The Tainted Journey

By Jessie Pyne

Kazel den’Leafshade is no stranger to grief. In the aftermath of Tessa’s foolish sacrifice, it is all Kazel can do to hold her friends together. However, a vengeful ghost is still determined to reclaim his throne and the dragons known as the Vyrezi are still looking for their pound of flesh. It is becoming clear that the power of Excalibur will not be enough to save this quest.

Review: "These books are amazing! Well written and pulls the reader into the story from the very start. I truly enjoyed these books."
-LJ Knight

Series description
If Kazel hadn’t been dying she wouldn’t have been late for work.
If Thorn hadn’t lost his father he wouldn’t have been out in the storm.
If Randi hadn’t snuck into the house she wouldn’t have run into those dragons,
And if Tessa hadn’t angered her mother she wouldn’t have been lost in a unknown world wearing a ball gown.
Dreamwing is where myths are born and legends breathe. Those who dream of it may come to know it, but be wary dreamer, those myths have teeth and the legends a darkness. Come and find adventure, but the world of Dreamwing shows no mercy to those who underestimate it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780228617679

Book preview

The Tainted Journey

The Dreamwing Trilogy~ Book 2

Jessie Pyne

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 9780228617679

Kindle 9780228617686

Web 9780228617693

Print ISBNs

BWL Print 9780228617709

B&N Print 9780228617716

Amazon Print 9780228617723

Copyright 2021 by Jessie Pyne

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

Dedication

To my grandma Irene who would have loved to see all my hard work come to fruition and to my grandma Lucy who will not stop bragging about her granddaughter the author. The two of you will always be my support and inspiration.

Chapter One

Rayni

The dragon under the bed wouldn’t stop crying.

At first, I tried to ignore it. I mean, who wants to deal with a weeping dragon when they’ve watched their best friend fling herself off a cliff in an idiotic delusion of self-sacrifice? However, upon further consideration, I decided it might be a good distraction.

I bent over the edge of the bed and peered upside down into the shadows beneath. Before I could even begin to make out anything more than a pair of huge purple eyes, a high sharp voice rang out in surprise.

It’s you!

I was nearly thrown off the bed as the baby dragon bolted from her hiding place and scrambled up next to me. I was shoved unceremoniously back onto the mattress, held down by her claw feet against my chest.

It’s you, she chanted, claws digging in through the material of my tunic. It’s you, it’s you, its’ you!

I blinked up at her, befuddled and slowly took in the red jewelled scales and the bright purple of her eyes. A gold collar jangled at her neck and her thin pink tongue hung out of the corner of her mouth in excitement.

Oh! I exclaimed. It’s you!

She crowed out in delight and settled herself against my chest, her body warming mine like a portable space heater. You tried to help me! You tried to help Papa!

Tear beaded in the corners of my eyes. I failed, I whispered and lifted my arms to wrap around her body. I failed you, I failed your father. I sobbed. I failed everyone.

The dragon looked down at me, her too-big eyes burrowing into my shattered heart. Is Tessa really...gone?

The question broke me, and I buried my face in the dragon's neck while my body was wracked with tears.

I squeezed her close, the solid weight of her reassuring where nothing else had come close. How are you here? I blubbered, ignoring her question.

Kazel and Tessa rescued me! The dragon declared. Well, they tried, and I got scared and then I used bad magic on Tessa. It was an accident! I didn’t mean to and she turned into water and then she turned back and Kazel said she should have died but she didn’t.

Wait, I sniffed and tried to sit up. The dragon backed up to accommodate me and I watched her for a moment as my brain tried to catch up. Bad magic? I echoed. Do you mean you Corrupted her?

The dragon nodded, solemnly. It was an accident, she insisted. I really, really didn’t mean to. I got scared but she sang the hush little baby, and I knew she was a friend.

You Corrupted her, I repeated slowly, deep in thought. And she survived?

Yup, the dragon said. Her fingers fell off.

I had nowhere near the brain power needed to figure out what that could mean. I swung my feet over the side of the bed and pulled myself shakily to my feet. We need to talk to Kazel, I said then stopped. 'm sorry, what do I call you?

Tessa called me Lady, the dragon said with a note of pride.

I rolled my eyes, affection welling in my chest, followed closely by a crippling wave of grief that nearly brought me to my knees.

We need to...talk to Kazel, I said when I felt like I could breathe again. Noticing my uncertain steps, Lady took it upon herself to brace me, pressing against my side and allowing me to lean against her as we made our way to the door.

It was raining, the sky dark with promises of a building storm. I stepped out into it without hesitation, my eyes immediately finding Kazel and Thorn huddled together against the side of the ship, thick cloaks pulled over their head. I could make out the outline of Thorn’s battle-axe in its usual place, strapped to his back under the cloak.

As I got closer, it became clear that they were arguing. Kazel was gesturing wildly and prodding Thorn sharply on the chest. Protectiveness surged in me as I watched his expression collapse into unease.

Mustering what little strength I had left, I let go of Lady and stomped towards them, only to be intercepted by a young woman with short blond hair and striking grey eyes.

