Fire and Flame: The Red Demon

By J. A. EDWARDS

For ten years, Queen Brieanika (Brie) has ruled over the Draynor dragons in peace even though many still considered her a youngling. But now that peace is threatened when the ancient Grenon dragon line returns to claim the throne they feel was stolen by the youngling Draynor queen. When the larger stronger Grenon leader Saline challenges Brie to a battle to the death in a bid to take the Draynor throne, it seems all hope is lost for the young queen.

With one solar year to prepare for the battle to defend her kingdom from Salines terrible plans or die, Brie undertakes a strenuous training schedule. With the help of her cousins Daxen and Mikan, her faithful slayers and sentinels, and her mate Trace, Brie is determined to gain the skills that shell need to win the challenge.

If only things were so easy! Throw in a plot to overthrow the system royals, a big deal marriage, and the politics of avoiding a war while proving herself to be a true leader, and our little red dragon-queen heroine has her hands full in this exciting third installment of author J. A. Edwards entertaining Dragons of Draynor series. Hold on tight and come along for the ride as we follow Queen Brieanika and her court on their adventures as they attempt to save the Draynor throne and win the hearts of the dragons they rule.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524693343

J. A. EDWARDS

J. A. Edwards spent a little over four years in the Air Force where she got the opportunity to work in Germany and England. She attended college in Modesto California were she received a degree in behavioral science. Currently she lives in Wisconsin with her son. Throughout her life she could always be found with a pad of paper ready to write down things that filled her imagination. She would always be willing to discuss her stories with anyone who would listen. Her characters would take on characteristics from people who she had met. Specifically the main characters, a few of them act a certain way that would remind her of people from her past or of people who were long gone. It was a way she used to keep them close. She is determined to continue to push the boundaries of her imagination to bring to life the fantasy worlds and the people that live there for the real world to share.

Book preview

BOOKS BY J. A. EDWARDS

THE DRAYNOR DRAGON SERIES

THE DRAGON INSIDE

THE DRAGON BROTHERS REIGN

FIRE AND FLAME – THE RED DEMON

THE SEEKER TRILOGY

THE HIDDEN SEEKER

GENERATION JUMPERS

BELLADAINE – THE GUARDIAN OF TALLA

Fire

and

Flame

The Red Demon

J. A. EDWARDS

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AuthorHouse™

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www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2017 J. A. Edwards. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/24/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9335-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9333-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9334-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017908090

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

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.

DEDICATION

To my Son, Ashtyn. You are my favorite spitfire and my light. My life didn’t begin until you appeared. Sometimes you drive me crazy when you play your video games, sometimes you make me cringe when your dragon side tries to fly, but you always make me smile as you enjoy life to the fullest. You are intelligent, creative and you have a wonderful heart. But most of all you are an awesome cat.

To Meilani MacDonald, we have been friends for years and I know we have not met in person but my second life would not be complete without you in it. I want to thank you for all your help with the editing of this book. You have taken my great story and truly made it better. You will never really know how much I appreciate what you have done.

Contents

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Author Biography

1

"CJ, LOOK OUT! PIKE YELLED as he fired another shot at the youngling. CJ turned around just in time to duck away from a stream of fire the youngling had aimed right at him. I can’t get a lock on him."

CJ slammed into the youngling’s chest with his full force. He isn’t responding to me. He is too far gone, CJ said and blew a cloud of pink smoke meant to knock out the little dragon. The gas had no effect however, other than to make him angrier.

Pike realized that everything the two of them were doing to get the youngling under control was useless. He was going to have to change to his dragon form if they were going to take him down. They had no other choice. The eight foot tall baby dragon had out-maneuvered CJ’s twenty-six foot tall dragon and was heading toward the city again. The baby dragon had attacked the city earlier in the day and killed three people. Pike and CJ, two slayers from the Marithian city of Drayhonne, had drawn the dragon out of the city in hopes of forcing him to change back to his Draynor form so they could take control of him. Their plan was unsuccessful, and now there was no other choice.

CJ swung his massive body around and flew in front of the rogue dragon to stop him as Pike changed to his own thirty foot long, orange and brown serpentine dragon form. Pike caught up quickly to the other two and landed behind the small dragon. The youngling shot fireballs at both of the adults, but neither of them backed down. Finally, with one quick move CJ bit into the neck of the youngling, tearing half of it away just as Pike slammed into his side with all his force, shattering every bone on the baby dragon’s right side. The youngling instantly fell to the ground, his life extinguished.

