Diamonds and Dragons: Charles, A Dragon: Book III

By Gary Henderson and Pat Ware

Charles, a lonely young outcast with an ugly scar and ungainly wings for a dragon, perched on the castle wall and listened to stories. The boy inside that castle window befriended him, and the two grew together to become kings of their peoples. Book One, "Charles, A Dragon," and Book Two, "The King Arrives," tell their storie

• Language: English
• Publisher: Young Reader's Library
• Release date: Sep 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781937975258

Book preview

Copyrights

Book 3 in the series: Charles, A Dragon

Cover background art:

Photograph of Slains Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

© 2017 Pat Ware, Used by permission

ISBN 978-1-937975-25-8

© 2018 Gary Henderson

All rights reserved.

RNWC Media, LLC

PO Box 559

Pinehurst, TX 77362

Imprint: Young Reader’s Library

RNWC Media

Charles, A Dragon

Preface

Welcome to Book 3 about Charles, A Dragon!

This is a fantasy for young readers, continuing the story of Charles, King of the Whitestone Dragons, and his young friend, the King of Romain. Treasure hunters are invading their lands, but why? Their friend Charis is reunited with her parents, gone since her birth, and together they pursue the evil that is driving the invaders to attack her friends.

Why Are They Coming?

A quiet knock woke Soren. No light came in from the window, and silence followed.

Had he really heard something?

Again, a quiet knock. Alicia nudged him.

I heard it too, he said.

He pushed the blanket back and eased out of bed. Without lighting the candle, he stepped to the door and spoke in a low voice. Who’s there?

It is I, Master Soren.

No one but the King would call him that now! He fumbled for the latch and pulled the door open. A bit of wet fur rubbed against his bare leg, and the King followed Leif into the room, pushing the door closed behind him.

My Lord! Welcome, but … so early!

Forgive me, but I wanted to not be seen. And my apologies to you, Lady Alicia … I assume you are here, though I cannot see you.

Yes, my Lord, but no apology, please! she murmured from under the covers. You are welcome day or night.

Thank you. Soren, can we sit at the table for a moment? My lady, may we light a candle without disturbing you?

They struck a match, brought the wick to life, and sat close together at the small wooden table. Leif curled up at Soren’s feet, and Soren rubbed his foot up and down Leif’s back as he did long ago in the castle.

Travelers are drifting in from Salient, and perhaps from elsewhere to the east. They are getting more frequent and more disruptive. I cannot tell if turmoil is being stirred up by their own troubles, or if they are chasing some fantasy here … or someone even further east is pressing on them, and they seek some relief by coming in our direction.

What would you have me do?

The King paused. I need someone to slip over the border and wander a bit in that region. If you need some help, he smiled, I understand you have a friend named Philip… or Jason… or maybe something else by now, who might have some experience in such matters?

Across the room, Alicia giggled, and the King raised an eyebrow. Perhaps there is more to the story than I’ve heard? Something about cherry-filled pastries?

Soren smiled, then leaned back and laughed. Yes, probably there’s more than you’ve heard! I can’t imagine Jason would be eager to help, but perhaps he has forgiven me by now!

He would be delighted, said Alicia. Lynne has captured his heart, softened the memory of what you did, and teased him until he laughs about that day.

We are keeping your lady awake, I think. Pay a visit to Mizzouk, and he’ll provide some details. If you’re willing, I’d be glad for you to go soon. And please, if she would like, we would be delighted to have Alicia stay in the castle while you’re gone.

Soren went looking for Mizzouk that afternoon, with Alicia close by his side. Come in! shouted the wizard from a room deep inside his apartments. Soon he emerged, shaking his tunic with clouds of white dust flying about him. I can’t come back looking like this every time there’s fog in the stream! he muttered. Maybe if I fly lower …

He looked up. Soren! And Lady Alicia! Welcome! Let me guess… you’ve been talking with you-know-who!

Soon they were huddled over a table full of maps and dusty scrolls.

Here is the main city of Largente, he pointed. It’s called Salient. Mountains on both sides, a stream down the middle of the valley, and the bigger part of the city on the western side. The river is part of the defense for the older city, but the newer one … on the east … is wide open to invasion. Every few hundred years someone comes marching down from the mountains over there, and maybe it’s happened again.

