Dragons of Jade: The Dragon's Scale Series

By Jean Lauzier

There's no such thing as dragons.

 

Of this, Jade Delaney is certain. That belief changes when a dragon opens a door and summons her to the place of her birth. There, Jade learns who she is and accepts the task to find and stop whoever is killing the dragons while avoiding the men hunting her.

 

Bevan Deveux has always believed dragons were just a tale to frighten misbehaving children. A chance meeting with Jade shows him just how wrong he has been. Honor bound to repay a life-debt, Bevan must now balance his promise to keep Jade's secret while riding with the enemy. Somehow, Bevan has to keep his family honor, win Jade's heart, and help keep the dragons safe.   

 

Jade never dreamed a dragon would sleep at the foot of her bed, and she hadn't planned on falling in love, but it all felt so right.   

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jean Lauzier
• Release date: Apr 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781734784275

Jean Lauzier

Jean Lauzier is a many-faceted die. She’s a wife, mom, writer, dog trainer, and even tried to train the cats. She spends most of her days writing and trying to keep the heathen ( aka Bodhi, the Belgian Malinois) out of trouble. Jean’s not a coffee person, but you can find her writing at Silver Grizzly Espresso or hanging out on her Facebook page.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Even the dragon agrees.

Jade Delaney sat at her desk and studied the note that had been left with her as an infant. The handwritten letters flowed across the page.

This is my daughter, Jade,

It isn’t safe for her here. Please take care of her for me. Jade, I hope one day you can understand. I love you more than life itself but cannot protect you here.

Even the dragon agrees.

Lilith.

Jade ran a fingertip across the signature. Lilith, her mother, was Lilith. She reread the last line, shook her head, and sighed. There’s no such thing as dragons. Even if she did dream of them on a regular basis.

At the front of the classroom, the professor cleared his throat and scooted his chair across the floor. Jade slid down in her seat, folded the pages, returned them to their envelope, and sat staring at the open textbook. Footsteps approached, so she glanced up. Mr. Smithers. And heading her way. He stopped beside her, laid a folded sheet of paper across the pages of her book, tapped them, then moved on. She sighed and waited for him to return to his desk before picking it up. Must have done really bad on that test. Why couldn’t anatomy be more interesting? She picked up the paper, opened it. See me after class. Yep, must have done really bad. She sighed, slid the paper between the pages of her book, and tried to concentrate on the canine reproductive system.

Jade waited until her classmates had left before approaching the front of the classroom. She stood before the desk of her professor and wiped a hand on her pant leg. Her stomach churned.

Mr. Smithers looked up from the paper in his hand and into her eyes. I don’t understand it. We discussed this in class during the past week, and yet you still barely pass. You know the material. What am I doing wrong?

Jade shifted from one foot to the other. It isn’t you. You’re a great teacher. I just don’t enjoy anatomy. She cringed as she said it, but that was the truth.

He handed her the test paper. A large D minus in red sharpie at the top. You have a natural ability with animals. I’ve watched you in the clinic; it’s almost as if you can read their minds. But you need more than an affinity for animals to become a veterinarian. He shook his head. You’re a bright girl, good student, intelligent. I hate to see you wasting your potential. But maybe you need to change careers. He dropped his sharpie in the desk drawer, shoved it closed. Today is Friday. Think about what you want out of life this weekend. He ran a hand through his thinning hair. I’ll see you Monday.

Jade picked her denim backpack off the floor, swung it over her shoulder. Have a nice weekend.

Think about it, Jade, you’re much too intelligent to be wasting your time like this.

I will. She turned on her heels and strode from the room.

The classroom door closed behind her with a quiet click as she shifted the backpack filled with books. That was fun, Jade. She brushed back a strand of hair from her face. If she knew what she wanted to do with her life, she’d be doing it instead of being here. Her footsteps echoed down the empty hallway as the light grew dim. She gazed around. A single light shone from the ceiling, illuminating a small spot on the door leading from the building. In the light, an image shimmered on the door. Jade stepped in front of the door and gasped. She glanced around, searching the hallway, saw no one, and turned back to the door. Her backpack slid off her shoulder and thumped to the floor as she stared at the image of herself standing before Mr. Smithers’ desk. Reaching up, she tentatively touched the scene. Her fingers warmed as they merged with the image then chilled with contact of the metal door. The picture shifted around her fingers to show her dressed in a cap and gown, diploma in hand. Jade sucked in her breath. So she would graduate. But how could this be possible?

