King's Dragon: Book 2 Teaser Preview

Chapter 1, Part 2: Iron Moor

Part 2

The sky was deep violet, and the first stars of the evening sky showed between a few scattered dark, gray clouds dotting the sky. Dax reined in his horse and swung down from the saddle in front of Iron Moor Academy’s main gate. After a long day in the saddle, it felt good to be back on his own feet. The familiar stone buildings were a comfortable sight. Dax considered the Academy and the scores of cadets who trained here his home.

A mile back up the road he had heard the familiar Vespros bugle call faintly on the air. By now the gate would be locked and guarded by an adult preceptor. He stood and looked at the familiar solid outline of the buildings black against the darkening sky. Yes, this was home. A home filled with hustle and bustle, but a home of familiar structured ritual as well. For the first time in months, a small part deep inside of him relaxed.

He led his horse towards the gate and stopped a dozen strides from the heavy wooden barrier. “Hail, Iron Moor,” he called. “One of the Legion has returned.”

After a pause, the postern gate creaked open. A large man wearing a helmet and shirt of mail appeared holding a lantern. His sword was at the ready. “Step forward and identify yourself,” he commanded.

Dax stepped forward within range of the light and said, “Commander Gard Daxdendraig, Master of Arms...”

Before he got any further, the guard strode forward. “Well, Dax! If we’d known you were coming, we would have had a parade. Old Renshau may still order one up if you are going to be here for a week or so. What great victories this time?”

“Hello, Veanni. It’s good to be back.” Dax clapped the man on the shoulder. “Great victories? Must have missed that part. We mostly chased the rabble around.” And, made more blood and pain, he thought to himself.

“I’ll bet,” the man laughed. “When you and Scarlet are out together, there’s always more than enough action. Where is the little beggar anyway?”

“If you listen to Scarlet’s tales, it’s all thunder and glory—at least as long as you are buying the drinks,” Dax said and Veanni nodded knowingly. “Scarlet said he was going on to Timberlake to see his mother. He’ll most likely be along in a week or so.”

“I’ll wager he’ll see his mother for an hour, then go off to see the girls of Timberlake for a week or so,” Veanni said with a grin.

Dax nodded and said, “You know Scarlet.” Dax knew Scarlet well. His friend would spend at least a week with his mother, Cella. But, he also knew Scarlet well enough to know he would spend some time in the public houses of Timberlake as well.

“Well, let’s get you inside. Fanni Torran will be able to rustle you up something to eat. Got your gear?”

“It’s just me and my horse,” Dax replied.

Veanni hauled open the main gate, which he carefully closed and locked once they were inside. Dax noticed the care and asked, “Troubles in the area?”

“Most likely not, but there were reports of some Ugori in the area. We had a couple of horses come up missing last week, and there were some reports of trouble in the town.”

Dax shook his head. “Bold as brass, they are. This is quite a ways west for them.”

The other man shrugged. “Probably just passing through, but we’re shut up a little tighter than usual just in case.”

Dax took his horse to the stables just inside the gate while Veanni went back to his guard duty. The Academy in the still of the night was a quiet echo of itself during the day. Only two watch lanterns glowed along the broad walkway leading to the dining hall, but he knew the way. He enjoyed the familiar feel of the place. The dining hall was dark and quiet too, but a light glowed in a back office. He managed to get Fanni’s attention by rattling the door, and she gave him a big hug once she had thrown the latch and opened the door.