Rayni, you should be resting, she said.

This got Thorn and Kazel’s attention and they broke off their heated conversation to join us. The rain was picking up now, soaking my hair and clothes and splashing up under my feet.

What are you--? Kazel began but I cut her off with my more forceful tone.

Tessa survived being Corrupted? I asked, raising my voice to be heard over the rain.

Kazel’s eyes shifted warily from me to Lady. Her eyelids were heavy, dark circles shadowed her eyes. Yes, she confirmed, her voice slow and slurred. There was a bottle hanging loosely from one hand, a small amount of amber liquid swirling around the bottom.

Despite the anxiety prickling the back of my neck I plowed onward. She turned to water like she did when she fell over the cliff?

Kazel chewed her lip and nodded, her fingers tightening around the bottle.

Why am I only finding out about this now? I demanded. Lightning struck several times in sharp succession off the bow. It filled the sky and illuminated Kazel’s sickly pale skin, bringing the bruises into sharp relief.

If Tessa can heal and you knew it, why did we leave her behind? Thunder boomed, shaking the masts with its ferocity. More lightning, closer now, dangerously close. Still, I tried to focus, eyes narrowing in on the bottle in Kazel's hand.

Is that alcohol? I asked, irate. Are you getting drunk while Tessa might be lost somewhere fighting for her life—

Rayni, you need to stop, Thorn was before me then, hands on my shoulders, but I didn’t understand what he was talking about. Stop what? Then the ship lurched under my feet and we were thrown to the deck as the sea rammed the hull and the sky exploded.

Temporarily blinded but the lightning miasma, I was bombarded by the desperate cries of the crew.

The hull is on fire!

Quick, get the buckets!

Hold together!

No use, abandon ship! You hear? Abandon ship!

Rayni! Thorn’s voice pierced through the chaos, Rayni, can you hear me?

I nodded blinking my sight back. I was on my side with Thorn’s hands on my face and Lady licking fervently at my hair. The ship lurched again, and Thorn steadied himself before catching me up in his arms and sprinting for the lifeboats.

Excalibur! I realized in a panic.

Too late, Kazel said from somewhere over my shoulder. Good riddance.

No, I fought against Thorn’s hold as he wrangled me into a boat. We can’t— But their voices quickly drowned out my own as I became less of a person and more of a problem to be dealt with.

Give me my whip! Kazel demanded. Why did you let her take it off?

Thorn stammered. I didn’t think--

That is obvious, Kazel snapped back. There was the screech of metal and the boat jerked as it was lowered into the water. Hold her still. I’ll get it back on!

The magic is too powerful. You’ll cause it to rebound! Another voice scolded but I couldn’t see who. Thorn was in front of me forcing me to lock eyes.

Rayni, you need to calm down. You need to stop the storm. We’re not going to survive if you can’t get a hold of yourself.

But I...what are you... and realization struck along with the hot wash of shame and guilt.

I’m doing this, I choked.

A little slow on the uptake, isn’t she? Kazel said as the lifeboat crashed down on the rolling waves, the collision rattled my teeth along with the lightning and peals of thunder.

Calm, I muttered, reaching for Thorn’s hands on my shoulders and gripping them tightly. Calm, relax...

Breathe, Thorn reminded me, his voice shy of soothing. In and out. You’re here, I’m with you, we’re safe.

It was a lie, and the jolting grief and panic sent our tiny boat spinning like a top upon the waves. I screamed, which made everything worse.

What if I knock her out? Kazel asked. This was also counterproductive, though I could understand her desperation as we clung to the sides of the tiny boat, waiting to capsize.

Calm! I said again, Calm down, you’re no use to anyone if you’re dead! I took a breath, then another, while I focused on the warmth of Thorn’s hands in mine. Lady scrambled between us and into my lap, though it was a snug fit, and started to vibrate like a purring cat.

You started this, Rayni, Thorn told me earnestly. You can stop it.

Another breath, calm. In and out. The boat slowed; the waves calmed. The rain became a slow trickle and the clouds thinned.

As the flow of magic ebbed, my body grew slack. Energy gone. I draped myself over Lady and breathed in the spice and fire smell of her.

I’m sorry, I murmured into her scarlet scales. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. No response, though Thorn did not let go of my hands. I cracked one eye and found Kazel and the blond woman staring at clear calm waters and a distant horizon.

Where? I croaked. I wet my lips and tried again. Where is everyone else?

A fine question, Kazel said. She slumped back into her seat, defeated. What else could go wrong?

I flinched and gazed around, waiting for Murphy's law to send a cyclone our way. Don’t say that! I warned. You’re asking for trouble.

Might as well start asking for it. It’ll find me either way. She glanced down at me, reaching to brush the shopping tangles of hair from my face. You still in one piece?

Rayni’s magic isn’t like Tessa’s, Thorn interjected before I could open my mouth. It’s her power. Only, she can’t control it.

I can control it! I protested, still unable to lift my head from Lady’s back. The dragon had twisted her head around and resumed aggressively grooming me with her tongue. Michael taught me, but I need Excalibur.

