Start The Fire: Dragon's Avatar, #1

By Kandice Saur

Deep in the world of Wyrmdol is a young woman, Silvia, who lives her life as a Master. Everything she wants she can have from the finest dresses to the sweetest foods, but there is one thing she wants that she can not have. To run away.

Silvia learns that the world is not what she thought it was. She discovers magic, grand and terrifying creatures, and learns that perhaps her nightmares are more than what they once seemed. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kandice Saur
• Release date: Apr 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386795353

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Masters and Servants

A short, lithe woman loomed over a fallen man in a black leather mask and jeered at him, "Did you really think that you would be the one to keep me in line?"

The man stood up and brushed himself off in a dignified manner. Miss Silvia, you can't go running about whenever you get the chance. You're going to get hurt. And I would kindly ask you not to trip me. It's immature.

Immature? Ronny, please. She rolled her eyes, I will do what I please when I please. You're here to make sure we, She gestured to two young women who were standing back and watching as Silvia ridiculed yet another Servant, have what we want, as we please. Nothing else. Why can't you Servants get that through your thick, leather coated skulls? She brushed her long dark blond hair out of her face. She looked down at the servant, which was impressive since he stood a full foot taller than she.

His entire head was covered in a black, hard leather mask. He wore a simple three-piece suit, which now had scuffed knees. He inspected himself for a moment and noticed that his gloves were ripped. I don't really care for these shenanigans. But you need to realize that it's dangerous out there. Especially when Illumor is out. He added tersely.

Silvia looked up at the night sky and spread out her arms dramatically. It's not out now, so I don't know what you're talking about.

Yes, you do. I know you're creeping out when you're supposed to be in bed. What are you going to do if a beast snatches you up?

What beasts? She snorted, I haven't seen a beast in all the years I've been a Master. You're just a servant. You can't tell me what to do. You just have to keep up or get out of my life.

Silvia, Jenny started, the tallest of the three masters had deep chestnut hair that hung flat behind her. Before she could say more, the other woman put up her arm.

Sparx grinned, Just enjoy the trash fire.

Ronny pulled at his gloves reveal his pale, almost gray hands. He walked up to Silvia and looked at her for a moment, I see. If that's the way it is, I quit, his hand flew through the air, a crack rang through the air.

He paused to inspect his hand before he walked away. Silvia stood there unmoving, her hand slowly rising to her cheek in disbelief. Ron took this moment to shake hands with Jenny and Sparx. It was a pleasure working for you two. I hope your next servant is more suited to... His masked face glanced back to Silvia, venom dripping from his words, your needs.

Silvia turned and watched the servant walk away, her hand still on her face. Once he turned a corner she said, He hit me... Her cheek was already swelling and her face welled into a large smile. "He actually hit me!" She laughed.

You shouldn't be happy about that, Silvy. Jenny chided.

I won. He was so hell-bent on being our servant, going on and on about how he would be the last Servant to walk through our doors because was the best, she stifled a snort, He didn't even last a full two days.

I guess he was a bit of a dick, but that doesn't mean you have to be an ass. Jenny pulled out her tablet. A special issue for working Masters.

It is what it is, just send the report so we can get the next Servant. Miss day walker here, Sparx gestured at Silvia, just ruined my shopping spree.

Or enhanced it, Silvia said with a mischievous grin, We could always go shopping on our own.

"Nuh-uh. I am not carrying my own bags," Sparx refuted quickly.

Have it your way, Silvia said leaning against a fruit stand.

Sparx found her way to a side path of soft clover near the edge of the alley and laid down, letting herself sink into the green bed. Her dark skin almost invisible in the shadowy patch.

Jenny looked up from her tablet, Does this mean you two will behave for the rest of the day?

Silvia and Sparx looked at each other and laughed. After a moment Silvia said, Why quit when you're on a roll?

Could you toss me something? Sparx asked, Your stunt also cost me breakfast.