She glanced around the darkened hallway again but still saw no one. The image shifted and swirled. A man appeared next to her; a small boy joined them. Her image-self reached down, picked up the child, and smiled. The picture blurred, and Jade wiped a tear from her cheek. She would be a mother one day.

A breeze played with her hair as the wall beside the image shifted and shimmered. Another door appeared in the wall, wavered, and became solid. Jade ran her hand across the wood. Gazing around at the empty hall, she brushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes. She turned back to the new door, watched it shimmer as an image formed. With a gasp, she stepped back from the door shaking her head. That’s not possible. There’s no such thing as dragons. Jade swallowed hard, touched the dragon in the image. Her image-self stood before the dragon, hand extended.

The dragon turned toward her, met her gaze. It’s your choice.

Jade snatched her hand away and shook her head. There’s no such thing as dragons.

The dragon turned back to her image-self and blew a plume of black smoke. Jade stepped back from the doors and watched the smoke rise in the air and disappear. Her gaze rested on the first image. She reached into the image and touched the child. Marriage and a family, but did she want that? Jade turned to the wooden door and let her gaze rest on the dragon, then nodded and took a deep breath. Even the dragon agrees.

She pushed the door open and stepped into green. Green that shifted and moved. Her stomach churned with the green. Jade’s vision cleared, and she swayed a bit as the green came to a standstill. It turned into a grassy field and trees that stretched toward a clear blue sky. She looked around. A man stood in the middle of the clearing. His long dark hair was tied back, and he wore matching tan pants and shirt. A smile crossed his face. He held out a hand toward her.

Thank you for coming. I am Draigh.

Chapter 2

Bevan DeVeux leaned against the stall wall and watched his sister stroked the newborn foal as it nursed for the first time.

She’s a fine filly. Four stockings and a blaze just like her sire. Sera gave the foal another rub along her hindquarters. Have you thought of a name for her?

I’d hoped for a colt. Bevan crossed his arms and rested them on the top rail.

Sera trailed her hand across the mare’s back and strolled across the stall. Halting at the gate, she reached over and unlatched it. Zohar will be siring foals for many years. You have time for a colt. She stepped through the gate and closed it securely. Besides, mares are more important. Sera laughed, rested her arms on top of the gate, and let her gaze rest on the filly.

Footsteps approached from outside the barn, and Bevan glanced toward the open door. Wayde halted in the doorway and bowed.

Lord Bevan, your father wishes to see you in the courtyard when you are able to leave the stable.

Thank you, Wayde. He gazed back at the filly and watched as she lay in the straw. Tell him I’ll be there right after I wash up.

Yes, m’Lord. He turned and stepped out of sight.

Father seems to be doing better now that it’s warmed. Sera glanced up at Bevan. I thought we’d lost him.

Aye, he is. Slowly. Bevan frowned. He needs to rest and let his strength return.

Go to him. Sera placed a hand on his arm. I’ll watch here a bit longer.

Bevan nodded, then bent down and kissed the top of Sera’s head. Thank you. Don’t stay too long, they need their rest, too. He strode down the barn aisle, stopped at the door, and turned toward Sera. You may name her for me.

At the water trough, he washed his hands and arms, then made his way toward the house. Pausing at the front door, he dusted off his breeches, stomped his boots, and entered. The great room was empty, but a fire burned in the main fireplace. Laughter and the clatter of pots sounded from the kitchen. The smell of roasting venison filled the room, and his mouth watered. He glanced toward the kitchen but continued across the room and out to the courtyard.

His father sat in the sun, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He had almost passed over during the winter but was getting stronger as the days warmed. A mug sat on the table next to him.

You wished to see me. Bevan halted in front of his father.

Your mare is well? The foal healthy? Tiordan took a sip from his mug and returned it to the table. 

They are both well.

Then, I have a task for you. He motioned to the chair next to Bevan. I need you to serve my vow to Laris Chalmars. He held out an envelope bearing a gold wax seal. This is a letter of introduction for you, asking him to accept your service in my place.

Bevan gripped the arms of his chair, took a deep breath. But Father, I’m needed here. It is time to prepare the fields for sowing. If that isn’t done right, we’ll suffer this winter. He met his father’s eyes. Send Kaine. The experience will do him good.

No, it must be you. Kaine would not do well there. He pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders and took another sip from his mug. You have trained Deron well. Kaine can prepare the fields with his assistance.

