Dakeb Invasion of the Vikings: Dakeb Dragon Warrior Trilogy, #2

By J. Thiele

This is an Adult Epic Fantasy with Warlords, Witches, Dragons and Warriors.
 

This is the second installment in the Dragon Warriors Trilogy. 

In this episode you will discover many of the secrets behind the Legends of Old. 

You will follow the story of the characters you have come to know and love from the first one in this trilogy, along with some new and very colorful additions. 

This book was written for all those readers who believe that dragons are real and that maybe they are simply in hiding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Bell & Jordin Thiele Inc.
• Release date: Apr 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386791973

J. Thiele

J. Thiele lives in Brisbane, Australia. She writes in a variety of genres, ranging from paranormal romance, old fashioned who did it – Detective novels and most recently has broadened her scope with the addition of writing horror. She finds writing therapeutic and centring which tends to balance out her energetic personality, and the occasional bout of insomnia. Although she has realised that writing horror at night can raise your blood pressure when you see a movement out of the corner of the eye. It’s all too easy to scare oneself half to death.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Dakeb sat perched on a ledge high on the face of his mountain, sharpening his weapons, while carefully scouring the landscape for any sign of the Vikings, or the Black Dragon.

His army had been in training ever since they received word that Magenta had returned with them in the north, and Dakeb had no doubt in his mind that they were headed his way.

He'd heard stories of the ruthless Vikings, and how they had come to conquer other kingdoms, only to leave once they had destroyed everything in their wake. He was determined not to allow them into his dominion, purely to leave it in rack and ruin like they did so many others, at least not without a fight. He'd sent word to Linus in the neighbouring territory, asking him to join him in arms for the impending battle, and he hoped his friend would not disappoint him.

Linus knew that if he didn't fight by Dakeb’s side now, then on the off chance the Vikings were victorious, his province would soon fall victim to the same fate. He responded with haste by bringing his army together and leading them in a unified march toward Dakeb's mountain.

Bjork and Saffron flew up ahead, ensuring the army did not run into any unexpected trouble along the way. From the sky they could spot an ambush from miles away, and Linus did not want to risk the lives of his men until he and Dakeb had joined forces.

As they crossed the border into Rufaar's kingdom, they could see smoke billowing upward across the horizon. Saffron spun around swiftly and fled back to warn Linus.

Hurry sire! It appears the battle has already begun! Bjork shouted from between Saffron's wings. Smoke covers the horizon, they are burning everything.

Forward! Linus shouted to his army below, as he hovered over them, sitting astride the crest of Calypso's shoulders. We must advance quickly!

His army spurred on by their king, quickened their advance, as he and Bjork flew on ahead to assess the battle from above.

The Vikings were closing in on Dakeb's mountain, they could see from a distance that Dakeb was already guiding his warriors toward the raging battle. Go back and lead the men. Linus ordered Bjork, I will try to urge Dakeb to turn back until you arrive with the reinforcements.

With that, Saffron spun in the air and flew as fast as she could, back to the approaching army. At the same time, Linus and Calypso raced toward Dakeb and his warriors.

Brother! Linus called, My army is on its way. You must turn back until they arrive. They are too strong in numbers for your men alone.

I will not abandon the people. Dakeb responded. They are defenceless against these heathens.

No, they are not defenceless… they are dead! There is nothing you can do for them now. If the Vikings have already passed through, you can be assured they will have left no survivors, you must trust me on this my friend. Linus insisted. Turn back now and wait for my army, we will be victorious and conquer them together.

A voice entered Dakeb's head, He's right my love. We must wait for back up. We do not know what these barbarians are capable of. If they are led by Magenta, we most certainly could be marching good men into an evil trap, and if Linus is right, we may all be dead by nightfall.

There are many villages to pass before they get to the city. We must hold them back at least and try to protect those still in their path. Dakeb reasoned.

And we will. Are you ready Calypso? Mahalia's voice broke into Calypso's mind.

I'm ready. She answered calmly, as if she knew in advance what Mahalia's plan was.

Then let's do this now.

A moment later the two dragons flew off toward the Vikings. Drawing nearer to the front line they swooped down closer to the ground, and within the blink of an eye, they separated and headed in opposite directions. With a roar in the backs of their throats they began to breathe fire, setting the wild grass alight. They continued on their individual paths until they were reunited behind the Vikings forming a giant ring of fire around the intruders, trapping them inside.

It will not hold them for long, but it should at least hold them until Linus' men arrive. Mahalia promised, as Linus and Calypso doubled back toward his men.

Dakeb and Mahalia landed in front of the army and decided to make camp while they waited for Linus to reach them with his men. The sky quickly filled with smoke, making it impossible to see exactly where the sun was. Dakeb worried that Linus and his men might easily lose their way and not make it in time before the fires burned down and the smoke cleared, allowing the Vikings to continue their quest.

Dakeb was about to address his men, when over his shoulder he heard an all mighty roar that came from none other than Magenta. She appeared from nowhere bursting through the veil of smoke. Dakeb could only assume the man she carried upon her shoulders to be the leader of the Vikings.

He raced toward Mahalia and climbed into his saddle. They were airborne in seconds and Dakeb had his slingshot loaded and began to vigorously swing it in circles over his head to build momentum. As he set the first stone free, he heard the clang of it hitting the Vikings shield, but not hard enough to throw him from his saddle or even drop his weapon. Dakeb knew he had to get closer in order to disarm the rider.

With determination he reloaded his weapon and set another stone free. This time hitting the dragon. Magenta squealed and her eyes turned red, she flew directly toward Dakeb and Mahalia. Being free she had grown in massive proportions since they'd last seen, as she fled from Linus's kingdom all those months ago. They had hoped they'd seen the last of her then, but something in the back of Dakeb’s mind, kept telling him that she'd return one day looking for revenge.

Dakeb loaded his weapon for a third time, but just as he looked up for his target, he was thrown from his saddle by an almighty jolt to Mahalia's flank. She had been blindsided by Magenta and her rider, who were using the cover of the smoke to create a surprise attack.

Dakeb landed with a thud, but quickly rose to his feet. Mahalia however was winded and was still trying to catch her breath when Dakeb, shouted Lookout! but he was too late and Mahalia was struck again. She fell to the ground, landing heavily not far from Dakeb’s feet. Magenta was coming in for a third assault, but just as she got close, she too was thrown of course by a blow to her side.

Suddenly the wind sprung up and the smoke began to clear, and out of the haze come the familiar sight of Rufaar, Magenta’s own twin brother. She and her rider fled knowing they would live to fight another day.

Rufaar landed in the shrubs, and waited for Dakeb. By then the smoke had almost cleared, yet, there was still no signs of Linus and his men. Dakeb handed a blanket to Rufaar so he could cover his naked body and emerge from the bushes.

She's grown. Rufaar stated gruffly to Dakeb as he searched the skies for his twin.

"Yes, and she's angry. We have a real