Darinel & The Dragons Of Aquaria: The Reluctant Dragonhunter Series, #2

By Antje Hergt

During an outing with her husband Darinel and their dragon-friend Idunal, Princess Tuskja is attacked by a blue light and falls into a deep sleep. To cure her, Darinel and Idunal set out to find the Sea With No End. In its heart lies the underwater city of Aquaria where the last sea dragons live. These mystical creatures are said to have the Secret Green Waters, a potion strong enough to heal the curse of the blue light.

 

Sea dragons save the friends from almost drowning in their attempt to reach the city and bring them through the barrier into Aquaria. There, they meet beautiful Queen Ozeania, who ensnarls Darinel under her spell.

 

Banned from the palace for not trusting the queen, the dragon sets out alone to find the cure while Darinel forgets more of his past with each passing day. Have forged an alliance with the independent sea dragons, Idunal has to break the spell on Darinel and find a way to penetrate the barrier without breaking it in time to save Tuskja.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Antje Hergt
• Release date: Apr 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9798201561963

Antje Hergt

Born and raised in Germany, Antje Hergt came to explore the Canadian Rockies in Canmore, Alberta in 2003. Taking part in the Writing-with-Style Program at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 2007 encouraged her to follow her passion: writing for children. Darinel Dragonhunter is her first novel, which was inspired by her deep love for classic children literature and fairy tales. Her thrill for science fiction/fantasy movies and television shows had an outlet in various genre short stories. She is a member of the Alberta Writer’s Guild and graduated from the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen with a degree in Modern Languages. For 10 years,  Antje lived in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, enjoying cross-country-skiing and got inspired by the magic of the Rocky Mountains. Currently, she lives in Germany.

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Middle Grade Fantasy by Antje Hergt

Darinel and his dragon-friend, Idunal, take his wife, Princess Tuskja, on a pleasure flying trip high up in the mountains when she is attacked by a blue light and falls into a deep sleep. To cure her, Darinel and Idunal set out to find the ‘Sea With No End’. In its heart lies the underwater city of Aquaria where the last sea dragons live. These mystical creatures are said to have the Secret Green Waters, a potion strong enough to heal the curse of the blue light.

Sea dragons save the friends from almost drowning in their attempt to reach the city and bring them through the barrier into Aquaria. There, they meet beautiful Queen Ozeania, who ensnarls Darinel under her spell.

Banned from the palace for not trusting the queen, the dragon sets out alone to find the cure while Darinel forgets more of his past with each passing day. Having forged an alliance with the independent sea dragons, Idunal has to break the spell on Darinel and find a way to penetrate the barrier without breaking it in time to save Tuskja.

Darinel & The Dragons Of Aquaria © by Antje Hergt

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 publisher.

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or events,

is coincidental and not intended by the author.

To Pedi,

who kept encouraging me,

and to Beate,

for her sharp eye.

To my family for being proud of me.

To all my friends who still wait patiently for my dreams to come true.

Thank you for your support along the way.

Acknowledgements

Darinel & The Dragons Of Aquaria

The Reluctant Dragonhunter Series

Darinel Dragonhunter

Darinel and The Dragons of Aquaria

Antje Hergt

Chapter One

Life is Good

I did not.

Of course, you did.

Honestly, my love, Prince Darinel said to his wife, Princess Tuskja, as he winked at their waiting friend. I don’t know what you’re saying.

The couple had just walked over from the courtyard toward the old stables now a dragon den, a wedding present from her father last year. Their friend, the dragon Idunal, laid curled up in front of his home, obviously enjoying the sun.

You’re talking with Idunal behind my back. Again! Tuskja crossed her arms over her chest. I saw it on your faces.

He glanced at the dragon. We wouldn’t do such a thing.

You know I can’t hear him. She lifted her hand to greet Idunal.

The dragon slowly raised his head with an innocent face as he shook his head, grinning widely at the princess.

