Magic's Return: Dragon's Honor

By Chip Gagne and Pat Gagne

DRAGONS ROAM THE EARTH ONCE MORE...

...and social media is alive with the photos and videos to prove it. Now that Ton'zi and his followers have learned to create portals, there is nothing to stop them from claiming the Earth Realm as their private hunting grounds. Nothing except Mei'lon and what's left of the Dragon Council.

Shen, Bitsy, Mark, Cynric and Trouble followed Ton'zi back to Earth, but if military missiles can't stop a dragon, what can they do? Shen's powers continue to grow, yet even with the help of the powerful, but dead, dragon who created the portals, they see no way to stop the carnage. Dragons, elves and wizards are at war in both realms. It's going to take a dragon's honor to prevent a total cataclysm.

Magic's Return: Dragon's Honor is the third book in the Magic's Return series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chip Gagne
• Release date: Dec 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310597404

Chip Gagne

Chip Gagne is a software engineer whose main hobbies included reading and writing (and Lego, but that is a different story). Born on the hottest day of the year, Chip was guided to reading at an early age. Some of his favorite memories include weekly trips to a used book store where he inevitably would find a new science fiction, horror, or fantasy novel to read.Over the years, Chip wrote several short stories and even an attempt at a script or two, but never attempted to do anything with them once they were written. Yet he always had the drive and desire to create.After discovering a real enjoyment of fantasy and anything with dragons, he decided to try and persuade his mother, Pat, who had previously published 25 books under the name Dani Sinclair, to write a fantasy novel. He had several ideas and suggestions for one, but it was only after he agreed to co-author the book with her that she agreed. The result is the Magic's Return series.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Wings flared and a trickle of steam slipped from the massive snout. The small cluster of people who had gathered in the clearing at the dragon's arrival took a collective step back. Only a single man, dressed in wizard's robes, remained standing before the mighty creature. Even he trembled at this outward show of agitation. The dragon was enraged. It was always risky dealing with an angry dragon.

The dragon's long, scaled neck swung back and forth. The massive tail flattened grass and plants alike as it swept a restless path from side to side. That he was partly the cause of this anger churned the man's stomach, but he had to make the dragon understand. He forced himself to remain still.

After a moment the dragon focused on the wizard.

It was never my intention for that to happen.

The dragon's voice, heard in his head only, sounded deep and angry.

They became separated from the crystal trader when the shields went down. The cavern started to collapse and they were forced to take the only other way out.

I know you didn't plan this, the wizard stammered in frustration. But I'm asking you to let me go after B'ietsu.

The dragon's massive head whipped upward. Once again, the mighty wings fluttered. It took every ounce of courage the man had to remain in place. Even after the dragon settled once more, he was silent so long the wizard thought he wasn't going to respond at all.

I understand your desire to go after her, but she is with Cynric and Shen. They will keep her safe.

As Ad'iorn was supposed to do the first time? We just leave her in the Earth Realm? the wizard demanded, his own frustration pushing aside his fear. He threw his hands in the air. She's my daughter!

There was a gasp from someone in the crowd, but he didn't turn to look. The dragon's silence was profound. He ran a none-to-steady hand over his face, only partly ashamed of his outburst.

I am aware of that, the dragon said softly. But B'ietsu still has the portal key. She will return as soon as she may.

She won't! You know she and the others are going to go after Ton'zi! They're going to try and protect Earth against a dragon!

In an almost human gesture the dragon seemed to sigh.

There is some basis for your concern, he acknowledged. Xan and I have discussed the situation. We will open a portal and I will go through and find Ton'zi...and your daughter.

Then let me come with you. It is my right as your peron'i, and her father.

No.

There was absolute finality in that single word.

We will risk no others. The portal will remain unsealed, but guarded. You might be able to reach out to her with her darkling, but that is the best I can offer.

Crestfallen, the wizard wanted to rail at the massive beast, but he knew it would accomplish nothing. Slowly, he nodded reluctant acceptance.

