Titan's Nest

By T. D. Orel

One boy trains to join the Bitten Knights. Another boy trains to kill them. Their paths, and their blades, are destined to collide. 

No one in the north was surprised when Maximus Duskfell found his hand between the fangs of a dragon hatchling. Maximus proved to be fearless, unyielding, and physically gifted- the ideal Bitten Knight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tanner Orel
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780578368313

Book preview

1

DARREN DUSKFELL

Not too far.

Yes, mum, Maximus yelled over his shoulder as he darted off away from the tavern.

And be back before sunfall.

We know, Maximus said as he batted his hand in the air.

And stay within the wall!

The sun had already begun its descent behind the woods; we only had an hour or so until darkness swallowed the north and Maximus had no intention of staying within the wall. Keep up, Darren, he commanded. I struggled to match his pace.

I hurried after him through the muddy streets of our town, wet with the rainfall of spring. It no longer rained, but a single droplet occasionally pecked at my brow as we navigated through the maze of shops and homes beneath the gray clouds.

I know you boys ain’t going out beyond the gate right befur sunfall… old man Ritkey said through what few teeth he had left. He swept the wooden porch of his shop.

No, sir, Maximus assured him as he raced by.

The realm’s at war, boys! Best not to be out late. Best not to be out at all, he hollered after us. I let my eyes fall to the mud below me as I passed him.

"Hurry, Darren, we can’t miss him! Maximus pushed faster as we approached the southern wall. Who knows when he will be back again?"

Maximus flew through the open gate without hesitation, kicking up mud behind his long strides. I stopped myself just as I reached the opening, my boots cutting a trench in the muck beneath me. A few leagues south I could see a billow of smoke rising from the woods in a dark arch.

Maximus realized I had stopped and flipped back around, rolled his eyes at my cowardice, then stomped back to me.

We’ll stay far enough away, I promise, he said hastily once we were face to face. I didn’t move, my lungs still gulping for air, an anxious knot tightening in my chest.

Mum said to stay here, I said quietly.

Mum also said we couldn’t have a pup. But, who snuck that mangy mutt up to our room last winter?

I narrowed my brow, You did.

Aye, but I could tell you wanted me to.

Wanting to do something and actually doing it are very different things, I sighed.

Come on, Maximus pleaded, Don’t you wanna see him? He now grabbed me by the shoulders. His long raven hair still wet from the showers this afternoon, the dark strings clung to his face.

I swallowed hard and took a shaky breath, then nodded slowly.

That’s the spirit, he said, "But, we gotta hurry. And you’ll have to climb it today if you wanna see him. My eyes widened and my mouth felt dry. Let’s go."

I pushed down my fear and ran with him, being sure to stay as close as I could while the forest grew taller around us.

In the realm of Eclipto, our town, Hunt's Burrow, sat just a stone’s throw from our region’s capital. Despite this, we were hidden in the deep woods that crowned the city, just north of the main fortress.

The shadows grew longer and stretched across the valley in thin streaks as we reached our destination. I could now spot the towering black walls of the fortress through the gaps in the trees. Their sentry towers watched our every move as we slid down a rocky ledge off the main trail.

Soon the smell of smoke in the air over took the sweet scent of the earth and it clung to my tongue in an ashy coat. Far off I could hear the frantic roars of war. Marching. Screaming. Death. A cold sweat broke out upon my skin yet my face felt unbearably hot. My stomach squirmed nervously as if something had hatched within my gut and was attempting to wiggle free. I desperately wanted to turn back. Yet, the noise seemed to breathe new life into Maximus. He moved even quicker towards the sounds of chaos.

Almost there, Darren, he said with glee as he sprung over a fallen log blanketed in a dark moss. We fell deeper into the maze of pines.

Here she is! Maximus announced. He had reached a large, snow white mass. He drew his hand over the smooth structure then gave it a sturdy pat.

Come on, Maximus said, turning to me, this is the easiest spot to get up, I’ll help ya. He laced his fingers together and squatted down. I ran my eyes over the wall of ivory then back to Maximus.

I… I can’t, I muttered, my eyes shaking and my hands nearly dripping with sweat. I refused to even touch the shape before me.

Maximus sighed, You can’t live in fear, little brother, he stepped closer and gestured his cupped hands towards me, It will be worth it, trust me.

