Dragon Redeemed

  Dragon Redeemed

  Book V of The Dragon Archives

  Linda K. Hopkins

  Published by Linda K. Hopkins

  Kindle Edition

  Copyright 2018 Linda K. Hopkins

  Kindle Edition, License Notes

  Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

  Table of Contents

  List of Main Characters

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  A Note About Meals

  Preview of Moondance

  Other Books by Linda K. Hopkins

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  List of Main Characters

  Xavier Seaton: Lleland and Lydia’s son (Forever a Dragon)

  Evelyn Talbot: Young woman sent to live with her uncle in Civitas

  Aaron Drake: Dragon Master (Bound by a Dragon; Loved by a Dragon)

  Keira Drake: Aaron’s human wife (Bound by a Dragon, Loved by a Dragon)

  Lleland Seaton: Xavier’s father; used to be a dragon hunter (Forever a Dragon)

  Lydia Seaton: Xavier’s mother, Aaron and Keira’s daughter (Dance with a Dragon; Forever a Dragon)

  Zach Drake: Xavier’s uncle, son on Aaron and Keira (Dance with a Dragon; Forever a Dragon)

  Robin Jackson: Xavier’s cousin on his father’s side

  Suzanna Jackson: Xavier’s cousin, Robin’s sister

  Edith and Alan Jackson: Robin and Suzanna’s parents; Edith is Lleland’s sister

  Baric Callaway: Dragon hunter (Forever a Dragon)

  Max and Anna Brant: Max is a dragon related to Aaron; Anna is Keira’s sister (Loved by a Dragon, Dance with a Dragon)

  Favian and Cathryn Drake: Favian is Aaron’s cousin (Pursued by a Dragon)

  Will Drake: Cathryn and Favian’s son

  Prologue

  Lydia Seaton stood at the enormous window, gazing out at the sweeping vista beyond the thick stone walls of Storbrook Castle. In every direction mountain ranges stretched as far as the eye could see, the uppermost peaks painted white with snow that never melted. Waterfalls tumbled past sheer rock and crashed into the valleys below, where they merged to forge a deep path between huge boulders and through alpine forests, into the plains beyond. She drew in a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh scent of pine drifting through the open window, carried on a breeze that frolicked around her long hair, sending tendrils swirling across her face. The window was nothing more than a huge opening set into the stonework, starting at her waist and reaching to an arch twelve feet above – large enough for a dragon to glide through with its wings tucked in.

  The door to the chamber opened, and Lydia turned to see Lleland, her husband of seven years, step into the room. He paused at the entrance and looked at the gleaming white dragon sprawled over the hard stone floor at Lydia’s feet. By dragon standards the creature was small, about eight feet from the tip of his snout to the end of his tail, which lay curled around him. Small spikes, only an inch tall, ran along its length, while luminous wings stretched from his back and tumbled to the ground. Beneath a pair of short horns, the dragon’s eyes were closed in sleep, while sparks escaped his nostrils with each breath.

  “He wore himself out flying with Aaron,” Lleland said.

  Lydia looked at the dragon, her eyes softening as she took in his sleeping form. “He’s bigger and stronger after only a fortnight’s absence. How can we leave him for longer than that?”

  Stepping around the sleeping creature, Lleland joined his wife at the window. “There is none I trust more with our son than your father. He is better equipped than anyone to train him as he grows into his powers. And Aaron can teach him all he needs to know about the clan.”

  “True,” Lydia said, “it’s just … my heart is breaking, Lleland.”

  Lleland wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. “Mine too, darling. He is our miracle child, and now we must leave him. But until he changes form, he cannot go amongst humans.”

  “What if he never changes?”

  “He will.” Lleland spoke with confidence, but Lydia knew him well enough to recognize the trace of doubt. “He must,” Lleland said firmly. “Aaron thinks …”

  “I know what Aaron thinks. But Father could be wrong. Until recently, he considered the old prophecies to be nothing more than fables. Yet now he believes our son is the chosen one?”

  “Has there ever before been a dragon like our son? We both know that Xavier is one of a kind. Just the fact that he was born from a dragon mother sets him apart.”

  “I didn’t bear a child, Lleland. I laid an egg!”

  “The most fantastic thing I have ever witnessed! You were absolutely magnificent! So huge and dragonish. And the egg you produced was gleaming white in its perfection.” Lleland grinned. “When you growled at me, I knew I’d made the right choice in marrying you!”

  Lydia groaned. “I prefer not to remember how beastly I was.”

  “You, my love, achieved what no dragon woman has ever done before.” He glanced at the sleeping dragon. “Look at him – his power is so evident, it leaks from every pore! He is almost blinding to look at. And the fact that he’s never needed human blood makes him even more amazing.”

  “He gets that from you, Lleland.” She sighed. “He may be a powerful dragon, but if he cannot take on human form, how can he possibly lead the clan? And he might never change.”

  “You know most children only take on their dragon forms at puberty. Perhaps with Xavier the reverse is true and that is when he will take on human form. But regardless of whether he can change form or not, you cannot deny that our child is unlike any dragon before him, and has a special purpose.”

