Sunskaald

By Scott Pike

Kina is the daughter of King Robert Rillian, head of one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Empire, and next in line to the throne. Prak is the last surviving member of the ancient Srak dragons, who once conquered and ruled over all lands using their ability to disguise themselves as humans. After Kina and her bodyguard Quinn run into Prak, danger is not far behind. A bandit attack leaves Quinn injured and forces Prak to fill his role or else be reported to the Emperor’s Inquisitors, an organization whose sole purpose is to hunt down dragons, magic, and the like, by Kina’s father. After a fateful trip to a neighboring kingdom, rebellion and magic erupt as a force seeks to destroy the Rillians. A group that once tried to assassinate Kina appears suddenly, giving Prak no choice but to take his dragon form to protect her. Prak, Kina, and Quinn must battle this old enemy, more powerful than ever before, while simultaneously avoiding the Inquisitors’ prying eyes. Unforeseen revelations escalate the battle into an all-out war, while all the while a dark evil lurks in the background. Join Prak and Kina as they battle to save their home…and the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Dec 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662904646

Book preview

crack…

Chapter 1:

A Child in the Woods

KINA DARTED THROUGH the trees faster than she ever had before.

Hold up! Quinn shouted from behind, out of breath, The king said you’re not supposed to run off without me! You know he’s been anxious since the attempt!

Well, what good is a bodyguard if he can’t even keep up with the princess! she shouted back. Kina had gotten tired of the celebration of her tenth birthday and had decided to get some fresh air, as she usually did in times like these. Aren’t you a year older than me as well Quinn! That’s a bit embarrassing! she yelled and heard Quinn grunt angrily in response.

Quinn thought of a justification as he tried to catch up, Well you don’t have to carry any weaponry with you Kina!

Before she could shout back another witty remark, Kina felt as though she was being watched and stopped dead in her tracks.

Why’d you st… Quinn started, but Kina shushed him before he could finish.

I think someone’s here, Kina whispered.

All of a sudden Quinn yelled, WHOEVER IS THERE, SHOW YOURSELF!

Have you no idea of the concept of stealth? the princess chided.

Well, knights don’t need stealth, Quinn responded, puffing out his chest. Before Kina could respond that he technically wasn’t a knight yet, a figure moved out into the clearing.

Quinn drew his sword. Stop right there! he yelled.

Kina looked closer and saw that it was a boy, about the same age as her, wearing ragged black clothing and who had short, black hair. Who are you? she asked.

None of your business, he responded sarcastically.

Outraged, Quinn told him, I shall have you know you are addressing Princess Kina daughter of King Robert Rillian, and as her subject, your identity is her business.

The boy turned to the princess and remarked, with a small smile, Oh, so it’s your birthday that’s causing all the ruckus.

Why yes, my father invited nobles from all over to celebrate. I do find it all a bit too much though, that’s why I’m out here, Kina told him. She had always had a habit of going out into the woods whenever there was any stately dinner, or a foreign emissary was visiting.

The boy gestured to the forest surrounding them and told them, Well, you two shouldn’t be out here all by yourselves. Your father’s guests are wealthy, and nothing attracts bandits more than wealth.

Then shouldn’t you also not be out here all by yourself. Maybe you should go back to your family too, she shot back.

The boy, with face expressionless, responded, Don’t have one and don’t need one.

Quinn jumped in, Wait, so do you live out here all by yourself?

"Yes, that is what I just told you," the boy replied, slightly annoyed.

Kina couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the boy, Well, you are welcome to join us for my birthday feast.

Quinn again cut in and the princess turned to face him, Speaking of which, we really should be getting back to that.

The princess looked back to the boy to await his response to her offer, but when she turned back, he was gone. Where’d he go? she asked Quinn, who responded with a shrug.

Quinn surveyed the area, I say good riddance, that kid was trouble, I know it. Come on let’s head back.

And so, they made their way back to the castle, and though she once again felt like she was being watched, they arrived back at the castle without an incident. Later in the day, Kina sat staring into space when she was interrupted.

What are you thinkin’ ‘bout little one? Claudia asked as she entered Kina’s room. Claudia had been the caretaker of the princess ever since her mother had died giving birth to her.

Kina told her, Nothing, it’s just that Quinn and I had a strange encounter in the woods with this boy who said he had no family and was out there all alone.

Claudia sat next to her, Well, that’s strange indeed, and perhaps it will make you think twice before going out there again with all these miscreants running around.

Kina responded, I don’t think he was a troublemaker, Claudia, he seemed nice. I even tried to invite him to the feast, but he ran off.

Claudia put her arm around the princess, That’s probably for the best little one, your father would get riled up if you started bringing mysterious children back to the castle. It’s time to go to the feast now, princess. Best not to keep your father waiting.

Kina and Claudia walked through the stone hallways of the castle, traveled down flights of the spiral staircase, and arrived on the main level where they were immediately hit with the smell of cooking food and the sounds of music and laughter. Looks like they’re already getting started, Claudia noted as she saw guests running about the dining hall. They walked through the large wooden doors and saw hundreds of people from all over the kingdoms conversing, until her father saw her.

