The Dragon Queen

By Elli McCullon

Princess Sarma, future queen of Dauthe, is born with special gifts for healing and for harm. Her gifts are born in a rare few and feared throughout the land. Following a tragedy and being blamed for a crime she didnt commit, she fled to the land of dragons with her most trusted friend, Renn. There she gives birth to a daughter who will change the course of the world with her friends and save the kingdom that is rightfully hers.

This book is about the coming of age of a young woman and her daughter. Both are blessed (or cursed) with a gift that can change the course of history forever. Follow along as these princesses fight battles within themselves as well as the world around them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abbott Press
• Release date: Jan 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781458213815

Elli McCullon

Elli McCullon lives in Colorado. She is a vegetarian as well as an activist for human and animal rights. She supports efforts to protect the environment. She has a young son at home. She recently sponsored an eight year old boy and his family in Colombia. Elli donates most of her money to causes around the world. She believes that anyone can make a difference. Even something small to one person can mean everything to another. She is currently working on Farkas. Farkas is about a wolf who cannot howl who befriends a boy who cannot speak well. 75% of proceeds will go towards children and wolves in need.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I n a faraway land hugging the Trila Sea rests the kingdom of Dauthe. It was a place almost as old as the land itself. It is a land full of history… magic… and a young princess destined to change the world fo rever.

A beautiful princess watched the choppy waves from her spacious balcony as her fiery red hair blew in the matching sunset. Her stormy bluish green eyes scanned the darkening waters.

Sarma’s sharp eyes watched for ships that would possible carry her to an unknown destiny. She could soon make out the eagle emblem upon the sail of the imperial ship.

The young princess watched with growing anger rather than retrieve her parents. Why announce to her parents what she never wanted in the first place?

His Majesty’s ship was surrounded by four battleships to protect it from water bandits. The warships lowered their weapons and edged away to make room for the king’s ship to port as her father’s men rowed out to help secure it.

Sarma paced the balcony with impatience. She knew nothing would happen unless she allowed it.

The rails around the balcony were covered with moon flowers, her favorite bloom. The fact that it was the only flower to bloom at night made them extra special to her.

She shrank amongst the vines and sang to them. They grew bigger and partially hid her enough to allow her to watch the evening events without being seen.

Sarma! A voice called from the doorway. It was Leah, Sarma’s eight year old sister.

One day, she would be a beauty to behold. Her white skin, buttery blonde hair, and sky blue eyes would catch the attention of any man.

Being a princess didn’t hurt either, which reminded Sarma bitterly why she didn’t want to marry anyone. She didn’t believe in marriages for titles, but only for love.

Leah hugged her sixteen year old sister close. Mama and Papa want you to come downstairs, she said with bright smiling eyes.

Sarma sighed. Tell them I will be down soon. She watched her sister’s long blonde hair race after her as she ran out the bedroom door.

She sat down on her satin bed. As she stared up at the mural ceiling, she wondered how her life has lead up to this.

Her parents, Queen Lila and King Soran, trained her all her life for this… or at least tried to, she thought with a smile. Even as a little girl, she couldn’t be forced into anything.

The princess thought of all the times her parents tried to ground her. She laughed to herself. They took everything out of her room, even her bed. She would stare at the curtains or fall asleep on the lush, blood red carpet.

Her whimsical thoughts were chased away by an approaching smell of jasmine perfume.

She waited with dread as the scent came closer, the scent of her mother. Sarma knew that when her mother comes, her father is sure to follow.

Her mother appeared in the doorway, a twin replica of little Leah. She was beautiful beyond words. Her father didn’t stand a chance with her natural beauty and charm.

The king stood just behind the queen. Soran was an imposing figure as he stood at six foot, four inches tall and two hundred- forty pounds. He could wield a mace as large as her as well as a huge broadsword that many men could barely lift off the ground, much less carry into battle.

Without weapons, he was equally as formidable with his strength and fighting skills. He was an intelligent strategist and an unmatched general in battle. His courage runs deep. He fears neither death nor pain, only dishonor.

Today, her parents didn’t look happy. Why didn’t you come downstairs when we sent for you? Her mother whined.

