War of Dragons (67 page)

Authors: Andy Holland

BOOK: War of Dragons

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Chapter 36 - Never over

Jerome approached the cave cautiously. This was the agreed meeting place and it was a location that was unlikely to be visited by any Red Dragons, especially not at the moment. Despite their noisy celebrations and bravado in the safety of their cities, few would dare venturing so close to the Blue Dragons border as this. Yet he felt uncomfortable nonetheless. He knew someone was in; they had an agreed sign which was updated each day to let him know it was safe to approach, but was there anyone that was safe to trust now? So many dragons were dead; perhaps there were none left alive who knew anything about the role he had played. Even if they had, now that the peace treaty had been signed, how could he tell whether he had been sold out or not? Many had been taken prisoner by the Red Dragons and had been in captivity for quite a few days before being released. He wondered what information they had given before their release and whether this was a trap or not. There was only way to tell.

He reached the entrance and peered into the cave, looking around carefully. There was no light in the cave and he couldn't even hear the sound of someone breathing.

"So you finally came?" The question came from the back of the gloomy cave and took him by surprise, the echo making it hard to recognise the voice.

"Perak?" he asked hesitantly. "Is that you?"

"Who else would it be?" Perak's voice was scathing, the anger barely disguised. He moved into the light, glaring at Jerome.

"An enemy," Jerome replied. "A trap, perhaps. They've taken many prisoners; maybe one of them could have talked."

"Never!" Perak snapped. "Only my men know of this meeting place and none of them would ever talk. They are not weak like the Red Dragons." He glared at Jerome as he spoke, as if he was including him in their number.

"You mean the Red Dragons that have just defeated you; the ones that Kanesh has surrendered to and signed a humiliating treaty with?"

"Bah! It was not the Red Dragons that defeated us. It was the monstrosities brought on by that filthy golden beast. Had they not arrived, Red Dragons would be wiped from history, forgotten within two generations, never to be mentioned again."

Jerome did not ask where that left him, starting to wonder whether he would like the answer. "But they did turn up and they did wipe out your army. I hear that they are still feasting on the remains of those they killed, taking back hundreds of corpses each day to store in their hidden lair."

Perak's eyes narrowed, sneering at Jerome. "You hear? I did much more than just hear about them. I saw them. I saw them as close as I now see you. I was the one that struck the fatal blow that killed the first of them. Do not talk to me of what you hear."

"No? Isn't that the reason that I am here? To tell you what I hear? Perhaps there is no point any more. After all, the army is routed, the monstrosities are busy ravaging our cities and Kanesh is the new leader of a country that is about to be divided up and ruled over by the Reds and Browns. What possible use could you have for my news?"

"Revenge of course," Perak hissed. "Kanesh can have his moment of glory—it will not last. That schemer is no leader. Zygar intended that I would rule after him, not Kanesh. He was merely to be the Prime Minister. I was the chosen successor. He has no authority with which to sign any treaty. And ours is not a nation that will stand to be ruled over. Mark my words, this treaty will not last.

But no, none of this is my immediate concern. These are matters that will wait. My concern is ensuring that the Golden Dragon that ruined us, the boy that brought in the Browns as well as stirring up those devils, that he suffers. There will be no quick death for him. I want him to feel this pain I and every other Blue Dragon feels right now. One day we'll rid this land of those unnatural beasts; it would have been my dream even if we had won that battle; they're not safe to leave alive. But I can't wait until we attack all of them. He'll suffer much sooner than the rest. I need you to tell me how to make him suffer. I want him to pay!"

Jerome shrugged, growing bored of Perak's rants. "I can't see how you'll make that happen. He's in the West, with his girlfriend, the Princess, probably staying in her palace. It's probably the most secure place in the whole Kingdom."

Perak fumed as he thought this over. "Fine, I can wait. He's not one of them, so he won't be able to stay there for ever. He'll move eventually and when he does I want you to find out and let me know."

"Seriously? You're just going to stay in this cave until he leaves the West? That could takes weeks. Months, even."

"Don't be a fool! I will leave here today. I must begin to make preparations for Kanesh's departure. His reign will be very short. No, you will leave a note here whenever you have any news. Come frequently. I may leave instructions."

Jerome sighed, not concealing his irritation. He was no longer intimidated by Perak, his downfall having shattered Jerome's illusions about Perak's invulnerability. Perak had always been far better at him than everything; taller, smarter, stronger, faster, skilful at everything he did, more determined… the list went on. But just as Jerome had now caught up with him in height, he had in turn excelled at many things himself, and suspected that the gap in their abilities was no longer there. True, Perak had killed that beast—at least so he claimed. Surely he couldn't have done so on his own. "I'll have to see," Jerome replied. "I may not be able to come that frequently. To tell you the truth, I can't really see the point. You won't send any minions to check, as, well, you have none any more and you won't check yourself, so why should I waste my time?"

"Because I order you to!" Perak shouted, forgetting himself. He dropped his voice quickly. "Don't forget who you are, Jerome. You were brought up by us and you've been our spy all this time. Not a very good one, I add. You should have realised what that boy was and told me about it. Your failure is what has led us to the situation we are now in. But that doesn't change what you are. If the Reds were to learn that you were a spy—the spy who gave away so much information to us—then your life would be over. Walking away from me is not an option. Do I make myself clear?"

The threat was hardly subtle. Do as I say, or I'll give you up to the Reds. Jerome met his cold gaze. If he had a weapon to hand, he would have used it on Perak without hesitation. Then he caught a glimpse of Perak's sword hanging from his side and knew that Perak could draw it and cut him in two in a single movement should he choose to do so, such was his expertise with the ancient weapon. Even if Jerome tried to transform, Perak could kill him with that sword before he had formed thick enough scales to protect himself. Yet he felt more hatred than fear. This was the thanks that he received for his years of faithful service. "Perfectly clear, Perak. I had no intention of walking away."

Perak nodded and put his bag on his back before leaving the cave. He walked away from Jerome without another word and began the long trek towards the border. Jerome watched him leave, wondering how long he would need to wait before transforming and flying back east.

"You made yourself perfectly clear, Perak," he said out loud to himself once Perak was safely away. "And the next time you threaten me, I'll kill you." He transformed and took off, beginning the long flight back to Furnace; back to his home.

***

Thank you for reading this book, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you did enjoy it, please take a moment to leave a review at your favourite retailer.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Jered Gunn, who provided so much valuable feedback and advice that has helped vastly improve this book, and to thank my wife, Becky, who encouraged and supported me throughout the writing of these two books.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Beginning the Journey

Chapter 2 - The Caves

Chapter 3 - A long rest

Chapter 4 - End of the Journey

Chapter 5 - Golden Capital

Chapter 6 - City Tour

Chapter 7 - Before Parliament

Chapter 8 - Official Party

Chapter 9 - Meeting the Browns

Chapter 10 - The Report

Chapter 11 - Beginning the invasion