Legends of the Dragonrealm: Cut from the Same Shadow and Other Tales

By Richard A. Knaak

A collection of five fantasy novellas set in a world of dragons, sorcery, ghosts, and more, by the New York Times–bestselling author of Shade.

Here, collected together for the first time, are five novellas featuring the characters that have drawn readers to the Dragonrealm over and over again. Includes two brand new stories never before seen in print, highlighting the fantastical Darkhorse and the warlock Shade.

For over twenty-five years, the Dragonrealm has drawn in readers from around the world. Featuring the struggle not only between the drake lords and the human race, but the mysterious and often sinister secrets against which sometimes, even enemies must stand together.

Contains:

Dragon Master

A Wolf in the Fold

A Game of Ghosts

Cut from the Same Shadow

Founders and Fools

Praise for the Legends of the Dragonrealm

“Full of energy. . . . Great world building [and] memorable characters . . . It’s easy to see why Richard has enjoyed so much success!” —R. A. Salvatore, New York Times–bestselling author

“Richard’s novels are well-written, adventure-filled, action-packed.” —Margaret Weis, New York Times–bestselling author

“Endlessly inventive. Knaak’s ideas just keep on coming!” —Glen Cook, author of Chronicles of the Black Company

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Dec 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781682613146

Richard A. Knaak

Richard A. Knaak is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Legend of Huma, World of Warcraft: Wolfheart, and nearly fifty other novels and numerous short stories, including “Black City Saint” and works in such series as Warcraft, Diablo, Dragonlance, Age of Conan, and his own Dragonrealm. He has scripted a number of Warcraft manga with Tokyopop, such as the top-selling Sunwell trilogy, and has also written background material for games. His works have been published worldwide in many languages. His most recent releases include Shade—a brand-new Dragonrealm novel featuring the tragic sorcerer—Dawn of the Aspects—the latest in the bestselling World of Warcraft series, and the fourth collection in his Legends of the Dragonrealm series. He is presently at work on several other projects.

Book preview

145413.png/Users/KatieDornan/Box Sync/Publishing/Permuted Press/Miscellaneous/Backmatter Ads/ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE PREP/ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE PREP GRAYSCALE.jpg

A PERMUTED PRESS BOOK

ISBN: 978-1-68261-313-9

ISBN (eBook): 978-1-68261-314-6

Legends of the Dragonrealm:

Cut from the Same Shadow and Other Tales

© 2017 by Richard A. Knaak

All Rights Reserved

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

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 and publisher.

Macintosh HD:Users:KatieDornan:Dropbox:PREMIERE DIGITAL PUBLISHING:Permuted Press:Official Logo:vertical:white background:pp_v_white.jpg

Permuted Press, LLC

New York • Nashville

permutedpress.com

Published in the United States of America

CONTENTS

DRAGON MASTER

Obsession Wears Many Faces...

A WOLF IN THE FOLD

Suffer Not the Children...

A GAME OF GHOSTS

The Past Will Always Catch Up...

CUT FROM THE SAME SHADOW

Choices...or the Lack Thereof...Can Make All the Difference

FOUNDERS AND FOOLS

Those Who Do Not Learn From History...

DRAGON MASTER

OBSESSION WEARS MANY FACES...

I

The bronze mask wore a smile. The entire false face, in fact, had been shaped to be jovial, with small crinkle lines at the end of the open mouth and between the arched brows. Even the eye holes had been carved to indicate merriment.

Merriment...or mockery.

The hood of a vast, green cloak hung just over the top edge of the mask, obscuring the rest of the wearer’s head. That same cloak draped over wizard’s robes dark brown as the figure sat upon the cracked, crumbling stone throne.

Within the mask, eyes so gray as to be almost colorless watched intently. A true mouth with just a hint of white beard surrounding it set with teeth clenched. Hands scarred and gnarled gripped the ends of the ruined arm rests.

The decrepit throne sat upon a broken dais in a huge, devastated cavern. On each side, massive, winding columns carved from the stone dwarfed the figure. Towering statues lay shattered on the floor, their identities eradicated by some explosive force. Parts of the ceiling had clearly caved in, broken stalagmites and stalactites now intermingled together in toothy displays.

Now, he rasped.

A tremendous roar erupted from a high, dark passage far ahead.

Through the passage burst a huge dragon, his greenish, scaly skin tinted with what could only be described as a bronze accent. He reared up, his head nearly touching the ceiling, and roared again his displeasure at his recent captivity.