King Robert was a large man and when he stood, he towered over his seated guests, AHEM. The room immediately became quiet. My daughter has arrived, the king began as all the guests turned to look at Kina, NOW LET THE FEAST BEGIN! With that, dozens of waiters scurried out of the kitchen laden with foods of all varieties. Kina took her seat next to her father and Quinn, who was devouring a chicken leg. The feast continued late into the night, but Kina still could not get her mind off the strange boy she had met in the wilderness.

Chapter 2:

Encounter

FOR YEARS AFTER her tenth birthday she did not see that boy again. She and Quinn had returned to the place that she had met him years before, but to no avail. She had, however, felt that strange sensation that she was being watched, but had never caught sight of who was watching. Now that her sixteenth birthday was closing in, her father expected her to remain in the castle and begin learning how to take over for him when he passed. Kina had gotten bored of instruction and one day decided to head back to the forest she loved. Kina rushed to Quinn’s room to announce her plans, We’re going back out there again today Quinn, get ready!

Quinn hurriedly grabbed his sword and ran out the door following Kina. He had gotten the sword for his recently achieved knighthood, which he received on his own sixteenth birthday. It was a beautiful blade with the Rillian crest, a wolf fighting a dragon, carved on it. Many of the rulers had dragons being vanquished within their crest as most took power soon after the defeat of the Srak and other dragon clans. Shouldn’t we tell your father first? Quinn inquired.

Kina shook her head, No, he knows I always go out there, he’ll be fine. The two darted past maids and other occupants of the castle on their way to the main gates. They ran over the drawbridge and through the small village that surrounded the castle. The woods were now in their sights. Kina led Quinn deep into the wild, when all of a sudden, something didn’t feel right. It wasn’t the same feeling she had when it was the boy watching, it was something more dangerous…something sinister. Kina was about to suggest to Quinn that they should turn around when figures emerged from the woods on all sides.

What do we got ourselves here, boys? If I’m not mistaken this is the beautiful princess Kina and her pet dog, the bandit leader remarked, to the delight of his compatriots, as he stepped forward. I think your daddy will pay a handsome price to get you back. Grab her, boys.

Quinn stepped in front of her and drew his sword, Over my dead body!

Just take ‘im out, the princess is where the real money’s at, the leader commanded. One of the bandits drew his bow and fired an arrow, which lodged firmly in Quinn’s shoulder. He exclaimed in pain and collapsed.

Quinn! the princess shouted as she moved to help him, but the bandits began moving in to seize her. She saw no escape and feared the end was near. She ran over to Quinn and grabbed his sword, I’m not going down without a fight you bastards! and brandished the weapon towards them.

The leader laughed, How cute. Boys, get her. Before they could, however, out of nowhere a dark shape darted from the woods and leapt at one of the bandits, knocking him to the ground. As it perched over the dazed bandit, it became apparent what it was…a dragon. Kina could not believe her eyes. She and everyone she knew had been told that all the dragons were dead, but here was one right in front of her. The black, scaled beast killed the bandit he had jumped on easily with a swipe of his claws and turned to challenge the others.

The bandit who had fired the arrow exclaimed in fear, Gods have mercy, it’s a bloody dragon! A few of the bandits, not wanting to test their fate with this threat, ran off. Oi, stand and face the bloody thing with me! their captain shouted. Those that did try to fight the dragon did so to no avail, as they were quickly dealt with by the beast’s teeth and claws. More tried to run off, but the dragon unleashed a torrent of fire that caught up with them in an instant and set them alight. Only the leader remained. He charged at the dragon and swung, but his blade bounced off the creature’s armored side. The dragon easily swatted him aside, like he was a fly.

Kina looked around and could only see bodies. With his enemies defeated, the dragon walked over to the princess, who got a closer look at him. The dragon was no bigger than a horse; Kina suspected that meant he was young. He had red, fiery eyes, but they somehow seemed familiar. At first Kina thought she was next, but she quickly saw the dragon meant her no harm. She pointed at Quinn, Please, you have to get him back to the castle, he’s injured. The dragon glanced at Quinn, who was almost losing consciousness due to blood loss. The dragon looked like he understood and laid on the ground so the boy could be placed on his back. Kina dragged Quinn and put him on top of the dragon, who began to try and take off. She stopped him, Wait! You can’t fly, Quinn could fall off or someone might see you. Follow me. And with that Kina began to lead the dragon back to the castle.

They managed to make it to the castle without being spotted, though there were a few close calls with local farmers. Kina led the dragon to a back entrance very few people knew about, as it gave them the lowest chance of being noticed. They entered one of the hallways of the castle, but as Kina went to remove Quinn from the back of the dragon, a guard rounded the corner. He ran at them and drew his blade shouting, Get away from her you foul beast!

