Omensent: Princess of Dragons

By Barry Gibbons

Several years have passed since the Dragon Lord, Damion Omensent, led the people of the south to victory over the Etask invaders. Now, a new evil has risen to threaten the mortal world. After her father is lured away from the tiny mountain city of Sevria, it falls to Leia, the Dragon Lord's only child, to save the world from a terrible fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barry Gibbons
• Release date: Jul 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310233104

Barry Gibbons

37 Year old writer. Resides in Plano, Il

Book preview

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Omensent

Princess of Dragons

Book Five of the Dragon Lord Series

By Barry A. Gibbons

Omensent

Princess of Dragons

Book Five of the Dragon Lord Series

By

Barry A. Gibbons

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © License Notes

Copyright © 2013 By Barry A. Gibbons II All Rights Reserved

This Smashwords Edition 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 book 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 purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Omensent

The Dragon Lord Series

Omensent

Birth of a Dragon Lord

Book one of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Rise of the Shadow Dragons

Book two of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Wrath of a Dragon God

Book three of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Revealing the Dragon

Book four of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Princess of Dragons

Book five of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Dragons Falling

Book six of the Dragon Lord Series

Prelude

The tall slender elf hurried along the dark avenue that led through the large elven city, making an effort to keep to the shadows to avoid being seen. He slowed as he approached a set of crossroads which had been illuminated by torches, then boldly stepped into the light, revealing an aged face framed by shoulder length silver hair.

He paused for a moment, and looked back and forth along the cross street to make sure that the coast was clear. It would not be good for him to be discovered. If it were revealed that he had violated his exile and returned to his homeland, all of his careful planning would be for nothing.

It had been over a century since he had been forced to leave his beloved island for attempting to start a rebellion against the throne, and he had seen much during his travels among the lesser races. Most elves never left their sacred island, and lived their entire lives without ever meeting someone from another race. But he had traveled abroad during his exile, living among the lesser races, both human and dwarven, and had learned much during that time.

At first, he had been miserable. Being forced to associate with members of the lesser races was a huge insult to his pride, and he had found life extremely difficult. But after several decades of drifting from place to place, observing the various races as they hurried about their short, seemingly pointless lives, he began to realize that some few of them had somehow managed to beseech their various gods into granting them powers that raised them above others of their kind. Priests and clerics blessed with the power of healing, wizards and sorcerers capable of wielding great magic, witches and warlocks able to delve into the deepest regions of the netherworld, all powers granted to them by their various gods and goddesses.

A plan quickly began to formulate in his mind. A plan that would enable him to return to his beloved island and seize control of the throne of his ancestors.

Even though he had spent his many centuries of life worshipping Petra, the Goddess of Fertility and Nature, he knew that some few elves had given themselves over to Hetris, the God of Strife and Deception. His followers were the darkest of elves, many of them murderers and assassins who chose to forsake their families, friends, and loved ones to give themselves over to Hetris, who expected only the vilest of deeds to be carried out by His chosen people. The worship of Hetris had long been outlawed among the elves, forcing His followers to hide their allegiance, and hold their vile rituals in secret, or risk being put to death.

He remembered that as a child his father would regale him with the stories of those few who still sought out Hetris despite the risks and were rewarded with tremendous powers that enabled them to accomplish incredible feats and unbelievable atrocities. Elves with the ability to become a part of the shadows themselves, control the various elements, or change their appearances with only a moment's thought. Legendary figures whose exploits resounded throughout the ages.

He immediately knew what needed to be done. The goddess Petra had never done anything for him even though he had been a devout follower of Her teachings for many centuries, so it was an easy thing for him to turn his back upon Her and seek out the dark god Hetris.

Now, after a century of exile, he had finally returned to his homeland, ready to take his revenge upon those who cast him out among the lesser races.

He hurried through the crossroads and back into the shadows, then quickly made his way through the darkness until he arrived at a deserted plaza near the edge of town. He slowed as he reached the large ornate fountain in the center of the plaza, then stopped as a second figure appeared from the darkness nearby.

What news have you? The shadowy figure asked in a hoarse whisper. The dark figure wore a long hooded robe that cast their face shadow, concealing their features from any who happened to be watching.

