The Shadow Dragon (Book 2): Aleksertac

By Amanda Schmidt

Even after everything I have been through - all the training, all the effort I put into getting in the Tournament - the outcome came as a surprise. What happened next was anything but a dream come true. After seeing the forest burst into flame where I last saw Alex, my journey takes an unexpected turn and I discover that my life and existence now falls upon a dragon’s desire. But will the knowledge that comes from the dragon’s secrets prolong my life, or result in a fate worse than death?

This book is fantasy/adventure and is recommended for ages 14 and up, due to mild violence and suggestive language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Schmidt
• Release date: Sep 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301645503

Amanda Schmidt

I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and live in Rochester, Michigan. I am a single mother of three amazing children who have helped me rediscover my love of writing. I started writing in 2009 and discovered there were many stories within me that I wanted to share. With the help of my family, friends, and fans, I have gained confidence in myself and in what I love, allowing me to live my dream to be an author who finds inspiration everywhere: my past, listening to music, in laughter, and even random moments while out hiking or practicing Tai Chi.I discovered the hard way how important it is to believe in yourself and your dreams. With each story I write, I hope to take my readers into a world that will captivate their imagination. I hope my stories remind you to believe in your dreams, allowing you to think outside the box and become more than you thought you could be.

Book preview

Sonia, what has happened to you?

It was my father’s voice, but I didn’t open my eyes to look at him. I didn’t want to see him. I didn’t want to see anyone.

Please, look at me, he sadly said. Lord Vertas sent for me. He seems very concerned about you. No one knows what is wrong.

So what.

Krissy is sorry for all the things she’s said to you before the Tournament, and that she didn’t go to any of your matches. She doesn’t understand what happened.

I didn’t care.

Lord Vertas has sent some people to help work the land, so you can just rest. He fell silent and his hand moved down the side of my face. He says you may stay here indefinitely.

That doesn’t bother you?

Please look at me, he pleaded. Give me some sign that you’re alright. The Tournament has been over for almost four days. All of your wounds are healing. Lord Vertas has assured me that there isn’t anything physically wrong with you, and yet you haven’t…

Jack, may I have a word with you? Lord Vertas asked in the distance.

Of course, Lord Vertas, my father answered as footsteps walked over to where we were.

I’m working hard to figure out what is ailing your daughter, and I have a theory. It doesn’t make sense, but… May I ask you some questions?

Yes, of course, but I don’t know that I’ll have the answers.

What was the relationship between Sonia and Alex?

Umm, she looked up to him, more than even me most days. He always seemed like her big brother as she grew up. He argued with her and protected her.

"And recently, did you notice anything more between them?"

No, they have always interacted closely together, he informed Lord Vertas. Her sister had accused them of being indecent, but Alex wasn’t that guy. And even if he was, Sonia would have noticed and she would not have allowed it. All she wanted, all she ever wanted, was to be in that stupid Tournament.

What happened after the incident in the Batwas Valley?

"You know about that?" my father asked in surprise.

Yes, information like that travels quickly. It is well known that she survived an encounter with the Ortal.

Barely, my father whispered. He brought her home from the Batwas Valley, and stayed to heal her. I had thought that meant he wanted to have her. Why else would he risk his life against the Ortal? He put so much time and energy into her recovery. He was determined to save her. The Ortal venom had progressed so far that I couldn’t see how she’d survive, but Alex was not going to lose her. After all that effort, after saving my daughter from death, he deserved to have her. So I—

But he declined? Lord Vertas interrupted in surprise.

Said that she was out of his realm. I gave him every opportunity I could to change his mind, but he only wanted to train her.

Really, Lord Vertas replied, sounding intrigued.

I knew he could protect her, that she’d be safe with him - safer than with any man, including me.

This is true. What about her? What was her interest?

Honestly, I don’t think she knows that she’s supposed to be with a man. That she’s supposed to love a man, not compete against him. Her only focus since the last time Alex stayed with us has been that Tournament.

You understand what has been going on… Marty, Phillip, the Ortal… he paused a moment, but my father didn’t say anything. I thought that you might.

She is like her mother, Father commented with mixed feelings. That is why I didn’t mind her being with Alex. No one is better trained with a sword than he. Her skill with a sword outshined the men in our town, but I did not want her in the Tournament.

I watched her fight against John and Phillip. She, like her mother, is amazing, Lord Vertas agreed.

I know, my father replied sadly. But no one ever tried to kill Elizabeth.