You better hurry or we miss the fledglings, he added for Darinel.

The prince gave him a subtle nod before addressing his wife. See? Idunal said we would never talk behind your back. He paused and batted his eyelashes. With you present.

Nice, half-truth. Idunal tilted his head, maintaining his innocent pretence for the princess.

She stared into his eyes, clearly not believing a word. Suddenly, she laughed and shook her head. Idunal, you are a bad liar.

The dragon raised a horned ridge and rose to sit on his hind legs.

I know you two desperately want to escape the castle routine to see the fledglings. She patted his front leg.

Darinel moved beside her to get her attention. I swear, we didn’t intend to mislead you. He held up his hand, fingers spread in a V.

We’re just not telling you the full story, the dragon added in Darinel’s mind.

The prince covered his mouth quickly to stifle a chuckle.

Tuskja caught the twinkle in his eyes. There you go. You two did it again.

It’s not my fault if Idunal adds a comment. He nudged the dragon’s front leg.

So, you admit it. What is Idunal saying? The princess looked square at the dragon. Does he give you hints on how to avoid your duties today?

He would never do that, Darinel defended, peeking at the dragon.

Idunal shook his head vehemently.

The princess chortled and slapped her husband’s arm. So not believing you.

Better make the next explanation count or you’re stuck on castle grounds. The dragon’s heart-shaped tail tip poked his back.

The prince jumped out of the reach of both, searching for words. Em... We wanted to... We were going to...patrol the east borders. To make sure the Dark Queen doesn’t follow her son’s lead and plan an attack on us. Afterward, we would have swung up into the mountains for a check-up.

The east has been quiet for ages, and I don’t know of any blood relations the Dark Queen has to replace her son. The princess gazed past the dragon’s den to the east.

Just because the Dark Prince’s army fled, it doesn’t mean his mother has given up the fight. Idunal snorted smoke rings.

The Dark Prince almost killed me. I would be dead if Idunal hadn’t saved me, he said, blood rushing to his cheeks.

Tuskja walked back to him and laid her hand on his arm. I know, love.

Darinel shook his head. I don’t know how you could still pity her.

She is an old woman grieving her son’s death, like any mother would. Tuskja gently squeezed his arm.

The Dark Queen is as proud and malicious as her son, the dragon added in Darinel’s thoughts. We should never underestimate her.

The prince nodded without thinking.

Tuskja eyed him curiously. What did Idunal say?

To be careful and not underestimate the Dark Queen.

And that was your only motif for flying out today? Tuskja raised her eyebrows.

The dragon hiccupped and expelled a couple of smoke clouds, avoiding looking at either of them.

Well, you know... Darinel stepped from one foot to the other. All things considered...

There might be the one or other alternative motif involved, the dragon stated unperceivable by Tuskja.

Darinel hid a smirk behind his hand.

The princess exhaled sharply. Not again. What was Idunal’s comment?

I think he hinted to come clear with you, he admitted, pulling her close.

The princess sighed, rubbing her arm as if cold. It is really not fair that only you can hear his voice.

I know, love. He placed a warm kiss on her lips.

Yuck. The dragon tapped his tail in the ground.

I confess we were just going to enjoy the day and see the fledglings, Darinel said, with a rueful smile at her frown. But we would have checked the borders as well. I wish you could join us.

Well, one of us has to help the king rule this country, Tuskja answered sternly, but her mouth twisted at the corners. Off you go, but promise to take me with you next time.

He grinned widely, and kissed her deeper and longer.

Not again, please. Idunal shuffled his claws and blew heart-shaped smoke rings.

Darinel swung onto the dragon’s back, and with a last wave, they took off. Within a couple of wing beats, they gained altitude and Darinel felt Idunal catching an air drift above the castle to sail east.

