. Gibbons

Omensent

Son of the Dragon Lord

Book Seven of the Dragon Lord Series

By

Barry A. Gibbons

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © License Notes

Copyright©2017 Barry Gibbons All Rights Reserved

This Smashwords Edition eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Omensent

The Dragon Lord Series

Omensent

Birth of a Dragon Lord

Book one of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Rise of the Shadow Dragons

Book two of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Wrath of a Dragon God

Book three of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Revealing the Dragon

Book four of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Princess of Dragons

Book five of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Dragons Falling

Book six of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Son of the Dragon Lord

Book seven of the Dragon Lord Series

Prelude

The shadowy figure quickly made its way through the quiet mountain city of Sevria with a tiny bundle cradled gently in its arms. It slipped silently through the darkness, moving carefully to avoid the torches lining the wide cobblestone streets as it hurried towards the distant gate. It slowed as it approached the looming battlements, then stopped as a short, scruffy-looking man and a beautiful woman with pale skin and fiery-red hair stepped out from the shadows.

What happened? The scruffy-looking man demanded in a brusque tone.

Mother didn’t make it. The shadowy figure replied quietly as it stepped into the light of a nearby torch, revealing itself to be a beautiful young woman of around eighteen years old. She had long dark hair and sparkling chestnut eyes that were full of sadness. She wore an elaborate set of armor that was made up of hundreds of overlapping black scales that seemed to absorb the darkness around her and had an elaborately carved bow slung across one shoulder. The illness left her too weak to fight any longer. She told me to take care my little brother, and then closed her eyes and… Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes, but she dashed them away with one hand as her expression grew hard. As soon as word began to spread about mother’s passing, Rodrick and his mercenaries began getting all the troublemakers in town drunk, then started stirring up dissent. Once everyone was good and riled, they marched on the castle.

The scruffy little man began to curse viciously. "I knew we should have done something about those mercenaries. I had the feeling that they were going be a problem. He gave her a worried look. How bad was the attack?"

Bad. The young woman replied in an angry tone. The mob burst into the castle and overwhelmed the few guards standing watch, then began rampaging through the halls. Edwin, Azel, and Brody tried to stop them, but the mercenaries overwhelmed them and cut them down.

They killed Azel? The scruffy-looking man turned pale.

The young woman nodded sadly. I’m sorry, Sly. I know he was like a son to you.

The little man’s expression grew hard. What happened, then?

They spread throughout the castle, cutting down anyone who tried to stop them. I was speaking with the castle healers about laying mother’s body to rest when we heard the commotion. I barely had time to grab little Drayce and escape before they completely took over. She nodded towards the tiny bundle cradled in her arms.

But… But why? The fiery-haired woman asked in horrified confusion. Why would they do this?

It’s no secret that many of the townsfolk have been unhappy with the way things are going here in Sevria since Damion destroyed the Dragon Gem. The scruffy little man grumbled, his eyes full of grief. Most of them had to restart from scratch after the city was destroyed. Supplies have been running short for a while now, and most of the caravans have stopped traveling through the mountains since Mercedia fell to the dragonspawn hordes. Without those merchants traveling to the grasslands, there is very little income coming into the city. People are becoming desperate. Rodrick and his Blue Cloaks probably used that to stir everyone up so they would attack the castle, giving him and his men the chance to take control.

But how could th’ people turn against us after everythin’ we’ve done fer them? The fiery-haired woman demanded, her eyes flashing angrily.

They blame me and my father for all of the destruction left behind by the hordes. The dark-haired young woman sighed sadly. Many of them lost everything in the attacks, including family and friends. They needed someone to blame for all the misfortune that has befallen them.

Where are Slither, Shade, and Scale? The scruffy little man asked worriedly.

I sent them to escort Aunt Skie, Shirk, and the twins to Damarius’s valley so the boys could visit with their grandfather. He’s been there ever since he led the survivors from the Endless Forest there.