My father’s fingers brushed across my forehead.

Why don’t you come and eat, Lord Vertas suddenly said. I insist. You’ve traveled a great distance to get here.

I don’t want to leave her alone.

She won’t be alone, a deep voice assured him.

John will stay here. You don’t have to worry, John is trustworthy.

I listened to them walk away from me. All that had been talked about was unimportant to me, and my mind drifted back to nothing.

***

The bright light that was all around me burned my eyes a little less today. I couldn’t remember the last time I slept, or how many days had past. My father came and went, but I wasn’t keeping track of that either. I only knew that he was here or he wasn’t.

Today, I decided that I didn’t want to stare at the bright ceiling and I rolled onto my side. I was lying in a dark green, fluffy bed. I saw my hands in front of me. Both wrists were wrapped in white cloth. My injuries had been explained to me, as though I cared. The rope that Alex had used to tie my wrists had cut deeply into my skin from my struggling.

Alex…

I quickly shifted my eyes away from my wrists and stared at nothing, with no destination or focus in mind.

I found myself wishing that the Ortal had killed me, that the Shadow Dragon hadn’t rescued me for Alex to find. Tears began to slide down my cheeks at the thought of Alex.

Ahh, you’ve decided to come back to us, Lord Vertas commented kindly.

I didn’t look towards the sound of his voice, nor did I blink, or give any sign that I had heard him. I didn’t understand why I felt this way. I knew I wasn’t injured, nor did I feel weak. I just didn’t have the will to want to do anything. I wanted to believe it was because I had spent so much time training for the Tournament, and now it was over.

It was over, I didn’t win, and Alex was… Alex was… gone.

I didn’t feel this way when I lost to Phillip. I remembered my disappointment, but it was nothing compared to how I felt now. And my disappointment had been short lived… because of Alex. It was short lived because I realized that I desired Alex - that I needed him in my life.

The Tournament that I had trained so hard for suddenly meant nothing to me. I didn’t care about proving myself to anyone, practicing my swordsmanship to protect myself and my family. It no longer mattered to me that I lost to Phillip, or that Marty had ripped my medallion from me. Without Alex, life no longer held any interest to me.

I closed my eyes against the tears that filled my eyes.

You need to get up, Lord Vertas whispered.

After a moment I opened my eyes, staring at nothing until he moved into my line of sight. My eyes shifted to his handsome face to see him smiling kindly. His arms reached for me and sat me up. He moved my legs off the bed before he sat in front of me. He touched my face with one hand, his vibrant green eyes searching deep into mine until his smile disappeared. His hands didn’t feel right touching me, causing an overwhelming sadness to sink into my heart. I started to slump back to the bed, but Lord Vertas quickly sat next to me to keep me sitting up.

This is more complex than I had originally thought, he commented softly as tears moved down my cheeks again. I wasn’t upset. It was like my eyes knew how sad my heart was and wept for it.

John, go get Storm, Lord Vertas commanded as he turned his head. We’re going for a ride.

But… John began, sounding as though he was about to argue.

I can’t allow her to be like this any longer, Lord Vertas stated. The matter needs to be dealt with.

I listened to John hurrying away. Lord Vertas touched my face with a gentleness that hadn’t been in his voice just now. He pulled me close to him and lifted me out of the bed.

Sir, John said you are leaving. Let me take her for… a new voice started. Right, the new voice said as though it was dumb to have suggested such an idea. May I ask where you’re going?

No.

Will you need anything?

No, Lord Vertas stated with irritation, and the man remained quiet.

Lord Vertas carried me through the grand halls that Krissy would have drooled over. If there was any drool left from being in Lord Vertas’ presence.

I focused on Lord Vertas’ shirt, watching the light fade in and out. I imagined that there must be large windows lining this stretch of hallway because the light hardly faded before it became bright again. The light disappeared for several moments before the full strength of the sunlight fell upon us, causing my eyes to close.

A horse breathed out hard a short distance from us.

Thank you, John, Lord Vertas said. Would you mind riding with us?

Of course not, he happily replied. Let me get Mac.

Would you hold her for a moment?

John didn’t answer him.

I promise he’s not going to notice, Lord Vertas stated.

He will notice. At the Tournament—

Fine, but he’ll be too distracted to care.

John lifted me out of Lord Vertas’ arms. It must have looked quite comical, me in John’s arms.

The horse stomped his foot hard on the ground.