Recruitment among the young has been quite successful, just as you said it would be. The silver-haired elf answered quietly. There were many who seemed quite taken with the old stories, and were eager to jump at the chance to gain powers of their own. A number of them have already performed the ancient rite. Entire families have been wiped out this night.

That is good. Hetris will be pleased. He may even grant some of their wishes. The hooded figure looked around to make certain that they were alone. And?

And everything is going exactly as planned. The silver-haired elf murmured. Petra's followers have grown so frightened that something will have to be done.

Very good. The hooded figure murmured in approval. The slaughter tonight may be the push that they need to force them into calling upon the Dragon Lord for aid. The Alena has already suggested the idea several times now, though many have objected to bringing in an outsider for aid. However, after tonight, I think that they'll have little choice but to send a messenger to seek out the Dragon Lord and ask for his help.

Does the Alena suspect anything?

Of course not. The hooded figure whispered with a snort of derision. He is far more concerned with trying to convince anyone who'll listen that it would be beneficial for the elves to open up relations with the lesser races. He has no idea of our plans.

The Alena were never the most intelligent of creatures. The silver-haired elf sniffed disdainfully. It's almost an insult to call them our cousins. He gave the hooded figure a curious look. What is our next step?

We wait. The harsh voice informed him from the shadows cast by the dark hood. If the stories about the Dragon Lord are true, he will answer Petra's followers' plea for aid, and hurry here to our beloved island.

But why bring the Dragon Lord here? The silver-haired elf asked in a confused tone. What good can come of luring an outsider to our island?

That does not concern you. The hooded figure snapped impatiently. You need to keep your mind on the task given to you by our god, and let me worry about the task He has given to me.

I just thought that I might be able to aid you. The silver-haired elf frowned darkly. What do you wish me to do, then?

Continue to convert as many of our people as you can to our cause. Our lord needs more followers so His powers continue to grow, and we'll need every elf that we can gather if we want our plans to succeed.

I hope you know what you're doing. The silver-haired elf murmured in a dubious tone. The stories of the Dragon Lord all say that he is a fearsome warrior, and a sorcerer with incredible powers. He could be a dangerous person to deal with.

So can I. The hooded figure growled grimly. Besides, he is only a human.

But this is a human who has fought dragons and lived to tell the tale. The silver-haired elf pointed out in a doubtful tone. Any human who can face one of the great serpents and survive must be formidable.

Are you saying that you fear this human? The harsh voice had a slightly mocking tone that caused the silver-haired elf blush in humiliation. Do you tremble at the thought of the Dragon Lord coming to our island? Are you afraid that he may release his tame dragons upon you?

No human is a match for one of Hetris's faithful. The silver-haired man sneered, wrinkling his nose in disgust. And the Dragon Lord isn't even human, at least, not entirely. He has the blood of dragons in his veins, which makes him more beast than anything. And there has yet to be a beast discovered that can best one of Hetris's children.

That's what I wanted to hear. I... The hooded figure stopped as a pair of sentries carrying torches appeared in the distance. I must go. I must not be caught speaking with you, or all of our plans may be destroyed.

I must not be seen, either. The silver-haired elf murmured. If my return from exile were discovered, the entire island would be in an uproar.

Continue with the plans as you were instructed. The hooded figure hissed, stepping back into the shadows. Hetris shall let you know when the time has come to finally strike.

It shall be as you say. The silver-haired elf nodded, then, before the hooded figure could disappear into the darkness, he took its hand softly in his own. Stay safe, dear one. He murmured in a voice throbbing with love.

The hooded figure didn't reply, but merely disappeared into the darkness without another sound.

The silver-haired elf stared into the shadows where the figure disappeared for several moments, then turned and hurried back the way he came, eager to report their progress to his brothers.

Chapter 1

You need to concentrate, Leia. Damion said as he watched his daughter with a disapproving expression. Concentration is the key to everything when it comes to focusing your magic.

I am concentrating! The young girl snapped, brushing a stray lock of hair from her eyes in irritation. I'm just getting tired. We've been at this for hours now.

And we're going be here for several more hours if you don't start focusing.