Narrow, reptilian orbs of crimson marked the puny figure on the throne.

At lassst! Now isss my vengeance! I will burn your flesh from your bonessss! the leviathan rumbled. He inhaled, preparing a monstrous blast of flame.

The masked wizard raised his left hand and whispered, Genin. Hala.

From two smaller passages below him emerged a young man and woman, both clad in hooded, light green robes. Their expressions were in general blank, but their eyes focused on the beast with hatred mirroring the one who had summoned them.

The dragon paused briefly when he noticed them, then clearly dismissed the pair from his thoughts. Only his captor was of importance. As one, Genin and Hala raised their left arms, pointing at the great beast.

Lightning without any source suddenly struck the dragon from every angle. He roared in agony and astonishment, so harsh, so deadly were the attacks. Scorch marks dotted his body, the scales burnt completely through.

Houndsss! Jackalsss! Twisting, the winged behemoth raked at the two, but came up short when an invisible barrier suddenly blocked his way.

From the young woman, Hala, came a momentary gasp. Then, her face resuming its almost inhuman calm, she fixed her gaze again on their adversary.

Too slow... muttered the seated figure. You are all linked. Use that. Finish now.

The young spellcasters nodded simultaneously.

The invisible force that had blocked the dragon’s claws now buffeted him back. At the same time, every sharp rock formation near the irontinted leviathan shook loose.

Now pinned against one wall, the dragon tried desperately to flame his keepers.

But before he could, scores of stalactites and stalagmites flew at him, pincushioning the bronze giant before he could exhale. He roared in agony. Great rivers of blood shot forth, splattering everything save the three tiny figures. The dragon’s roar transformed into a pathetic whimper.

The beast stilled.

Genin lowered his arm.

Hala lowered hers.

The gargantuan corpse tumbled to the cavern floor, its collapse creating a tremor that shook the entire chamber for several seconds. Genin and Hala turned their unblinking eyes to the one who commanded them.

Better... he remarked, nodding his head slightly. Much better...

Thank you, Master Tragaro, the pair piped in unison.

Without another word, they filed out the way they had come. Tragaro leaned back and stared avidly at the dragon, savoring the death.

Soon...very soon...we shall rise again...

II

From atop his horse, the wizard Cabe Bedlam eyed the hilly landscape ahead, noting the lights flickering in the distance.

Gordag-Ai, he whispered. Perhaps the answer lies there. I suppose it’s worth checking out.

His mount, a huge, shadowy black stallion, twisted his head around at an impossible angle to look at the gray-robed figure. Startling eyes of ice-blue—eyes with no pupils—narrowed in amusement.

"After a week of running around every hill and mountain, questioning every peasant and dwarf, we’re finally going to enter the city? the steed asked. Truly this is a glorious day!"

Hush, Darkhorse! Even out in this wilderness someone might hear you!

The black stallion snorted. What would I fear from man or drake?

Too many things, his human companion returned, taking a quick look around. Your reputation precedes you by several centuries, you know. We don’t need that now.

Cabe Bedlam wore plain, cloth robes, the type a pilgrim might don. The hood covered most of his dark hair and, more importantly, almost all of the wide, silver streak marking him as wielder of magic, a wizard or a warlock. His face bordered on the unprepossessing, which aided in his present masquerade. No one would ever take the slightly upturned nose, broad mouth, and farmer’s jaw for the features of one of the most powerful mages in all the Dragonrealm. In truth, Cabe came from a lineage that had produced many of the most famous and infamous spellcasters, including both his grandfather Nathan and his treacherous father, Azran.

Hidden from Azran, who had betrayed his fellow wizards, the Dragon Masters, in their war to rid the lands of the monstrous Dragon Kings, Cabe had been secreted magically for almost two centuries before his elven guardian had dared try to raise him among mortals. That mistake had started a chain of events that had seen the elf’s death, Azran’s destruction of the Red Dragon clan, and much, much more. From it, though, Cabe had emerged as a powerful force for humanity—and a leader despite his own protests.

And in the process, he had gained a wife—the fiery, magical Lady of the Amber—a family, an estate...and the true friendship of the legendary eternal, the enigmatic creature called Darkhorse.