It is not me, Lord Vertas stated. Sonia’s needs are beyond what Alex had asked of me.

The horse whinnied softly. I turned my head and glanced over at… Storm? There was no mistaking Storm, I just couldn’t believe he was here. If Storm was here that meant that my worst nightmare was real, which caused a little more of me to disappear.

Yes, I think so. You should have told me, Lord Vertas gently said, and Storm made an irritated noise. He didn’t?! Well, I need clarification. Will you allow us to ride you?

Storm neighed fiercely, abruptly rearing and slamming his hooves on the ground.

Look at her Storm, Lord Vertas loudly said, not sounding the least bit intimidated by Storm’s show of anger and defiance. Just this once. Victor will not allow her on him, and she will not hold on to you.

Storm moved over to John and I turned my head, closing my eyes. I was not Alex, and it was my fault that Storm was without him.

Storm, you are the only one who can find him, Lord Vertas somberly remarked.

Storm’s nose pressed against my face, and I opened my eyes. He whinnied softly as though he were telling me a secret before he neighed a little louder in Lord Vertas direction.

Thank you, Lord Vertas humbly said.

John handed me back to Lord Vertas who was now on Storm’s back. Lord Vertas cradled me on his lap, keeping me close to him. I heard another horse gallop next to us a few moments later, which I assumed was John and Mac.

I don’t think this is a good idea, John commented. Taking her t—

This needs to be dealt with, or she will die anyway.

But I thought he said—

"He did, which is why I am taking her to him. Somehow a bond must have connected, and it’s killing her spirit. He is the only one who will know how we can help her."

He’s going to be angry that we brought a mortal into the Ancient Realm.

I’ll deal with him. Now, we must ride quickly to get passed the Dark Forces.

Lord Vertas spoke in the language that was now familiar, but I didn’t understand. Storm breathed out stubbornly, and Lord Vertas continued to talk to him in a calm voice, but I could hear the urgency in his tone. After a few moments, Storm began running.

The wind raced past me, and I knew we must be traveling at a faster pace than I ever had before. I continued to stare at the space between me and Lord Vertas’ chest, not caring about what Lord Vertas had figured out or where he was taking me.

Chapter 2

By the time Storm halted the sun had set, and I still couldn’t find the energy or the desire to move.

This is it? Lord Vertas inquired, sounding as though he was searching the area. Okay, Lord Vertas said after Storm neighed.

He’s going to kill us both, John whispered as he rode up alongside us.

If my guess is right, he won’t, Lord Vertas commented. Stay with Storm, if I don’t return, have him lead you back. He’ll get you safely to the castle.

"Storm isn’t going to go anywhere without… What do you mean if you don’t return?" John incredulously inquired as Lord Vertas slid off of Storm with me still in his arms.

I told you this is just a theory, he causally replied, and began carrying me away.

Even though Lord Vertas made it sound like we could die, I still didn’t care. I wanted to be done.

Aleksertac, Lord Vertas called after he had walked quite a ways. I heard the word echo all around us. I know you are here.

He walked for a while longer before he said the word that I didn’t understand. Aleksertac!

His tone startled me. It did not echo like I had expected, but it carried power. He walked even further, continuing to call out the one word in the powerful voice that did not echo. Lord Vertas stopped abruptly and gently laid me on the cold, damp ground.

Aleksertac!

I looked up to see Lord Vertas standing over me, searching the area.

Fine! If you don’t care whether she lives or dies, he shouted. The moonlight gleamed off of his sword that he was holding over his head.

Finally.

Then I will release her spirit!

In the next instant he brought his sword down with the tip pointed at my chest. The roar of the Shadow Dragon echoed all around, and Lord Vertas stopped his blade a few inches above my chest.

A gust of warm moist air moved across me, and I shifted my eyes away from Lord Vertas to see the orbs of fire that had disappeared from my mind - just like everything else that had been important. The Shadow Dragon growled fiercely, but his eyes were no longer focused on me. Was he threatening Lord Vertas? My fear rose a little as I remembered Lord Vertas telling John to follow Storm back if he didn’t return.

I told you that I would protect her. I have kept her body safe, Lord Vertas said in an arguing tone, causing me to shift my attention to him. But that’s not what is dying.

"You told me that she didn’t belong to any of us, he angrily continued. You begged that I do this for you, and I have. But in order to fulfill my task you must now solve the mystery of what ails her."