---

When Soren and Alicia left, they had a basic knowledge of Salient, but no clue as to why their people were coming towards Combin and Romain. Soren began packing to go. So did Alicia.

What are you doing? he asked.

Alicia smiled at him, and tucked another pair of shoes into her bag. Packing an extra pair of shoes. What are you doing?

I mean, why are you packing your things?

You want me to wear one set of clothes for weeks, and have no soap?

He closed his bag, picked her up, and settled into his favorite chair with her on his lap. You’re not going, Alicia. You heard him!

He needs eyes and ears in that region. I need my husband to be safe. So my husband needs someone to look after him as he goes ‘wandering’ about. Would you like me to go with you… or follow along behind you?

Those are my choices?

Those are your only choices, she laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. Any more questions?

With Leif trotting ahead, they started out the following morning.

---

The King looked over the same charts Mizzouk had shown Soren. Are more coming? he asked.

There was a group here, this morning, said Mizzouk, pointing to the eastern side of the mountain pass that led to Salient.

The King traced the route over the mountains and down into Salient. One possibility is that these are refugees are coming our way. If Largente is pressed into open warfare on their eastern border, people will flee. Do we know who, really, is coming down that road?

Perhaps we’ll know soon, said Mizzouk, after taking a long draw on his meerschaum pipe and sending two puffy circles drifting towards the ceiling. But I think they are more aggressive than refugees would be. We hear stories of homes being burned, for example, and of groups pushing other travelers off the road.

But we don’t hear about people in uniform, or bearing similar weapons within the groups … as, perhaps, soldiers disguised in normal clothes?

No.

The King traced the route from Salient towards Combin, but then north. Have they perhaps heard the rumor of diamonds found near Whitestone, and they are coming for treasure? So they are not really coming at us … but at Sir Argus?

Mizzouk shrugged. Until they get further, it’s hard to tell. It’s the same road, that far.

When would they turn, if they are headed to the mountains?

Mizzouk spread his fingers over the map, and marked distances. The third day from now, for the ones reported by the eagles this morning.

Good. Soren and Leif will be there before they turn, if that’s where they are going, the King calculated. I’m glad it’s only one person going, and Leif will keep him out of trouble. I thought even as small a number as two would cause more notice, and have trouble getting through safely.

Treasure Hunters

Soren watched the group move along the forest trail. From this high on the mountainside he and Alicia could see them well without being noticed.

Don’t move, he said quietly. Movement draws the eye.

Alicia nodded. What do you think? Thirty or so?

Soren looked more closely, and counted as the group moved past a particular pine. Thirty-four, close enough. Too many to be a random group… too close together to be separate groups that don’t know each other. But not dressed the same, particularly, and … not carrying weapons … but what are they carrying, besides a pack?

Farm tools, she suggested. Looks like shovels, picks, maybe buckets?

Mining tools? For digging in rock and dirt?

Yes, she said. That’s it. And they don’t move as though they expect to be stopped or challenged… no scouts that we’ve seen, no caution about what might be ahead.

But where are they going, then? Nothing to dig for in Romain! Soren shook his head. It’s a puzzle.

Can we … fit in? Alicia nodded to their left. They’ll come back along this side of the mountain in an hour or so. What if we were slowly moving along in the same direction, and they overtook us?

Soren looked at her, and rolled the idea around in his head. It looks like they’re all men, he said. What if they decided they could deal with me, and then have you?

She looked back at the group, as they disappeared behind the next wall of trees. Are they all men? I think you’re right…

The road was empty as far as they could see in the direction the group had come from.

What if you merge in with them, and I hide with Leif… and then follow?

He shook his head.

You could limp, she continued, so they would not expect you to go on with them.

Maybe, he thought. It might work.

Leif, he said, and the dog stood up, looking at him. Can you keep her safe?

Leif walked a tight circle around Alicia and sat directly in front of her, between her and Soren. Soren laughed. OK, OK, I believe you.

Come on, she said. They’ll reach that turn in the path below us in half a glass, or sooner.

They gathered their packs and slipped down the other side of the wide mountain base. A hundred yards from the trail Soren stopped. Here’s some brush, he pointed. Settle in there. When they’ve gone ten minutes, follow along.

How will I know what’s happening? she wondered out loud.