At least they’re safe. The scruffy little man grumbled, glancing up the dark street to make sure the coast was still clear. The mob would have surely targeted them if they were still here in the city.

What are we goin’ t’ do now? The fiery-haired woman asked in a subdued tone.

Getting Drayce to safety is our first concern. The dark-haired young woman murmured, glancing down at the tiny bundle in her arms. He isn’t safe here in the city anymore. Too many people blame our family for the problems plaguing the lands. As it stands, only a handful of people know that mother was pregnant when father destroyed the Dragon Gem. Once more people learn that he is the son of the Dragon Lord, Drayce will be in tremendous danger.

What do you suggest we do? The scruffy little man asked with a worried frown.

The young woman sighed sadly. I think it would be best for Drayce if we just dropped out of sight.

"What? The fiery-haired woman exclaimed in disbelief. We’re goin’ t’ just abandon Sevria?"

The young woman held out her hands helplessly. If we try to take back control of the city, more people would be killed, and that would only turn more people against us. Drayce would never be safe, then. She shook her head. No. It would be far better for him if we were to just disappear. After a decade or two, the people will forget all about us, and my father and I will fall into legend. No one will even know about Drayce’s existence.

The scruffy little man looked uncertain. Are you sure you want to do this, Leia? Sevria has been your family’s responsibility for generations.

We’re no longer wanted here, Sly. The young woman told him in a slightly bitter tone. The people of Sevria have made their choice, and now they’ll have to live with it. I won’t place my little brother’s life in jeopardy for a bunch of ingrates. If they want Sevria so badly, they can have it.

We’re not going to let these savages get away with what they’ve done, are we? They killed Azel, Edwin, and Brody!

Don’t worry, Sly. Leia assured him in a grim tone. They’re not going to get away with anything. I’m going to make sure that Rodrick and his Blue Cloaks pay for what they’ve done here. I promise you that. But first, I need to recover mother’s body. I’ll not have those savages defiling it. I’m going to try and recover Azel, Brody, and Edwin’s bodies, as well. I’ll find somewhere suitable to lay them to rest once I have them somewhere a bit safer. She gave him a grim look. "I need you and Lana to take little Drayce and disappear. Few people know of his existence, so with a little luck, you’ll be able to find somewhere safe to blend in. People will think that he’s your son, and never know his true origins."

"Sly blend in? The fiery-haired woman asked in a doubtful tone. I’m not sure that’s possible. He’s fairly well-known in th’ south, don’t y’ know. Almost everyone has heard o’ his Dragon’s Brew."

He’ll do fine. Leia said as she gently handed Lana the tiny bundle cradled in her arms. If you settle down in one of the new settlements established by the refugees who fled the dragonspawn hordes, no one will ever know that Drayce isn’t your child.

Why don’t you send him t’ Damarius’s valley? Surely, he’d be safer there, surrounded by centaurs an’ all.

Leia shook her head. Too many people know about the valley and may go looking for it hoping to find us. Drayce will have a better chance if everyone believes that he is just the son of some refugees that are trying to make a new start for their family. She looked to the scruffy little man and frowned. I know this is a lot to ask, Sly. You’ll have to give up everything that you have worked for all these years.

It’s not like I have much choice in the matter. The scruffy little man sighed. It’s only a matter of time before the mob finishes looting the castle and comes looking for me. Everyone knows that I’m one of your advisers and was one of Damion’s closest friends. They’re certain to target me next. He suddenly frowned. That reminds me, there’s a few things that I need to gather before we depart. He looked to Leia and Lana. Wait here and stay out of sight. He quickly hurried off towards his brewery.

He’d better not take too long. Lana murmured nervously as she watched him hurry off into the darkness. I have th’ feeling that we don’t have long before that mob comes lookin’ fer us.

They spent several tense minutes waiting for Sly to reappear, then the scruffy little man finally emerged from the darkness leading a pair of horses and a pack mule loaded with supplies.