Darkhorse himself came from an empty realm beyond reality, the endless Void. The shape he wore was one of his own fancy, taken when he had entered the land centuries before. If necessary, the eternal could manipulate his shape with the fluidity of water, becoming anything he desired. However, his fondness for his present form kept him from rarely doing so and the name he had gained because of his chosen appearance made his inclination to become something else even less.

He had befriended others of Cabe’s line, but Darkhorse seemed to have a special kinship with his current rider, willing to sacrifice himself if necessary to save the wizard or his family. When Cabe had informed the shadowy creature of his intended quest, Darkhorse had quickly volunteered.

In truth, the dark-haired spellcaster was grateful. When news had come to him of the disappearances, he had naturally been concerned; young men and women vanishing so near the enclaves of the Drake Confederation boded ill. However, when Cabe had heard that these were men and women who had shown some potential with magic—that had stirred worries much, much greater.

When one Dragon King—Brown—had died trying to slay Cabe himself, his human vassal, the lord of Zuu, had begun his own campaign for power. Lanith had gathered by guile and force a small but deadly group of half-trained mages, pawns not only of him, but his own true master, Darkhorse’s twin, Yureel. Before Lanith’s plan had been foiled and the Horse King and Yureel slain, many had died.

Even before then, Cabe and his wife had begun to gather young humans with the gift into schools where they could be cautiously trained. The Dragon Kings had, over the centuries, attempted to control or eradicate any such humans, but always a few had survived and flourished. Now, with no such threat, more and more were appearing.

And now some of them were disappearing.

Gordag-Ai had produced its share of mages, including the present queen of Talak, Erini. They had been free of the yoke of a Dragon King longer than most realms. Because of Erini, restrictions against magic had loosened and now that her nephew, Edrik, sat on the throne, he even employed a few for the good of the kingdom.

But Cabe had come to wonder whether Edrik might now be desiring to be the next Lanith...and that was why he had hesitated to enter the city.

Darkhorse turned his head forward again. I shall endeavor to keep my identity secret, friend Cabe.

Cabe patted him on the neck. I don’t want to lose you.

The ebony stallion snorted, but clearly appreciated his rider’s comment. The pair moved on, heading toward the great wooden gates leading into Gordag-Ai.

Guards with high, forked helms, bronze-colored breast plates, and wide-hipped military pants watched warily as he and others entered. The banners of the kingdom, a fierce red ram on a field of black and white stripes, fluttered overhead.

In contrast to the broad, almost cumbersome garments of the locals, the buildings were short, narrow, and packed together. Although not nearly so expansive as Talak or Penacles, Cabe still saw no reason for Gordag-Ai to be so cramped. However, as he studied the people, he noticed that they seemed more inclined than in most places to bump against one another, almost as if on purpose.

Something Queen Erini had once said of her homeland came to him. We are a close-knit people, we of Gordag-Ai. Surrounded by drakes so long, we came to cherish the presence of one another...

Whatever the truth behind her beliefs, certainly the Gordagians, as they were called, spent much time finding excuses to talk. Several tried to strike up a conversation with each newcomer who entered. A number of onlookers peeked from the open windows and for the first time the wizard realized that, despite their narrowness, Gordagian buildings had more openings than normal—and thus more places to lean out and see or speak with a passerby.

At a clean if old establishment called the Mountain Herder, Cabe dismounted. After going through the pretense of tying Darkhorse to a post, the supposed pilgrim stepped inside.

His smiling host, a young, fair-haired man, came up to him. Welcome, traveler! I am Brode! Please! Have a seat! Some ale?

Taken slightly aback by the robust manner of the innkeeper’s greeting, Cabe hesitated before agreeing. An ale would do wonders for my parched throat, good man. Do I also smell stew?

Oh, aye! My wife, she’s finishing it up now! Just be a few minutes!

With the utmost earnestness, Brode guided his newest customer to a seat. As the wizard sat, he glanced around at the others. Brode had five patrons, all but one clad in local clothes. The fifth wore plain trader’s garb with small badges sewn in at the shoulders that indicated he originated from Talak, far to the east. All seemed perfectly at ease with the innkeeper’s overenthusiastic nature.

After Brode had brought him his drink and meal, Cabe leaned back. Outwardly, it appeared he relaxed, his eyes half-shut while he occasionally took a sip or a bite, but in truth, the wizard now reached out with his senses, trying to detect any disturbance along the invisible, intangible lines of force that crisscrossed everything and everybody. Even the slightest hint of magic would register.