Slowly the two slayers entered a liquid transformation state and their bodies turned and undulated until they were standing as men. The men were exhausted and breathing heavily. They sat down on the ground to take a break while they waited for the youngling to change back into a boy. The two slayers discussed who were worse to fight, adults or younglings, and both declared younglings were far worse. With adults who had already merged their two forms, the slayers could usually convince them to stop whatever mischief they were doing. Younglings, on the other hand, are driven by pure instinct, and their instincts are to feed and destroy.

It had been ten minutes and the dead dragon still had not switched back to his Draynor form. CJ stated with concern, He should have changed by now. The two men stood up and started to walk around the body.

Something was not right with this one. He didn’t act like a normal youngling, said Pike, scratching his head. He had some thought process; he wasn’t just running on instinct. He didn’t respond to us, but it was not because he couldn’t, but rather because he didn’t want to. Another ten minutes passed before Pike said, CJ, I don’t think he is going to change form.

Impossible; everyone changes, CJ replied as he walked around the body, studying it. He has some unusual markings. If I didn’t know better, I would say this was a Grenon youngling.

That’s crazy. Grenon dragons have been extinct for more than twenty thousand years. Pike walked over to CJ and stared at the markings on the dragon’s back leg then added, I’ll be damned, he does have Grenon markings.

It would explain why he hasn’t changed. Draynor dragons can shapeshift form to blend in with the planet populace, but Grenon dragons don’t have that ability, CJ said.

I think we should be asking another question…where is his mother? Pike said quietly as he looked around.

Don’t even joke like that! Fighting a full grown Grenon dragon would be like fighting two of our strongest dragons at the same time, replied CJ, who also scanned the area. He was getting an uneasy feeling.

Suddenly a deafening screech was heard only a few feet away from them. Caught off guard by the dragon who dove through the clouds above them, the men hesitated just a brief moment before changing to their dragon forms. In that moment Pike was grabbed by the full-sized Grenon who swooped in, and before he could react, the female dragon bit off his head and tore his body in half. CJ exploded instantly into his midnight black dragon form and filled the area with a sense of dread as he extended his massive wings and blew a stream of fire at the Grenon dragon that hovered and roared in the sky.

The female Grenon turned around and faced CJ. You are going to die! she declared as she dove toward him.

Not today! CJ exclaimed as he took to the sky to meet her head on.

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After two days with no communication from CJ, Captain of the Slayers, or his Second Officer Pike, a rescue ship was sent out to check on them. It took another three days before the palace received word that the two slayers had been found. Both Draynor cities, Drayhonne on Marithia and the Draynor capital city on Malta, were placed on a Level One Alert by Tucker, the acting Commanding Officer of the Slayers on the rescue mission. Explanations were promised to follow as soon as the rescue ship returned. Because Drayhonne was closest and both officers were stationed there, the rescue ship headed there to land. Captain Garrik, who was in charge of the royal military, left the capital of the Southern Region of Malta and traveled to Drayhonne as soon as he received notification that a Level One Alert had been raised by the returning rescue ship.

Queen Brieanika lived in Drayhonne while her Grand Viceroy, Trent Monroe, governed from the capital city on Malta. Since the Queen was still relatively new, she wasn’t sure what a Level One Alert actually was. One had never been issued during her reign before and her council never had reason to discuss the alert. With everything else that had happened over the last ten years - hunting and capturing those responsible for the attempted kidnapping of Prince Rodic, Daxen taking the throne of Marithia, hunting for the criminal Valkin, and the daily duties that came with being queen of dragons - Brie sometimes felt like she would never know all she needed to know to be the good and just ruler that she wanted to be for her people.

With these thoughts in her mind, Brie granted Garrik’s ship safe passage into the city and went to meet him in the landing bay when his ship arrived. Along the way, the Queen’s sentinel Trace Monroe instructed her about the alert levels so she would be up to speed by the time they got to the landing bay. The soldiers on the ship disembarked and fell into formation, waiting for the Queen to arrive. Garrik was the last one off the ship. Brie walked into the hangar with her two sentinels and four members of her royal guard. The soldiers who were in formation fell to one knee as she passed them. She smiled when she stopped in front of Captain Garrik, who bowed his head and smiled back.

It is good to see you, Your Majesty.

Good to see you too, Captain, Brie continued to smile, while Trace signaled to the guards that they could stand.

Have you heard any updates from the rescue ship? Garrik asked. Brie looked at Trace, who in turn glanced at the other sentinel, Kyle.

Sir, Kyle spoke up, our last communication indicated that one slayer was killed and the other is in critical condition. All other information will be relayed in person after the rescue ship lands.