What took y’ so long? Lana asked, glancing up the road towards the castle to make sure the coast was still clear.

I had to grab the gold I had stashed away in the brewery. He replied with a shrug. We’ll need it if we want to start a new life. I also bribed one of the waggoneers to sell me some horses and supplies. Little Drayce won’t make it far without food. He looked to Leia. I set fire to the brewery before I left. It should help distract everyone long enough for you to recover everyone’s bodies.

A loud shout echoed in the distance, and the sounds of footsteps pounding on the cobblestones reached their ears.

Get moving. Leia told them in a tense tone. Don’t stop until you’re in the foothills. Once you reach Crete, alert Ignan to what has happened. He knows all of the new settlements in the area and can help you get established somewhere safe. She started off towards the castle, then paused and looked back. Keep my little brother safe, Sly. I’ll come find you once things have settled down. And don’t worry about Aunt Skie and the others. Once I have recovered mother, Brody, Edwin, and Azel’s bodies and laid them to rest, I’ll go inform them what has happened.

And what will you do, then? Sly asked with a frown.

The young woman stared at him with blazing eyes. Then I’m going to come back and make Rodrick and his Blue Cloaks pay for what they have done here tonight.

Chapter 1

Drayce’s first memories were of the crowded common room in his family’s modest little tavern in the city of Dragon’s Watch, a relatively-new settlement that had been established atop a large plateau in the foothills of the Godstear Mountains. It wasn’t the largest tavern in the bustling town, but it was always filled with the shouts and laughter of locals and visiting merchants who packed into the common room every evening.

His father, Gabriel, happily passed out tankards of ale to the enthusiastic crowd while Tellis, the cook, ran the kitchen, and Drayce’s mother, Lana, helped to serve the numerous tables scattered about the tavern.

Occasionally, the patrons would fall silent as his mother sang in a beautiful voice that never failed to bring her audience to tears. She sang of warriors in shining armor, and of foul beasts who dwelt in the shadows. She sang of titans who saved the world from everlasting darkness, and of dragons who lit the skies with their searing flames. Of gods who wished to destroy mankind, and of heroes who fought against those gods, saving the world of man from oblivion. Drayce and his father would always sit and listen as the fiery-haired woman serenaded the assembled crowd, her clear voice giving those special moments an almost magical feel.

When Drayce turned three, he started helping his parents out around the tavern by fetching various items when they were busy. As he grew, he began helping his mother clear away the tables and clean up after their guests. Finally, when Drayce turned five, his father allowed him to start working behind the main bar by serving their many patrons and making certain they always paid for their drinks.

Not long after his fifth birthday, Drayce’s mother gave birth to his sister, Lani. She was an adorable little thing with fiery-red hair the exact shade of their mother’s, and a piercing voice that could be heard over even the most boisterous crowd. It fell to Drayce to watch over her while their parents tended to their customers, but he didn’t mind. Lani was a good-natured baby who was easily entertained, and watching over her helped to occupy his time when business was slow.

On Drayce’s sixth birthday, his mother cooked a small feast consisting of all his favorite foods, and his father closed the tavern early so they could all sit down and celebrate together as a family. Just before they sat down to eat, however, a pair of hooded strangers hurried into the tavern.

Can’t you read the sign on the door? His father asked brusquely. We’re closed for the rest of the evening. It’s my son’s birthday. He gestured to Drayce proudly.

That’s why we’re here. One of the figures replied calmly. To celebrate little Drayce’s birthday.

The figure lowered its hood, revealing a surprisingly ancient-looking old man with a bald head, save for a single lock of hair that sprouted from his brow and hung limply across his eyes. His long white beard nearly reached his waist, and he walked with the aid of an elaborately carved staff that was topped with a glittering crystal in the shape of a flame. His companion also lowered their hood, revealing a ravishingly beautiful young woman with dark hair and sparkling chestnut eyes.