  “Perhaps. But regardless, what mother leaves her child when he is only six years old?”

  “We both know that he’s too young to travel with us, my love. And we’ve left him with your parents before. This will just be for a little longer.”

  “That knowledge doesn’t make it any easier!” She pushed stray wisps of hair from her face. “So when do we leave?”

  “Tomorrow, after Xavier has given Aaron his oath of fealty.” He wrapped his arm around Lydia’s shoulder. “It’s only a few months, love. We’ll see him again soon.”

  She smiled weakly. “You’re right. After all, what’s a few months in the life of a dragon?”

&nbs
p; Xavier shuffled nervously as he stood in the great hall the following morning. He was to give his oath of fealty to Grandfather, the Dragon Master. Father had explained that Grandfather was a very important dragon, and it was a great honor to give his oath to the Master at such a young age. On one side of Xavier stood Mother and Father, while on the other stood Grandmother with Uncle Zach beside her, holding a gold cup and a dagger. Xavier swallowed hard as his gaze fell to the knife, but when Uncle Zach caught his eye he winked, and Xavier smiled. He turned to look at the huge golden dragon towering over him.

  “Remember what we talked about, Xavier?” Grandfather asked.

  “Yes, Grandfather. You’re going to cut me and drink my blood.”

  Grandfather dropped to his haunches and looked Xavier in the eye. “That’s right, lad. Once you’re bound to me as your master, you will be a true dragon, with a clan to protect you.”

  “But don’t I already have a clan to protect me?”

  “The members of your family would give their lives for you, but with my blood in your veins, all dragons will know that you belong to me. This is a rite every dragon goes through. You are just giving your oath sooner than most.”

  “All right.” Xavier’s voice wavered slightly and he drew in a breath, straightening his neck. His snout reached halfway up Grandfather’s chest. “I’m ready, Grandfather.”

  Grandfather rose to his full height and nodded at Uncle Zach, who placed the knife in Xavier’s talon and guided his paw to Grandfather’s chest.

  “You’re a dragon, Zave,” Uncle Zach said. “Brave and strong. Now drive in the dagger as hard and far as you can, and I’ll catch the blood in the cup.”

  Xavier stared at the knife for a moment, before pulling it back and plunging the blade into Grandfather’s chest. Blood began to flow from the wound, and Uncle Zach quickly placed the cup beneath the stream, catching the thick liquid until it slowed to a stop. Taking the knife from Xavier, Zach handed him the cup. Xavier looked at the crimson liquid for a moment. He had drunk the blood of animals before, but never another dragon’s.

  “Drink it, Zave,” Uncle Zach said softly.

  With a quick breath, Xavier tipped back the cup and drained the contents. He could feel the flames in his belly reaching eagerly for the liquid as it slid down his throat and spread into his veins. A thin stream of fire escaped his mouth and curled around Grandfather, who was watching him closely. The cup slipped from his grasp, but was deftly caught by Uncle Zach before it reached the floor.

  “From this moment on, you’re my master,” Xavier sputtered. “I pledge you my fealty and obedience.”

  Grandfather nodded. “Thank you, Xavier. Are you ready for the next part?”

  “Yes.” He watched as Grandfather’s talons curled around the handle of the knife, and closed his eyes with a slight gulp as the blade slid into his hide. He felt the hard metal of the cup being pressed against his chest, and a moment later looked up to see Uncle Zach pass it to Grandfather. Grandfather gave him a smile, then tipped his head and poured the blood down his throat. For a moment all was silent as Grandfather swallowed, but then chaos erupted as the chalice went flying across the room and Grandfather stumbled back. Flames leaked from his jaws, and he lifted his head and roared, filling the room with fire. His body was no longer solid, but a burning furnace that reached to the rafters.

  Grandmother cried out and Xavier spun toward her. The flames had reached her gown and she was swatting her legs frantically. A tearing sound ripped through the air as Uncle Zach flung open his wings, shredding his tunic as he pushed Grandmother to the floor to protect her from the flames.

  “Aaron,” Uncle Zach shouted. “Stop!”

  “What’s happening?” Xavier whispered in bewilderment. He was certain this was not supposed to happen, and he wondered what he’d done wrong.

  Father placed a hand on Xavier’s shoulder. “I don’t know, son,” he replied. As they watched, Grandfather’s human form began to appear through the blaze, and the burning tongues of flame slowly disappeared. Before he had fully regained form, he dropped to his knees beside Grandmother, running his hands over her body.

  “Keira, are you hurt? Did I burn you?”

  “I’m all right, Aaron.”

  “I’m so sorry, my sweet!” He patted her legs, checking to see that no sparks still clung to the burnt fabric of her gown, then gathered her into his chest, his arms holding her tight. They sat like that for a long moment before he helped Keira to her feet. When he turned to face the others, he kept his arm around her shoulder.

  “What just happened, Aaron?” Uncle Zach asked.