Kina quickly ran out in front of the dragon, who had turned to face the guard, and shouted, Stop! He saved me and Quinn from bandits and carried him back here. He is no danger to any of us. The guard, though still cautious, believed the girl and slowly put his weapon away. He helped her pull Quinn off of the dragon and called for a nurse to take him to the infirmary. Kina was worried that she would have to explain the dragon’s presence once more, but before the nurse arrived, the dragon transformed before her eyes into a boy…the boy she had seen in the woods.

Foul beast? Really, I find that quite insulting, the boy said to the guard.

What in the name of…you’re a Srak…I thought they were all dead… the guard remarked, bewildered.

All dead except for me, he told him, then turned to Kina, Didn’t I tell you all those years ago not to go into the woods alone? I guess I should thank you though, hadn’t had an excuse to take my real form in a while. He continued, The name’s Prak by the way, no point in keeping it a secret if you know I’m a dragon.

The princess looked at him, confused by the way he was remaining so calm after she had just learned his secret, Why did you reveal yourself; don’t you want to keep that hidden?

Prak looked at his human body, "There’s no harm in you knowing I’m a Srak in addition to being a dragon. I’d get killed either way…so I guess I mean no more harm."

Kina continued, still a little shocked, Thank you for saving us, I don’t think Quinn would’ve made it if you didn’t show up.

Prak brushed off the compliment, It was no problem really. I didn’t want to see you…and I guess also the other one, glancing at Quinn, killed is all. Guess I should be going now, Prak moved to leave the way he had come but the guard stopped him.

Hold it right there, the guard said, You may not pose a threat to the princess, but I’m not going to let a Srak roam around. Your kind were known for their destructive capabilities. I’m taking you to the king to see what he wants to do with you.

Prak was about to make a move against the guard when Kina grabbed his arm, Please, don’t do anything stupid. I’ll make sure my father finds a fair solution.

Prak relented and allowed himself to be led by Kina and the guard to her father’s chambers. When they walked through the door, her father inquired, Who is this?

Kina responded hesitantly, His name is Prak, he’s a dragon.

Her father chuckled, Is this some sort of game?

The guard interjected, Your majesty, she’s not lying, I saw him with my own eyes, the girl says he saved her and her bodyguard from bandits, the boy’s in the infirmary with a shoulder wound.

The grin fell off the king’s face, Kina are you alright?! Kina nodded, and the king turned back to Prak, A Srak dragon, I can’t believe it, my grandfather used to tell me stories about your kind.

The guard asked, What should we do with him your majesty?

The king pondered quietly for a few minutes and then responded, Firstly, tell no one of what you saw, we can’t have a panic. As for the dragon, turning to Prak, lock him up in the dungeon. He’ll be able to kill us all when he grows older. It’s too dangerous for him to be free…but I feel I do owe him something for saving my daughter so we can’t just kill him.

Kina interrupted when she saw the anger in Prak’s eyes and feared he would attack. She thought fast and said, Father, what if Prak…becomes another one of my bodyguards. The world is becoming more dangerous and he has already proven he’d risk his life to save me.

Prak jumped into the conversation and added, I wouldn’t say I risked my life, killing some bandits wasn’t exactly diffic…

Shut up, can’t you see I’m trying to help you!? Kina shouted, elbowing him.

The king responded to his daughter’s request with a sigh, "I guess that the dragon could protect you…and as you’ve already almost been killed more times than I have in less than half the years, I suspect it may be necessary to keep you alive. Very well dragon, what do you say?"

Prak relaxed slightly, What if I take neither of these options and just leave? I’m sure I could get past you and your guard.

The king stood, Well, then one of my other guards will recognize that we were killed by a dragon, it’s quite distinctive after all, and call upon the Emperor’s Inquisitors. I’m sure they’ll remember how to deal with a dragon. They were quite good at it back in the day.

Prak glared furiously at the king, however, he knew that he could not deal with all the Emperor’s Inquisitors on his own, and even if he could, he’d be on the run for the rest of his life. So, eventually, he relented, Fine, I’ll do it. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to live in a castle anyways.

Kina was relieved that there would be no more bloodshed that day. Come on, lighten up, Kina said, I’ll show you around the castle. The two walked out and began exploring Prak’s new home. So Prak, when did you find out you were a dragon?

Prak kept walking and said, I don’t want to talk about it.

Kina was annoyed by this response and replied, I just saved your life back there, and you are now sworn to protect me. So, you’re going to tell me what I want to know.

Prak decided that if he was going to live with this princess, he’d better try not to get on her bad side. Well I always knew I was a dragon. I was a dragon when I was born after all. The real shock was finding out I could be a human.

Kina motioned for him to continue, One day as I was hunting for food, a group of humans found me and tried to attack me. I was the size of a cat back then and they would have gotten the best of me if not for Rosk.

Who’s Rosk? Kina questioned.

Prak answered as he walked, A member of the Church of Dragons. Apparently, there are still those who worship dragons as gods like they did back when we ruled over all creatures. Anyways he overpowered the humans…

Kina stopped him, In the future don’t refer to us as humans, it’ll give you away.

Prak smiled, Alright, he overpowered…my attackers and brought me to the ruins of the Black Castle.

Kina knew of this place; she and Quinn had explored it many times, "Yes,