Drayce watched in confusion as his father let out a yelp of panic, then hurried to the door and bolted it shut behind their visitors.

What are you two doing here? His father asked in a strained tone. If anyone sees you here, there’s going to be some serious trouble!

Relax, Sly. The young woman replied with a chuckle. No one’s going to see us. She made a show of looking the little man over. I have to say, you’re looking pretty good. I guess married life suits you. She looked to Drayce’s mother. And you’re just as beautiful as ever, my dear Lana. Are you enjoying motherhood?

Very much. Drayce’s mother replied as she hurried over to embrace the two strangers. I’ve never been s’ happy.

That’s truly wonderful to hear. The young woman said earnestly. She turned her gaze towards Drayce, who had been watching their conversation with interest. Hello, Drayce. She greeted him with a happy smile. You’ve grown quite a bit since I last saw you.

Drayce returned her smile, noticing in passing that her eyes were the exact same shade of chestnut as his own.

You never answered my question. Drayce’s father told the young woman in a stern tone. What are you two doing here?

We came to look in on things, of course. The young woman shrugged. It’s been a while since we last heard from you, so we thought we’d better make sure everything was okay.

The little man frowned. Yeah, sorry about that. I usually send the reports with one of King Bativa’s tribesmen, but it has been a while since one of them has stopped by the tavern.

It doesn’t matter. The strange-looking old man said dismissively. We needed to see the boy for ourselves. He’s getting older, and Leia was around his age when she first…

Yes, yes. His father said quickly, giving the pair a stern look. I know what you came to find out, and I can already tell you that there hasn’t been any sign of… that. He cast Drayce a quick glance, then hurried on. I know what signs to look for, and there hasn’t been anything like that.

That doesn’t mean anything. The young woman said with another shrug. I didn’t display my talent until that incident in Kainpre. Before that, there weren’t any signs to see. She shook her head. It’s an easy enough thing to find out now that we’re here. She looked to Drayce. Come here for a moment, little one.

Drayce glanced to his father, who sighed in exasperation, then he apprehensively approached the young woman.

Don’t worry. She laughed in amusement. I’m not going to hurt you. She reached out and placed her fingertips against his temples, then stared deep into his eyes.

Well? The strange-looking old man asked expectantly.

The young woman was quiet for another moment, then she finally turned and gave them a small nod.

His mother’s expression suddenly grew pale, and his father let out a groan of dread.

What? Drayce asked in alarm. What is it? What’s wrong with me?

There’s nothing wrong with you, little one. The young woman assured him with a smile. You’re a lot like your father, that’s all. She peered at him a little closer. You look a lot like him, as well. You even have his eyes.

What are you talking about? Drayce demanded in confusion. I don’t have my father’s eyes. His are blue. He gestured to his father, who frowned, then looked back to the young woman. Who are you?

I’m your… She started, but she was quickly cut off by his father.

She’s my sister. He blurted, his eyes wide with alarm. My younger sister. He stared at the young woman with a strained expression.

Yes, The young woman agreed in a reluctant tone. I’m… I’m his little sister. Your… Your aunt Leia.

I have an aunt? Drayce asked in surprise, glancing to his mother and father. I didn’t know I had an aunt.

Well, you do. His father growled, still staring at the young woman sternly.

Drayce looked to the old man. And who are you?

I’m just an old friend of the family. The strange-looking old man smiled warmly. My name is Damarius.

Well, He started, still a bit uncertain. It’s nice to meet you both.

It’s nice to meet you, as well. The strange-looking old man replied politely.

Drayce’s mother gave him a worried look. How long will it be takin’ before he starts… well, y’ know. She made an elaborate gesture, causing his father to let out a groan of exasperation.

Damarius shrugged. Maybe next week. Maybe next year. Maybe never. There’s really no way of knowing.

Before I start doing what? Drayce demanded, beginning to grow a little frustrated. "Will somebody please tell me what’s going on?"