Was any reason given as to why they would issue a Level One Alert? Garrik asked grumpily. He did not like being kept in the dark. Kyle shook his head ‘no.’ Well then My Lady, you are confined to the palace under the laws and regulations of the Level One Alert. Once the rescue ship has landed, I will bring the crew to the throne room for debriefing. Brie nodded. She knew better than to question Garrik when it came to her safety. Where is Prince Rodic? he asked.

Under lock and key in the playroom, Trace answered.

Good place for him, Garrik commented. There has not been a threat on the life of Prince Rodic in ten years, and it has been fifteen since anyone has threatened to harm you, Your Majesty. At this time, the safety of the two of you is our highest priority. If you would excuse me, I need to have a discussion with my soldiers and get them posted throughout the city. Brie nodded, granting him his leave. She waited until Garrik was gone and then she turned to her sentinels.

Kyle, did you notify Daxen about the slayers’ conditions? she asked.

Since one of the slayers was CJ, I did contact him. King Daxen stated that he would be here before the evening meal. He was very concerned that the lead officer of the rescue ship would not say who was killed or why the alert was issued. Brie agreed with Daxen, but there was nothing they could do until the ship arrived home, so the Queen and her guards returned to the palace and waited.

The rescue and recovery ship finally arrived in the landing bay at Drayhonne, where a security team was waiting for them. The wounded slayer was the first one off of the ship. He was alive, but he was not breathing on his own. Many of the soldiers cringed when they saw CJ being taken to the medical center. Tucker, one of the senior officers in the slayer ranks, walked off the ship right behind CJ and went directly over to the palace. He didn’t want to waste any time in telling Garrik and Brie what happened. Tucker entered the throne room and found Garrik talking with a couple of guards while Brie was sitting on the throne with Trace by her side. He walked over and knelt before the Queen.

What do you have to report, Lieutenant? Brie addressed Tucker and he stood up to relay his report.

Your Majesty, I checked on the assignment that Captain Jonis and Lieutenant Pike were on; they were supposed to detain a youngling and return him for training. The youngling was destroying a city on a planet just outside of our system. They were able to get the youngling out of the city, but according to witnesses they were not able to get control of the youngling and ended up having to kill him as he tried to return to the city. What happened after that is the reason I declared a Level One Alert. Brie listened to Tucker but she never took her eyes off of Garrik, who was listening very closely.

Tucker continued, The witnesses mentioned that the youngling didn’t change form. They saw CJ and Pike discussing the youngling, looking very confused, and then becoming very nervous after a while. Unfortunately, the witnesses were too far away to actually hear what they were discussing.

What do you mean the youngling didn’t change…was it not dead? Garrik asked.

He was dead. One of the slayers ripped away half his throat, according to the witnesses.

What did you see? Was the youngling still in true form? Garrik didn’t understand why he was just explaining what the witnesses saw.

There was no body when we arrived. Before Garrik could ask his next question, Tucker held up his hand to stop him. It seems that while the slayers were talking, an extremely large dragon appeared next to them and grabbed one of the slayers. Brie stood up. The dragon ripped off Pike’s head and then tore his body into pieces. We were able to recover most of him. CJ changed form and engaged the dragon but he lost the battle and the dragon left him to die. The dragon then scooped up the youngling’s body and flew away with it. CJ was not able to maintain his true form and he switched back his Draynor form. The townspeople did everything they could to help him. We were told in which direction the dragon flew off and I took a team to investigate the situation.

Did you find the dragon? Garrik asked.

Yes, sir.

Did you bring it back? Brie asked, angered by what she was hearing.

No, ma’am, we have a bigger problem, Tucker declared. The dragon was a Grenon and she was not alone.

Brie turned to Trace and asked, What is a Grenon?

A species of dragon that is supposed to be extinct. Are you sure? Trace didn’t believe Tucker.

I saw them myself.

You said she was not alone. How many were with her? Garrik asked, starting to show some nervousness.

Tucker was quiet for a moment, then replied, I don’t have an exact number, but I estimate two to three hundred. No one said a word, and Garrik and Trace looked as if they were in shock. Brie stared at them, having no idea what was causing such feelings of anxiety from everyone.

I felt at least nine sensitives who would have picked up on my presence if I went in cloaked under the veil, so I dispatched my brother Puc to investigate. No one would detect him or members of his team, Tucker added.

Then we will wait for Puc’s report. Until then the threat level will remain where it is. I will convey your report to the Grand Viceroy. Brie nodded in approval of Garrik’s plan. He bowed his head to her and then left the room.