But after a good hour, he detected nothing. His food gone and his ale nearly down to nothing, Cabe focused his will in the direction of the king’s palace. He had seen it from afar as he had entered, a towering, slim structure that gave its monarch a view of everything for miles around. Cabe wondered about the safety of such a needle in the wind-thrashed regions of the northwest, but the tower seemed to take each blast in stride.

The one question remained was how often the king made his way up to the top, certainly a feat requiring exceptional health and patience.

From the palace, he at last noted a slight hint of magical action. The spell, however, was of such minute proportion as to be almost nonexistent. Cabe would have used more magic simply to douse the oil lamps that illuminated the room. Ignoring the faint signal, Cabe turned his focus elsewhere—

Without warning, a force of such magnitude that it made his head feel as if it had been kicked by Darkhorse’s hooves overwhelmed him.

Groaning, Cabe nearly fell forward onto the table. Everything swam. The other patrons glanced his way, although none rose to help.

Brode, just coming from the back, noticed the wizard’s agony. Cabe managed to pull together as the innkeeper approached.

Are you not well? the young man asked anxiously.

Too long on the road, that’s all. The wizard paid for the meal and drink. I’m all right. I’ll be going.

We also have some fine rooms—

Perhaps later, I— Cabe paused as he sensed the aura of magic approaching.

Through the doors entered three helmed men, soldiers of Gordag-Ai. On the breastplate of the leader, a stout but ready veteran with a thick beard, hung an amulet...the source of the aura.

The commander looked directly at the wizard, pointing.

Brode immediately backed away from his guest. The other patrons removed themselves from the premises.

The trio loomed over Cabe, who tried to analyze the spell work of the amulet. Protective, yes, but not dangerous. Certainly not the cause of his earlier distress.

You are the mage, rumbled the leader.

The fact that he stated Cabe’s calling as fact, not question, meant that no pretense would convince the soldiers otherwise. The wizard nodded.

I am he. Is there a reason for disrupting my repass?

It is requested you come with us, mage. An invitation by his majesty, no less.

Edrik? Cabe had not planned to speak with the young king, but the fact that Edrik knew of his arrival intrigued him. And will I be wearing those upon my arrival in the royal court? he asked, indicating the iron cuffs worn at the side of each guard. As a safety measure?

The bearded veteran kept his craggy face expressionless. His majesty requests your willing presence.

Which meant no cuffs. Did Edrik know exactly what mage he had invited?

Sensing the tension building within the soldiers despite their polite attitudes, Cabe nodded, then cautiously rose. Brode had vanished into the back room.

The officer led, with Cabe flanked by the two other guards. As they stepped outside, Cabe noticed that, for the first time, the area had emptied out. Word traveled fast.

Darkhorse gave an equine snort as they appeared. The wizard blinked, signaling his companion to maintain his pose as a simple animal.

A fourth guard sat mounted, the reins of his comrades’ steeds in his hand. The bearded soldier indicated that Cabe should retrieve his own horse.

Patting Darkhorse’s flank, the hooded mage mounted. Surrounded by what could pass for either an honor guard or determined captors, he rode off toward the towering palace.

III

I’ve my suspicions, yes, I do, that you’re a very, very special wizard.

The king of Gordag-Ai was young, barely eighteen, and the wide, jeweled throne of cherry wood made him look even younger. He wore the noble, crested crown of his line slightly askew over his thin, blond hair. Edrik had soft features—not fat, for he was as thin as a rail—and dark, blue eyes. His nose was arched and his mouth was full. Even without being monarch he would have attracted women, especially those with the innate desire to mother him.

Next to him stood the bearded officer and from Cabe’s study of the man here was a soldier who would give his life for the slight ruler.

What say you, General Majjin?

Majjin eyed their guest up-and-down impassively. I’d place a wager you’re right, majesty.

The imperial chamber of the Gordagian monarch was a simple affair compared to the plush courts of some kings. Good, sturdy oak walls trimmed in gold surrounded the occupants. Carvings of mountain animals decorated those walls. A gold chandelier with over fifty candles illuminated the room and a purple carpet crossed from the entrance to the dais on which the throne sat. Above the seated figure and his general hung the ram banner of Gordag-Ai.

Cabe decided to end the guessing. You are correct, King Edrik. I am Cabe Bedlam, a friend of your aunt.

