dragon archives 05 - forever a dragon (38 page)

Lleland gave a wry smile. “Very well, Master,” he said.

A few minutes later he was launching himself through his large window into the frigid winter air. The snow of the previous day had stopped, leaving a glittering blanket of white over the towering peaks. Lydia’s laughter flooded through the huge window of Aaron and Keira’s chamber, but before he had a chance to draw near he saw a flash of light, and Aaron emerged from the room. He pulled back as Aaron glanced at him, his expression amused. “Let’s go,” he said. “Zach and Max are already waiting.” He lifted his chin, and Lleland saw the two dragons circling high above the castle.

They landed in a clearing on the shores of a small lake a half hour later. Frost had painted the reeds white, and ice clung to the edges of the pond, trapping water weeds in its grip. The dragons changed form and pulled on some clothes before following a snowy path that led towards the village. As they cleared the thick canopy of trees, Lleland could see Master Carver’s house in the distance, smoke rising from the chimney.

Zach fell into stride with Lleland as they walked. “When do you return to Civitas?” he asked.

“In the next few days. I’ve already been gone too long.”

“And Lydia returns with you?”

“Of course! I’m eager to have her by my side.”

“I’ll come back with you.”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” Lleland said dryly.

Zach laughed. “Fine. I’ll return to Civitas without you. But I intend to stay at Drake House – my chambers at the college are rather cramped. I trust that meets with your approval?”

“Why didn’t you stay at Drake House before?” he asked.

“I had a notion I’d enjoy staying with my fellow students.”

“And now?”

“I’d prefer to stay with my fellow dragons.”

They reached the Carver house. The door to the workshop was open, and Lleland saw Richard glance up. He left his worktable and came outside.

“This is a pleasure, Aaron,” he said. He turned to the others. “Max. Zach.” His eyes narrowed when they fell on Lleland, and he turned to Aaron with a scowl. “What’s this man doing with you? You know what he is!”

“He’s my future son-in-law.”

“Impossible!” Richard stepped closer and dropped his voice. “He hates dragons!” he hissed. “You know he intends to kill you.”

“Lleland’s had my blood, Richard.”

Richard looked surprised. “You’ve bound this man to yourself? Why?”

“He’s given me his oath.”

Richard frowned. “I don’t understand. I thought only dragons gave an oath.”

“You’re right. And I confess I don’t completely understand it myself. But this former dragon hunter is a dragon.”

Richard’s eyes flew to Lleland. “You hunted your own kind?”

“No.” Lleland glanced at Aaron, who nodded. “I wasn’t a dragon when you first met me. I am now.”

“Show me!” Richard said. Lleland sighed, and flames spilled from his mouth. Richard stepped back in shock, and his eyes flew to Aaron. “How can this be?”

Aaron shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. It is what it is. Now are you going to leave us standing outside all day, old man?”

Richard snorted. “Old, am I? What does that make you?”

Aaron grinned. “A dragon.”

“Well, come in,” Richard said. “Where are the women?”

“They’re busy getting ready for a ceremony this evening.”

“This evening? You dragons don’t waste any time, do you?” Richard said dryly.

“What’s the point of waiting?” Aaron said with a laugh. “We’ve been banished from Storbrook for the day, and we’re taking you back with us.”

“I think I need a strong cup of wine,” Richard said.

Max laughed. “That’s an excellent idea, Richard. Make sure it’s unwatered!”

“I don’t water down my wine!” Richard exclaimed.

Aaron laughed. “You know better than to take Max seriously, Richard,” he said. “And besides, it’s only my opinion you should be concerned about, and you’ve never offered me watered-down drink.”

Richard smiled at Aaron, his eyes intent on the tall dragon. There was something about his demeanor that went beyond mere familial affection, and as Lleland watched, he realized what it was. Richard’s bond to Aaron had been forged in blood.

It was a few hours past noon when the men returned to Storbrook. Lleland was sent directly to his chambers, with strict orders to remain there until summoned. Zach came by a short while later with a pile of clothes in his arms. “You cannot marry my sister in those peasant clothes of yours,” he told Lleland.

“They’re not peasant clothes,” Lleland protested, but when he saw the garments Zach laid on the bed, he had to agree that nothing he owned could compare to such attire. A crimson doublet cut from the finest cloth and embroidered with gold thread, a silk shirt of snowy whiteness, doeskin breeches cut in the latest fashion and moulded perfectly to his legs. Woolen stockings and polished leather boots completed the ensemble.