Silvia thought about telling Sparx to get it herself, but noticed that the cart was too tall for Sparx to reach, Apple, banana or... huh, there are plums. Sweet. she grabbed a plum for herself.

Apple me, Sparx answered.

Silvia tossed an apple at Sparx whose arm reached up and caught it before she sat up. Silvia took a bite of her plum and said, We should get something more filling. What's the E.T.A on the new Servant?

Jenny checked her tablet, About five minutes.

Sparx arched an eyebrow and said through a mouthful, We usually have more time. She paused to finish her bite, Are they already in the city?

Looks like it. Jenny turned over the tablet to show a map of the city. Their three markers were grouped together while a fourth marker was making its way along a designated path towards them. It was only a few blocks away.

Huh, Silvia said looking back at the fruit cart. She began moving the fruit around in the cart.

What are you doing? Jenny asked through slitted eyes.

Just rearranging things.

Leave her alone. We're not going to try anything until after lunch, Sparx paused, Right?

Silvia shrugged as she stood back up, Let's just see what happens. This one's a long shot.

I... fine, whatever. Jenny groaned. Where are we eating?

I don't care as long...

It has to have light-beds, Jenny interrupted, you two haven't had a bath in over a week.

I... Sparx started, Hello. She said drawing everyone's attention to a servant walking towards them. They wore the traditional black mask that covered their entire head and was stitched up in the back. This servant, in particular, wore a black suit with a white undershirt and red tie. White glove covered hands moved casually with their stride. The only thing that showed were eyes in the otherwise faceless black mask.

Jenny? A soft tenor voice asked curiously to the three of them. The voice was muffled only slightly by the mask.

Jenny stepped forward, You must be Eric Tann. Thank you for joining us at such short notice. She addressed the servant with authority.

He bowed low, showing the stitches in the back of his mask, Of course. He paused and turned to the clover and said, You must be Sparx. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Sparx rolled her eyes, Sure.

He walked over to Silvia, not attempting to get any farther with Sparx. And you're Silvia.

Good job, you've looked our files and identified us. Would you like a banana for such a good job? She asked handing him the fruit.

He stared at her for a moment. They both knew he couldn't eat it. Still, he reached across the stand, took the banana and carefully put it in his inside jacket pocket. He met her in the eye before he said, You've been called a challenge.

And you like a challenge? She had heard many a servant say that line.

Good, you know the speech. Then I don't have to be eloquent about this. I am here because everyone else gave up. I am here because you're unrefined and ill-mannered.

Silvia's lips pursed together. She noticed that Sparx was staring and she could hear a stifled snicker from Jenny. I find your words to be very disrespectful of someone of your position.

And your attitude is below yours.

Who do you think you are?

My name, Miss, he added tersely, Is Eric Tann and, from this day until the day you leave this ruddy city, I will be your Servant.

Is that so? She leaned across the stand.

Very much so, Miss. He responded leaning towards her, the smell of his leather mask wafted to her nose.

I'd like to see you try. With a quick movement, she stood and pushed against the fruit stand. The entire thing upended and collapsed on Eric.

Silvia began running back the way they had come. Sparx was quick to follow, her small legs moving fast to keep up. Jenny sighed at the mess her room-mate had made before running after them.

Three blocks later Jenny was panting. That wasn't very nice. She huffed.

You know as well as I do that Servants can't be hurt. Sparx slowed, And it was such a good idea. Did you see his face?

Silvia laughed, You couldn't even see his face. But it was a good trick.

What if he was right? Jenny asked.

That he'll be my Servant? Silvia scoffed.

No, that he's the last one to try?

Sparx coughed, Do you think there really is a limit?

And?

You could be relocated, Jenny answered.

Silvia's lips pursed as she thought about it. Relocation was a threat for only the worst of the masters. Those who attacked other masters, those who caused fights and those who tried to rip off the masks of Servants were most often Relocated. Silvia was a runner, she didn't like the feeling of having a Servant around her at all times, but it wasn't a relocatable offense. I haven't done anything wrong.

You just knocked a fruit stand on him! Jenny argued.