I can eat later. Would you please just go?

Her father stepped in. You humiliated both of us and now try to dismiss your mother like a common slave, he said angrily.

I’m sorry, my Lord. I assume you both know why I didn’t come downstairs, Sarma said patiently.

You cannot continue to brush off suitors. We need an alliance to protect Dauthe, her father decreed.

From the dragons, you mean, Sarma said acidly. You are a brave man, but not wise. A wise man wouldn’t hunt for revenge.

The king vibrated with rage. You dare to speak to me as your father, your elder and your king this way?

Sarma had never seen her father so angry. She stood and bowed respectfully. I’m sorry, Father. You are wise, but war with the dragons would be a mistake and it will never bring your brother back. Please forgive me.

The king’s anger melted a little as he tried to consider her logic, but her insults still stuck. You will not determine if my choices are good or poor. I will give you this night to consider your words and actions. He turned to Lila. Sarma needs time to consider her choices.

The king departed with the queen and younger princess close behind before locking the door behind him.

Sarma turned and cried into her pillows until she slept from exhaustion.

Sleeping was hard for the young princess. She often has dreams of the past, present, and future. Many visions happen while she is awake.

Tonight, she dreams of a ruined land with scorched grass, flattened trees, and fire in the mountains. Ash falls from the sky. She can smell burnt flesh and death. Sarma will never forget the screams of dying men around her.

A great destiny awaits you.

Sarma was speechless. She didn’t know what would happen but knew in her heart it had nothing to do with marriage. It was something greater than that.

The young princess woke up and looked out her bedroom window into the star encrusted sky.

She could still hear the whispers fading in the night. A great destiny awaits you.

She tried to decipher its meaning and soon gave up. This was not the first time she had this dream. At a loss, she crawled back in bed wrapping her blankets tightly around her before falling into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 2

T he morning sun warmed the princess’ skin. She rested in a bed absorbing the comforting w armth.

Beside her bed, a small breakfast awaited her. A silver tray filled with bread and honey, cheese, strawberries, and teas sat on a table next to her. She saw chocolate on the tray as well, a rare treat, even for royalty.

The princess assumed the maid, Mariah, brought the tray. The lovely brunette with large honey eyes and white skin was beautiful and kind. The two girls grew up together as best friends and shared almost everything together. Everything, that is, except Sarma’s dreams and magic.

People with fore dreams were feared in the land and often killed without distinction. Anyone from a humble farmer to a princess can be killed. No one was safe. Only her parents and her father’s advisor were entrusted with her secret.

She was gifted with the ability to communicate with animals, another closely guarded secret. No one, not even her parents, knew of this ability. Many people assumed she loved animals and had a good hand with them, which she does, but it’s much more than that. Only animals knew her secret and they could never tell.

After breakfast, Sarma noticed a letter on her night stand. It was a letter from her father. Her father rarely writes notes to her so she could see it was important.

Daughter,

Please excuse my behavior last night. Your mother and I only want what’s best for you. Please try to understand.

All my love,

Papa

Sarma had not called her father Papa since she was a little girl. Her parents are really trying hard to marry her off.

She rolled her eyes. It was clear they were trying to bribe her cooperation… starting with the chocolates. The strawberries are a favorite of hers and she didn’t get enough of those as she would like.

They should know she would never marry and could never be bought, sold, bribed, forced, or threatened. Everything she did was of her own free will.

After a light breakfast, she went downstairs to meet King Theld. She could see by his aging face and grey-blonde mane that he couldn’t possibly be much older than her father.

The man with a gentle face and kind eyes was nothing she expected at all. He sent her a small encouraging smile.

Fumbling with manners, the young princess said, Welcome to the land of Dauthe, Lord King.

Thank you, Lady Princess. You look lovely today, the king said.

Sarma’s smile faltered. At a loss for words, she said, Thank you, Lord King.

His smile faded. Theld was concerned and searched her face carefully. I am very sorry for all this. King Soran didn’t mention that you were so young.

Feeling affronted, as if implying she were a child, she said, "I am sixteen years