The Brotherhood; The Dragon's Master

By R. V. Myers

“There was a thunderous scream behind him. Michael spun in his saddle in time to see the great dragon swirl in mid air and direct a stream of reddish-orange flame into the ground. The earth shattered and blew into the air. Turning back he saw the king unconscious on the ground. In front of him, Edward and his army; behind him, a seething cauldron of dragon fire. He was trapped!”
The Murphy children were expecting to have a quiet two-week vacation with their aunt and uncle on Riverview Farm. They had no way of knowing they were about to enter another world: a world filled with knights, dragons, intrigue and...magic.
Michael, Rachel, Garrett and Amanda find themselves embroiled in a plot to overthrow King Richard and his peaceful kingdom. The children learn they belong to a race of sorcerers known as the Brotherhood. Pledged to protect the innocent, the children must learn to control their new powers while adapting to their medieval life. Tried in tournament, tested in battle they must learn to sort right from wrong; learn when to fight and when to forgive; face their greatest fears and do what they know is right, no matter what the cost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. V. Myers
• Release date: Aug 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301290895

R. V. Myers

I've spent my whole life reading and writing short stories so I thought I would give a book a try.What fun! Who knew? I wasted 22 years as a clinical psychologist (don't hold that against me).After all the middle grade stories I see published lately, many dark and dreary, I thought it was time for some good straight up adventure and fun.Over the years,(besides psychology) I've been a businessman, a soldier, a paratrooper and a research assistant driving around Namibia with a biologist and a dart gun. I know my adventure! I hope you enjoy my first offering and visit my blog. This is my first attempt, so I'm open to comments.

Book preview

THE BROTHERHOOD

The Dragons' Master

Rick Myers

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Rick Myers

License Notes: This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue

The Vacation

Into the Model

Knights, Castles and Dragons

An Unexpected Visitor

The Feast

Life in the Castle

Jennifer's Plot

Officers of the Guard

The Brotherhood

Princess Rachel; The Swineherd

The Tournament Begins

Garrett's Lesson

The Joust

The Choice

The Battle of Sadok

The Wolves of the Dark Forest

A Change of Plans

Vermaladie Strikes

The Empty Room

Edward's Lair

Reunion

Preparing for War

The Battle of the Fields of the Moon

Farewells

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

They're here! called Elaine.

The cloud of dust from down the road drew closer as she looked out the kitchen window. She dried her hands on the dishcloth as her husband stood up from the kitchen table, a cup of coffee steaming in his hand.

Well, I wonder how all this is going to turn out. he said, joining her by the old- fashioned cast iron sink.

Elaine looked worried. We've never had kids in this old house. I just hope we can keep them entertained for two weeks. Two weeks can be an eternity for young kids.

Fred just smiled and said, This old house has more than a few surprises in it. I think they'll have the time of their lives.

A wizened old man in dark blue flowing robes sat in front of an even older mirror. The glass glimmered softly and, in place of his reflection, was a moving image of Fred and Elaine in their kitchen. The old man waved his hand in front of the mirror and the picture flickered and disappeared. He leaned back from the table and surveyed his laboratory in the tower of the castle. He rose from the ancient stool he had been sitting on, turned and paced in the darkened room. Bookshelves laden with scrolls lined the walls. A fire burned in the grate and the smell of smoke and incense filled the air.

Ye are right, Brother Fredrick. There are many surprises in your old house. Your nieces and nephews will indeed have a memorable holiday!

Just then, a raven roused himself from his perch on one of the bookshelves and glided down to the old man's shoulder. The bird cocked his head to one side and let out a strangled squawk.

Aye, Darkwing, said Algernon, What we are about to do is most dangerous indeed. In fact, the Brotherhood itself has grave misgivings. Never before has the like of this been attempted, but, as the old saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures. Ye must admit, old friend, these are desperate times indeed.

Algernon raised his arm and the raven jumped on his wrist. He set the bird down on a desk littered with papers, books and glass retorts bubbling with foul smelling concoctions. Darkwing hopped about the table chattering loudly.