I will return your daughter to you.

The words had the sound of a vow. The dragon then turned and spread its wings in preparation to launch itself into the sky. But the wizard had one more question. If you find Ton'zi will you bring him back as well?

Smoke billowed from the dragon's nostrils before he turned his long, sinewy neck to cast a look back at the wizard.

When I find Ton'zi there will be nothing left to bring back.

CHAPTER ONE

B'ietsu

Screams echoed off the hilltop close by. B'ietsu's heart beat a rapid tattoo at the sight of two trees blazing against the sky a short distance away. Wood smoke wafted toward them when the wind abruptly changed direction. A third tree blazed to life.

Crap. It's a forest fire. Shen's expression echoed her fear.

Who is screaming? Cynric asked.

The question answered itself as eight young boys and three adult males pelted into the clearing. The lead child was screaming hysterically, but all of them looked terrified, even the adults.

Oh, yeah, Ton'zi's been here, Mark muttered as B'ietsu stepped forward to intercept the screaming boy. Cynric beat her to him.

Scooping the child into his arms, he looked directly into the child's too-wide eyes. Quiet. The boy stopped mid-scream.

B'ietsu drew in a sharp breath of surprise. She had never known any wizard who could perform a calming spell like that. Before she could wonder about it, the lead adult reached them, panting heavily.

Thank you. We need...to get to our cars. The fire...is spreading fast. He bent over, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. While the children milled about uncertainly, the other two adults took the opportunity to catch their breaths as well. The shorter, more portly fellow leaned against a tree.

What happened? Shen asked.

A wide-eyed redheaded boy answered for him. I had to pee and Louis was my forest buddy. We went into the woods and saw this bright flashing light through the trees. It lit up the whole sky. Louis thought maybe it was a flying saucer or something so we went to check it out.

Two of the other kids snickered. The boy stubbornly ignored them.

Then the light disappeared, and we heard an animal scream. There was all this noise. It was real dark, but this big, huge animal thing had a deer in his claws. He was eating it! There was all this blood. It was gross. It had a long neck like a snake, except it looked like a giant lizard! When it saw us, fire shot out of its mouth and a tree caught on fire so we ran.

That wasn't a lizard, an excited tow-headed boy chimed in anxiously, It was a dinosaur. A real one!

Was not! You didn't even see it!

Did so! I woke up when you started screaming like a girl.

The adult straightened up. Enough! he said. Philip, Alan, be quiet.

But it's true, the tow-head complained.

It's okay, Alan. We need to get the kids to the cars, Ray, a taller man said coming forward with his arm draped over the shoulder of a shivering young boy. The kids are cold and scared, and despite the earlier rain this morning, the woods are dry and that fire's spreading. You kids need to get somewhere safe as well.

The man called Ray nodded agreement. They'd better come with us. Jerry called the fire department, but it's going to take time for them to get up here. And you're right, that fire is spreading. It's too dangerous for anyone to stay here right now.

But we need─

To go with them, Shen interrupted Cynric firmly.

The silent look the two exchanged contained an entire dialogue that none of the others were privy to. Concerned, B'ietsu looked from one to the other trying to understand what was going on between them. Right from the start there had been a strange affinity between the two young wizards that had shut everyone else out.

Despite his fortuitous rescue of them on the beach when they used an unknown portal from the Earth Realm to enter M'atoi, there had always been something strange about the young wizard. B'ietsu couldn't bring herself to completely trust Cynric. Something was off. Her father was a full-blood wizard and even he couldn't do what Cynric had just done with that child.

Now that the adults had had a moment to rest, their panic had faded and they were quickly gaining control of their charges. And apparently, that now included the four of them. The men were eyeing them with the start of suspicious curiosity. B'ietsu realized that while their clothing was perfectly suited to M'atoi, it was out of place in the Earth Realm. And Mark's skin was still a light purple shade. Fortunately, that was barely noticeable in the early dawn light.

Shen was right. The wisest course of action was to go along with the men for now.