For a long time, he had not felt so carefree, setting off with his friend. Not since the battle of the Sharian Plains when they saved the princess’s kingdom from the Dark Prince. Nightmares still troubled him since he couldn’t shake off the guilt of Idunal’s sacrifice. Not only had Idunal saved his life and the welfare of the kingdom, but also the dragon had given up his voice. Darinel had buried himself into rebuilding the damaged villages to keep his mind off the sadness in his heart. He even avoided his friend until Tuskja had reminded him that if the dragon couldn’t tell stories any more, it was his duty to do it for him. Just like that spring day on the meadow. He held onto the dragon and thought back to that fateful day.

Like an umbrella, a blue sky had spanned over the peaks as a light breeze brushed through the mountain meadow. With the kingdom at peace for a couple of months now, Darinel and his friend had taken the liberty to travel to their old meeting grounds in the mountains high above when his duties allowed it.

Passing clouds had obscured the sun, briefly making the sunrays dance in the clear air. Butterflies flew by on their way from flower to flower, followed by the buzzing of a bee.

Ouch! Darinel had said, sitting up with a start. What was that for? He sidled out of reach of the dragon’s tail. I was just enjoying the day. Having a little rest in the high grass to collect my thoughts—

The dragon folded his claws and rested his head on them with an accusatory stare.

I was not sleeping.

Idunal twisted his head and rolled his eyes upward.

Nor daydreaming, the prince declared, rubbing his arm. "I know I promised you a story for the flight up here, but I am thinking."

The dragon tapped his long claws rhythmically on the ground and raised his horned eye ridges expectantly.

Darinel shrugged and stretched his legs. I’m not as experienced a storyteller as you are so bear with me, okay?

Idunal sighed and let his head drop down between his front legs. The ground shook slightly.

Give me a just a second. The prince patted Idunal’s front claws. Maybe something from the village...

The dragon frowned.

Okay, I know. Darinel smiled, pointing in the direction of the kingdom below. Tuskja told me one of her patients said her...

The dragon closed his eyes.

Oh, come on, Idunal. Her stories aren’t that boring. I actually like her stories quite a bit.

Idunal opened one eye slowly and snorted.

Okay, okay. I like to listen to her voice more than anything, the prince admitted, his face growing warm. But just...because...I miss hearing your voice so much. He had to avert his eyes. Even after these last six months, he still wasn’t able to shake off the guilt over his friend’s sacrifice.

The dragon’s tail slipped gently under Darinel’s chin, and he turned his head to face him. Dark golden eyes studied the prince’s brown ones. Idunal smiled. Darinel tried to return the gesture, but failed miserably. He would never be able to forgive himself.

I know it was the only way. You wanted to save me, but to forgo your... Darinel stood and stepped away.

He stared at the harsh rock cliffs towering grey over them. Your voice, Idunal... You are a storyteller...you need to be heard... Darinel’s shoulders slackened, and he mumbled, I can’t tell stories. Not like you.

Idunal stepped beside his friend and gently laid a claw on his shoulder. The human bent around and grinned feebly. The dragon’s tail rested over Darinel’s heart and then poked his chest tenderly.

It doesn’t matter. Idunal’s voice flashed through Darinel’s thoughts.

The prince nearly jumped. Idunal?

No answer.

How stupid of him. He’d never be able to answer anymore.

The dragon poked him a bit harder.

Darinel forced himself to laugh. Okay. How about I tell you one of my favorite stories, the one my mother always used to tell me?

Idunal rolled himself up into a ball and padded the ground beside him.

Darinel grinned and sat down. It was a long time ago, in a country far, far away...

His thoughts traveled back to the present as they flew over the Sharian Plains toward the bordering river Torin. It hadn’t been easy, not until he found a new way to communicate with the dragon. Mimics and gestures were just not their thing.

A gold coin for your thoughts, the dragon interrupted his musings. His mighty head was turned back to observe Darinel in mid-flight.

I’d preferred it if you were looking where you’re flying, he retorted, nodding straight ahead.