Tucker stood at attention in front of Brie. Your Majesty, is there anything else you need from me at this time?

No, and thank you for what you’ve done up to this point, she answered. You just got back, so go take a break. Tucker bowed his head and left the room. Once Brie and Trace were alone, she turned to him for answers. What’s going on? You and Garrik are scared to death of these dragons. And I’m getting nothing but feelings of hopelessness from everyone else.

Trace tried to smile as he explained, I’m not scared to death, but I am concerned. As far as we know, the Grenons should have been extinct. There are only a few that we know of who are still alive; they are the ancients on Malta. Garnik is one of them, but all of the others disappeared over twenty thousand years ago.

Apparently not. We should go to Malta and talk with the ancients to see what they know. Brie took a step toward the door.

You are not going anywhere, Trace ordered as he grabbed her arm. Let your Grand Viceroy take care of that. Grenons are usually loners. The most you should see in one area would be four or five. These dragons are gathering for a reason, and we need to find out why before you do anything.

Brie let out a sigh, I still don’t understand what the problem is.

All right, you know the story of Corina, the Maltan maiden, and the mother of all Draynor dragons. She had eight daughters with Gador, the king of dragons. Her first daughter was the one who took the throne, and her descendants have kept it ever since, Trace started to explain.

I know the story, Brie said impatiently. She was getting frustrated and wanted new information.

But did you know that Gador had four sons before he met Corina? His first son protested the leadership of the dragons, swearing that the daughters of Corina stole it. There was a lot of internal struggle after which he took his family and left. The Grenons dispersed all over the universe. They couldn’t change form and they couldn’t communicate with the locals, so most were hunted and killed, just as if they were any other animal. Except for the few on Malta, we thought the rest were gone, no one has heard from or about them for a very long time. Trace was quiet when he added, CJ and Pike stumbled into something by accident, and Pike lost his life because of it. Let Puc find out what’s happening. We’ll decide how to proceed after that. Brie agreed, and the two of them left the throne room to check on their son, Prince Rodic, and to inform his Sentinel about the recent events.

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Later, Brie stood quietly gazing out of the picture window in the throne room. She liked to watch the sun setting on the city. Trace stood with the other guards in the room to give her some privacy, as she had a lot to think about. Brie asked herself over and over, Why now? The Grenons have been in hiding for the last twenty thousand years. But now they seemed to be gathering for a purpose. Brie had been out of hiding for the last twenty years. She became the Draynor queen ten years ago, after Daxen had made his accidental royal call driving everyone insane with only one purpose: to save him. But in all that time, no one ever mentioned the word Grenon.

The door opened and Daxen, King of Marithia, walked in. He was followed by his two personal guards; one a Marithian soldier, and the other his Draynor sentinel. Trace nodded to Daxen, who stood next to Brie without responding to the nod. Daxen just stared out the window, not saying a word. Brie could sense his pain. He had personally known CJ and Pike.

The sunset always brings out the beauty of the city, Brie commented. She was hoping to get him to talk, but Daxen said nothing. Trace was very concerned about Daxen’s silence, so he took a few steps closer. Brie noticed his movement and waved him off. It was not anger driving Daxen’s silence, as Trace was thinking. Rodic will be happy to see you, she said, turning back to Daxen. Still nothing…then she saw a tear sliding down his cheek.

Brie turned to Daxen and hugged him. He hesitated before hugging her back, but once he did all the emotions he had bottled up inside flowed out like a river. They held each other for a couple of minutes, and then Daxen finally let go.

Sorry Brie, but you are the closest person I have as family here on Marithia, Daxen apologized, unaccustomed as he was to losing control of his feelings. He wiped away his tears.

Never apologize, I am always here for you, Brie smiled at him.

I went and saw CJ; he is in very bad shape, and Pike… he stopped. He has a daughter, he stopped again. She had only him, there is no other family. He was my friend. I talked him into joining the slayers! I need to know what is going to happen to her.

Of course, Brie took his hand in hers. Mita! Brie called for her assistant, who quietly walked into the room and bowed her head to both royals. Lieutenant Pike’s daughter should be at the medical center. Find out who’s going to be in charge of her care. If it’s the city, bring her here to me instead.

Yes, My Lady. What is the child’s name? Mita asked.

Her name is Linit. Please, Mita, tell me everything you find out, Daxen ordered. She could tell he was genuinely concerned for the child. Mita bowed her head and left. Daxen turned and looked out the window again, then put his arm around Brie and held on tight.

Mita hurried over to the medical center, hoping the girl was still there. She went directly to the front office and explained her mission to pick up the girl, and was directed to the facility’s medical director.