The young monarch smashed his fist against the throne’s arm rest. His eyes widened and he grinned, making him look even younger. I knew it! When they detected you, they said you were a powerful mage! Very powerful! I was certain it was you, especially after someone reported you riding on a huge black stallion! Edrik suddenly looked around. Majjin! Where’s the stallion?

For once, the officer looked a bit disconcerted. Majesty, I could hardly bring an animal into the royal court! It is in the stables where it belongs—

Majjin, you fool! Don’t you know what that ‘animal’ is?

"I prefer to be considered a who, not a what, boomed a voice from everywhere, and I have graced the courts of a hundred and more regal kingdoms by invitation!"

The Gordagians whirled this way and that, searching for the source. Majjin had his sword out and stood protectively over the seated king. Edrik, on the other hand, had an expression even more awed than that which had greeted the announcement of Cabe’s identity.

Looking to the shadows in the corner to the left of the throne, the wizard spotted the two telltale blue orbs. Cabe smiled, which caused Darkhorse to chuckle.

Edrik and Majjin turned toward the shadows. Majjin extended his blade, as if a simple steel weapon could do anything against the eternal.

Careful, general, Cabe warned. It doesn’t pay to antagonize him.

There was truth to what he said. Darkhorse was a loyal comrade, an avenger of wrongs, and he understood humans enough to know simple concern and fright, but if Majjin persisted, the magical stallion might choose to see him as a danger...and absorb him.

Absorb was perhaps the wrong term, but Cabe had never come up with any better description. He had witnessed drake warriors and taloned beasts fall into Darkhorse, fall and keep falling as if into a bottomless abyss, finally vanishing. Only one being had ever emerged from that abyss and that had been the warlock Shade, a figure as potent in his own right as the eternal.

It’s him! shouted Edrik, now very much the youth. He would have risen and gone to the shadows if not for Majjin’s blocking arm.

The huge, ebony steed emerged from the black corner, forming out of the very darkness. He loomed over the two Gordagians.

Your majesty! roared Darkhorse, dipping his head. I knew your great-grandfather, Edrianos V! A cheerful, cheerful man!

Grinning from ear to ear, Edrik returned, That wasn’t my greatgrandfather...that was my grandfather’s great-grandfather!

Was he? Aah, how time flies, as they say! My error!

With a graceful, silent leap, the eternal flew up into the air, then landed with a twirl next to Cabe.

You were supposed to remain inconspicuous, the wizard remarked dryly.

Have I not? his companion asked in utter innocence.

The king squirmed free of Majjin. But why come incognito, master wizard? Gordag-Ai’s no enemy of yours! You corresponded with my father and grandfather both!

Cabe bowed his head. And may once again I give my sincerest sympathies for your father.

My thanks, master wizard, Edrik returned with equal solemnity. The sickness took him swiftly.

Edrik’s father, Ermanus X, had been king for only a few scant years when struck down, leaving the young prince, already without a mother since birth, to fend for himself. His aunt, the only sibling of Ermanus, had passed on what knowledge she could, but Erini lived far away in Talak. Edrik had been forced to grow up quickly.

You have not answered the king’s question, reminded General Majjin sternly.

Majjin! Behave! He’s Cabe Bedlam, the master wizard! He doesn’t have to—

But I do, interrupted the spellcaster. The general is correct. I was remiss in not simply going to you, but—

Now it was the bearded commander’s turn to interject. But you were concerned about the wizards his majesty has been gathering...and whether my liege seeks to use them aggressively.

Cabe’s brow furrowed imperceptibly. The general was a shrewd man.

The lessons of the Horse King are not lost on Gordag-Ai, Master Bedlam. Nor is lost the fact that some of his wizards came from our realm. Be assured, though, that his majesty gathers his for the peace and security of the realm, not dreams of conquest.

The Drake Confederation is not stable, Edrik added.

The dragon clans that had gathered in the northwest represented the survivors of more than half a dozen distinct lines, all with histories of turmoil and competition between them. That they had held together for more than a decade had more to do with their distrust of the rising human kingdoms than any true alliance. If Sssaleese, the unmarked drake who had gathered them, lost control, the repercussions would avalanche over Gordag-Ai.

Be assured, King Edrik, that Gordag-Ai will not be alone if the Confederation collapses. In addition to myself, both the kingdoms of Talak and Penacles watch the situation. Marriage, of course, bound Talak to Gordag-Ai. Penacles, on the other hand, was ruled by the half-human Gryphon, sworn foe of the Dragon Kings in general.