The Shadow Dragon growled at him, and Lord Vertas began to speak with harsh tones in the now familiar language. A warm, gentle breeze caressed my body as Lord Vertas continued to speak, and my eyes shifted to the dragon that was darker than the night.

The Shadow Dragon had moved his head close to me, and I focused on his eyes of fire. I reached my exhausted arm up until my fingers slid onto his smooth skin. The dragon breathed in deeply and the orbs of fire disappeared. An instant later energy stirred within me.

I believe you, Lord Vertas said into the silence with a somber tone as though someone had spoken to him. "But something powerful has happened, because I believe she needs Alex."

The Shadow Dragon didn’t move his head away from my touch, and I could feel my strength fighting to be released. There was another roar overhead, and the Shadow Dragon’s fiery eyes reappeared, staring at Lord Vertas.

Yes, I will wait, he softly said, and picked up my body.

I didn’t want him to leave, but I didn’t have the energy to voice it.

To my surprise Lord Vertas placed me on the dragon’s neck. I slowly moved my hands on each side of his neck, hoping I had the strength to hold tight. The dragon breathed in deeply as my hands slid along his skin. As the dragon took flight, my whole body began to fill with strength, and I sighed at the peace and… happiness that began to fill me.

The Shadow had soared high into the clear night sky. The cold wind nipped at my skin as it rushed around me, but I wasn’t about to complain. I tightened my hold on the dragon’s warm neck and closed my eyes, enjoying the sensation that was flowing through me.

The sound of other dragons roaring below us startled me, and my eyes opened in surprise. How could there be so many when no one had seen one in generations? I glimpsed down to only see darkness beneath me. A growling sound came from my left and I glanced over to see the moonlight reflecting off of an orange dragon. I suddenly began to worry that the orange dragon was going to attack, and I quickly focused on the Shadow’s skin - which did not reflect the light.

When the other dragon didn’t attack, I glanced back over at the orange dragon in awe. It was not nearly as big as the Shadow Dragon, nor did it appear to be as equipped for battle, but it was still an amazing sight to behold. The orange dragon began gliding closer until the Shadow growled warningly. The other dragon didn’t move away, instead it made a strange sound. As the Shadow turned his head in its direction the orange dragon hissed, and disappeared. This happened a few more times, each time a different dragon, but none were like the Shadow.

I heard what sounded like the Ortal before I realized that the dragon had been descending. Fear rose in me as I thought about the Ortal’s white eyes, sharp teeth, and its long claws that had released its venom into me. They continued to howl and yell. They were still hunting me? I forced myself to swallow before finding comfort in the fact that they were still a ways beneath us.

Suddenly, the Shadow began picking up speed. As a growling howl echoed beneath us, the Shadow Dragon quickly turned and dove down roaring with ferocity. An orange light brightened the area around us, causing shrieks of terror and pain to fill the night. The Shadow had actually lit the world on fire. He soared back up and as he continued to glide through the air, the night became silent.

I should have been filled with panic and fear, but I knew that I was safe. I was so content flying with the dragon that I was disappointed when we landed. I slid off as the orbs of fire neared me. My knees buckled as my feet hit the ground. I breathed in at the energy that moved through me as I fell against the dragon’s face instead of the ground.

Thank you, I softly said.

I carefully pushed my body away from him, but I let my hands continue to touch him. I slowly moved myself along the side of its face towards his neck until I reached his shoulder. The Shadow was laying on the ground, so I turned my body and slid my back against the dragon’s body until I was sitting on the ground.

I should have been angry at this creature - my life hadn’t been the same since that day in the Batwas Valley. Instead, I was glad that I was here, that I was in his presence. As long as I was touching him, energy flowed through me.

I glanced back towards his head to see the Shadow’s eyes staring at me. Everything felt a hundred times better, and I didn’t care that I didn’t understand.

I want to stay with you, I whispered as I closed my eyes.

I’m sorry, Lord Vertas whispered.

My eyes opened in panic as he scooped me up, moving me away from the dragon. No, I whispered as I reached out for the Shadow Dragon.

The dragon made a soft growl as his eyes disappeared.

I understand, Lord Vertas stated.

A gust of wind pushed against me, and my energy disappeared. I was once again consumed by the desolate feeling that had become my life since the Tournament.

You will see him again soon, Lord Vertas whispered as he hurried through the mighty trees that were thicker and taller than any I had ever seen. The trees were passing too quickly, making me dizzy and I closed my eyes.

