Draconem

By Selma Herbst

Cedric Wright had an ordinary life until he met two outcasts from Draconem. He is told the truth about the universe around him and finds out the truth about his heritage in the process.
He must risk his life and travel to Draconem in order to help the princess and her lover return home so that she can take her birthright as ruler of Draconem back from her heartless brother.
Together they face each challenge head-on and they stick together until the very end. They meet new friends along the way and face off against old enemies. A childhood friendship turns into intimate love, and they must face their fears in order to save those under the princes rule.
Will Cedric survive? Will the truth tear his family apart? Can the princess do what needs to be done?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Africa
• Release date: Nov 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781482809817

Selma Herbst

Her stories are mystical and inspirational, leaving your imagination hungry for more. The stories are so captivating that you don’t want to put it down.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Selma Herbst.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

www.partridgepublishing.com/africa

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 1

Have a wonderful day, Stefanie watched as her son climbed out of the car.

Bye mom, Cedric threw his black book bag over his shoulder. Love you, he waved as the car drove down the street and disappeared around the corner.

He stood on the curb and sighed as he looked up at the big brick building. The large grass patches in front of the building was crawling with the usual suspects.

Ali and her squad were practicing their routines in front of the library like usual while Mrs. Blake was glaring at them through the window. Nicky and the group of brainiacs were sitting around the table, each with their faces buried in a book. The Goths sat on the stone steps, looking like they didn’t care much about anything. A strange kid sat against a tree close to street, his eyes hidden behind a designer pair of sunglasses. Justin and his team were on the far side of the grass, playing with a football.

Cedric never liked school much, but what could he do about it. He looked at the ground and strolled towards the stairs.

Heads up!

Cedric looked up just as something slammed into his head. There was a loud snap as his glasses broke. He was knocked off his feet and slammed his head on the concrete. Stunned by the painful blow, he laid face up, staring at the clear blue sky. His face burned and he could see red on the bridge of his nose. He heard footsteps coming closer.

Are you still alive? Hal’s face appeared above him, his fluffy blond hair as unruly as usual.

Cedric blinked a few times and Hal seemed noticeably more relaxed. He grabbed Cedric’s arm and helped him to his feet, only to be pushed down again.

Look what you did, nerd! Justin yelled. You got blood on my ball.

I – I’m sorry, Cedric stammered, rubbing his eyes.

Why d – don’t y- you look where you’re g – going? he asked mockingly.

You threw the ball at me on purpose, Cedric stood up, suddenly very angry. You always start this!

Did I say you could get up? Justin forced him down again.

Cedric opened his mouth, ready to take them all on when the strange guy suddenly walked past him.

Lay off, man, the guy stepped in between Cedric and Justin.

Cedric took a closer look at the kid. He looked about 17 years old. He was dressed in black from head to toe. His black hair was cut short and he held a bored expression behind his expensive looking sunglasses.

Who are you supposed to be? Justin asked.

Justin pushed the kid, but he only took one step back before he swung his fist. There was a sickening sound as the guy’s fist slammed into Justin’s jaw. Justin’s head snapped back and his limp body crumpled to the ground.

The surprised gazes of the group in front of him didn’t seem to worry him too much. He turned around and those dark lenses stared down at Cedric.

Are you okay, man? he extended his hand.

Yeah, Cedric answered unsurely as he was pulled to his feet. Thank you… his voice trailed off.

Duncan, he answered, giving Cedric a small smile.

How’d you do that? they heard a weary voice asking.

They turned around and saw Justin holding onto Hal. A light bruise already sat on his cheek and he spat out blood.

You want me to show you again? Duncan asked calmly.

You think you’re so tough with your glasses! Justin grabbed Duncan’s sunglasses.

Cedric heard something pop and the group of jocks screamed, scrambling over each other to get away. Duncan picked his glasses up from the floor and turned towards Cedric with a smile. Cedric was mesmerized by Duncan’s pure blue eyes until he pushed the sunglasses back into place. Duncan snapped his fingers in front of Cedric’s eyes, bringing him back to reality.

Are you okay? he asked in his calm voice.

Yeah, I’m used to it, Cedric sighed.

That’s wrong, Duncan bent over and grabbed the two broken frames of Cedric’s glasses. You should stand up for yourself.

No one’s ever stood up to them. There’s just no way, Cedric squinted as he inspected the shattered glasses.

There is always a way, Duncan answered.

He pulled his sunglasses off and turned them around. He pushed the glasses until they were firmly secured in front of Cedric’s eyes. The world suddenly got a few shades darker, but Cedric could suddenly see clearer. He wanted to thank Duncan for all the help, but he had already gone past the Goths and was walking through the double doors.