The young girl gave her father a sour look, then began to stare at the apple that he had placed on the table before her. Her eyes suddenly narrowed, and the apple slowly floated up off of the table. I'm getting a little sick of making apples float around the room for your amusement. She said in a waspish tone. There are other things that we could be doing right now.

You need to learn how to control your magic, and this exercise will help.

I already know how to control my magic. She told him defensively, taking her gaze off the hovering apple, which immediately dropped to the floor and rolled away.

"Sure you do. A scruffy looking man agreed blandly as he lounged lazily on a nearby bench. That's why you set your bedroom curtains on fire. He grinned at her tauntingly. Again." He added with a laugh.

Shut up, Sly. The young girl growled, fixing the scruffy little man with a dangerous look.

He's right. Damion told her in an unyielding tone. You could have accidentally hurt someone.

It wasn't my fault! The young girl objected with a scowl. I was having a nightmare! I can't control what happens when I'm sleeping!

You're still having nightmares?

The young girl nodded. They're happening almost every night now.

Do you remember what the dream is about?

It's the same dream every night. Leia nodded again. It starts out with me staring out of my bedroom window at the city below, then there's an explosion in the distance that shakes the entire castle to its foundations, and knocks me from my feet. When I reach the window again, Sevria is in ruins. There are bodies scattered everywhere, and everything is on fire. That's when the dragons begin dropping lifelessly from the sky. She shuddered. It's quite disturbing.

How long have you been having these nightmares? The huge warrior asked, his expression growing concerned.

They started a couple of weeks after the battle in Sierra, She told him. but they've been happening more often in the last few months.

The Battle of Sierra had taken place six years earlier, when Etaz, the God of the Underworld, gathered His people to renew His quest to bring the world beneath His dominion. Nearly every able-bodied man on the southern continent had gathered in the huge seaport city of Sierra to repel the dread god's army. The Etazk vastly outnumbered the defenders, but the people of the southern continent, led by Leia's father, the Dragon Lord, Damion Omensent, managed to repel and defeat the invading army, though not without taking dreadful losses.

I'm not surprised that you're having nightmares after everything that you have been through in the last few years. Sly commented, taking a long drink from his tankard. You've been abducted, dragged across the world to be handed over to the Dragon God, rescued, and then discovered that an entirely new species of dragon had been created from your essence. That would be enough to give anyone nightmares!

It had been over ten years since Leia had been abducted from her crib by a Highland witch, who had taken the young girl across the sea to the eastern continent to be surrendered to the Dragon God, Draco. It was only after her father, who had followed her abductor's trail to the other side of the world, confronted the Dragon God that she was finally returned to her parents, but a terrible price was paid. The Dragon God, angered beyond all reason, took a direct hand against her father, violating the Pact of the Gods, which allowed all the gods that once walked the lands to return once again, and renew the wars that once threatened to destroy the world.

I've gotten rather used to the idea that the veiled dragons were created from my blood. The young girl commented thoughtfully. They're quite affectionate, and would do anything I asked of them. The link that we share causes them to look upon me as their mother, which is kind of true, in an odd sort of way.

Which reminds me, Damion frowned. I would appreciate it if you would remind Xaxis not to leave his leftovers in the courtyard. The castle servants are refusing to clean up after him anymore.

I'll remind him. Leia promised. He forgets sometimes. He can be a little flighty now and then.

He's still young. He's only around ten years old. Considering the fact that dragons live for thousands of years, he's really not much more than a hatchling.

That one big hatchling. Sly snorted sarcastically. He left a pile of dung the size of a wagon in the center of town yesterday. It took four men over an hour to haul it all away.

I've asked him not to do that. Leia sighed wearily. At least it didn't land on anyone this time.

Captain Repheth didn't know what hit him! The scruffy little man pounded his knee in glee. You should have seen the look on his face when he realized what just landed on him! I thought he was going to skin Xaxis alive!

He didn't have to yell at Xaxis like that, though. The young girl said, jumping to the huge serpent's defense. It's not like he meant for it to happen.

Nevertheless, Damion chuckled. He can't continue living in the castle courtyard. It's time that he found himself a nice cavern in which to settle.

I can't make him leave! Leia objected. He'd be crushed! He loves it here! Besides, the people love him! They all come up to the courtyard to see him, and he adores all of the attention! I can't take that away from him!