“Where do these come from?” he asked as he dressed himself in the fine attire.

“We always have extra garments on hand,” Zach said. “And Mother ordered the seamstress to alter these for you.”

“Your mother is an enterprising woman.”

“She is. And here’s a cord for your hair.” He handed Lleland a ribbon that matched the doublet, and he pulled his hair from his shoulders and secured it at his nape. Zach nodded. “Very good. Now that you’re suitably dressed, I’ve been instructed to accompany you to the chapel. Are you ready?”

Lleland nodded. “Absolutely! Lead the way!” He followed Zach from the room and down the stairs. As they passed the hall, Lleland saw that it had been scrubbed clean. Scarlet berries and boughs of greenery decorated the tables, and the room was ablaze with candles.

“The whole castle will be celebrating your nuptials this evening,” Zach said. “Cook has not left the kitchen since yesterday. Your haste to marry my sister has sent everyone spinning.”

“I wasn’t expecting a grand feast,” Lleland said.

Zach stopped and turned to him. “You’re marrying the Dragon Master’s daughter. Even if there are only a few in attendance, do you really think he would allow such an event to go uncelebrated? Word will reach the other dragons that, despite the impatience of the groom, it was celebrated in style.”

He turned and continued down the stairs, Lleland a few steps behind as he considered Zach’s words. By marrying Aaron’s daughter, he was stepping into the ranks of dragon royalty.

They reached the courtyard and walked across the icy flagstones to the small chapel across from the prisoner’s tower. Lydia was not there yet, but Keira stood with Anna and Max near the stairs, and the priest stood shivering in his surplice at the door. Richard stood a short distance away. The priest nodded at Lleland as Zach led him to the bottom of the steps.

“You look very handsome,” Keira said with a smile. “I was right in thinking those garments would become you.”

“Many thanks for your care in ensuring I was properly prepared, Mistress,” Lleland said.

Lydia’s scent wafted through the air, and he turned to see her step into the courtyard, Aaron at her side. She was dressed in a long, sweeping gown of pearl gray. A gauzy veil, decorated with tiny seed pearls, hid her face while on her brow rested a thin circlet of gold. Lydia looked up at Lleland, and through the thin veil he saw her golden eyes shining as she stared at him. The breath caught in his throat as his gaze met hers, and he stared as she made her way towards the chapel. She stopped a few steps from Lleland, and turned to look at Aaron.

“You look lovely, my daughter,” he said. He lifted the veil and kissed her forehead. “I love you,” he whispered. He lowered the veil and turned to Lleland. Their gazes met and Aaron nodded, then stepped back to stand beside Keira.

Lleland took Lydia by the hand and gently caressed her fingers. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. “Ready to become my wife?”

She smiled. “Yes,” she said. She turned towards the priest, and Lleland led her up the chapel stairs.

“Dearly beloved …” the priest began. He barely paused when he asked if there was any impediment to hinder the marriage, then led Lleland through his vows.

“I do,” he averred, his gaze on Lydia. When she answered the same, it took all his effort not to sweep her into his arms then and there.

“You will now share a bond of blood,” the priest said. Lleland glanced at Lydia in surprise – he had not expected the dragon binding at a human ceremony. The priest held a small knife, and he gestured to Zach to step forward.

“Extend your arms, please,” the priest said.

Lleland followed Lydia as she held out her hand, palm up. The priest nicked each of their wrists, bringing a drop of blood to the surface. Lleland smiled. The blood bond they were participating in was an ancient pagan ceremony – perfect for a dragon wedding.

The priest stepped back as Zach tied their wrists together with a gold cloth. The wounds had already healed, but the drops of blood mingled and smeared on their skin. The priest opened the door of the chapel, and served them the nuptial mass in private, then led them back out to the courtyard. “You may kiss your bride,” he said.

Lleland stared into Lydia’s eyes for a moment before lowering his lips to hers and kissing her softly. Their hands hung at their sides, the cord still binding them together, and he twisted his fingers around hers as he trailed his mouth to her ear. “Later,” he whispered. He pulled away to see the flames burning in Lydia’s eyes, and knew that they mirrored his own.