Cedric tried to catch up to Duncan. He ran up the steps, almost stumbling over Jessica’s outstretched legs. He walked through the door, stopped at the entrance and looked around, but Duncan had already merged with the crowd.

I’ll thank him later, Cedric mumbled.

He adjusted the glasses and pushed his broken pair into his jeans. He pushed his way through the sea of children and finally made it to his locker. He pushed his bag into the locker and grabbed his science books. The door suddenly slammed shut just as Cedric withdrew his hands.

He jumped in surprise and glared at the short girl standing next to him. Her strawberry hair was in a loose ponytail and her peppermint eyes seemed to gleam with excitement. Her tanned cheeks were dotted with freckles and she wore a bright smile on her face.

Morning, Bianca.

So, what’s his name? she asked.

Who? Cedric asked as they walked towards the science lab.

Don’t play stupid with me, she playfully slapped him on his arm. The new guy. The one whose glasses you’re wearing.

His name is Duncan, he answered.

So?

What? he looked at her in confusion.

What colour is his eyes? she asked. What’s he like? she grabbed his arm and gasped. Are you guys friends?

This shade of blue that I’ve never seen before. I don’t know and I don’t know, he answered. Look, he pulled her forward and they started walking again. I just met the guy a few minutes ago. He stood up against Justin and the football team, he gave me his glasses and then he left. We didn’t really talk that much.

Why did he give you his glasses? she asked.

Mine broke, he answered, patting his pocket. And these work perfectly. Actually, they work better than my glasses.

Let me see, she grabbed the glasses before he could react and put it on. Wow, she exclaimed. She took them off and put them back on, studying the difference. That’s awesome.

Great. Can I get them back now? he asked, lightly holding onto her arm. I can’t see where I’m going.

Oh, sorry, she giggled and handed the glasses back to him.

Thank you, he pushed them back into place.

They walked into the classroom and took their seats in the back of the class. Mr. Blake, the librarian’s husband, walked into the room just as the bell rang.

Morning, he greeted as he closed the door behind him. We were talking about electrical currents yesterday, he said, casually sitting on the table.

There was a beeping sound and everyone stared at the small box above the blackboard.

Cedric Wright and Duncan Dunstan, Mr. Walker’s voice called out over the intercom. Come to my office immediately.

Cedric got up, pushed his hands into his pockets and walked out of the classroom. He looked down as he slowly walked to the principal’s office. He reached the closed door a few minutes later and lightly knocked on the door.

Come in.

His heart pounded against his chest as he wrapped his hand around the knob. He slowly opened the door and walked into the brightly lit room. He closed the door behind him and studied the room for a second. The left wall was covered with rows and rows of untouched books. The wall on the far wall had a big window in the middle. Mr. Walker sat behind his big dark wood table and Justin slouched in one of the chairs in front of him. The wall to the right was covered in pictures and diplomas. Two more chairs sat in front of the wall with a small coffee table between the two.

One of the chairs was occupied by a strange looking man. He sat back against the chair with his head against the wall, seeming somewhat bored. He had short black hair and he was wearing the same type of designer glasses that Duncan had given to him.

The door suddenly opened behind him, scaring him. He stepped aside and watched as Duncan, with a new pair of sunglasses, walked into the room.

I took a wrong turn, he said and closed the door. Sorry for scaring you, he smiled as he walked past Cedric. He quickly glanced at the strange looking man and settled down in the chair next to him.

Cedric, you want to take a seat? Mr. Walker asked.

Sorry, he hesitantly walked over to the chair next to Justin and sat down.

Who wants to enlighten me? he asked. What happened?

I’ll tell you what happened, sir, Justin answered innocently. "Me and Hal and the rest of the team was just throwing the ball around when I accidently threw it too far. It accidently hit Cedric and he stumbled. When we went to check if he was okay, he started threatening us. That’s when it, he pointed an accusing finger at Duncan, joined in. I tried to resolve things calmly, but he hit me. Not wanting any further violence, we left."

You expect me to believe that these two young men took on my football team and won? Mr. Walker asked disbelievingly.

Yes, he answered happily. No wait, he thought for a second. No.

Cedric? the principal sighed. What happened? And why are you wearing sunglasses indoors? Where are your glasses?

They broke when the ball slammed into me, he pulled the pieces out of his pocket and placed them in the middle of the table.

So that explains the blood, Mr. Walker said thoughtfully, examining the frame. So what happened?

It was an accident, Cedric mumbled, noticing Justin’s angry glare.

