Daniel Sage and the False Dragon

By Emily Temple

The lands of Moura and Parenadra have seen dangerous times before, but always had the dragon riders to defend the justice of the world. But one rider turned to darkness, and slowly the people who once faithfully looked to the skies in times of trouble began to doubt the loyalty of riders. Now as the evil queen known only as Amora rises to control the world, with the dragon riders exiled from the people who once loved them and living in hiding, there is no one to defend when armies sweep Moura.
But hope is found when the riders are called again by their brethren to return, and a new king is found to a once-powerful nation all but lost. And hope is found in an unlikely king who once dreamed of riding the skies on a dragon of his very own.
When his wish comes true, Daniel Sage and his dragon Leafwing (with a fiery attitude despite an inability to create fire) set off on a quest to defend their world from certain doom. Along the way they befriend nymphs, battle giant birds, and learn that you must become who you were always meant to be-- even if its the last person you want to.
But darkness lies before Daniel. His parents die, he must leave behind his sister, and he must face the terrible truth-- that Amora holds a shocking connection to him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 26, 2009
• ISBN: 9781469103655

Emily Temple

Emily Temple was born in Syracuse, New York. She earned a BA from Middlebury College and an MFA in fiction from the University of Virginia, where she was a Henry Hoyns fellow and the recipient of a Henfield Prize. Her short fiction has appeared in Colorado Review, Electric Literature's Recommended Reading, Indiana Review, Fairy Tale Review, and other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, where she is Managing Editor at Literary Hub. This is her first novel.

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Daniel Sage and

the False Dragon

1-COVER.jpg

Emily Temple

Copyright © 2009 by Emily Temple.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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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

This book is dedicated to the many people who dealt with me as I typed away… .

. . . . to Mom, Dad, and Adam, who supported the many crazy ideas I had.

. . . . to the rest of my extended family for cheering me on.

. . . . to all my friends, many of whom foolishly lent me their names under the delusion that I would make them cool. The floor is lava!

. . . . to the awesome teachers who inspire me to strive to learn.

. . . . finally, to all the kids out there who dream of writing. You are holding in your hands the consequences of dreaming.

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Chapter 1

The Little Farm

Daniel Sage was an ordinary boy. His parents were farmers, neither rich nor powerful, but they always had food on the table. Daniel did much of the work, feeding the horses and milking the cows, while richer children went off to school. He also went out hunting, and usually brought back enough for himself, Ma, Pa, and his ten year old little sister, Sadie.

Every night, Ma would roast deer, fowl, or whatever else Daniel brought home. The scent would drift to all corners of the little house, calling the family to the table. Sadie would lay the forks and knives out, and Daniel would assist Ma with the heavy pots and pans. No matter what the meat, Ma cooked it to absolute perfection.

After dinner, Pa told stories about dragons, wizards, fairies, knights, and an assortment of other magical creatures and people. The children especially loved hearing about dragons and knights. Pa told stories beautifully, as though he was there when brave Sir Joseph of Ablan killed the wicked fairy queen, or when King Jason knighted his entourage of soldiers. Daniel, being seventeen, knew they were only legends, as did Sadie, but the stories were so wonderful that the children wished they were true.

And so life proceeded. Every day brought no new surprises, nothing was different, and all tasks from the last day had to be repeated. On occasion, Daniel would take his horse, Bets, into town with items such as meat or crops to trade for spices and other things Ma and Pa needed.

And so our story begins, one such day, as Bets and Daniel were strolling into town. Daniel had no idea of the future ahead, thinking only of getting the rabbit skin and roast duck to the marketplace. Daniel stepped through the prairie carefully, remembering a time when a rattlesnake bit him. He’d been young, but the memory of the pain was still alive.

Their farm was not far from town, so he did not have long to walk. Bets faithfully followed him, her gold hide gleaming in the sun. Walking under the only tree in the small field, Daniel and Bets were grateful for some shade. The sun was an executioner, for the summer was blazing. Each breath Daniel drew made him hotter and hotter.

In the distance, Daniel spied the steep cliffs north of Thira. Like all Thirans, Daniel enjoyed the cliff country park north of Thira. The pictographs on the walls were from long ago, but no one could read them. They were said to be an ancient language.

Bets pulled Daniel along, eager to get to the market. Daniel could smell the fruity perfumes already. He was only to trade for necessary items today, such as farm equipment and spices. The dealer’s goods were enticing, though. He was tempted to head straight to the weaponry shop when he arrived, but shook his head. His parents would be furious.

Entering the outskirts of town, Daniel felt a strange chill go through him. The outskirts were populated only by the Guard. The Guard was the kingdom’s ‘police’ force. Wearing loose-fitting red jumpsuits and masks, only their dark eyes were visible. As Daniel passed by, all eyes locked on him. One shouted to another in another language, then they allowed him through. The dark sensation soon dispersed.