It’s nothing, son. His father assured him quickly. I’ll explain it to you when you’re a little older. He looked to the old man and young woman. Well, He started in a discourteous tone. you’re already here. You may as well join us for dinner.

How could we turn down such a gracious invitation? The strange-looking old man chuckled.

They all sat down around the table and began filling their plates.

So, Drayce’s father started, taking a bite from a piece of roasted chicken. How are things in the valley?

Quiet. Damarius replied with a shrug. No one knows we’re there, and the valley is so remote that it’s unlikely that anyone will stumble across it by accident.

And your… guests? His father asked, appearing to choose his words carefully. How are they faring?

They’re doing surprisingly well. The old man replied. I had been worried that they wouldn’t be able to adapt to the climate in the mountains, but it hasn’t been much of a problem for them. In fact, they’re flourishing. They have welcomed nearly a dozen foals into their fold in the last few years. He suddenly smiled. By the way, Skie, Shirk, and the twins send their love.

An’ how are th’ twins doin’? Drayce’s mother asked curiously.

They’re getting big. The old man smiled proudly. I expect that they’ll begin displaying their… gifts, any day now.

That reminds me, Leia said, producing a long, wrapped bundle from beneath her cloak. I brought you a gift, Drayce.

A gift? Drayce smiled. What is it?

Unwrap it and find out. She handed the bundle to him.

He quickly unwrapped the gift, then gasped in surprise when he saw the beautifully engraved sword inside. Whoa!

"Really, Leia? His father asked in exasperation. A sword? You realize that we’re trying to blend in here, don’t you?"

Of course, but Drayce is still going to need to know how protect himself. In fact, I’m surprised that you haven’t started to train him already.

He’s not ready, yet. I wasn’t planning to start training him for another year or two.

Nonsense. The young woman scoffed. I was his age when I started training. Besides, it’ll be good for him. It will help to teach him focus for when he finally… well, you know. She looked to Drayce and smiled. Do you like it?

I love it! He told her, still examining the gleaming blade with wide eyes.

"It was the first sword that our… I mean, my parents had made for me. Her smile became sad. I thought it would be nice if I passed it on to you. Be sure to take good care of it."

I will! Drayce nodded emphatically. Thank you! He hurried over and leaned his new sword against the wall next the blade his father kept behind the bar in case of trouble, then hurried back to his seat.

They finished eating their fill, then they all sat back in their chairs in satisfied contentment.

What are the chances of getting a bit of that special brew? Damarius asked curiously. This stuff just doesn’t seem to have the same kick.

I know, His father frowned. "but I can’t keep the good stuff out in the open without someone stumbling across it and sampling it without my knowledge. He cast a stern look at his fiery-haired wife, who looked away innocently, then he hurried into the backroom only to return a few moments later carrying a cask under one arm. It’s too bad that I had to stop selling it. People used to come from miles around hoping to get a taste. He filled several tankards, then passed them to his wife and guests. He took a long drink from his own tankard, then looked to Leia. What’s been happening with you since we last spoke? You’re not still trying to get your hands on Rodrick and his cronies, are you?"

The young woman’s expression grew hard. I am. She replied, a note of anger in her voice. I would have finished with them already, but I’ve been a bit distracted lately. She glanced towards Drayce, who appeared to be dozing in his chair, then lowered her voice. I’ve been hearing more of those rumors lately, so I tracked down a couple of the witnesses so I could speak with them myself.

And?

And they all swear it’s him.

It can’t be him, Leia. Drayce’s father sighed sadly. They must have been mistaken.

I thought so, too, but their descriptions are all the same. One of the men even spoke with him. The witness claimed that it happened a few months after we fled Sevria. He was working as a hired sword for a caravan of merchants travelling south along the trade route. They made camp somewhere near Meadowvale, and the witness was standing guard when he appeared out of the darkness and began asking questions about what had happened in Sevria after the Dragon Sword was destroyed.