Mr. Dunstan, he sighed. You’re new here so you’re the one that’s most likely to tell the truth.

I saw what happened, Duncan answered calmly. He, he pointed towards Justin, deliberately aimed the ball at him, he pointed towards Cedric. They started laughing when the ball broke his glasses and knocked him off his feet. The tall blonde dude tried to help him to his feet, but this ignoramus shoved him down again. He started mocking him so I stepped in to calm things down.

Then how did he get that bruise? Mr. Walker asked.

He shoved me so I hit him, Duncan answered calmly.

What brought the fight to an end?

Duncan shrugged.

You’re not even human! Justin jumped out of his chair. You’re something from hell!

Justin! Mr. Walker stood up.

He is… Look! he jumped forward and ripped the sunglasses off Duncan’s face. See! he yelled triumphantly, looking at Mr. Walker.

I’m so sorry, Mr. Walker walked around his desk and grabbed the glasses from Justin. What’s wrong with you? he growled at Justin.

Justin looked at Duncan in confusion and Cedric leaned forward to get a better view. Duncan stared up at them with those bright blue eyes, looking very much unfazed by everything that was going on around him.

But… but, Justin stared in disbelief.

I’m so sorry, Duncan. It won’t happen again, Mr. Walker apologized, handing the designer glasses back to him.

No worries, he smiled and pushed the glasses back in place.

What’s wrong with you? he asked Justin. Duncan has a rare sensitivity that requires him to wear special sunglasses.

But… but, Justin still seemed stunned.

Get back to class. I’ll deal with you later, he said.

But… but, Justin mumbled as he walked out of the room closing the door behind him.

Cedric sat back in his chair as Mr. Walker took his seat again.

Cedric, he folded his hands on the table. You need to stand up for yourself. I’m not giving you permission to start a fight, but don’t let everyone walk over you.

Yes, sir, Cedric mumbled.

Now get to class and don’t let me catch you here again, he answered with a smile.

Yes, sir, Cedric got to his feet and he stretched out to get his glasses, but Mr. Walker placed his hand over the pieces.

I’ll make Justin pay for the repairs, he smiled.

Thank you, sir, Cedric answered.

He walked out of the room and closed the door behind him but he stood there, listening to the conversation.

Mr. Dunstan, nice to meet you. Please take a seat, Mr. Walker said. Duncan, I understand that you were just trying to help Cedric, but we do not condone violence in this school.

I understand, Duncan answered calmly.

Children are usually not this calm when they are called to my office, Mr. Walker laughed softly. You understand that this can’t go unnoticed.

Yes, sir, Duncan answered.

Since this is your first day at school and because the conflict didn’t directly involve you, I’m willing to let you off with a warning, he said.

Thank you, sir, Duncan answered.

But if this happen again, you’ll be punished accordingly, Mr. Walker warned. Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

Well… he paused. Okay then. This usually takes a lot longer to figure out, he paused again. Okay then. Sorry for bothering you, Mr. Dunstan.

Well, all’s well that ends well I suppose, Mr. Dunstan answered with a smile.

Well, then, Mr. Walker still sounded unsure. I guess you’re free to leave.

Thank you, Mr. Walker, Mr. Dunstan shook his hand as they stood up.

Cedric quickly ran around the corner when he heard footsteps coming from inside the room. He barely cleared the corner before the door opened. His heart started pounding rapidly when he realised that they had to walk past him to get to the front of the school.

Bye, he heard Mr. Walker’s door closing.

Grazie per essere venuti, he heard Duncan say and peeked around the corner.

Non ancora di iniziare con me, Mr. Dunstan said as the two started walking down the hall, towards the back of the school.

Curious, Cedric slowly followed them, making sure not to make a sound. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and pushed record. The two silently walked through the door, and into the parking area at the back of the school. Cedric stopped at the window next to the door.

Mr. Dunstan suddenly stopped and Cedric ducked under the windowsill, his phone still recording.

Ti ho chiesto di non attirare attenzione a noi, Cedric heard Mr. Dunstan’s voice and peeked through the window again.

Ho dovuto aiutare il bambino, Duncan protested angrily.

Voi quasi noi esposti!, Mr. Dunstan hissed.

Quei ragazzi non sanno quello che hanno visto, Duncan answered, seeming very sure of himself.

Abbiamo bisogno di lasciare.

No, Duncan crossed his arms.

Non essere così, principessa, Mr. Dunstan said, placing his hand on Duncan’s shoulder.

Lo non ho intenzione. Sono stanco di corsa, Duncan moaned.

"Allora volontà voi promettete di essere più