There's really no other choice, Leia. Damion held his hands out helplessly. He doesn't belong in the city. He belongs in the wild with the rest of the dragons, free to go wherever he pleases. He can't do that as long as you continue to coddle him.

But I don't want him to go! Leia whined, her lower lip protruding slightly. He's my best friend!"

You just like having him around so you can sneak off for your nightly flights through the mountains. The huge warrior murmured with a knowing grin.

Leia's jaw dropped open in surprise. How did you know about that?

You're joking, right? Sly laughed again. Your mother makes your father and Snowfeather follow you every night.

"What? The young girl turned and stared at her father in disbelief. You follow me every night?"

Of course. Damion laughed at the look of outrage on his daughter's face. Your mother had a fit when she found out that you were sneaking off, and it was the only way that I could convince her to let you have your fun.

Really? Leia asked in surprise. You convinced her to let me go flying with Xaxis?

Damion nodded. I knew that he would keep you safe, but your mother wouldn't even consider letting you go off on your own. It took quite a bit of convincing before she finally agreed to let you enjoy your flights, and that was only if I followed along to make certain that nothing happened.

I can't believe you've been following me all of this time! Leia sounded outraged.

You should have known that you wouldn't be able to sneak off without your father finding out. Sly told her with an amused expression. Damion has eyes everywhere.

How were you able to follow me without me seeing you? Leia asked in confusion.

It wasn't really that difficult. The huge warrior explained with a shrug. I always shift into the form of an owl, and make sure to keep my distance. You're always too engrossed in your flights to even notice me.

And here I thought that I was actually getting away with something. The young girl muttered dispiritedly.

A huge reptilian creature with dull black scales that seemed to absorb the surrounding shadows entered the antechamber deep beneath the Serpent's Keep, where Leia and her father commonly gathered when Leia practiced her magic.

Did you know that my father follows me and Xaxis every evening when we go for our nightly flights? The young girl demanded of the huge beast, her expression still outraged.

Of courssse, The shadowy creature hissed. It wasss the only way that your mother would allow you to go.

"You knew, and you didn't tell me?" Leia looked even more outraged.

Your mother sssaid that ssshe would tie SSSlither'sss tail to SSSlither'sss head, and dangle SSSlither from the battlementsss if SSSlither uttered a sssingle word. The beast shrugged helplessly. SSSlither wasssn't sssure if ssshe wasss ssseriousss or not, but decided not to take any chancesss.

Prudent decision. Sly nodded to the shadowspawn. Raven isn't someone that you'd want to cross, especially when it comes to Leia.

Did you need something, Slither? Damion asked curiously.

Damariusss hasss asssked that you meet him in the courtyard outssside of the cassstle. SSSlither thinksss that he hasss ssset up another one of hisss ssstrange contraptionsss, and wissshesss to ssshow it off. The shadowspawn shook its head. Hopefully thisss one won't explode.

Didn't you tell that crazy old wizard that he had to stop building those infernal machines? Sly asked Damion with a scowl. He nearly destroyed the stables with the last one!

He promised that he'd keep all of his future inventions non-lethal. The huge warrior assured him. I couldn't force him to give up his tinkering altogether. Aunt Skie already forbid him from creating anymore of his potion formulas after the last batch blew up and caught that stone statue on fire. Who knows what he would get into if he wasn't allowed to tinker with his contraptions?

I guess we'd better go and see what he's been up to. The scruffy little man sighed in submission. I just hope I still have all my fingers and toes after he's done.

Finally! Leia flopped back into her chair in mock exhaustion. I was getting really tired of playing with apples.

Don't think that you're done practicing, young lady. Damion told his daughter. You're still not concentrating hard enough. If you allow your focus to wander at the wrong moment, it could have catastrophic consequences. He gave her a stern look. We'll pick this up again a little later, and I will expect you to be more focused. Otherwise, we may need to increase the amount of time that you're spending on your training.

Leia groaned wearily, then scowled as Sly began to chuckle again. Her eyes suddenly narrowed, and the apple that she had been using during her practice suddenly floated up into the air and shot across the chamber where it stuck the scruffy little man firmly in the side of his head.

Hey! Sly exclaimed, wiping the juicy pulp away with one hand. That wasn't very nice!