In the land of Moura, in the kingdom of Jil’ Mondour, the town of Thira was small but busy. Every day hundreds of people bustled in from every corner of the country. Many were tourists, many shoppers, many sellers.

Once every month, there was a market day. At that time, instead of only the town square being open to marketing, all streets were open to vendors looking for business. Crowds were thinned just a bit on those days, so Daniel always went on market days.

Daniel entered the edges of civilization within the outskirts, and not many vendors sold out there because the hustle and bustle of the city sold more wares. Daniel well knew the value of being where valuables were gained.

On the shelves of some vendors, there were statues, banners, and paintings of dragons being pictured as horrible creatures and warriors stabbing them with swords. One even showed a warrior in gleaming armor slicing open a dragon’s belly, blood pouring from the wound. Daniel scowled. Many thought of dragons and riders like this, but Pa and Ma stayed by the old ways, respecting the defenders of justice and peace.

He took several long streets before finding the perfect spot. He motioned for Bets to stop walking and unhooked a stand from her back. Setting it up, he carefully displayed the best portion of the meat and fur on the stand, and waited for business.

He disliked the slow pace of the day as it dragged on. By midday, still no one came. People passed him by, and a man did offer him a fresh fish for the fur, but it certainly didn’t smell fresh to Daniel. He declined the offer, and the man left in an angry huff. Daniel shook his head sadly. Maybe today wasn’t a good day.

Chapter 2

Fortunes can be Deadly

His first customer was a rich spice dealer called Jerom. He offered fine spices that Ma had mentioned needing in exchange for the duck. Daniel agreed to the trade.

Someone was setting up a stall next to his. There was a sign, but Daniel couldn’t read. Daniel could see no goods, but they could be small. A painting of a dragon curled around a ball was plastered on another sign.

Excuse me, he called over. He was on a quieter street, so he didn’t have to scream to be heard. What are you selling?

The figure working turned. It was a girl. She had short, light brown hair and pretty blue-gray eyes. Why? she asked. Are you interested? If you’re like most people, you’ll say I’m just crazy.

Daniel got up and walked over. He cocked an eyebrow and grinned. And if I’m not like most people? He didn’t think he’d be very surprised, however, because women often sold either food or household things. Maybe the girl was a bit out there, but she looked kind of pretty. That was enough to let him accept a strange eccentric of a girl for a few minutes.

The girl laughed and crossed her arms. Well, I do need some business, she smiled. Sit down, she said, gesturing to a chair. She sat in one across from him.

I have no money, said Daniel, wondering what kind of service she was offering.

I cannot take money! The girl looked aghast. Daniel took a step back, nonplused. He wondered how she could need business if she’d take no money. I perform free of charge, for my service I’d have to be greedy to want payment! I work to help people, at least those who’ll accept being helped. Collecting herself, she began.

I am Esmeralda, Reader of Souls, Speaker for the Spirits, Teller of the Future!

The future? Daniel asked incredulously. You’re serious?

Do you want to know your fortune or not? she asked, looking up at him with halfhearted disapproval.

Daniel felt as though he’d done something wrong. Sure, he muttered. Then he realized the gravity of his situation. He suddenly could not wait, what could fortune hold? Wealth? Prosperity?

Her face paled and her eyes stared through him. Your destiny is— Her voice became wispy and distant. The tips of her fingers lightly touched a blue orb, which was growing brightly. You shall be— The sphere began to dim.

What?

I—I— Color was returning to Esmeralda’s face, but Daniel could feel it drain from his. I’m sorry, Daniel—

How do you know my name?

Esmeralda shook her head, looking apologetic. The spirits are shutting off from me. I can see nothing. As I said, I’m sorry, but it’s nothing. You expected greatness, I’m sure, she said, and you are quite nice. I’d wish it to you.

So? Daniel asked, disheartened. Can I change my future?

Esmeralda closed her eyes. Fortunes can be deadly, Daniel. Dwell upon them, and they can destroy. Perhaps it is those with no need to fulfill a destiny that are luckiest. Reopening her eyes, she stood and added, And you might want to try tending your shop. You’ve got a customer.

Turning, Daniel saw a woman wrapped in furs approaching his shop. Running over, he made it just in time for a valuable trade. He shook his head afterwards, sad he couldn’t know more. Esmeralda glanced at him apologetically a lot throughout the day, and Daniel knew it wasn’t her fault, but he didn’t want to be just normal.

As he walked home, he wished silently that he could be a rider, like in Pa’s tales. He wished he could be a king. He stopped suddenly, and Bets growled in unhappiness. He picked up a small stone. It was gray and hard, like any other stone. That was him. He was just a normal person.

But the fortune might not be real, he considered. No, he decided, it was real.

She knew his name.

He closed his eyes. He wanted to be