And… and then… then we can go straight home, right?

Straight home, Maximus nodded.

None of your usual detours? I pried.

Not one.

And, you’ll wipe down all the mugs tonight? I added. A smirk ran across my brother’s lips.

Every mug.

I reluctantly stepped my boot into his hands, the mud squishing between his fingers.

I looked at him and added, And, very kind of you to take the old barrels back to the cooper in the morning.

"It would be my pleasure, my lord," Maximus said sarcastically as he heaved me high onto the structure. I grabbed a thorn-shaped spike, then began to drag myself upwards.

Maximus bounded up the side like a cat and before I knew it he had climbed past me. At the more difficult parts of the ascent, he would lend me his hand and pull me up beside him. The smooth edges, jagged spikes, and moisture from the clouds above lent for a challenging climb, even for Maximus. Dragon skulls were not meant for climbing.

We were now more than halfway up the giant skull and the wind began to wash over us with a frigid kiss. My breathing became more frantic and I did my best to not look to the grisly drop below us.

Look, Darren! Maximus exclaimed as he hung playfully from one of the spikes that protruded from the jawline. You can see the tavern from here. My entire body trembling, I slowly turned and looked.

All of Hunt's Burrow could be seen behind us. It looked so simple from high upon the skull. The city had been laid out like a poorly drawn square with wonky corners, a wooden fence boxing the whole shape in. The tavern our family owned, The Bat Belly, sat near the middle, and appeared almost indistinguishable between all the other beige buildings with their black shingles. A few wisps of white smoke rolled from chimneys such as ours, and drafted through the air like loose spiderwebs.

Maximus urged me to keep pressing on. A few vines of ivy had grown in long stretches across the skull and I used those to hoist myself across the cheek bones and up past the eye socket, angering a family of ravens who had made their home there.

S-sorry, I muttered and waved to them as they squawked at my intrusion.

In all the Six Kingdoms, Darren… Maximus howled with laughter, they’re birds, you truffle. You don’t have to apologize.

W-Well pardon me for actually having some manners, I sputtered. Maximus just shook his head. I peaked back through the eye socket. Down, deep below where I clung, a hidden forest had taken root inside the skull. Ferns and ivy grew wild, insects buzzed, and mushrooms lined the walls of the monster’s fangs. Fangs that were the size of our pointy little tavern.

Almost there, brother, Maximus announced as he stood proudly at the brow of the monster, which formed a cliff above me. He laid down across the ledge on his stomach and out stretched his hand. I cautiously scurried up to it, then he pulled me beside him once again.

This is the scary part, he said, If mum were to look this way, she could definitely spot us. I nodded and kept close to him; we both feared mother’s scolding more than the fall. The climb shifted into a hike and we were able to march up the rest of the dragon’s crown.

We reached the center crest of the head and Maximus flung his arms in the air and he screamed like a barbarian. We did it, brother! I told you, isn’t it amazing up here? He let the heavy winds crash into him and his slick hair flared behind him in vicious whips. I nodded anxiously and looked for a safe place to rest. Come on, Darren. Show some life, he roared. You are on the forehead of one of the six Primal Dragons!

"Technically, they are called Verdour," I corrected him quietly. I looked down over the edge of the dragon’s head and all I could think about was the inevitable descent.

We were now nearly level with the sentry towers on the outer wall of the capital’s fortress, and for the first time, I could see into the city's walls. The city hid nested within a gigantic cavern, the cliffs that protected the inhabitants standing straight and immovable. At the center of the dark rock face climbed a triangular opening. It started as a small crack towards the top, then expanded as it fell down towards the earth, the gaping whole opening nearly a mile wide. From the mouth of the cavern wrapped a crescent-shaped wall that cut off any who may seek entrance into the cave.

The black stone towers loomed beside us, sharp and lean, proud and mysterious. Ancient structures, built not long after the Verdour fell, filled the city with history and a sense of power. My neck pulled back as I gazed in awe at the mighty citadel known as the Obsidian Spire. Appearing to be carved from black glass, it ran from the city streets all the way to the ceiling of the cave in an enormous column. The smaller towers that didn’t fully reach the roof of the cavern reminded me of enormous stalagmites. Black banners with Eclipto’s violet crescent hung from every spire and flag post.