My brother's good with kids, she told the man called Ray with her best, little-girl smile, nodding toward Cynric. That's why my mother said I could come with them.

Shen gave her an approving nod.

Hey! That's a cat, one of the boys announced as Trouble returned to Shen's side and rubbed against his leg.

This is Trouble, Shen responded, scooping her up.

What are you kids doing up here at this hour anyway? Ray demanded, his tone indicating his growing suspicion. Did you have something to do with that fire?

No, sir, Shen said. We just heard all the screaming and came to see what was going on.

B'ietsu sensed the man didn't believe Shen, but the other adult forestalled anything else he might have said.

Questions can wait, Ray. We need to get moving. The wind is shifting again. Let's go. The trail is over that way. The tall man pointed off to his left. Cynric released the child he'd been holding and the man gently took the boy's arm and turned him around.

Come on, Louis. It's okay now. Let's go home.

What about our stuff? one of the other children demanded.

We'll come back for it after they put out the fire, the man responded, herding them all in the direction he wanted them to go.

But I left my cell phone, the boy wailed. It'll get burned up.

Better that than you, one of the others told him.

Why are you kids up here? the quiet, portly man asked as they followed the others around the hill to the other side.

We were camping, like you, Mark improvised. Our stuff is back down there. He waved in a vague direction behind them. There was all this lightning for a few minutes. It actually woke us up. There was a real bright flash that probably started the fire. We were going to check it out when we heard the kids screaming.

Ah, that's the light Louis and Philip saw, the man said more to himself than to Mark. His brow furrowed. But I didn't hear any thunder. I thought the storm was over.

Mark nodded enthusiastically. So did we. I guess it was heat lightning or something. It must have set those trees on fire. We certainly didn't see any giant lizards or dinosaurs, he added with a grin.

The man smiled back. They're only eight. They've got good imaginations, especially Ray's boy, Philip.

Boy scouts? Mark asked.

Cub scouts, the man corrected. We took a chance on the weather. They said there was only a slight chance of rain toward morning so we figured it would be no problem once the tents were set up.

Yeah. We thought the same thing. Cynric's really into this nature thing. He's my cousin, he confided and lowered his voice. My aunt adopted him from Russia. He and my friend Shen like to hike and explore.

Confused by this exchange, B'ietsu moved closer to Shen. What's Mark doing? she whispered.

Following your lead. He's giving us a cover story, he whispered back. As long as the other adults have their hands full with the kids they won't ask too many questions, but you should probably do your whammy thing when we get to their cars.

What is a whammy thing? Cynric asked quietly, dropping back to keep pace with them.

Bitsy can get people to do what she wants them to and make them forget things.

She frowned at Shen. I can't control a crowd. Remember when you blew up the trash can? I tried. There just isn't enough magic here.

Control them how? Cynric asked.

They want me to spell them into doing what I ask without remembering.

His eyes narrowed. That is wrong.

I know, she agreed. When I was here before I had no choice. It was a matter of survival. Most people on this planet have no magic so it's easy to put them into a trance, but I didn't like doing it. The thing is, I don't think we have a choice now, either.

Cynric shook his head. We should not be following these others. We need to locate Ton'zi and whoever came through the portal with him. That is why we are here.

They're dragons, Cynric. They can fly, Mark pointed out as he slowed to join them. We can't. They could be anywhere by now. But trust me. A pair of dragons flying over Pennsylvania is not exactly going to go unnoticed. We won't have any trouble finding them once people wake up and see them.

We're in Pennsylvania? Shen asked.

According to Dave, he nodded in the direction of the portly man who had moved up to talk with the other two men.

You two got awfully chummy.

Mark grinned. You're welcome.

We are wasting time, Cynric told them.

No. Mark's right, Cynric. A pair of dragons flying over Pennsylvania is going to get noticed. There's nothing we can do about them right now. We need to talk with my uncle. He's part of the wizard community. We're probably going to need their help to capture Ton'zi.