I know not, muttered Algernon. Brother Fredrick holds great store by these children. We must trust to his judgment. He has ne'er yet led us astray. It is written in the Holy book that a little child shall lead them. Let us hope this saying holds true.

THE VACATION

The time of their lives wasn't the phrase Garrett would have used. Sitting in the back of the Murphy's minivan he stared unbelievingly at the DS in his lap.

What's the matter, dufus? said Michael. Did your batteries dry up?

Yeah, and I left the charger at home, grumbled Garrett. Look, we gotta go back! If I don't have this thing, I'll go into withdrawal. I read that somewhere.

His fourteen year old sister, Rachel, started laughing in the seat in front of him. Her dark brown ponytail stuffed through the hole in the back of her baseball cap bobbing up and down.

What's the matter? asked Garrett. Don't you believe I'll go into withdrawal?

No, said Rachel. I just don't believe you've read anything.

High five! cried Michael as he slapped his sister's palm, laughing.

Sure, laugh now. What do you care, Rach? You have your stupid books. They never run out of batteries, groused Garrett.

Five points to me, said Rachel.

What five points? asked Mr. Murphy.

Rachel bet me we wouldn't even get to the farm before Garrett started complaining, said Michael. She won.

Look you guys, warned Mr. Murphy, "Your Mom and I have been planning this trip for months. Uncle Fred and Aunt Elaine were good enough to take you on for two weeks, so you'd better adjust your attitude. Besides, I'm sure Uncle Fred will have a Playstation or Xbox or whatever to keep you happy.

Are you kidding? said Garrett. They live on a farm! They named it! Riverview Farm. It sounds like some corny Disney movie.

I like Disney movies, said Amanda. She had been sitting quietly beside Garrett watching the scenery slide by the windows of the van. Her small face and dark brown eyes were framed by long dark hair.

You like anything, especially if there's animals involved, snorted Garrett and he stared sullenly out the window. Rachel turned back and stuck her nose in a book, while Michael plugged his IPod buds in his ears. Amanda looked out the window and watched as the cold grey concrete of the city turned into the green rolling hills of the country. Her eyes stared into the distance.

Looks like we're just about there, said Mrs. Murphy as her husband turned off the highway. Huge elm trees, whose branches formed an arch over the narrow strip of dirt, framed the side road. The van crested a hill and, below them sat Riverview Farm. The huge farmhouse sat in the middle on manicured lawns. There was a barn, corrals and outbuildings all surrounded by a deep green forest. On one side, the river that gave the farm its name wound through the pastureland and disappeared into the trees.

Amanda's eyes widened and she whispered, It's like a magic land.

The van rolled to a stop in front of the farmhouse and was immediately besieged by two jumping and barking dogs.

Cool, said Amanda as she reached for the door handle.

Careful, Mandy, said Garrett. They're likely mad pit bulls named Buzz Saw and Meat Grinder, just starving for some tender little grade two girl for lunch, he said with a wicked grin.

Amanda stuck her tongue out at him, hopped out and was engulfed by wagging tails and licking tongues.

Down, Buzz Saw. Sit, Meat Grinder, said Uncle Fred from the porch. "Just kidding. The yellow lab is Monty and the little Corgi like one is Perky. Garrett gave Uncle Fred a strange look as Mr. Murphy came around the van.

Hi, Uncle Fred, he said. The place looks great!

Aunt Elaine came out of the house wiping her hands on a tea towel. Susan, Jim, she said, It's so good to see you again.

Good to see you, too, said Mrs. Murphy. Thanks so much for looking after the kids.

Don't thank us yet, said Uncle Fred. Do you feed them every day or do you want us to keep 'em a bit hungry? Elaine reached over and smacked him on the shoulder. Don't pay any mind to him, she said to the kids. He doesn't get out much.

Well, let's get your stuff to your rooms, said Uncle Fred. We can have lunch after that.