When they stop for the night, if I’m still with them, you can come up closer to listen… but you must not be seen or caught.

What if I am? she asked. Will you know me, or not? What is your story? What is mine?

Sounds of footsteps were getting closer.

I don’t know. We’ll make something up! Soren reached for a small branch on a sapling and quickly cut a walking stick. Remember… and he held a finger up to his lips. Shh.

She nodded, and he trotted quickly down to the dirt road and began shuffling along.

---

The crowd steadily gained on Soren, and soon the leader reached him.

Old man! he shouted.

Soren stopped, slightly stooped and taking two steps to turn all the way to face the man. Me? he said. You calling me old man?"

Would you like ‘little girl’ better? he answered, glancing back at his nearest followers. I can think of lots of things to call you! The followers laughed.

Soren turned back forward and began walking again. Which foot was limping? For a moment he forgot, and hoped he picked the same one this time. Someone shoved him from behind.

Talking to you, old man!

Soren stopped, and waited. The leader came around and faced him.

You know this country?

Not so much, Soren replied. You lost?

The man shoved him in the chest. Don’t get smart. We’re looking for the diamonds. How do we get there?

Soren stared at him. Diamonds?

The man shoved him again. Wake up, old man! Talking to you!

Soren shook his head. Don’t know about any diamonds, he muttered. Never heard of it.

Others had gathered around.

Hey, Luge, look. This stick he’s got is fresh cut! It ain’t ten minutes off the tree it came from! Think he’s faking?

Luge grabbed the walking stick and examined it. He pushed it into Soren’s chest, knocking him down. What’s this all about? You pretending? I think you’re just fine, and we might take you along. Can always use another strong back, for where we’re going!

Soren crawled to the edge of the dirt road and collapsed on the ground, breathing hard. He fumbled with his coat, and pleaded, Can I have the stick, please?

Sure, said Luge. But like this! Lift him up, guys.

Two men grabbed his arms and lifted him to his feet. They put the stick behind his back, and hooked his elbows over it.

Keep it there, or we’ll tie it there! Now walk! You got no place to go that matters, so you’re coming with us!

Someone pushed him in the direction the group was traveling, and he stumbled forward, slightly dragging one foot.

Gonna have to move faster than that, old man. We got diamonds waiting for us! They pushed him again.

---

Alicia waited ten long, slow minutes, then moved down to the dirt road and began walking along in the grass and weeds to the side of it. Leif trotted along just ahead of her, moving out into the road and sniffing the tracks now and then. Suddenly he stopped, and pushed her further off the road into the higher brush. She could hear voices ahead, but couldn’t make out the words. They waited until the voices faded away, then continued.

Leif stopped, stared at the road for a moment, then began carefully stepping around the prints in the dirt and smelling things. He looked at Alicia, and she came up to see what he had found. The cane prints, big dots in the dirt, had stopped. The dirt was swirled around and the tracks were smudged, as though something had been dragged around on the ground. Then further on, the tracks of all the men’s boots continued, and one appeared to be dragging a bit. There were no cane dots.

Soren, she thought. He’s moving with them, but without the cane… but still limping. They must have taken it from him.

She looked around on the tracks going forward.

But no one else is using it …

She went back to the swirled dirt. Was there a fight?

Looking carefully, she found a button, one she had sewn onto his coat not seven days earlier. He must have pulled it off, to leave it… it would not have come off easily.

She looked at Leif. He was sitting by the road, waiting for her.

They’ve taken him, she said. He stood up and growled.

We have to be careful. And quiet. The growl stopped, but the fierce look in his eyes did not change.

Ready?

He turned and trotted ahead, again staying in the grass.

Looking for Whitestone

Where are we going? gasped Soren, trying to sound strained and exhausted. The temptation to spin around and knock these bullies down with his cane was almost overwhelming.

To get rich, said Luge. You’ll be glad you decided to come with us! Won’t he, men? Several laughed.

By kidnapping old men? said Soren, and he was rewarded with a whack on the back of the head.

Diamonds, you idiot. Diamonds. Didn’t you hear me the first time?

Diamonds come from mountains. No mountains here, muttered Soren.

Ever hear of Whitestone, old man?

Whitestone. Charles. If there were diamonds at Whitestone, Soren would have heard. At