Lord Vertas! John exclaimed with relief. I saw the fire and was afraid that I was going to be riding back to the castle…alone. He refused to help? he asked in surprise.

He could not refuse her, Lord Vertas replied. I should have seen it years ago.

Are we staying then?

"No, it is not safe for her here. The Ortal are taking unusual risks, and if the Ancients find out she is here, she won’t live another day. He will meet us at the castle. There was something he had to… tend to first."

You don’t suppose that the Ortal will attack. Perhaps, I should—

No, they won’t bother us.

The fire? John inquired confidently.

Yes.

They should have known better.

No one understands him. What use to be expected, I believe is now a thing of the past. The Ortal’s attempt, nonetheless, raises some concerns with what is behind the rising of the Dark Forces. However, at the moment, it is not important.

He handed me to John who passed me back to Lord Vertas once he had gotten onto Storm. Storm did not wait for directions this time, he immediately took off running into the night.

The orbs of fire burned brightly from the shadows of my memory. This time I did not feel empty or scared inside. I thought about the energy that moved into me at the Shadow Dragon’s touch. I was sure I’d never understand how he was able to bring me away from the emptiness that had swallowed me.

Lord Vertas had told the dragon that I needed Alex. I thought about Alex and all the times I had looked at him, not once knowing that I needed him. Vertas was right, I did need him. I knew in my heart that I did. Why did I wait so long to notice? Tears began to slide down my face. Why…

A blanket of sleep entered my mind as Lord Vertas whispered words that sounded like a song to me. The sensation should have been alarming, but I found it comforting and soon I no longer fought against it.

Chapter 3

All I could see was a ball of fire in the woods where I had been forced to leave him. Alex! I yelled.

I’m coming, Alex calmly whispered as his warm hand moved down the side of my wet face, removing the overwhelming panic.

I opened my eyes, but again he wasn’t there. I turned my face into my pillow and cried. I had felt his hand this time. I…

How is she doing? Lord Vertas asked in the distance.

Her sleep is more restless than usual. This time however something calmed her, until she opened her eyes, whispered a deep voice that I knew was John.

He must be close, Lord Vertas stated. Will you check on Storm?

Of course.

Sonia, it is time to get up, Lord Vertas whispered as if talking to a scared child.

I turned my face towards him and saw his blurry outstretched hand. I slowly put my trembling hand in his, and he carefully helped me to my feet. Lord Vertas gently slid his hand across my wet cheek. I immediately moved my face away from his touch. I glanced at him as I realized the feelings of unbearable misery had begun to lessen, and hastily shifted my attention to the room.

It was remarkably beautiful. There was a huge open window across the room that took up over half the wall. The bed I had been laying in was emerald green, and fluffier than any bed I had ever seen. There was an elegantly shaped post on each of the four corners, holding a white netting away from the bed. The walls were either white or held mirrors from ceiling to floor. The mirrors reflected the sunlight so that there wasn’t a dark spot in the room.

I caught my reflection as Lord Vertas walked me towards the window, and I stopped. I stared at my reflection. I was surprised by my pale and fragile appearance. My auburn hair was surprisingly neat, but my dark eyes looked darker, almost hollow. I touched my face, not sure that it really was me.

How long had it been?

Lord Vertas stepped close to me. He was so handsome, and I… I stared at my feet, suddenly feeling ashamed.

I think you will be back to yourself soon, he whispered over my shoulder, standing too close to me.

I continued to stare at my feet and he slowly moved to my left, stopping when he was in front of me - his body almost touching mine. I glimpsed up at his deep vivid green eyes that were emanating a powerful aura. His hand moved up, and he tucked my hair behind my ear as he gazed into my eyes.

I believe you are about to find what you’ve been searching for.

I glimpsed away from him, shifting my attention to the window. The world beyond this room was more beautiful than I remembered. Lord Vertas’ arm moved around my back, causing me to glance at him again. He smiled kindly and walked me over to the window. I stared out across his land, taking in the landscape, astounded by how green everything appeared. From here the land I lived in looked like a different world.

I finally had the opportunity to see your sword, Lord Vertas casually mentioned. May I ask who made it for you?

Percy, I quietly said without shifting my attention away from the world outside.

"I should have known. He and Alex are quite good friends. His craftsmanship is amazing. I must say I was surprised to see a dragon on your blade. Do you have any idea why Percy picked that dragon?"

Alex said Percy sees into your mind and takes the images that are strongest, and makes the blade yours, I replied with no