I know that, responded Edrik, returning to his throne. And you should know that you’re our guest while you’re here, Master Bedlam.

I thank you, but my work is best done if I continue to move about.

Majjin grunted. You’re looking for these lost kids. The ones with magic.

I am.

You think the drakes took them?

Cabe spread his hands. It seems a distinct possibility...but I hope not.

‘Distinct possibility?’ Hell, man! What else could it be?

That remains to be seen. Your own wizards have detected nothing?

Majjin gave him a sour look. Edrik frowned.

Our wizards are hardly of your caliber, the king returned. Den’s the best. He’s the one who created the spell that let us know you were near. The young ruler looked to a guard. Summon him.

A few minutes later, a young, slightly-bearded man not much older than the king appeared. Clad in a plain, white robe, Den was tall, thin, and very studious. He peered at Cabe through two thick lenses attached by a metal clip to his nose.

You sent for me, your majesty?

Den, this is Cabe Bedlam, the master wizard.

Den nearly lost his lenses. M-Master Bedlam! He went down on one knee. An h-honor, sir!

And beside him is the legendary Darkhorse.

The thin spellcaster gaped, having somehow not noticed the towering stallion before.

I’ll take that as a greeting! chuckled the eternal.

Cabe bid the young man to rise. Den had thinning brown hair, but the silver streak was still quite evident. So you cast the spell that detected me? I’m impressed.

To be frank, it was to detect any magic. If I may say so, you and your—your companion—radiate power greater than anything I’ve ever experienced!

But Darkhorse and I both shielded ourselves from the presence of other spellcasters, Cabe thought. This Den has much, much potential if his spell noted us despite that. Out loud, he replied, But a fascinating feat, regardless.

Den beamed.

We summoned you for a question, Edrik interrupted. You know the rumors we’ve all heard. Have you detected any other magic or spells that you haven’t told me about? Even the slightest hint?

No, your majesty—but, in truth, I’ve been more focused on the west. You know why. Master Bedlam was just a fortunate mistake on my part!

Cabe shook his head. Don’t underestimate yourself."

Den adjusted his lenses. Thank you, Master Bedlam, but I don’t.

This region is not the only one from which potential spellcasters have vanished, Majjin pointed out.

No, but it’s where the most have. Cabe glanced at the general. I take it you’ve been making your own inquiries for some time.

And will continue to do so. Gordagian citizens have been kidnapped. It is an affront to his majesty.

This received a nod from the king. Whatever help we may offer you, master wizard, it’s yours.

Actually, Den would be of use...if he doesn’t mind.

The novice mage nearly lost his lenses again. It would be an honor—but how may I serve you?

Den’s awe reminded Cabe how he himself had felt the first time he had realized he wielded great power. Your spell is better than you think. I’d like to see if we might be able to refine it.

Before Majjin could protest, Edrik cut him off with a wave of his hand, replying, Certainly, Master Bedlam! The skills of all my spellcasters are yours to command in this effort.

Thank you, but for now, I only need Den.

Den looked embarrassed. Actually, I did have some help in the matter. You’ll want her, too.

‘Her’?

At that moment, another robed figure entered apprehensively. My lord, forgive my impertinence for disturbing—

And here she is now, burst Edrik, barely able to restrain himself from rising to greet the newcomer. Cabe noted a rueful smile momentarily grace Majjin’s bearded face. Both the general and the master wizard recognized the king’s infatuation with the newcomer.

She wore robes akin to Den’s but while slim filled them much more attractively than he did. Her hair was long, straight, and brown—quite unremarkable—but it framed an ivory face such as cameo makers adored. She had deep brown, steady eyes that looked older than her by far. Cabe guessed the woman to be only a year or two older than Edrik.

We were just speaking of you, the king went on, trying to recover his decorum. Den rightly reminded us that you are just as responsible for the magic detection spell I wanted cast around the kingdom as he is. You came up with the variation that allowed us to extend it even further.

The woman blushed hard at his praise, making Cabe think that she shared his infatuation. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Majjin having to restrain his expression. The general did not like his lord to be entertaining any thoughts of romance with a spellcaster.

You honor my efforts too much...

Hardly, remarked Den. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Edrik clapped his hands together. Then it’s settled. Master Bedlam, you have the full compliance of two of my best—

She gasped, looking full at Cabe, then Darkhorse, finally registering why a traveler’s mount would be allowed before the king. Bedlam! You’re Cabe Bedlam!

