Dragon Fighters Ii: The Rescue

By Rebecca Knopsnider

All she ever wanted was to be part of a normal family. But when Cynthia realizes that she could lose both her brother and the mother they had thought was dead, she knows that she has no other choice except to head into Rhiaiowln and find a way to help Brand defeat Lord Dulmonts army and rescue their mother. The only question is who is going to rescue Cynthia?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524605124

Rebecca Knopsnider

Rebecca Knopsnider was a middle school teacher for several years before completing her first novel. There is nothing more important to her than her relationship with God, the Creator of the world who sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross so that all the world might be saved.

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© 2016 Rebecca Knopsnider. 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 05/09/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0513-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0512-4 (e)

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

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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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.

CONTENTS

Prologue

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

About The Author

Dragon Fighters

Keeping order.

Training dragons.

Protecting the innocent.

One day the Dragon Fighters will rise again.

One day they will return to restore order,

And banish Chaos.

Translated from the Rhiaiowln legend of the Dragon Fighters

PROLOGUE

Constance held her breathe as she hid in the forest, watching the Rhians fight with the young dragon, pulling it through the woods toward Rhiaiowln. Emi let out a small growl, and Constance quickly placed a hand on her dragon, quieting her. She glanced at the Rhians to make sure they hadn’t noticed Emi’s growl before backing into an area where the trees were thicker. The Rhians didn’t seem to notice anything. They had their full attention on their own dragon, who had suddenly become wilder as though she knew another dragon was close. Constance kept a hand on Emi as she hid behind the dense grove of trees. They were hidden fairly well, but Constance didn’t think they were hidden well enough to stop the Rhians from seeing them if they began searching. After all, it was difficult to completely hide a dragon.

Constance kept her eyes focused on the Rhians as they stopped in an open clearing not too far from her and Emi. It was all she could do not to scream at them to move on, but she turned her attention to the dragon instead. The dragon that was covered with ropes and roaring in pain. Suddenly, she wasn’t seeing the Rhians or the clearing anymore. She was seeing her friend Ami lying dead in the shallow grave that she and Cynthia had been able to dig for her. The dragon the Rhians had captured was called Yeowr, and she was Ami’s dragon. Had been Ami’s dragon. Constance let the tears fall down her face without trying to wipe them away. The only way the Rhians would have Yeowr is if they were somehow responsible for Ami’s death. Constance couldn’t just stand by and watch as they dragged Yeowr away, but what else could she do?

Hurry, we need to get back before dark.

The voice pushed Constance out of the past and into the present. It wasn’t a Rhian who had spoken, but a soldier who looked like he was from Argoula. Before Constance could do anything, Emi roared and lumbered into the clearing, attacking the Rhians holding Yeowr’s ropes. Constance could only watch, knowing that Emi couldn’t possibly win against a dozen Rhians. She also knew that there wasn’t anything she could do to help. The Rhians reacted as soon as Emi’s roar filled the clearing. Whistles were blown that stopped Emi, making her roar in pain instead of anger. In less time than Constance would have thought possible, Emi was covered in ropes. Constance couldn’t just stay hidden and let Emi be captured. She stood, stepping out into the clearing. Maybe she could distract them from the dragons long enough for the dragons to do something. If only Yeowr had been able to get free when Emi attacked, they might have had a chance, but several of the Rhians had managed to hold on to her.

The Rhians seemed more startled to see Constance than they had been to see Emi. Most of them were holding ropes now, either holding onto Emi or Yeowr. They couldn’t stop Constance without letting go of the ropes. The few Rhians who weren’t holding on to either dragon were watching her, but none of them made a move toward her. They acted as though they couldn’t quite believe she was really there. After all, why would anyone be in Dragon Territory? Constance held her dagger in front of her as she moved forward, expecting an attack. When it didn’t come, she began to move faster toward Emi.

Grab her, the soldier shouted, but he didn’t move. Instead he stayed where he was, far away from both dragons. Constance didn’t stop when the soldier shouted. She knew she didn’t have much time. Emi had seen Constance and began struggling more furiously. If she could just get Emi free of the ropes…

The Rhians suddenly had their hands full as both dragons struggled. Constance slipped forward between two Rhians and used her dagger to cut one of the ropes holding Emi. The rope was taut and her dagger was sharp. It didn’t take long to cut it and move on to the next one. She had heard a loud thump when the rope was cut and knew a Rhian had fallen backward. Constance didn’t have time to turn and look. She kept moving on to the next rope. Emi helped by trying to lift her wings. Constance smiled grimly as she heard the Rhians shouting. Emi had managed to open her wings slightly, and Constance ducked under one, knowing that they would help keep the Rhians away. She managed to cut one more rope before she felt something wrap around her feet. Before she had time to react, she was jerked down to the ground and dragged backward.