“Yes,” she breathed. He stared at her a moment longer, then turned to grin at his new family.

Chapter 43

Lleland kept his fingers around Lydia’s as they walked across the courtyard back to the hall. The loose knot in the cloth was already slipping, and Lydia pulled it free as they walked. They entered the hall to see the servants lined up in two long rows on either side of the doorway. They clapped as Lleland and Lydia entered, and threw grain over them as they ran, laughing, through the rows to the dais, ducking the showers of grain. The room glittered from the many candles that flickered and shone around the walls, and the huge fire that roared in the enormous fireplace. The main table had been decorated with holly and pine, and wide swathes of fabric tied into bows lined the sides. In one corner of the room a small group of musicians were tuning their instruments, and Lleland glanced at Thomas, wondering what wizardry he had used to bring them to Storbrook in such short order.

Lleland and Lydia took their seats at the raised table, while around them gathered Aaron and Keira, Max and Anna, Zach, Richard and the priest, who remained on his feet until silence fell in the hall. He lifted his hands and blessed the meal, then took his seat as the hubbub rose once more. Servant girls, laughing and smiling, brought in huge trays laden with delectable dishes and spiced fruits. Fish followed fowl, and when that was cleared, succulent roasted venison was placed on the tables. Wine flowed freely into the cups on the tables, and laughter and gaiety filled the hall.

Aaron rose to his feet as the venison was cleared away. “People of Storbrook,” he said as those in the hall fell silent and turned to look at him, “you have loyally served the Drakes over many years. You have seen and heard things that would have sent lesser souls fleeing, but you have remained faithful. Many of you have watched my daughter grow up, and have loved her, as we do.” He lifted his glass and turned to look at Lydia. “You’ve grown into a strong and determined woman, and I am proud of you.” Lleland glanced at Lydia to see her watching her father intently, her eyes shining. “I am happy to release you to your chosen mate – I couldn’t have chosen anyone more worthy.” He glanced at Lleland, then turned to face the crowd. “Join me in the toast to my daughter and her husband.”

There were cheers as glasses were lifted and they drank Lydia and Lleland’s health. Lleland’s hand snaked around Lydia’s waist, and he kissed her cheek.

“I love you,” he whispered.

She turned to face him, then spun around when the door to the hall was suddenly flung open. Lleland looked up in surprise as a huge man strode into the room, with blazing red hair that hung to his shoulders and eyes as blue as sapphires. He was flanked on one side by a man who was clearly his son, and on the other by a petite woman. The two men were dragons, and they froze as they stood at the threshold to the hall, their gazes ranging across the room and settling on the dragons on the dais. The woman smiled slightly as she saw Keira, then moved on to Lydia, but both the men narrowed their eyes angrily.

“It’s him,” said the younger man, staring at Lleland. “And he’s a dragon.” The words were spoken softly, but to Lleland it seemed as though they were shouted across the hall. He recognized the man who had been with Zach at the inn. Lleland glanced at Zach, who was staring at the young man, his face set.

“Favian,” Aaron was already at the door to greet the new arrivals. “Welcome to Storbrook.”

“What’s the meaning of this, Aaron?” Favian’s voice was angry. “I came here looking for a hunter, and stumble on a wedding. Your daughter’s getting married, and you keep that from me? And who’s she marrying? A rogue? A hunter?”

“Favian.” Aaron’s voice held a note of warning. “Remember who you’re speaking to. If I kept things from you, you of all people should know I had good reason to do so.”

“This doesn’t look good, Aaron.” Favian’s eyes swept the room and settled on Max. “I see the pup knows all your secrets,” he said bitterly.

“We can discuss this later, Favian, but right now we’re celebrating a marriage. You’re welcome to join us, or leave peacefully, but I’ll not have you ruining Lydia’s wedding.”

Favian looked back at the dais, his gaze settling on Keira for a moment then moving on to Lydia. “Very well, Aaron, for Lydia’s sake I’ll hold my peace. I cannot remain here, but Cathryn and Will are free to do as they choose. And as soon as this is done, you and I will have words.”

“Of course, Favian.” Aaron waved at Thomas. “Please show Master Favian to a chamber where he can cool his heels.”

“Yes, Master,” Thomas said.

Favian turned to the woman. “I suppose you will remain,” he said.