Capture? Are you nuts? Mark's expression was astounded.

Shhh, Shen cautioned with a meaningful nod at the adults a short distance ahead of them. Trouble struggled in his arms so he set her down to walk in front of them.

Mark obediently lowered his voice. You can't capture a pair of man-eating dragons! Besides, this is the United States. The military isn't going to sit on their hands when they spot dragons flying around their airspace. They're going to shoot them out of the sky.

Shen sighed at Cynric's blank expression. Unfortunately, Mark's right, Shen told him. They'll scramble jets and helicopters to deal with Ton'zi and probably shoot him down with rockets or something.

B'ietsu saw a flash of silver in Cynric's eyes as he began to understand what Shen was saying.

They'll kill them, Cynric, Mark added.

Cynric drew himself up. They can try.

You don't understand. Your people left earth because humans were killing your dragons. Mark shrugged. They killed them for their magic back then, but now they'll kill them as a matter of national security. Earth may not have magic anymore, but we do have weapons. Stronger, more deadly weapons than when dragons last roamed Earth. We have technology that even now is probably tracking them. There'll be nowhere for them to hide.

You are sure of this? There was weight to the question and he directed it at Shen rather than Mark. Once again, his words spoke volumes that weren't being said out loud.

Certain? No. As if for their benefit Shen added, Dragons are magic after all. I don't know what's going to happen when the two cultures clash, but they will clash, Cynric, just as they did before. And that's why we need to talk to my uncle right away.

Worried, B'ietsu nearly stumbled over a bit of vegetation. Shen was right. Two dragons were loose on earth. Nothing was ever going to be the same again for this planet no matter what happened next. Ton'zi and whatever dragon had come with him through the portal were in for a big shock. They had emerged on a wooded hillside so they had no idea yet that Earth was nothing like M'atoi. The dragon realm had never developed technology. M'atoi didn't have cities filled with tall buildings or masses of people. In M'atoi, people relied on magic rather than technology. They tried to live in harmony with the planet, not bury it under the structures they created.

This was not going to end well. One elf, two wizards, a familiar and a human were no match for a pair of ambitious dragons in a world that wouldn't understand them.

I wish we still had our cell phones, Mark grumbled.

I've got mine, Shen told him. But it's useless with a dead battery.

What is a cell phone? Cynric asked B'ietsu.

A communication device, she responded. Like using darklings, only different.

What am I going to tell my folks? Mark continued. Do you realize how long we've been gone?

It'll be fine, Shen offered. I'm sure Uncle Gan gave them some sort of believable story.

Right. The last we saw of your uncle he was surrounded by elves shooting magic, wizards shooting guns, the police shooting at both sides, and a news helicopter taking video of the whole thing. Think he had a believable story for that?

Shen fell silent as they continued moving downward over the uneven terrain.

If only that stupid dragon had created a portal that opened in downtown or somewhere civilized, Mark groused.

He could have opened one on the Interstate at rush hour, Shen pointed out.

Well, at least in the half second we'd have had to survive before we were killed by a speeding car, we'd be closer to home.

Shen punched him lightly.

So what are we going to do when we reach their cars? B'ietsu asked.

Better come up with something fast. I think we're there, Mark warned.

CHAPTER TWO

Shen

Two large sport utility vehicles and an extended cab pickup truck were parked in the gravel parking lot. Shen and the others held back and watched as the adults loaded the younger children into the SUV's.

I'm afraid you kids will have to ride in the back of the truck, Dave told them apologetically as he closed the door to one of the vehicles, The SUV's are full.

Shen glanced back the way they had come. The orange glow from the burning trees stood out starkly against the early morning sky. The fire was spreading at an alarming speed. He sincerely hoped this wasn't an omen of what was to come with two dragons loose on earth.