Emi! Constance shouted as she struggled, knowing that the dragon wouldn’t be able to help her just like she couldn’t do anything else to help Emi. Constance was grabbed roughly by one of the Rhians. All too soon, she was tied up and thrown against a tree. There were tears running down her cheeks so much that she could barely see, but she could hear both dragons fighting. All the Rhians worked on getting them under control. Constance could hear the whistles, but they only made the dragons try to get away more. The ropes Constance had cut gave Emi just enough advantage to be able to free herself. She beat her wings, causing the Rhians to back away. Constance watched as they gathered for another attack, struggling against her own ropes as she tried to stand, shouting for Emi to take off.

Emi beat her wings again, this time rising up above the clearing, but she didn’t fly far. She kept circling, looking for Constance, but the tree Constance was against blocked her from the dragon’s view. The Rhians, who weren’t securing Yeowr, gathered around Constance pushing her back against the tree. They stood guard, and Constance assumed they were discussing what to do. She couldn’t understand what they were saying, but there was a lot of pointing to her and back to Emi. Constance had stopped struggling now that Emi was out of danger. She couldn’t feel her feet or her hands any more. Not only that, but everything began to get hazy, and she knew she was going to pass out. Before she did, one of the Rhians pulled her to her feet. Constance stared at the knife in his hands almost without seeing it. It crossed her mind that she was going to die as she watched the knife come closer, but she couldn’t react. Instead of killing her, he reached down and cut the ropes that tied her hands together.

Constance turned her attention to the Rhian, surprise flitting across her face. For a moment, they stared at each other, and she was surprised again by his expression. It was thoughtful, not angry or filled with hate, just thoughtful. It wasn’t an expression she would have expected on a killer. Even if these weren’t the same Rhians who had killed her friends, they were still Rhians. All Rhians were killers, weren’t they? The Rhian who had untied her spoke, forcing her attention back to him.

Can you control her? He asked in Argoulan. Constance blinked in surprise, but she didn’t respond right away.

What are you doing? The soldier stood in front of them. The Rhian glared at him, and he backed up a few steps. He turned his attention back to Constance, who looked at him, but she still didn’t answer his question. The Rhian looked up at Emi, who was circling, and then back at Constance. He stepped back, leaving her relatively free.

Hey! You can’t -—, the soldier stopped midsentence as two other Rhians stood beside him. The Rhian who had untied her shouted something. All the other Rhians stepped away from the middle of the clearing, pulling Yeowr with them. Soon the small clearing was empty. Constance felt someone shove her into the center of the clearing. She glanced around to see that the Rhians had formed a circle around the tree lines. There was nowhere for her to escape.

Constance began walking, not sure what else she could do. She certainly didn’t want to give them a chance to capture Emi by calling her, but as it was, she didn’t have to make a choice. As soon as Emi saw Constance alone, she dropped down beside her, circling her and growling at the Rhians as soon as she saw them. Constance could hear them murmuring as she placed her hand on Emi, trying to calm her. As soon as she did, all the Rhians became silent, watching her with something like shock. After what seemed like forever, a few of them moved forward, ropes in their hands.

Emi, go. Constance said, stepping back as Emi took off. She didn’t know if they would let her go or not, but at least they wouldn’t get Emi as long as she stayed in the air. Constance watched warily as the Rhian who had untied her, the one who was obviously in charge, walked toward her. His expression was still thoughtful, but there was something else there that she couldn’t identify. It looked a little like awe. He stopped in front of her, ropes in his hands, but he didn’t tie her back up.

The soldier stepped forward hesitantly, We need to get back to Lord Dulmont. The Rhians all ignored him, waiting instead for the Rhian that was still looking at Constance to say something. He turned toward the others and began speaking. Constance certainly didn’t know what they were saying, and the soldier looked as clueless as she was.

We’re not going back to Lord Dulmont, not now. The Rhian finally stated in Argoulan as he started walking, motioning Constance to follow him. She glanced at the soldier as she moved forward, wondering what he would do. He was still standing in the clearing, watching them go. Soon, Constance was walking through the woods, surrounded by the Rhians. She walked as close as she could to Yeowr, feeling a little bit safer there. Emi flew above them as they walked. Constance felt a pang of guilt for leaving Cynthia and JoJo alone. She had only meant to be gone a few minutes, and she had left them sleeping. They would be awake soon, wondering what happened to her. She could only hope that they somehow managed to save Brand and Ilaria without her.

CHAPTER 1

Do you think he’ll be all right? Cynthia asked with tears in her eyes as they stood inside the border of Dragon Territory, watching as Brand and Shimmer flew off toward Lord Dulmont’s castle. Cynthia hadn’t even really had a chance to say goodbye. Brand had told her not to worry about him, but she couldn’t help it. He was going to rescue their mother, the mother she had never met. The mother they both thought was dead. Cynthia hoped he succeeded. She had always wanted a mother, but she was more worried about Brand. Her brother who had always taken care of her. Her brother who had taken the brunt of their father’s anger. If something happened to him, Cynthia would only have her father left. Who would protect her and take care of her?