Welcome, Miss Mita, how may I help you? the director greeted her at the door, already notified of her visit.

I’m here to check on the daughter of the slayer who was killed. I understand that she has no other family, Mita went straight to the point of her visit.

That is correct. The girl is in the other room waiting for someone from the children’s home to arrive, he said, his tone inferring that the girl was being well cared for.

So she’s being made a ward of the city? Mita asked.

Yes, that’s right.

That is what Queen Brieanika thought. I’ve been instructed to bring the child to the palace. Please take me to her. Mita walked toward the door.

What? I can’t turn the child over to you, exclaimed the Director, stunned by the request.

I’ll give you a choice: turn the child over to me now, or, I go back and tell King Daxen that you refused to release her to me, and then you will deal with His Majesty yourself, Mita explained.

King Daxen is asking for the girl? the Director asked, swallowing hard. Although Daxen had ruled Marithia very well with no problems for ten years, his past reputation as a sadistic and bloodthirsty slayer still had people frightened of him.

He was friends with the deceased slayer and he cares about the child. So just show me where she is and we can forego the king from having to show his temperamental side, Mita said and stood by the door, waiting to be taken to the girl.

The Director slowly walked over to the door, then stopped for a moment and stared at Mita. She smiled at him politely. He sighed and opened the door, gesturing for her to walk down the hall. At the end of the hall the Director stopped and opened a door. Inside the room was a young girl who looked about eleven years old, even though she was over a thousand years in age. She had long blonde hair and the bluest eyes. She was wearing a very simple pink dress and sandals. Her face was stained with tears, and the sight of her tugged at Mita’s heart. The girl had been laying on the couch, but she sat up when she heard the door open.

Linit, the Director addressed the girl, this woman is Miss Mita.

Are you from the home? the girl whispered and almost started to cry again.

Oh, goodness no, child, Mita smiled at her, I am the assistant to Her Majesty, Queen Brieanika. Linit was confused. Why would Mita want to talk to her? Linit, do you know a man named Daxen?

I know Uncle Dax, she continued to whisper.

Mita almost laughed. I wonder if we are talking about the same person.

Dax is the King of Marithia now, said Linit.

Mita nodded, Then I guess we are. He is at the palace right now. Would you like to see him? Linit’s face lit up. This was the first time she had smiled since she learned of her father’s death. Mita held her hand out to the child. Linit hesitated for a moment, then took Mita’s hand.

The Director stepped in front of them and asked Mita, What am I supposed to tell the representative from the home?

Let them know that Queen Brieanika has taken custody of the child for the time being. If they have a problem with it, have them come to the palace and discuss the matter with her directly. Mita walked around the director and left with the girl in hand.

Back in the throne room, Brie was still talking with Daxen to get his mind on other things when she stopped mid-sentence and smiled. Mita has the child and is heading to the throne room, Brie said, relaying Mita’s telepathic message to Daxen.

Daxen smiled, Brie, if Linit wants to, I would like her to come and stay with me in the capital city. She is Draynor, so I’ll need your permission.

Trace quickly looked at Brie, who could tell he had some reservations about Daxen taking the girl. However, he kept his thoughts to himself. Are you sure you want to take on the responsibility of caring for a child? she asked.

Daxen chuckled sadly, Probably not, but I am willing to try. I can’t let her be sent to a home for orphans. Pike was my friend and I owe it to him to take care of her.

Before Brie could reply, the door opened and Mita walked into the room with the little girl on her hand. When Linit saw Daxen she pulled out of Mita’s grasp and ran over to him. Daxen knelt and met her with a hug.

I have you little one, Daxen’s voice was soft and calming.

Please don’t let them take me away, Uncle Dax, Linit started to bawl.

You are not going anywhere, he said, glancing at Brie, who gave him permission to take the girl with a nod of her head. If you like, you can come and stay with me in Briar.

Really? she smiled wanly, I can stay with you? He nodded and she hugged him again.

It’s late, Daxen. Why don’t you stay in Mikan’s old room, since it has an attached room for Linit to rest in as well. Daxen nodded to Brie gratefully, picked up the girl and carried her out of the throne room.

Trace walked over to Brie and asked, Do you think it was wise to give him the girl?

No, but for right now they need each other, and she will not come to harm with him. I am more worried about what he’s going to do to the dragon who killed her father. Trace nodded in agreement and they headed off to their private chambers for some much needed rest.

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The next morning Garrik sent a message to Brie that he had received information about the Grenon dragons from Puc and his