  Grandfather scraped his hand over his face. “Xavier’s blood bound me.”

  “Bound you? He’s your master?” The shock was evident in Uncle Zach’s voice.

  “No!” he growled. “It means that Xavier is already more powerful than me, and when the time comes and he calls on me to submit to him, I will have no choice but to obey.” He turned to Xavier. “Do you understand what is happening, son? One day you will be master of the clan. It will be you demanding a blood oath, even from the dragons here in this room. You will be responsible for their safety and well-being. But for now, your job is to learn as much as you can so that when the time comes, you will be a better master than all who have gone before.”

  “But you’re the master, Grandfather.”

  “For now, yes, but from this moment on, I hold the role in trust for you. And I will teach you all I know about being a wise leader to your people.”

  “But …” Grandfather’s words didn’t make sense. Xavier was just a child – he couldn’t be the new master. And why had Grandfather placed Grandmother in danger with the flames? He sensed rather than saw Mother step up beside him, and when her warm arm slid over his shoulder, he leaned his weight into her, breathing in her scent.

  “It will all become clear one day, my son,” she said. “What you must do now is learn all you can from your grandfather and be the best dragon you can possibly be.”

  “Yes, Mama,” he replied. Mother’s arm curled around his neck, and he buried his snout in her hair. Her scent was calming, and he breathed in deeply. He had no idea what had just happened, but if Mother said it would be all right, he knew it would be. For now he would do as she said – be the best dragon he possibly could be.

  Chapter 1

  (22 years later)

  Late spring and already the weather was hot, despite the rains that fell each night, adding to the rivers swollen with snow melt. Trickling streams had become raging torrents and crashing waterfalls. The early morning sunshine steamed the earth, making the air muggy and movement an effort. Riotous displays of color blazed between the trees as bluebells and anemones spread over the forest floor, basking in the warmth. High above, Xavier moved his wings languorously through the heavy air as the humid moisture steamed off his brilliant white hide. The sensation was pleasant, and he blew a thin stream of flame to increase the heat. The reaching fingers of tall pines brushed his belly, and he dropped lower to follow them into a valley, before soaring back into the clear blue sky, his tail streaming behind his huge body.

  With a wingspan of nearly thirty feet, he was larger than any dragon he had ever met, including his grandfather, Aaron. His eye caught that of an eagle for a brief second before the raptor dived to the ground; it mounted the breeze a moment later, its prey in its talons, and sailed towards a tall stack of rock where eaglets squawked, impatient for their meal.

  In the distance Xavier could see the entrance to his cave, and he raced toward it, not slowing as the towering rock face loomed before him. He skated onto the hard bare floor of the cave a moment later, skidding to a halt on his belly. A fire smoldered near the back wall and he threw himself onto the embers, adding his own flames until it was a burning furnace. The blaze licked and caressed his hide as he groaned in ecstasy. Releasing his hold on his form, he opened himself to the flames as they burned away his frame, making him one with the conflagration. It was hi
s favorite form, and he reveled in it; spreading himself over the floor, he sank into cracks and crevices, and twisted around rocks and up columns. As a pup he had often terrorized the village in this form, creeping along the ground until the frightened citizens hauled pails of water from the well to douse the flames, chasing him away. Even as a youngster, he’d had mastery over his flames, and the greatest damage done was to the nerves of the villagers. It had finally come to an end when Great-Grandfather Richard realized that Xavier was the culprit and complained to Aaron.

  His adventures hadn’t always ended so smoothly, however. Once he had crawled into a tree and changed into flame, curious to see what would happen. It had been a legitimate scientific experiment, he’d protested to Aaron when he was punished for starting a forest fire – he wanted to know at what temperature trees began to burn. And then there was the time he decided to warm the water in the pond, sure the fish were cold, and ended up cooking them alive – he had enjoyed his unplanned meal, but felt great remorse when Lleland scolded him later. As for the village, his curiosity about the people who lived there always landed him in trouble – they just couldn’t understand that the dragon at the end of the street meant them no harm, and would come after him with brooms and rakes.

  He was seven when Aaron decided it was time to hire a tutor, and Corbin had returned to Storbrook. The fact that he had been Mother and Zach’s tutor did not impress young Xavier, but the older dragon knew how to deal with curious and impudent youngsters, and they became fast friends. Corbin had taught Xavier everything he knew about natural history and the sciences, suggesting safer ways for the young dragon to experiment and satisfy his curious nature. They had traversed the mountains, finding new plants for Xavier to examine, and studied the animals in the forest. But Corbin hadn’t been Xavier’s only teacher; Aaron instructed him in dragon lore and clan law, teaching him the importance of such knowledge for a dragon master. Lleland had taught him philosophy, opening his eyes to the works of the great masters. Mother taught him languages, including Latin, while Zach, whenever he was around, drilled him in mathematics. By the time he was sixteen, Xavier could hold his own in debates against Lleland and Zach, arguing his points in four different languages, and could thrash Aaron at chess, although not without some mental exertion.