We all know it didn't hurt him. I didn't like how he was talking to me. No one talks to me that way.

Well, Sparx started slowly, Maybe someone should before...

Before what? Silvia spat.

Before you hurt yourself. She finished curtly. Now, stop yelling at me and let's get something to eat.

Silvia rolled her eyes and huffed. She hated it when Sparx wasn't in on the fun. But she was usually right. Fine. I'll take it easy on him for the day. No promises beyond that.

Jenny steered the group into a small restaurant with bright lights. Don't, she warned before Sparx and Silvia opened their mouths to argue. I'm doing my job and you two have caused enough trouble.

Fine, whatever. I'll be good. Sparx said walking through the opened door.

Silvia didn't say anything until she reached the counter. I'll have a nut and berry muffin, and a coffee. She held out her arm and the Working Master scanned her wrist for payment. Everyone had a small microchip under their skin that kept track of their money and health.

The restaurant was filled with cushioned tables under bright lights. There were a spattering of other masters, void of their clothes, bathing in the light while they ate their food. Sparx and Jenny opened while Silvia found a table that would fit the three of them. On the walls were the usual posters. The one closest to their said 'Servants are happy when they serve. Keep your servant happy!" Accompanied by a picture of a servant's mask.

Silvia knew she had never kept a servant happy. She began to stray away from the table when Sparx and Jenny joined her, food in their hands.

Undress, Jenny demanded.

Aren't you going to wait until after our first date before making such demands? Sparx teased, pulling her shirt off.

Silvia groaned and let her dress slip away. The large windows revealed other Master's walking down the street with their Servants loaded with shopping bags, completely disinterested in the nudity in the cafe.

The decor of the cafe was soft, posters hung from the walls. She forced herself onto the table under the hot light. It felt nice but she knew there was better. She pulled the muffin to her, and sat, cross-legged on the table while Jenny stretched out next to Sparx who was enjoying the light. Jenny had been with them for years, dealing with their antics and nonsense. Silvia and Sparx had initially treated Jenny like the Servants, pulling pranks and trying to get away from her. But as the years went on, Silvia noted how Jenny gave them more time away from the Servants. Now she and Sparx ran slow enough for Jenny to keep up.

Why did you take up being a Working Master? Silvia asked suddenly.

I got tired of just getting what I want without putting anything into it. I decided to take up a job. She smiled, I just didn't realize how much of a headache it would be.

Why haven't you given up? Sparx asked, I know I'm not easy to live with, and Silvia is even worse. She shot Silvia a dirty look. Silvia stuck out her tongue and smiled before taking another bite of her muffin.

I guess it's because I actually enjoy you guys when we get along. Except for that first month, she shuttered, I nearly quit after the fire hydrant episode.

Sparx chuckled softly, That was a good one.

You still haven't told us how you got it to go off. The fire hydrants were activated either by a special code that only the Servants carried or if they were introduced to extreme heat, and there had been no sign of either that day.

Sparx winked, It's a trade secret.

Silvia sighed, One of these days you're going to tell me.

Meh, you'll figure it out eventually.

They finished their food in comfortable silence. Silvia dreamed about daylight. Real light, not the artificial lamps that fed their skin the vitamins they needed. She wanted to sit out in that light.

I know that look, Jenny said softly.

What look?

It's dangerous out in Illumor.

Silvia rolled her eyes. She had been out in the light several times but never seen the dangers that were rumored to be out there. I know.

I just thought I would remind you. It's been a while since you escaped the house and I know it bugs you.

Silvia nodded. I'm good for now. I've driven off one Servant and this is actually a good muffin.

Jenny nodded, Okay. She paused, You know I care about you. We fight and such, but I still want to see you happy.

Silvia nodded, Thanks. I appreciated that.

Jenny turned to have the same conversation with Sparx whose eyes were fixed on the one way glass windows. There's a crowd. She whispered.

What? Jenny and Silvia spun around and sure enough, there was a crowd gathered just up the road around a car with the Royal insignia.