My eyes trailed from the hidden city to the ivory giant on which I crouched. What remained of the Primal Dragon’s skeleton wrapped around the city wall and cliffs like a snake coils around her eggs. The dragon’s spiked spine resembled a jagged mountain range that shaded the residents of Eclipto and crowned the cliffs in which the city had been carved. It's right shoulder and what still stood of its wing poked out the top of the dark emerald pines that sprung up around its corpse.

Maximus never pulled his gaze from the battlefield in the west. He growled in frustration, being so far away from the action, but the frontlines were no place for a boy of only fourteen years.

The billow of smoke I first spotted from the gate of Hunt's Burrow now draped over the forest and Eclipto in a dark curtain.

I can’t believe they found a Hive so close to the Obsidian Spire, Maximus said, keeping his eyes fixed on the forest, and it must be a big one.

You… you don’t think… I said nervously, that the Swarmborne would come to Hunt's Burrow, do you?

Who knows, Maximus shrugged, I doubt King Voidrin would let them push that far. A smile pulled across his lips, The day I turn eighteen, he declared and pointed a stiff finger towards the sounds of war, that’s where I’ll be! The falling sun silhouetted his figure. I’ll join Eclipto’s army. I’ll never work another day in the Bat Belly.

You really wanna go to war? I asked, pulling my knees tightly to my chest.

What would you rather do, Darren? He flipped around and glared at me, Would you rather rot away in that tavern for the rest of your life? Serving mead to fat, smelly trappers? Taking orders from father? Or, join the army, and maybe get to see even an inch more of Dazawrath. Dazawrath is huge, brother, and somehow we got pinned down in the farthest, most isolated corner of it all, he turned back and looked towards the battlefield. I won’t stay here. And if the army is my only shot of getting out, you bet I’ll take that chance.

The sun disappeared behind the horizon and darkness coated the land.

Oh no, I jumped to my feet, Mum is going to kill us, Maximus. We need-

My ears popped and my whole body shook as every hair on my neck stood on edge.

RABOOM!

I was thrown to my back.

I screamed in horror at the overwhelming vibrations. Even Maximus fell to a knee and covered his ears.

All of Dazawrath trembled.

I looked to the sky. High above the pillars of smoke something moved through the dark sea. The monstrous shadow of a creature crawled through the clouds.

I froze in terror; my heart punched at my chest as if it were trying to escape.

Giant wings spread out across the sky glowing with the heat of electricity. Tentacles of shimmering lightning danced from wing to wing. The dragon roared. I couldn’t clamp down on my ears tight enough.

Did you forget why we came, little brother? Maximus screamed over the cackling of power above us. Maximus rose to his feet and held his arms high above him again as if he were worshiping the monster that rattled my bones with such force. I felt like I would be sick. It’s been twelve years since he came to do battle in the skies of Eclipto, Maximus roared in admiration, I give you… Kage Thunderforge, Lord Commander of the Bitten Knights!

I could make out a figure upon the dragon’s armored shoulders. A sword flaring like golden thunder pointed straight above him in a fierce display of might. Upon the back of that monster he was no man at all. This was a god.

I felt my body raise from where I laid, as if his Fury began pulling us towards him. All sound became stripped from the earth and pulled into his blade. He slashed downward.

RABOOM!

A pillar of lightning a mile wide fell from the dragon and his rider. I forced my lids shut as the flash scorched my eyes with its radiance. Every tree in the surrounding forest bowed down, snapped in two, or ripped its roots from the earth as the shock wave pushed across the land. We were both slammed into the skull beneath us as the attack met the earth.

Everything fell black.

2

DARREN DUSKFELL

Four Years Later

I’ll never allow it! My father's voice boomed. Even through the closed door I could hear his every word. You’ll work here! Just as I have, just as my father did, and his father before him.

I won’t! Maximus roared back. I’m going to enlist tomorrow, you can’t stop me.

I won’t have my eldest son abandon his family so he can go and play soldier. You’ll take over the Bat Belly.

Darren will.

Darren, He bellowed, almost laughing, Darren, is not… he’s not like us. The boy is useless.

Gord, My mother attempted to intervene. He works just as hard as any of us.

The room fell silent. I inched closer to the door.

