I am Dragon (Dragon Fires Rising Book 2) by Marc Secchia (famous ebook reader TXT) 📕

trade goods and essential items from the mainland that benefitted everyone. However, when it became very bad, we Humans started to lose ships and crews, and the Dragons started to lose warriors and valuable artworks. I can’t tell you how much salvage there would be on the sea floor between here and Solixambria, were it not for the Serpent menace.”

“Anyhow, as you can imagine, the crisis gave rise to suspicion and opposition on both sides. We came pretty close to outright war. It came about that Aria was one of the guards assigned to my vessel to and from Solixambria, when I first met Azania and was shipwrecked on the return journey. She and I were the only survivors – but we would not have survived, were it not for help. We never found out who our benefactor was. Perhaps one of the Sea Dragons. We’ve always wondered.”

“What happened?” Dragon asked.

“She saw me unconscious in the water and tried to pull me out. A Sea Serpent intent upon the spoils tried to take her out. That’s all she remembers. I came to a long ways from the Archipelago upon a piece of driftwood. Aria washed up upon a remote reef – very, very fortunately, one might suggest.”

“Hmm, indeed?”

Azerim shrugged. “The shared tragedy brought us close. She lost her sire that day, and I lost a great many close friends and shipmates. We resolved that together we would try to avert bloodshed between Humankind and Dragonkind, and divine a solution to the Sea Serpent issue that was driving both of our peoples into the ground – I mean, you don’t see the impact so much right now, because we’ve had two years of outstanding harvests. Not every year is like these, however.”

“On the Human-Dragon question, we fairly much got nowhere and earned ourselves a great deal of trouble in the doing. Two years ago – well, nearer three now – my mother and father were poisoned by inside agents most likely linked to the northern Lords, but that was never proven. That led to my coronation. Aria’s incredibly brave and loyal, and as you likely know, when she puts her mind to something it takes more than a small storm or an uncrossable, deadly ocean to stop her. She nearly killed herself trying to get over to the mainland to find help – and that’s where she met you. My parents are alive and have a kingdom, thanks to you two. Twice over. I wish I could do something for you in return.”

“You might save me from the trouble winging toward us. I think our little excursion may have been noticed.”

“Head back to the infirmary?”

Dragon said, “I’ll think about what you’ve said, King Azerim. For now, let me assure you that we’re allies and not enemies. After all, we’ll need to work together with cunning if we are both to gain what we want.”

“That we are. It’s a deal, Dragon.”

Chapter 36: Calling Afar

WHEN DRAGON LANDED, AZANIA was waiting inside the infirmary. Coldly furious. He read that in the tilt of her chin and the colours of her emotions. There was relief from the guards, hissing from the Dragonesses, and tears from the Queen.

“Don’t you ever do that to me again!”

“Mother –”

“When you disappeared, Azerim,” she sobbed, “it all came rushing back. You’ve barely begun to recover. Whatever were you thinking?”

“I wanted to see the kingdom from above –”

“You foolish boy! You went – up there, on a pleasure jaunt, while I was dying down here? Who put such a stupid idea in your head; that Dragon?”

“Aye, I’m afraid so,” he said.

“No, it was my idea,” Azerim insisted. “It might sound stupid, mother, but I was just bored, and I wanted to get to know Azania’s Dragon better. I got this idea in my head, and you know what I can be like. I’m sorry that –”

“Azerim, do you have any idea what I’ve been through this past hour?”

Fuming! Dragon swallowed back his pride. Perhaps not the smartest move, yet it was past time he and Azerim spoke at a deeper level to one another. The time had been precious.

Bowing his muzzle, he said, “My Queen, I apologise for taking your son without informing anyone. It was insensitive and unwise. It shall not happen again.”

Azerim said, “Likewise. I’m sorry we caused you so much distress, mother.”

Reaching his paw through the window, Dragon popped the King back into his bed as carefully as he could. The scent of his emotions betrayed that the excursion had perhaps been too much. He glanced about for his paintings and drawings. Oh. Someone must have moved them.

The nurses pushed the King’s windows shut.

“Dragon, don’t settle there, please,” the Sankir said brusquely. “We’re putting a guard detail outside his window tonight.”

“Oh, but Aria said –”

“You can take a break. Pick up again in the morning. We’ll work out a schedule and let you know when you’re needed.”

His tone begged for understanding.

That was the moment that he put a few talons together and made a pawful. I’m being punished? Azania, surely you didn’t –

I suggested it.

I’m sorry, did I hear right?

You heard just fine. This immature stunt you pulled this afternoon ruined all of our delicate negotiations. When are you going to realise that this isn’t just about you and your whims, Dragon? There are others involved here, other lives and needs and –

I needed to speak with Azerim. It was important.

Important, was it? We’re trying to build trust here, not wreck it! she stormed, not caring now that she spoke aloud. The only saving grace was that it was in Draconian, but her tone communicated much. Far from discharging your duty, you took the severely injured King of the realm off on some little joyride.

It was pretty flaming obvious