It wasn't meant to be. The young girl told him in a hard tone.

They quickly made their way up to the courtyard outside of the Serpent's Keep and found Lady Skie and Shirk already waiting with Damarius, who was busy fiddling with an object which he had hidden beneath a large tarp.

It's about time you got here! The old wizard exclaimed, his face alight with excitement. I wanted to show everyone my newest creation!

It's not going to explode or anything, right? Sly asked suspiciously, keeping a safe distance between himself and the old wizard. I remember the last time you wanted to show off one of your new creations. It took two weeks to repair all of the damage to the stables.

Of course, it won't explode. Damarius responded in an offended tone. It is completely harmless.

What is it? Damion asked curiously. You've been hidden away in the Vaults for weeks now, and wouldn't even give us a hint on what you were working on.

I was working on this! The old wizard said extravagantly, pulling back the tarp to reveal an elaborate suit of armor, complete with helmet and veil, all created from hundreds of overlapping black scales that seemed to absorb the surrounding shadows.

Is that what I think it is? Shirk asked in surprise.

Indeed, it is. Damarius smiled proudly. I used the last few shadow dragon scales that I possessed to construct a suit of armor. The scales are as light as a feather, yet incredibly tough, making it the perfect material for protecting someone in battle. They're also fire resistant. You could toss the armor into the fire and leave it for a week, and it would survive without a scratch. The scales also retain their ability to absorb the shadows, allowing the wearer to move undetected through the darkness.

"Now this is more like it! Sly started, moving closer to examine the armor. He suddenly frowned in disappointment. You made it too small. It'll never fit a full-grown man."

That's because it wasn't meant for a man. Damarius winked at Leia slyly.

Is that for me? The young girl suddenly broke into a grin.

Damarius nodded, his eyes dancing in delight. I heard you complaining that your armor no longer fit correctly, so I set about designing some new armor for you. Do you like it?

I love it! She hurried over and threw her arms around the old wizard.

Very nice. Damion complimented Damarius, who smiled happily as he watched Leia hurry over to examine her new armor. It was kind of you to sacrifice your last few shadow dragon scales to create new armor for Leia.

Well, I knew that she needed new armor, and her twelfth birthday is tomorrow, so... The old wizard shrugged. I always knew that the scales would make wonderful armor if I could only figure out a way of shaping them into more manageable pieces. He shook his head wearily. They were almost impossible to cut.

How did you finally manage to cut them?

I used a diamond. Nothing else would even leave a scratch. Even using a diamond, it took weeks to slice them into smaller pieces, but, in the end, it was worth it. It came out even better than I had hoped!

A sudden whooshing sound caused everyone to look around in surprise and confusion.

Look there. Sly grunted, pointing to a dark, bulky shape which was sailing jerkily through the air towards them.

What is that? Shirk asked in a baffled tone, squinting to get a better look at the approaching figure.

It's just Xaxis returning with his dinner. Leia told them after a single glance.

The strange bulky object suddenly dropped lifelessly to the courtyard below, revealing itself to be a large buck whose neck had been snapped clean in two. A huge plume of dust momentarily obscured the buck's body as a shimmering mass dropped from the evening sky to settle before them.

Really? Sly asked sarcastically, waving the dust away with one hand.

Sorry about that. A deep rumbling voice grumbled out of the shimmering mass, which slowly began to fade away to reveal a massive dragon who was staring down at them with an apologetic expression.

The beast was enormous, with a heavily-muscled body that was covered in thick dull-grey scales which had the amazing ability to instantly shift colors to mimic their surroundings. Two massive bat-like wings sprouted from its armored back, which was bristling with vicious-looking spikes, and two great spiraling horns sprouted from the back of its massive armor-plated head.

How was your hunt? Damion asked the great serpent politely.

Productive. Xaxis gestured to the dead buck with one razor-sharp claw. These mountains are absolutely teeming with deer. It only took me a few minutes to take this one down. He bit the head off of the carcass with a horrid crunch.

Agh! Lady Skie looked faintly nauseated. I think I've seen enough. Was there anything else, father?

No, no, The old wizard waved her off absently. Go on ahead. He hurried over to assist Leia into her new armor.