Bevan took the letter from his father and stood. I will do as you ask. He bowed slightly. I will instruct Deron on what needs to be done and prepare to leave at morn.

Thank you, my son.

Chapter 3

Jade took a step back, staggered a bit.

The dizziness will wear off soon. We will rest until you feel up to walking to my home. The man smiled again and motioned to a shady spot under a nearby tree, walked over, and sat.

Jade stood and watched him. Somehow, she just knew he meant her no harm. I’m fine now. But I’m not going anywhere until I know where I am and how I got here. She gazed around and scanned the sky. Are there really dragons?

His laughter echoed across the clearing. Come, sit in the shade. I’ll try to answer your questions.

She strolled across the clearing, sat in the shade apart from him. Okay, now, where am I, and how did I get here?

Draigh cleared his throat. You are here because you chose to come. He held up his hand as she started to speak. And here is Jorah. We are a small land similar to your Earth, though not as advanced. As you will see. He pointed to the north. The town of Eldridge is half a day’s ride from here. To the east of Eldridge is Kadir on the coast.

Jade studied Draigh. He spoke the truth. So, you’re telling me I’m in a whole other world? She laughed, then paused. But how did I get here? And what about the dragons?

I should have known you would not be satisfied with the simple answer. He plucked a blade of grass and folded it between his fingers. This world has a problem you may be able to help with. So the dragon asked you to come. And here you are. He dropped the grass and watched it flutter in the light breeze until it reached the ground. Draigh stood, dusted off his hands, and stepped toward Jade.

It will be dark soon. My home is just across that ridge. Walk with me?

Jade looked up at Draigh and met his gaze. She took his hand and let him pull her up. I still have lots of questions. She let go of his hand and brushed a strand of hair from her face.

I know you do. That is to be expected. He started across the clearing. And I will answer them, as I can. He turned to her as they walked. Tell me, why did you choose the door that led you here?

Jade shoved her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. I’m not sure. I mean, I figured the doors led to my future. One was the safe, married-with-kids future. But I’m not sure that’s who I am or what I want. She strolled beside Draigh, her eyes fixed on the ground. The other door, with the dragon... Jade glanced up at Draigh. I thought the dragon spoke to me. I had to know if it was real.

They reached the top of the ridge, and Jade came to a sudden halt. Below, stood a log house, a thin trail of smoke wafted from the chimney. Across the clearing, a barn sat next to a corral containing two horses. This is a dream, right?

Draigh laughed and put his hand on her shoulder. Come, it is almost time for evenmeal. Jade and Draigh strode down the ridge and approached the small house. Firewood lined the front wall of the house almost halfway up. He stomped his feet on the grass mat, opened the door, and motioned for her to enter.

Jade stepped into the house and gazed around the room. A fire burned in the fireplace, and a rabbit roasted on a spit. The smell of baking bread mingled with the juices that sizzled. A rough board table occupied a corner of the room, a bench on either side. Four chairs covered in hide formed a semi-circle in front of the fireplace, and a rocking chair sat next to the hearth. Three doors on the wall to her right led out of the main room.

Sit, make yourself at home. Draigh motioned toward the chairs. Would you like a drink? I have some ale.

Jade shook her head and stood in front of the fireplace with her back to it. I love fires. She sighed, sat on the stone hearth, and gazed across the room at Draigh. When are you going to tell me the rest? She watched as he studied her.

He cocked his head. Tonight, or in the morning.

Footsteps sounded on the porch, along with a muffled voice. The door opened, and a large, black shepherd mix bounded in. The dog ran across the room, stopped in front of her, whined, and laid his head in her lap.

She looked up at Draigh then to the man that stood in the door. A chill made its way up her spine as he stared at her.

I brought in more firewood. Finn, get over here. He dropped the wood beside the fireplace as he glared at the dog. Finn glanced up at him, then back at Jade.

A flash of anger from the man washed over her. She reached down, scratched behind Finn’s ear, then rubbed his head. He licked her hand then plopped to the floor at her side, his head resting on her feet.

Jade, this is Zander. Zander, Jade. Draigh gazed at Finn then back to Jade. Zander is my ward, I believe you would call it.

Zander stomped across the room and washed his hands at the sink. I take it she will be staying with us? He lit several lamps then set three places at the table.

Jade gazed at Draigh. He nodded at her. She will be staying for a time.

Zander made his way back to the fireplace, frowned at her. He took