And what did the witness tell him?

The young girl frowned. He told him about mother’s death, and how Sevria fell to the mob. The witness said that he stared at him for several moments, then turned and disappeared back into the darkness without saying another word.

Did the witness mention… He glanced towards Drayce meaningfully.

No, and I didn’t think it was prudent to ask. Most people believe that rumor is nothing more than nonsense. I don’t want to give any credence to the story by asking about it. She suddenly scowled. Rodrick, on the other hand, is still offering a fairly sizable reward for us all, including… She glanced to Drayce.

Drayce’s father cursed. That man just won’t give up, will he?

Rodrick will never give up. Damarius murmured, draining his tankard, then sliding it across the table for a refill. Leia has hunted down and slaughtered most of the men who helped him murder Azel, Brody, and Edwin. Rodrick, his second-in-command, Tassart, and a few other lackies are all that’s left, and they’re doing everything that they can to avoid coming face to face with her. He chuckled evilly. Rodrick is so terrified that he hasn’t stepped out of the castle in three years. He’s locked the place down, and only allows his own men in and out.

Tassart is actually the one who is running the city. Leia said with a frown. From what I can tell, he and his men spend their days bullying and extorting the citizens and drinking ale at your old tavern.

I should have burned it down when I torched the brewery. Drayce’s father muttered sourly as he refilled the old man’s tankard. At least they didn’t get their hands on any of my Dragon’s Reserve. The tavern only had a limited supply at any given time. I kept the rest in the brewery, and I made sure to destroy every single cask when I burned the place down.

Oh dear, Damarius murmured, accepting the fresh tankard and taking a long drink. That must have been difficult to do. I know how proud you are of this stuff.

It needed to be done, The little man shrugged dismissively. and I knew that I could always make more. I was more concerned with creating a big enough fire to draw everyone’s attention away from the castle.

That reminds me, Leia started in a curious tone. What did you use to start the fire? The brewery was constructed out of stone, but it still went up like you had built it out of parchment. I’d never seen anything like it before.

We were storing some of that special power that Damarius makes, along with the naphtha and pitch for the battlements, in one of the storerooms in the back of the brewery. I just rolled a few barrels into the brewing room, broke open a cask of pitch, then tossed a torch onto the pile. When the fire finally burned through the wooden barrels to the powder… He shrugged.

We were several miles from th’ city when that powder finally went up, an’ we could still feel th’ ground tremblin’. Lana said with a nod. You could see th’ glow cast from th’ flames in th’ sky fer miles.

It definitely got everyone’s attention. Leia agreed with a nod. It drew the mob away from the castle long enough for me to recover mother, Azel, Brody, and Edwin’s bodies, and get them clear of the city. She sighed sadly. I found a small clearing out in the forest and laid them to rest there, then marked the site with a small pile of stones. It was the best I could do, given the circumstances.

Drayce listened to them talk while he pretended to doze in his chair. He knew that something terrible had happened sometime in the past, and that his parents had taken him from their home and fled to Dragon’s Watch in the hopes of rebuilding their lives, but they had always refused to elaborate on where they were originally from, or what they had been fleeing, and quickly changed the subject to how they built the tavern, or why they had named it the Weeping Dragon.

It seemed to Drayce that there were many things that his parents attempted to hide from him. He noticed that they would go to extraordinary lengths to avoid answering his questions, going so far as to run off on sudden emergency errands that just had to be tended to at that exact moment, or insisting that the ale barrels in the stock room needed to be double-checked to make sure that none of them had gone sour. His father had even spontaneously offered an entire common room of surprised regulars free ale to avoid answering his questions. But, by pretending to sleep while his parents talked with their guests, he was able to eavesdrop on their discussion in the hopes of finally learning something new about their past.

The revelation that his father had once owned a brewery in the city of Sevria had been astounding, and the fact that he had burned it down was almost beyond belief. His father had never mentioned anything about it, although it did explain a few strange conversations that he had managed to overhear his parents having when they thought he was out of earshot.