The boys hauled the bags into the house and up the stairs. The girls will have the room on the right and you guys are right across the hall, said Uncle Fred. He swung the door open onto a large, airy room. Garrett dragged his duffel in the room and dropped it heavily on the floor. The room was huge with two beds, a desk and a bearskin rug on the floor. But it wasn't the rug or the furniture that made Garrett's chin drop. On a low table, there sat a model diorama. It was a huge battlefield, complete with tanks, jeeps and helicopters. Dozens of tiny soldiers were strewn about the scene running, leaping and manning miniature machine guns. He could almost smell the smoke from the battle so realistic was the work. Michael plopped his bag on the bed and came over to look. Wow! was all he could think of to say.

I told you Uncle Fred would have something to keep you occupied, said Mr. Murphy, smiling.

Well, enough of that, said Uncle Fred. Your aunt will have lunch ready and I imagine your Mom and Dad will want to hit the road soon. With that everyone filed down to the kitchen for lunch.

After everyone was fed and watered as Uncle Fred would say, they all gathered out at the van. Mr. Murphy took the boys aside. Looking at Michael he said, OK now, remember, you're the oldest so I'll expect you to look after everyone while we're away. Garrett, you just keep out of trouble. If anything goes wrong, I'll hear about it, he warned. Mrs. Murphy hugged the girls and opened the van door. You girls have a good time. Help out your aunt with the chores and we'll be back in two weeks. We'll Skype you every night, if we get a signal.

Don't worry about them, said Uncle Fred. I'll keep them busy.

Mr. and Mrs. Murphy hopped in the van and, with a few hollered good-byes; they were on their way. The children watched as the van pulled out of sight, staring down the road until the last cloud of dust settled.

OK guys, said Uncle Fred, Let's look the old place over and see if you'll be too bored. C'mon Monty. Come on Perky, he cried and led the children to the barn. There were four horses in the corral. They all came trotting over to the fence when they saw everyone approaching. Amanda hopped up on the lowest rail and leaned over to pet one of the horses. Hello Patches, she said as the little horse nuzzled her shoulder.

That's right, said Uncle Fred, "Her name is Patches."

How does she do that? asked Garrett. That Dr. Doolittle thing really freaks me out. Michael just shrugged and pulled some grass for the horses to eat.

You can ride them whenever you want, said Uncle Fred. There are saddles in the barn, but they will carry you bareback as well. Over there is the dock. Feel free to swim or fish or paddle the canoes. There's not much current, but it's fairly deep. He led them across the yard to a huge building. This is what your Dad likes to call The Museum," he said, pulling open the giant doors.

Inside, there sat the wildest bunch of things the children had ever seen. There was an old biplane hanging from the ceiling, a battered jeep and classic cars. There were stuffed animals, uniforms, old swords and a suit of armor. Bows and arrows hung from the wall flags were draped over the rafters. Garrett was drawn to the swords like a moth to flame.

Go ahead and try it out, said Uncle Fred. No use in having this stuff if you can't play with it! The only rule around here is no balls in the house.

The children rushed from display to display, their eyes alight with the wonder of it all. Too much to see all at one time, said Uncle Fred. You've had a long day. Let's go back to the house and get you settled. You can get a fresh start in the morning.

A week after they arrived at the farm, a sunny morning found Michael out in the canoe, fishing rod in hand. Rachel was sitting in a rubber inner tube tethered to the pier, reading a book in the middle of the river. Amanda was sitting on the end of the pier dangling her toes in the water, scratching an adoring Perky behind the ears.

Garrett came riding up on the horse Beauty, which he had adopted. He had the broadsword hanging from a scabbard on his belt.

If it isn't Sir Lancelot, said Rachel from her perch in the inner tube. Slay any dragons today?

You laugh, he said, pulling off his shirt and making a muscle. Just look at these guns.

A regular Incredible Hulk.

Garrett pulled off his boots and ran down the dock. Geronimo, he screamed and launched into a cannonball hitting the water and sending a huge spray of water over everyone.

My book, you dork! screamed Rachel.

You're scaring the fish, hollered Michael. Amanda just laughed. Perky barked and Monty leapt off the dock adding to the spray. Garrett bobbed to the surface and shook his hair. He swam over to the dock and crossed his arms on the edge. You know, he said, I may have been wrong about coming out here. So far, this has been the best summer ever.