Excalibur is at the bottom of the ocean by now, Kazel said. Best place for it, if you ask me. That sword is nothing but trouble.

But Michael--

By the magic! The blond woman cried, and we all turned to her. My stomach flipped over as I caught a glimpse of the golden lion-headed pommel. Excalibur lay on the floor of the boat, shining as though newly forged.

Thorn made a strangled noise, somewhere between shock and pain, But how...

Kazel said something in the Language of Magic. Judging by the sharp tone I assumed it was a variety of things that shouldn’t be repeated in front of my mother. You see! She declared in utter exasperation, gesturing wildly at the sword. Ask for it, don’t ask for it, doesn’t matter. Trouble comes.

Chapter Two

Kazel

We need to try and contact the others, This was the third time El had suggested this. I growled in frustration as Thorn and I pulled the longboat ashore. When it was no longer in danger of being swept away by the tide, I turned back to where she was standing on the white sand of the beach, Rayni curled into a ball at her feet with Lady wrapped around her and Excalibur beside her.

You said that already, El, Thorn said, much more gently than I would have. We’re going to as soon as we can find someone to take it.

El flushed, her lips pressing into a thin line. I...I’m not thinking clearly. Rayni glanced up at her perplexed.

It’s fine, I said. Do you think you can walk? I asked Rayni.

Rayni frowned, considering the question. I…I think so?

I can carry you, Thorn offered, but Rayni shook her head and leaned against Lady’s solid form with one hand and propped her sword up like a walking stick in the other. Her stance was shaky but grew steadier after her first few steps.

Right, I said, satisfied. It’s a bit of a hike but there’s a village south-west of here. On our way, I should be able to convince a dryad or piskey to take a message to the base.

Have you been here before? Rayni asked.

I shook my head and regretted it, the effects of the alcohol were wearing away and leaving a pulsing headache in its wake.

How do you know there’s a village?

I frowned at her, annoyed. I’m an elf.

Oh, Rayni said, looking away.

We should probably avoid the village, Thorn said, his face was red and there was something off about his expression. I know some of the Dryads who live here, they should be able to help us.

We should send a message to the others as soon as possible, El said. This time no one bothered correcting her. Thorn chewed his lip as we exchanged worrying glances.

Is she okay? Rayni whispered once we started or trek into the forest.

Thorn shook his head but did not reply.

El forgets things a lot, Lady chimed in, with her usual tact.

El winced. The same thing happened to our father. We both have the gift to pull memories from people's heads, but after a while, that takes a toll.

I’m sorry, Rayni said. El laughed.

What a place Earth must be if everyone there thinks they must apologize at every opportunity.

Rayni sighed. I feel that.

What happened was not your fault, Rayni, Thorn told her.

Don’t mince words, Thorn, I told him. It does no one any good.

It does no good to blame each other! he countered.

Rayni crumbled in on herself, wrapping her arms around her middle and hanging her head. I should have felt guilty, but the waning alcohol in my veins made way for nothing but a wave of chilling anger.

El shook her head. Dwelling on things we cannot change will do no one any good. We should try and contact the others.

I suppressed a frustrated growl and marched forward to take point. Any energy I might have had to put towards understanding or empathy was now entirely gone. We walked for a bit more in tense silence, my hands balled at my sides and nails digging into my palms.

A titter, like a crackling flame, caught my attention. A clot of dirt came alive, moulding itself into something like a body, with an oblong head and potato-shaped limbs. The being grinned up at me with a toothless mouth and small black eyes. Lady snarled at it, but I held her back before she could charge.

The piskey chittered angrily before turning to me. You Kazel? it asked in the Language of Magic.

My nose wrinkled in distaste. You have a message for me? I held out a hand expectantly but the piskey backed away, another irritating titter of laughter bubbling from its mouth.

It shook its head. Guess my riddle, then message!

I have to what? I said in outrage. I will do no such thing, you little rodent. Give me the message or I’ll change my mind about letting the dragon eat you.

The piskey remained undeterred. Riddle, or no message.

I groaned in frustration.

What did it say? Thorn asked. Only Children of Magic could understand the Language.

It wants me to answer a riddle in exchange for his message, I told him in Common. Bloody pests.

What’s the riddle? Rayni’s voice was a whisper her eyes still downcast.

My shoulders slumped in defeat and I turned back to the piskey. Go on then.

The stupid little creature cleared his throat dramatically. What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening?

I contemplated snatching the piskey up and shaking him until he agreed to give me the message but decided against it. Piskeys were lightning quick and if I attacked it, it would surely vanish.

I turned to Rayni, What do you think? I asked her in the Language, only to be met by her uncomprehending stare.

Thorn cleared his throat, uncomfortable. Rayni can’t speak the Language of Magic.

My eyes grew comically wide in my head. How is that possible?

Rayni frowned and looked away, her arms wrapped around herself. I know, I know I’m a fish that can breathe air...no wait, that’s not right…

I barely heard her. An icy dagger dragged itself down my spine leaving a heavy dread in its wake.

Hey!