It also sounded as though his parents had once been important people. Leia had mentioned a castle, and a number of other people who had apparently been murdered by a man named Rodrick and his men. Drayce didn’t know who any of those people were, but he had the feeling that they were important. He made a mental note to try and get his father to tell him who they were. He might actually get lucky and learn a little more about his family’s past.

He continued to pretend to doze for the next hour while he listened to them talk about various events happening around the world until he could pretend no more, and finally drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 2

Leia stopped in many times over the next several years, usually late in the evening when they were preparing to close the tavern for the night, but she never stayed long, usually only long enough for a short conversation and a few tankards of ale.

Drayce took these visits as an opportunity to try and learn more about his family’s past, though he would always try to appear disinterested in their conversations as he focused on his work behind the bar. As they talked, he would strain to hear every word uttered, but was rarely successful in learning anything. He did, however, happen to overhear them discussing the city of Sevria again after Leia stopped in for another late-night visit.

It wasn’t long after his eighth birthday, and Drayce and his father were preparing to close for the evening while his mother tended to his little sister, when the young woman hurried into the common room wearing an angry expression.

Leia! His father exclaimed in surprise before quickly looking around to make sure that no one was paying attention. What are you doing here?

We have a problem. She told him in a tense tone. It appears that someone may have recognized you and alerted Rodrick to your whereabouts. He’s sent a couple of men here to try and identify you.

It shouldn’t be a problem. Drayce’s father told her in a dismissive tone. "Even if they do recognize me, there’s nothing that they can do about it. The guards won’t tolerate men who make trouble in Dragon’s Watch. Everyone knows that. That’s one of the reasons we chose to settle here. It’s also the reason that I occasionally gift a cask of Dragon’s Reserve to the captain of the city watch. He makes sure to keep a few soldiers stationed nearby in case there’s any trouble."

The young woman looked uncertain. Are you sure it’s wise to take the chance? A lot of people still remember you, and some of them may still want to take revenge against you for your part in what happened.

Drayce’s father coughed uncomfortably, then glanced towards Drayce, who pretended to be trying to wake a customer who had fallen asleep in his chair.

Damn it, Sly, The young woman snapped, causing him to sigh in exasperation. We don’t have time for that nonsense right now! These men are dangerous, and if they discover…

They’re not going to discover anything. Drayce’s father said with a scowl. "As far as anyone is concerned, I left that life behind when we abandoned Sevria. And if anyone does decide to cause us problems, I’ll make sure it’s the last thing that they do." He smiled at her grimly.

Very well. The young woman sighed finally. It’s your decision. Don’t forget that there’s a backup plan, though, just in case things go bad. She glanced towards Drayce, who had grown impatient with the sleeping man and was preparing to empty the contents of the man’s tankard onto his head. Have you started training him, yet? She asked curiously as the sleeping man suddenly woke with a spluttering curse.

Drayce’s father’s expression grew pained. Not yet. I’ve been meaning to start, but I’ve been a bit busy. He flinched back from the gaze of displeasure that the young woman leveled at him. I’ll start training him immediately. He promised quickly.

Make sure that you do. She hurried over to Drayce, who had finally managed to shove the drunken man out the door. Hello, Drayce. She greeted him with the same sad smile that she always wore when she looked at him. How have you been?

I’ve been well. He replied politely. It’s been a while since your last visit. Will you be staying with us this time?

Leia sighed sadly. I wish that I could. She told him in a wistful tone. Being able to spend time with my family is one of the things that I miss the most. She shook her head. No. I’m afraid that it wouldn’t be a good idea for me to stay.

Why not? Drayce asked with a frown. No one is going to bother you here.

It’s a little difficult to explain, She told him with a sigh. but trust me when I say that it’s for the best.