Silvia leaped up first, slipping her dress on in one deft motion. I'll run ahead, she caught Jenny's look, Not away, just ahead. I'll meet you in the crowd.

Before Jenny could argue, Silvia was out the door.

CHAPTER TWO

Crowds and Monsters

Silvia preferred maintaining a shortest first rule when crowds were involved. She squeezed through the crowd, gently shoving past the other Masters so she could see the action. Usually, a crowd of this size meant that a fight had broken out and Silvia enjoyed a bit of harmless violence. But this time, there wasn't a brawl, instead, when she reached what was causing the commotion she saw a car with the Royal insignia emblazoned on the side. She clapped her hands to her face to hide her excitement. This was much better than a bit of hair pulling and name calling.

The Royal Family was making an announcement.

And sure enough, just as the crowd finishing forming like a wall behind Silvia, a Crier stepped out of the car. They wore the black suit and mask of the Servants, but the suit was embroidered along the hems, cuffs, and neck with red and gold leaves. The mask was black with gold leaf framing the face and eyes. In their red-gloved hands he held a small, white tablet. They held up it up as regally one could hold up a tablet and read in a dull, vapid voice; "Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of Ravyn Scarlet, Prince of the Red Kingdom, I am pleased to announce that this month's suitor's ball will be hosted in the Castle Courtyard. While everyone is welcome, we request that all single, young women attend. Prince Ravyn is, finally," he hissed under his breath, Looking for a bride. Any young man seeking a partner is, of course, welcome. As we all know, the prince can only choose one.

Reaching the end of his speech, the Crier clicked off the tablet. Your Servants have been briefed about the Suitors ball and have all the information you need to know. He bowed out and stepped back into the car before the Masters could pelt him with questions. The car drove down the road and stopped near the cafe Silvia had just eaten. The crowd dispersed. A few Masters, accompanied by their Servants, followed the car to hear the announcement a second or third time.

Silvia found a nearby bench and waited for Sparx and Jenny to find her. She made a promise.

Finally done running? A voice asked from behind her.

With a sharp yelp, Silvia turned towards the voice.

In a crisp, tear-free, black suit with that striking red tie, stood Eric Tann. He loomed over her.

Silvia caught herself and said, Servants are supposed to announce themselves.

I find it to be a waste of time. Besides, from your record, if I announced myself every time I see you after an absence, that's all I'll be doing until the end of the day. He lifted a long leg over the seat and sat beside her.

Silvia raised an eyebrow, You act as if you're familiar with me.

Does it matter to you how I act?

Silvia pursed her lips before answering him, looking him in the leather-framed eye. I suppose not.

They sat in stiff silence, staring each other down.

Eric broke the silence without looking away, You have a tear in your dress. He said.

She looked down quickly and checked her dress, there was a tear about the size of her small finger on her thigh. So I do. She didn't acknowledge that she had lost the staring contest. There were still many ways to tell the Servant that he was too weak to handle her. What are you going to do about it?

Eric shrugged, It's not my problem. I could escort you to a shop to buy a new dress. You do have a problem. It's not polite to return ripped clothes. It's not something Masters who want to stay where they are would do. He let the phrase linger.

Did you just threaten me?

The servant didn't respond, instead, he began pulling things out of a pocket, among them a pair of scissors and a threaded needle. He handed them to Silvia.

She stared at the tools, What am I supposed to do with these?

Fix your dress.

She cleared her throat, And how do you expect me to do that?

Poorly. He said getting up and walking away.

Where do you think you're going?

To find a tailor.

She leaped after him, Can't you fix it?

I never really paid attention to skills in the academy.

Wh...Isn't that your job?

No.

You're a Servant. You're supposed to do these things.

He didn't dignify the statement with a response. He continued walking making her walk after him.

What about Sparx and Jenny?

Jenny will figure something out.

No, Jenny will lose her pay. You can't just do what you want like that.

The servant stopped, Is that so? Don't you do whatever you like despite the consequences of others?

That's different.