We'll see you all inside, then. Lady Skie and Shirk quickly disappeared back into the castle.

What do you have there, little mother? The huge veiled dragon asked Leia in a respectful tone after he had finished gulping down his mouthful of deer.

Damarius has made me some new armor. The young girl quickly finished slipping into the strange suit of armor. What do you think?

What is it made of? The huge beast leaned in close, his expression suspicious.

It's made from the scales of a shadow dragon. Damarius informed him absently, standing back to admire his handy work.

Dragon scales? Xaxis recoiled in revulsion. That's disgusting! He glanced down at the remainder of his meal, then brushed it aside with a nauseated expression.

I thought it was rather brilliant. Sly growled, staring up at the dragon with dislike.

You would. Xaxis retorted, sticking his long forked tongue out at the scruffy little man childishly.

Knock it off, you two. Leia snapped suddenly, causing them both Sly and Xaxis to jump nervously.

Sorry, little mother. The huge dragon murmured in a slightly sulky tone.

Yeah, sorry, little mother. Sly repeated in the same sulky tone, though he had a playful grin dancing about his scruffy face.

Shut up, Sly! The young girl snarled, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Now, now, Leia. A new voice said reproachfully. Is that any way for a young lady to behave?

Everyone turned to see a ravishingly beautiful young woman with long flowing black hair hurrying towards them with an amused expression.

Hello, my love. Damion greeted his young wife, who smiled and winked at him, a mischievous look on her face.

Hi, mom. Leia greeted her mother with a sigh, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.

What did I tell you about yelling at Sly like that?

You said that it's not ladylike. The young girl sighed again. You said instead of yelling at Sly, I should just turn him into a garden slug.

Hey! Sly exclaimed, turning to stare at Raven angrily. Don't tell her things like that! She may take you seriously!

So how does your new armor feel? Damarius asked expectantly.

It's perfect! Leia told him in genuine delight. It's so light that I can hardly tell I'm wearing it!

And there isn't a weapon on this planet that can penetrate the scales, The old wizard smiled proudly. other than the Dragon Sword, of course.

Look what it can do, Slither! Leia said excitedly, stepping into some nearby shadows, where she seemingly vanished. I can hide in the shadows, just like a shadowspawn!

Not bad, Slither hissed in an appraising tone. but there isss much more to being a ssshadowssspawn than jussst hiding in the ssshadowsss.

Like what? Leia stepped out from the shadows with a curious expression.

Like being able to move in complete sssilence, no matter your sssuroundingsss, and being able to sssneak up on your victimsss without them ever being aware of your presssence. It isss far more difficult than you may believe it to be.

Can you teach me?

SSSlither can try, The huge shadowspawn held out its hands. but it will take practice. Lotsss of practice.

Speaking of practice, Damion gave his daughter a pointed look.

But dad, Leia whined in her most wheedling tone. Can't we just pick it up again tomorrow? It's almost dark, and I still want to take my evening flight with Xaxis.

I guess it can wait until tomorrow, The huge warrior agreed with a chuckle. but we're going to pick it up again right where we left off.

Thank you, daddy! She exclaimed happily, hurrying over to the massive dragon and scampering up onto his shoulders.

Thank you, grandfather! Xaxis rumbled to Damion playfully, waiting for Leia to settle herself down, and then launching himself into the air with a single beat of his powerful wings.

Do you think that she likes her new armor? Damarius asked with a note of uncertainty in his voice.

Are you kidding? Sly asked, his expression sulky. She loved it! His expression suddenly brightened. If I can locate a few more shadow dragon scales, can you make another suit for me? He asked the old wizard eagerly.

There aren't any more shadow dragon scales, remember? Damarius reminded him. I used the last few collected in Arleia to create Leia's armor.

That's right, The scruffy little man frowned again. and the rest I sold off to various merchants to cover the cost of shipping all of the dragon bone to Sevria to be used in Azel's carvings.

Is Azel still using dragon bone in his carvings? Damion asked in surprise. I would have thought that his supply had run out long ago.