Going with these men wasn't a great idea. The way they were dressed was going to attract attention. Not to mention Mark's purple skin tone. Still, Shen couldn't see any alternatives. He needed to call his uncle, even though Cynric wasn't going to like another delay. Shen could tell that the only thing keeping him from changing into a dragon and flying off in pursuit of Ton'zi was the fact that Bitsy and Mark could never know that Cynric was also a dragon. The knowledge that dragons could shape shift was one of the oldest, most carefully protected forms of magic in M'atoi.

The back of the truck is fine. Shen responded when he realized the man was still waiting. He added what he hoped looked like a sincere smile. Sure beats walking.

Dave gave Cynric a curious glance as he opened the gate on the pickup and Mark quickly scrambled into the back. Trouble leaped up nimbly alongside him. As Shen started to help Bitsy into the truck, Cynric grabbed him by the shoulder.

What are you doing? We need to go after them now! he said softly yet sharply.

Shen shook his head. Only you can fly. Unless you want to share that fact with everyone here, we need to get in the truck and talk to my uncle. If the wizards help us, we stand a better chance of fighting them.

Cynric seemed torn by indecision, but nodded unhappily.

What are you guys waiting for? Mark asked. Shen realized the other vehicles had started their engines. The group was waiting on them. Shen and Cynric quickly climbed into the back of the pickup and Dave closed the gate behind them.

What is this thing? Cynric asked as they started down the mountain. It smells horrible! And the sounds it makes...

It's a car. Shen told him. Well, a truck to be specific. Vehicles like these are the primary way people get around on Earth.

Cynric glowered. I prefer walking.

That could take us days, depending on where we are in Pennsylvania, Mark told him cheerfully. In a car we can get home in a matter of hours.

Shen didn't have to hear Cynric's thoughts to know the dragon was thinking that if he flew he could be there even sooner than that. Bitsy was eyeing them with a thoughtful expression. Shen offered her a smile, thankful she could only read emotions and not thoughts. He was glad when Trouble jumped into his lap so he could look away from her penetrating gaze.

The sky had brightened measurably now. The sun was rising fast along with a dark column of smoke from the fire. The air was filled with the smell of burning wood. Sirens sounded in the distance. Shen hoped the fire trucks were following a different path because the dirt road they were on was barely wide enough for one car, and filled with ruts and bumps. He felt bad for Bitsy. Her smaller size made the inevitable bouncing and jarring much worse. Mark had gripped one of her arms to keep her in place.

After several long minutes they turned onto a paved road and the ride became easier. Shen had just started to relax when he sensed something that made him sit up straighter and scan the sky.

What is it? Mark asked.

Cynric was also staring up at the sky. For a second, Shen thought he glimpsed a large shadow, but it was swallowed by the trees before he could determine exactly what it was.

Did you see that shadow?

Cynric didn't reply, but his gaze was riveted on the sky near where Shen thought he'd seen...something.

It was probably a bird, Shen. Bitsy told him. She pointed off in the distance where a flock of birds had taken to the sky to get away from the burning forest fire.

Birds don't cast visible shadows at that height, Mark told them in concern. Don't you remember when Mr. Williams was teaching us about the umbra and penumbra in science, Shen?

No, but I believe you. Shen knew Mark had a good memory for things like that.

They were all scanning the skies nervously now. There were birds and even a plane off in the distance, but no dragons. Shen sighed in relief when they finally pulled into a small town that looked like it was stuck in the nineteen-fifty's. But as he glanced at Mark he realized they had a new problem.

Mark, keep your head down. Try to stay in Cynric's shadow. You're still a light purple.

Oh, shoot. I forgot.

The caravan came to a halt in front of a diner. Cynric immediately unlatched the gate and jumped down from the pick-up. The others quickly followed and Mark scooted to the rear, ducking his head.

That is a poor way to travel, Cynric groused, eliciting a smile from Shen.

Dave shuffled out of the truck. You guys do okay back there? The ride was a little rough at first.

Shen smiled. We were fine, thank you very much.

Cynric nodded stiffly.

You're welcome. You need a ride home?

No, Shen told him, we're going to go call my uncle to come get us. Thanks!

The others had piled out of the cars. They