Michael paddled over to the pier and Rachel waded to the shore, mud squishing between her toes as she dragged the inner tube out of the water. As much as I hate to agree with you, dipstick, she said, you're right. I never thought it would be this much fun. Michael pulled a soda out of the cooler. Me, neither, he said.

I did, said Amanda, her eyes sparkling.

Back up at the house, Uncle Fred and Aunt Elaine were watching them from the veranda.

The kids are having so much fun, said Aunt Elaine. I think they're having the time of their lives.

So do they, said Uncle Fred, but they haven't even started yet!

INTO THE MODEL

It had to happen. Even in a house with only one rule, someone was bound to break it. The rambling house at Riverview Farm was no exception.

Michael, Rachel and Amanda were upstairs in the workshop, transfixed by the miniature scenes on the shelves and tables. Usually, they spent most of their time outside, but since the weather had turned rainy, the workshop beckoned. Every time the children looked there were new and more fantastic things to be seen. From space stations to a town from the Wild West, no detail was too small to have been reproduced.

Garrett, however, was restless. He sauntered up to the third floor with his baseball.

O.K. guys! Who's up for a little catch?

Are you nuts, Garrett? You can't bring that thing up here. You'll wreck half the shop, said Michael.

Don't be such a wuss, said Garrett. I'm not gonna wreck anything. You just gotta be quick! With that he flicked the ball straight at Michael's head. Quick as he was, Michael was not quick enough and the ball bounced off his outstretched fingers and sailed across the room straight towards a rack of shelves containing the collection of miniature dioramas.

The girls gasped as the ball arched slowly, almost lazily, towards a diminutive medieval castle. They watched awe-struck as the ball seemed to slow down, right before their eyes, and began to shrink! The closer it got to the castle, the smaller it got, until, small as a green pea, it landed on the imitation grass near one of the tiny trees.

The children stared mouths agape, first at the tiny ball, then at each other, then back to the ball.

What was that, said Rachel!

I don't believe it, whispered Michael.

I told you I wouldn't wreck anything, said Garrett, a sly smile spread across his face.

And just how did you know that, said Michael, his eyes narrowing.

It's not the first time I've been in here, you know, smiled Garrett.

And not the first time you've nearly wrecked something either, I'll bet, said Rachel.

Well, no, admitted Garrett. But wait, that's not the really cool part. He walked over to the shelves, Watch this.

Garrett reached toward the ball and as he did so, his hand began to shrink, just like the ball had.

Garrett! screamed Rachel.

Relax, said Garrett, I'm not gonna climb into it or anything. He stopped suddenly and grew quiet. But, you know, I wonder what would happen...

Just hold it right there, warned Michael. We're not going to do anything until I figure out how this happened.

I told you this was a magical place, said Amanda, her bright eyes gleaming as she stared at the little ball resting near the toy tree.

Yeah, sure, magic works for me, said Garrett.

Michael rounded on him. Look, dipstick, since you did this before, just how did you manage to get the ball back?

I figured that everything else was glued down, so I just grabbed the wooden base and tipped it up. The ball fell right off and grew back, explained Garrett, as though things like this happened every day.

You don't shrink if you grab the base, asked Rachel?

Nah. At least, I didn't.

Well, let's get the ball back. Then we'll find Uncle Fred and see if he knows anything about all this, said Michael firmly.

Oh, come on, said Garrett. Who's gonna believe this?

Yeah, said Rachel. Remember when he and Dad were looking at these things together. They were touching it all over and nothing happened to them.

Yeah, like she said, said Garrett. We'll just get into trouble for bringing a ball in the house.

You'll get into trouble, you mean, said Michael. He looked at the castle. "Well, we may as well get the ball back. I'll think things over and we'll see.

Garrett grunted, O.K. Rachel, give me a hand and we'll tip this thing up.

Careful, you two, said Michael. There may be something really weird about this, but I bet it'll still break if you drop it.

Rachel stuck her tongue out at him and she reached out and gingerly touched the base.

See,