Mum, you know better. I bit my lip and held my breath. I didn’t hear him hit her, but I heard her body hit the floor.

Don’t touch her! Maximus roared followed by a crash and shuffling of bodies.

She knows not to open her mouth unless I tell her to. It’s her own fault, I clenched my fist and my jaw tightened. "Darren can not… he will not run this tavern."

The door flung open, and Maximus stomped through. I didn’t even try to pretend I wasn’t eavesdropping; all three of them stared at me. Maximus paused when our eyes met, and pity rolled over his face, knowing I heard it all. He sighed, his gaze falling to the creaking wooden floor beneath us.

I pushed past him and slid to my mother's side. She still sprawled herself across the floor in a mess of cloth and limbs, her dark hair wrapped around her face and her lip spotted with ruby blood. I could feel my father’s drunken stare locked on me. I looked up at him, his fat chins folding over one another. He adjusted his leather apron around his meaty gut, and spit on the floor near my feet.

His upper lip pulled back in a scowl, Glad you were listening. I meant every word, boy.

My shaking eyes locked with his, I know. I said back coldly as I helped my mother to her feet.

He turned and followed after Maximus.

Darren, my love, he-, My mother began.

It’s okay, mum… I know, I helped her to one of the stools at the bar and grabbed a clean cloth. I dabbed at her bloody lip. Why do you do that?

What? She winced as the fabric met her wound.

Try to defend me to him-

She snatched my arm. Even her petite hand wrapped all the way around my thin wrist. A fierceness fell over her face, "Until I am dead beneath the dirt, I will always defend you, Darren."

A weak smile pulled across my lips and I kissed her on the brow, I know, mum. I continued to tend to her split lip.

But, you need to stand up for yourself sometimes, Darren, She said quietly, I rolled my eyes.

Here we go again.

Not against him, of course, she gestured at the door her husband had exited with a limp wave, that brute is hopeless. But if you don’t stand your ground for yourself, you’ll never be able to stand up for someone else-

I know, mum. I know, I cut her off. I’m working on it.

She patted me on the cheek, "I know you are, Spad’o." Spad’o meant ‘star’ in the Primal Tongue. Our whole family had dark, nearly gray eyes, but my eyes were a golden hazel, which, according to my mother, looked like wee twinkling stars when I stood in the sun. She had called me Spad’o for as long as I could remember.

She swept the cloth from my hands and continued pressing it to her lips.

The Bat Belly had always been a grizzled, poorly lit space. Behind the long cedar bar rested three massive barrels of mead. Splintered and cracked wooden mugs lined up just below the barrels. Seven stools were crammed tightly at the face of the chipped bar. A large cobblestone fireplace against the left wall brought warmth to the whole building. Eight round tables lined the walls of the space. A thin, rickety staircase led to the two bedrooms hidden above the tavern where the four of us slept at night.

A snarling bat’s head had been carved from an old stump and hung above the bar, two copper coins sitting in its eye sockets and served as glowing eyes for the creature. Sharp, chiseled fangs hung from its open mouth. The meaty scent of the rabbit stew that father simmered every morning hung in the air and had soaked into the very walls.

Ya open? A husky man with a sandy beard and bald head stepped through the front door.

Um… well, not yet- I stuttered, looking at Mum.

Yes, yes we are, Mum said over me, Welcome to The Bat Belly. Never too early for a mug of mead, or four, she said with a wink.

Aye, the man chuckled. Anything hot to eat? It’s awful out there. He shook his shoulders, shaking some moisture from the fur pelt around his torso.

Stew, I said as I went and grabbed a wooden bowl from behind the bar. The floor squeaked beneath my every footstep.

‘Awful’ and Eclipto go hand in hand, sir, Mother said with a shrug, Sunshine? Not likely.

Aye, The man agreed as he took a seat near the fireplace, placing his muddy boots in front of the flame. Not much sunshine, but plenty of wolves, that's for sure. He nodded towards the pelt around his frame.

Ha, we’ve never been short on those, Mother said. Just the stew then?

Two bowls, another person walked in, a fur pelt nearly identical to the other man’s. He was far younger, I would guess the same age as Maximus. He had blond hair, bright as the sun.

The young hunter rested a longbow and a leather quiver against the edge of the table. Bear claws had been woven into a bracer around his right forearm. A skinning knife was strapped across his chest, the handle pointed down towards his hip.

