To the Eldest! by Jordan Pierce (best classic romance novels .txt) 📕

I heard a faint scream from behind me. I looked back to see all of the humans pointing downward and screaming. I looked down and saw a limp form falling to the ground. It took me a heartbeat to realize the form was James. I must have been acting out my daydream when I flew to the clouds. I folded my wings in half and dove straight down. I pulled with my wings so I could catch the human before he crashed. I reached James just before we would have crashed. I spread my wings and we skimmed along the ground, the human safely tucked away in my massive paw. I flew back up to the others and cradled James as I flew the rest of the way to the Eldest.

James woke up just before we reached the Eldest and explained that he felt dizzy before he went to sleep. He explained that his plummet wasn’t caused by me flying high—he’d been dizzy since I took off. We landed next to the finished construction made for the humans and James’ mate rushed out to greet him. The others filed through the small entrance and closed the plank of wood, covering the entrance.

The other four dragons each went their own ways while I stood still, deciding on whether or not I should go for a solitary flight. I felt drawn to leap into the air again, but I knew I should stay with the others. I spotted Jinx and Crusher together, talking about the new plans. Cobolt was explaining to a large group of land and sky dragons about the new events that have happened. Aisher was nowhere to be seen, and Avary was play-fighting with other yearlings.

Before I could think better of it, I snuck off and took to the air again. I flew low, but high enough to be able to see far ahead of me. I was headed north, towards the Eldest’s face. I felt drawn to go to the oldest living dragon. He’d been sleeping for the past millennia, but I had a feeling that I would somehow get answers from him. I wanted to know why none of the other Queens knew about me. Maybe my mother had a reason for hiding me.

I spotted the Eldest’s snout and angled toward it. I landed before I got to the Eldest so that I could walk to him. I was hidden from above, yet I could feel eyes on me. I spread my wings and used the sensitive heat pits to scan for signs of anyone near me. The majority of the heat I sensed came directly from the Eldest, but I could feel some from behind me. Some dragon was hidden behind me.

I let out a low growl, warning the other dragon to stay back. I heard leaves crunch as the other dragon approached. I parted my jaws, getting ready to blast whatever was about to show itself.

A long silver snout poked out from behind a large tree. It was followed by the rest of the head and a slender neck. Even though the dragon was slim, you could easily tell that it was a warrior. I was about to let loose a jet of flames at the dragon when I recognized him. Aisher!

I closed my jaws and glared at the silver male. I was about to chastise him when I heard a voice behind me.

“My, my you’ve grown! Come, Kalli. Let me see you in the flesh instead of spirit.”

I whirred around and let loose a flame in surprise. No one was there. I glanced back to Aisher, who looked just as alarmed as me. Instinct took over and I charged in the direction of the voice. I came in to the clearing around the Eldest, but saw no living creature except for the slumbering giant.

“I meant not to startle the two of you. I’ve not spoken to any dragon in nearly a decade. Why do you still search for me?”

“Who are you, stranger?” Aisher asked as he protectively stepped in front of me.

“I am Brynoith, though no one knows my real name except for Anantila.”

“You know my mother?” I knew nearly every dragon my mother did, but I knew none by the name of Brynoith.

“I know her very well. How is she? I’ve not seen her since I gave her the egg—your egg.”

Rage sparked in my belly. This hidden dragon had some nerve! “My father was a mighty warrior killed in battle. If he were still alive, he would not be cowardly enough to hide from his daughter!” I roared at the unseen dragon.

“On the contrary, Kalli. I’m not hidden. I’m directly in front of you. Spread your wings and feel for my heat. I am the only thing in front of you.”

Though Aisher still seemed baffled, realization dawned for me. I slowly lifted my head and stared up at the huge eye staring directly at me. My jaw dropped and my blood ran cold.

The Eldest is awake. The Eldest is also my father.

Publication Date: 10-16-2015

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