Azel used up all of the larger pieces years ago, Sly admitted with a frown. but he still had quite a bit of scrap pieces left over that he has been using as an inlay. Some of his newest creations are quite elaborate. You should stop by his chambers and see for yourself. The scruffy little man's eyes suddenly narrowed shrewdly. You know, we can make ourselves quite a bit of gold if we were to hunt down one of the shadow dragons that survived the massacre in Arleia. Azel can use the bones for his carvings, Damarius could use the scales to make more armor, and I even have buyers lined up that would buy the meat.

Dragon meat? Slither asked in disgust. Humansss would eat actually feassst upon the flesssh of a dragon?

Oh yes. Sly nodded emphatically. We were forced to butcher the shadow dragons that were killed attacking Sevria to remove their bodies, and a number of daring fellows decided to test out the meat's flavor. There has been a huge demand for it ever since.

Forget it, Sly. Raven started, turning to stare up at Damion with an expectant expression. Damion doesn't have the time to hunt down any shadow dragons. He already has something important that he needs to do.

I do? Damion asked blankly, staring down at his young wife in confusion.

You have a daughter out flying around on a dragon that you are supposed to be following. The young woman reminded him in a pointed tone. Or would you rather something happens to her again?

Oh, of course. The huge warrior nodded, pretending to scratch his upper lip to conceal his smile. I don't know what I was thinking.

You know that you're eventually going to have to let Leia go off on her own, right? Sly asked, wandering over to examine the remains of the buck that Xaxis had brought back for his evening meal.

Says who? Raven asked challengingly, her dark eyes flashing.

She's going to grow up eventually, you know? The scruffy little man shrugged, not noticing the dangerous expression on the young woman's face. Someday you're just going to have to let her go off on her own, and trust in the fact that you did everything that you could to prepare her for what she may face.

What do you know? Raven asked in an irritated tone. You don't even have any children.

"I did help raise Damion, though, Sly pointed out reasonably. and he turned out reasonably well, for the most part." He gave Damion an impish grin.

The time may come that we have to let Leia go off on her own, and trust that she will remember everything that we have taught her, Raven conceded, her expression still dangerous. "but that day is not today. She whirled around to face her husband. Well? What are you waiting for? Go find our daughter!"

Chapter 2

Hey, Snowfeather, Damion silently cast his thought out into the evening sky. I'm going to go and try to find Leia and Xaxis. Do you want to come along?

Of course. Came the silent reply. I always enjoy our nightly flights. A huge white owl suddenly appeared from the upper battlements of the castle, and quickly dropped down to land on the huge warrior's shoulder. Have they already departed?

About five minutes ago. Damion informed his familiar absently, watching as Slither, Sly, and Raven disappeared into the castle. I thought I would give them a bit of a head start so they could attempt to hide. Leia found out that we have been following her and Xaxis on their nightly outings, and was a little angry. I thought giving her a chance to avoid us might make up for her feeling so violated.

How did she find out?

It kind of slipped out while we were talking. Damion shrugged. This will make their nightly flights a little more exciting for them as they try to avoid being located. Now that she knows that she's being followed, she's certain to try and avoid being found.

How do you know that they will try and hide?

The huge warrior shrugged again. It's what I would do if I were her.

We'd better get moving, then. The huge owl hooted, launching itself back into the air.

Damion drew in his magic, using all of his concentration to control the energy that was building around him, then focused the energy inward on himself, allowing his massive frame to slip into the much smaller form of an owl.

Are you coming or not? Snowfeather squawked impatiently from overhead.

I'm just making sure that everything is in its proper place. The huge warrior told his familiar, stretching out his wings and examining them critically.

You look fine. Let's get moving. They already have a considerable head start.

You're not worried about her, are you? Damion asked, launching himself into the air. You're starting to sound a little like Raven.

Of course, I worry about her. I've spent the last twelve years watching over her. She's just as unpredictable as you were at that age! Who knows what she is capable of getting herself into?

Xaxis will not let her get herself into too much trouble. Damion replied confidently. He's fiercely protective of her. He will make sure that she's safe.

Xaxis is little more than a child himself. Snowfeather reminded him as they sailed higher and higher on the cool mountain breeze. He's just as apt to get into trouble as Leia is. Put them together and they're a catastrophe just waiting to happen!

They spent the next hour gliding high above the peaks and valleys that made up the Godstear Mountains before finally spotting Leia and Xaxis flying along in the distance.