It’s not like we’re gonna bump into something, Idunal replied, but swung his head back into their flight direction. Care to share what you’re thinking?

I’m just glad to hear your voice again. I missed it for so long.

And treating me like I am deaf. The dragon chuckled.

I was not.

Oh, you were. Idunal gave him a light smack with his tail.

When? Darinel rubbed his shoulder. I bet you have no proof of me ever treating you in such a way.

The day you finally listened with your heart. The dragon twisted his head to watch him.

Realization washed over Darinel, and he nodded slowly.

* * * *

The dragon flew on, but memories swirled around in his head.

On that day, they had been searching for new water resources and had discovered a new glacier leak. Darinel had gestured wildly with both hands toward the water trickling down the rock wall calling, Over here! What do you think?

The dragon watched his friend jumping excitedly up and down to get his attention. Idunal sighed and moved closer to examine the cliff. Ever since Idunal had given up his voice, Darinel used hand motions and exaggerated facial expressions to communicate, and it was getting on Idunal’s nerves. He was mute, but not deaf.

What do you think? the prince repeated the question with more force.

Idunal ignored him and continued studying the wall.

I think this is where the glacier leaks. He pointed again at the wall towering over them. This must be it. The stream forms here and runs into the new river farther down. He studied the rock face, his back to the dragon.

And this wall doesn’t look very stable. If it collapses, the water will overflow the recent sowing...

Darinel turned around. What do you think, Idunal?

The dragon answered him with a smack on the head.

Woah! What was that for? Darinel rubbed the back of his head and glared up at his friend. "I was just asking you a question, and you never bothered to answer."

The dragon’s head soared up to his full height, his face contorted in disbelief as he stabbed his breast then pointed to Darinel’s chest. Smoke rose from his nostrils. His heart-shaped tail trashed the dirt behind him, making stones and dust scatter in the air.

The prince threw his arms up in the air. What? I am trying to solve the villagers’ problem with you, but you never bother to react. He stared accusingly at the puffing dragon.

Idunal just shook his head, pointed one more time to him, and then turned his back onto his friend.

I’m sorry. He sighed, walking over to the dragon. If you could only talk to me.

Idunal swung around, but Darinel avoided his gaze by picking up a handful of dirt. Slowly, the earth ran through his fingers. Idunal moved closer. The prince slammed his hand hard onto the soil to grab some more. Idunal sat down beside his friend with a big thud, engulfing them both in a cloud of dust. Normally, that would always bring a round of protest, but Darinel remained silent. Idunal heaved a sigh as he gently lifted Darinel’s chin with his tail, forcing him to look up.

What? he uttered defensively, but the dragon just studied him. Darinel shrugged. It used to be so different. If only I could give you my voice, everything would be like it used to be.

Idunal made a gesture with his tail across Darinel’s throat, contorted his face, and then pointed questioningly at himself.

The prince grinned sadly. You are right. If I give you my voice, we still wouldn’t be able to talk like we used to, but at least I would hear your voice again. I miss it so much. He looked at the dirt again. It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been so stubborn and had asked you for help in the battle against the Dark Prince, you wouldn’t have had to save me.

Touched, Idunal lowered his head level with Darinel’s and blew little smoke clouds into his face. Darinel coughed, tears in his eyes, and finally looked up at the dragon.

Idunal smiled gently and slowly touched the human’s chest with the heart-shaped tip of his tail. I am always here.

The human’s eyes widened. Idunal? he whispered, blinking away tears.

Yes.

I-I-I c-can hear you, he said, his eyebrows raised high. I mean, I can understand you... But how is that possible?

You are listening.

But how? Darinel shook his head. "And why haven’t you talked to me earlier?"

You weren’t ready.

Idunal! the prince exclaimed, indignant. You could communicate with me all these last months and didn’t tell me?

Rememberwhat happened in the cave after the fight, when you first found out I had given up my voice?

He nodded eagerly. "Your voice was suddenly