Now whose reputation precedes him? jested the eternal.

"They are yours to use, Master Bedlam. Den, you already

Reviews for Legends of the Dragonrealm

[sylvester_olson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a tricky book to review because it is, in fact, three distinct novels. Each has its own flavor and quality to it.

The first novel, Firedrake, is clearly an author's first novel, and bears the hallmarks of a beginner, namely inconsistencies in character and developing plot. The best example I can think of is that of the Green Dragon. He appears in the first half of the novel as a throwaway character, then is reintroduced later in a role pivotal to the story's conclusion.

What rescues Firedrake is a quick pace and a strong imagination. Shape-shifting dragons felt original. I was sad to see Shade, the entire volume's most interesting character, knocked off. I feel that was a mistake. I haven't looked ahead to the synopses of the subsequent collections in this series, but Mr. Knaak would be a fool to not bring him back somehow.

Ice Dragon demonstrates the maturity of an author in his second novel. Mr. Knaak seems to have had more of a plan in place before beginning to write this one. This is good because shows more thoughtfulness, but the pace suffers so it lacks the fun of Firedrake's unpredictable nature. The plot follows a more typical Lord of the Rings-type of tale, involving a hopeless quest to stop a dark lord (in this case, an "ice dragon") from covering the world in darkness (in this case, endless winter). The love story between the male and female protagonists, which started in the first novel and has developed here into a marriage, is laughably naive.

Wolfhelm brings a much-needed break from the primary character and settings of the first two novels. I applaud Mr. Knaak for taking a risk in branching out with something new, but there's so much description of magic and ethereal matters that I found myself losing my interest.

For all my criticisms, I DID enjoy the heck out this volume. Mr. Knaak's growth is evident here, and I expect that he has continued to get better over the 26 years since these three novels were published. I look forward to reading the next volumes in the "Dragonrealm" series.

[inkwind · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a book of extremes. There were moments of brilliance, and moments of 'ugh, why am I even reading this.' To explain, the world is interesting and different from my usual supernatural genre's fantasy worlds. The politics are complex and interesting, if at times garishly polar in human=good, animal=bad ways.The plot, after an initial introductory period, was also very solid. This book is definitely a page-turner. There's dramatic tension in spades, and most chapters end on the sort of cliffhanger that demands you go ahead and read the next five chapters too. HOWEVER:I largely despised the main characters. Valea is such a stereotypical, thoughtless damsel only concerned with her man (while at the same time trying to maintain that he is not her man to instill some sense of non-existent romantic tension) that I just could not take her seriously. And Shade himself fared little better; he was arrogant and condescending. The narration tried to preface nearly everything anyoen else did with an unironic declaration that 'Shade already knew this of course. Shade was (insert praise of your choice here). But he was impressed with the talents of this lesser being and knew that they were of a good bloodline/of great power/random plot device.Ugh.Cabe Bedlam, who was to my knowledge also supposed to be one of the story's kick-butt guys did exactly... nothing in the realm of greater plot. He literally serves to show up and fail at whatever he tries to do, just as Valea is supposed to be the damsel in distress and Shade is supposed to be our distressingly effortlessly superior knight in featureless armor.The villains managed to be less onerous, but come on. Richard Knaak is supposed to be a bestselling author. I expected better.Also, there are aspects of the plot that did not feel fully and sufficiently explained. I grant you that I read this book pretty quickly, but between all the declarations of what the narrator thinks he/she knows, what they know but aren't telling, and what they don't know, I spent a lot of the book feeling lost about the finer details and abandoning all sense of knowing what was going on for the more immediate 'our heroes are being attacked by dwarves. Gasp in shock and awe.'Maybe I just went into this experience with expectations that were a little bit too high, but this was not a very enjoyable read to me. I give it 3 stars for keeping me interested in spite of my complaints, but I don't recommend it to people unless they're staunch Knaack fans.

[barb_h_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I won a copy from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. My son is very excited that I won this book. He loves Richard A. Knaak's books.5/3/13 - I finally managed to dig this out of my son's room and read it myself. I enjoyed this book a lot. It was good and well written. I do wish that I had read the series prior to this book. I feel like the story was complete enough and interesting enough, but it definitely felt like I was missing some background story. It made me want more, that's for sure.