There they are. Snowfeather said with some relief, tilting one wing to start after them.

Don't get too close. Damion warned. We don't want them to see us.

Leia's head suddenly whipped around, and her eyes narrowed as she spotted the two owls sailing silently along behind her and Xaxis.

Too late! Snowfeather hooted as they watched the young girl suddenly lean forward and say something to the massive serpent.

Xaxis suddenly tucked his wings close to his body and dove, forcing Damion and Snowfeather to follow suit or risk losing them in the darkness.

The enormous serpent began to rocket through a gulley that was so narrow that its wingtips nearly brushed the sides, then it suddenly launched itself up towards the dark sky above, leaving its pursuers far behind.

He's quick! Snowfeather puffed, struggling to keep up with the dragon.

I noticed. Damion replied, straining to catch up with the massive serpent. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to reveal the fact that we've been following them every night.

They slowly began to catch up with the elusive dragon, who had slowed to a glide, allowing them to draw a bit closer, then the massive beast suddenly shot off into the darkness once more, leaving them struggling to catch up.

Damion could clearly hear Leia's giggles of delight echoing behind her as she continued to instruct the massive veiled dragon to bank and dive in an attempt to elude her father and Snowfeather, who continued to follow their every move throughout the mountains.

I don't know how much longer I can keep this up! Snowfeather hooted after nearly an hour of chasing the serpent through the darkness. My wings feel like they're on fire!

Mine, too. Damion admitted, squinting in an effort to see his daughter, whose new shadow dragon scale armor allowed her to practically vanish in the darkness. Hopefully they'll tire themselves out soon.

They continued to follow the young girl and the veiled dragon through the mountains for several more minutes, then the scales of the huge serpent suddenly shimmered strangely, and the massive beast vanished from sight.

Where did they go? Snowfeather squawked in surprise.

Xaxis used his camouflage to disappear. Damion told him in amusement.

But where did Leia go? We should still see her, unless she's using her magic to conceal herself!

Her new armor is hiding her in the darkness. Damarius used the scales of a shadow dragon to create some new armor for her. They still have the ability to absorb the surrounding darkness.

What do we do now?

We head back to Sevria. Damion hooted, tipping his wing and slowly gliding back towards the secluded valley where the tiny mountain town was nestled. They'll return when they're finished having their fun.

They arrived in Sevria a few minutes later and found Leia and Xaxis in the courtyard calmly awaiting their return.

What took you so long? The young girl asked innocently as her father shifted back into his normal form.

Very funny, young lady. Damion murmured. Your mother would have tanned your backside if she saw you pull something like that. You know that, right?

I know, Leia grinned impudently. but mom wasn't there, and what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

Damion shook his head and laughed. "We'd better get inside before she comes looking for us. You know that she doesn't like it when you're out late."

Okay, The young girl agreed in a slightly sulky tone. She turned to Xaxis, who had stretched out on the cool cobblestones of the courtyard. Thank you for the ride, Xaxis. It was wonderful!

It was quite enjoyable. The huge dragon agreed, lowering his head down to gently nuzzle the young girl. I always look forward to our nightly excursions, but tonight's flight was especially entertaining.

I'm happy that you enjoyed it. She gave the huge beast an affectionate hug. Try to stay out of trouble. I'll call for you tomorrow once I have finished with my lessons.

Of course, little mother. Xaxis replied respectfully. I shall wait for your call. He rose to his feet and launched himself into the air with a single thrust of his huge wings.

Where is he going? Damion asked as the massive serpent vanished into the darkness.

I told him that he needed to find himself a new lair. Leia shrugged, making her way towards the castle. You said that he needed to find a new place to settle.

How did he take it?

He seemed a little disappointed at first. He really enjoyed staying here in the courtyard. But he understood why he couldn't stay any longer. He said that he would find a suitable cavern somewhere in the mountains nearby so he would still be close, just in case I need him.

They slowly made their way to Damion's office high up in the upper levels of the massive castle where they found Raven, Shirk, and Lady Skie talking quietly with a pair of strangers dressed in hooded traveling cloaks.

It's about time! Shirk grunted sourly when they entered the room. "We were beginning to wonder