Cynthia, Brand knows what he is doing. JoJo said. Cynthia heard what he said, but she also heard the concern in his voice, and she knew he was worried too. Cynthia wiped away her tears with her sleeve and glanced down at the Mountain Man, the only one in the group that she could look down at. We will go and find your father and the other Guardians. Then we will all go help Brand search for your mother, JoJo said. Cynthia nodded. Her father and the other Guardians from Argoula had been left behind in Dragon Territory with the women of Salus and their dragons. If they all came together and helped, then they would have an army themselves.

All right, Kasi said, finally finding her voice. Let’s go. She started walking, but she didn’t make it three steps before Jak stopped her.

Pardon me, Your Highness, but you cannot head into Rhiaiowln. Kasi turned and raised her eyebrows as though asking who was going to stop her.

He’s right, Your Highness, one of the other Guardians spoke up. We’ve been gone too long already. The Guardians will not be able to maintain order without you.

Not only that, but your brother has followers who will try to help him regain his throne. Without you there to back up the Guardians, your brother will take control again, and the people of Argoula will suffer. Jak spoke as respectfully as he could. Cynthia turned from one to the other, watching as Kasi turned toward Dragon Territory then back toward Jak. Cynthia could see the resignation in her face and knew that she was going to Argoula.

What about Brand? Cynthia raised her question to Jak. Jak had been their neighbor, and she had only recently learned that Jak and her father were Guardians of Argoula. She still didn’t know much at all about Argoula, even though she had lived there most of her life. Her father had always kept them sheltered. She knew that Kasi and her brother were the only two children left of the old king who could rule Argoula. The Guardians were there to protect Kasi, but they were also concerned about Argoula. Cynthia knew that, but she hadn’t expected Jak to argue against helping Brand. They had both looked up to Jak as a father. She couldn’t believe that either Jak or Kasi would just abandon Brand now.

There are others who can go after Brand, but only Kasi can become the rightful ruler of Argoula. Jak answered her, his voice filled with regret.

Jak is right, Kasi answered slowly. My place is in Argoula. Cynthia knew it wasn’t what Kasi wanted to do, but that didn’t matter. Cynthia couldn’t stop the anger that was building up inside her. She opened her mouth to argue, but Jak spoke first.

Cynthia, you are going to Argoula too, Jak said, as he looked down at her.

No, Cynthia said, her voice hard. You all can abandon him if you want, but Brand is my brother. He came to Dragon Territory to rescue me, and I’m not going anywhere until I find him and help him rescue my mom.

Cynthia, you won’t be able to do anything. Besides that your father will have my head if anything happens to you. Jak frowned at her. He sounded determined, but Cynthia was equally determined.

I will protect her. JoJo answered, stepping over to stand beside Cynthia. Cynthia could have hugged him, but she didn’t. Jak’s frown only deepened when he looked at the three foot tall Mountain Man.

Jak, trust me, JoJo can protect her. Kasi said, smiling a little as she thought about how little faith she had placed in JoJo the first time she saw him.

She should still come back to Argoula where we know it’s safe. Jak argued, but it was Cynthia who answered, backing away a little more.

You can’t make me go. I won’t let Brand face Lord Dulmont alone. Cynthia said determinedly, preparing to run if she needed to.

Cynthia, think about this rationally. There is nothing you can do to help Brand. As ridiculous as it is for Brand to face Lord Dulmont’s army with nothing but a dragon, it’s even more ridiculous to think that you will be able to do anything to help. Jak looked at both Kasi and JoJo for help, but he didn’t get any.

I will help my brother, Cynthia said, ignoring the tears that had started to fall. These weren’t tears of sadness, but of anger. She would help her brother no matter what Jak said.

Jak, it will be okay. JoJo will watch out for her, and we’ll send the Guardians as well. Besides, there might be just as much danger in Argoula. Kasi’s gaze swept over the group of Guardians who had followed them into Dragon Territory. I cannot force any of you… She began, but before she could finish a Guardian stepped forward.

I will go. He appeared to be the youngest one of the group, not much older than Brand’s sixteen years.

I will go as well. An older Guardian stepped out of the back and made his way forward. Kasi smiled as two more Guardians joined them and then four more. Kasi just nodded her head.

How are eight Guardians, a child, and a midget going to help Brand defeat an army? Jak grumbled under his breath. Kasi took a few steps toward the gruff Guardian until she was right beside him.

Have faith, Jak. She smiled. Sometimes it is the small things in life that make the biggest difference. Besides, you forget that they will meet up with Sir Brockenhaven, Borlaf, and the rest of the women from Salus. Jak just snorted. Cynthia knew that he had never seen Borlaf, and she could just hear him saying that he didn’t know how a bunch of women were going to help. She smiled faintly thinking about the women of Salus and their dragons. She didn’t know how big Lord Dulmont’s army was, but they would have their own army to fight. Provided the