Is it because of those people in Sevria? He asked, hoping to surprise an answer from the young woman. You know, the ones that forced our family to flee our home and settle here in Dragon’s Watch?

How, in the name of the gods, do you know about that? His father demanded in disbelief.

Drayce ignored him and continued to stare at Leia expectantly.

The beautiful young woman stared at the boy for several long moments, then began to chuckle ruefully. You’re a clever one, aren’t you? How did you find out about that?

I overheard you, Damarius, and my parents discussing it on one of your visits. He told her truthfully. I’ve always known that we fled here to Dragon’s Watch to restart our lives, but mother and father have always refused to tell me where we’re from, or why we fled. They always change the subject.

There’s a good reason for that. His father assured him quickly, a note of panic in his voice.

Just how much have you managed to put together on your own? Leia asked him curiously.

Well, I know that we once lived somewhere in the mountains in a city called Sevria. He told her confidently. I also know that some of our family was murdered there, and that father was forced to burn his brewery down before we fled here to Dragon’s Watch.

Leia and his father exchanged glances.

Is that all? The young woman asked him finally.

Drayce nodded. Are you going to tell me what really happened?

The young woman’s expression grew pained. I’m afraid you’re not ready for the truth just yet, little one. It’ll be far safer if you don’t know anything. He opened his mouth to argue, but she quickly cut him off. There are bad people out there in the world who would like nothing more than to finish what was started in Sevria. The less that you know, the less chance there is that you will accidentally reveal something that you shouldn’t. She stared at him with a serious expression for several moments, then patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. "There will come a time that we will sit down and reveal everything to you, though. I promise you that, little one. Until then, it’s important that you continue to act as though you don’t know anything about Sevria. Do you understand?"

Drayce stared at her for a moment with an unhappy expression, then he finally sighed and nodded. I understand. I don’t like it very much, but I understand.

Good. And remember, if anyone ever comes around asking too many questions, make sure that you act as though you don’t know anything. No one must ever know that you came from Sevria. She gently moved a stray lock of hair from his eyes, then smiled. "You may never be as big as your father was, but you really do look just like him."

What do you mean, I won’t be as big? Drayce frowned in confusion. I’m nearly as tall as he is, and I’m only eight. He looked to his father, who was staring at Leia with a panicked expression.

Yes, Leia smiled sadly. Yes, you are. She sighed regretfully, then gently kissed him on his forehead. Take care of yourself, little one. I’ll see you again soon. She looked to his father. No more excuses. She told him in a firm tone. Get started training him immediately. I want him to be able to defend himself if the need ever arises.

I’ll see to it. The little man promised. I’ll have to hire someone to help tend the bar, though. I can’t just close the place down every day while we train.

Do whatever you have to do. She told him. Just make sure that he learns how to defend himself before it’s too late. She hurried towards the door. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Until then, keep your heads down, and keep an eye out for Rodrick’s men. They’re sure to pay you a visit soon. She hurried out the door, leaving them to stare at one another with worried expressions.

A few weeks later, a pair of heavily-armored men came stumping into the tavern and stopped to look around.

Drayce’s father had hurried downstairs to the cellar to take stock of their supplies while his mother waited tables, leaving Drayce to man the bar and watch over his sister. Can I help you gentlemen? He asked the men politely.

Ale. One of the men grunted in a raspy voice, tossing a few coins onto the bar.

Drayce quickly gathered the coins, then filled a pair of tankards and slid them to the men.

This is a nice little place. The first man commented as he took a long drink from his tankard. Has it been here long?

As long as any other building in the city. Drayce replied with a disinterested shrug, though he was immediately on his guard as Leia’s warning sprang to mind.

This place was a refugee camp just a few years ago, wasn’t it? The second man asked, his quiet voice only mildly curious. It was built to hold all of the people fleeing the dragonspawn hordes.

Drayce shrugged again, then grabbed a rag and began polishing the bar in an effort to appear busy.

"Where did your family