Aye, one for my lad, as well. And I do think I’ll have that mead, The hunter laughed from his belly.

More and more people poured into the tavern. Trappers and hunters from all over Dazawrath had come for the spring hunt. The isolated forest of Eclipto made for excellent game; wolves, beavers, bears, and elk. Our little town, Hunt's Burrow, was originally founded as a community campsite for the seasonal hunters that found their way here. My great grandfather founded The Bat Belly nearly eighty years ago.

Despite the many faces in the tavern you could always recognize a local by their mizzle. Northerners are rarely seen without one drawn over their shoulders and their heads hidden beneath the long hood. Nothing keeps your clothes dry like a mizzle. A mizzle is a sleeveless cloak with unsown sides and a hole at the center for your head. Everyone wore them. The highborns wore them over their lavender vest in the Obsidian Spire. The soldiers sported them over their armor. Even tavern boys like myself wore them over their rags.

Any luck? The mizzle-less trapper asked his son.

Nothing, The blond boy snarled as he pulled up a chair next to his father.

Damn, we will only need it for this night and the next. Did ya tell ‘em that?

Obviously.

"We’ll be out in the woods the rest of our time here, did ya tell ‘em that? I placed two steaming bowls of stew before them with a lump of hard bread. Ah, thanks, lad."

Yes, yes, the younger man shook his head, I told them.

Trouble finding a room? I asked.

Terrible trouble. The son answered. "With the season, and your dragon supposed to hatch and all, there’s not even a closet to spare."

Aye, I suppose it's exciting times to be in Eclipto. Where ya from? If you don’t mind my asking.

Ha, you don’t wanna know, The father laughed and shook his head. Your feet will ache just hearing how far we’ve come.

Voltar, The son answered.

Voltar? I gasped. They nodded. Voltar was one of the southernmost kingdom’s of Dazawrath, clear across the map. Well, I hope your hunt is worth it.

As do we, lad, The father shoveled a spoonful of murky stew into his mouth.

I began to walk away, then an idea flashed into my mind, Did you try The Berch?

The two men looked at one another. No, thought it was just another tavern. Didn’t bother, The father said.

Well, it is, I informed them, but they have a few rooms up top that they rent out. Most folks just pass right by it.

Don’t just sit there, boy, The father commanded, Go get us one of them rooms.

The son sprung to his feet, forcing the stew to spill over the edges of their bowls, Where is it?

On the other side of town, easy to get turned around, I noticed my father had stomped back in and began working some of the other tables, Meet me out back, I’ll run ya over there, but we gotta be quick. My father won’t be fond of me running off.

He struck me in the arm with a grin, Let’s get going then, I nodded and snuck out the back, pulled off my apron, and awaited him on the other side.

The young man came jogging around the corner of the tavern and I flagged him down.

Ryker Dawnrose, he held out his hand. His hands were rough and course to the touch. Ryker stood tall and built like a wolf; strong, yet agile. Thin stubble sprouted across his chin and cheeks, and he let his sunny hair fall across his shoulders. I noticed a long, squiggly scratch beneath his eye as I shook his hand.

Well, the rumors are certainly true, I said looking up at him, they breed your lot big down south. I’m Darren. Darren Duskfell.

Voltar is known for two things, Darren; mountains and big lads. Alright, lead the way.

We moved quickly through the homes and businesses of Hunt's Burrow as we talked.

I can’t believe you came all the way from Voltar, I said.

No one has wolves like Eclipto, He laughed, We’ve ran into a few on our way up here before, but we’ve never gone home empty handed when we head this far north.

What’s it like? I asked. I mean, you’ve probably seen half of Dazawrath.

Ya, I’ve seen a good chunk. Pa drives us like slaves this season though. It's filthy work sometimes. Ever skinned and cleaned an animal?

No. But, I’ve watched my father clean a few hares, I shook my head as we walked. Nasty business.

Not as fun as killin’ em, that’s for sure. We get a good break in the winter though, when most passes are too tough to get through with the snowpack and all.

You ever been to Titan’s Nest? I asked.

Every year, his voice rang with excitement.

Truly? What’s it like?

Just like in the stories, he said boldly. No, better. We stopped so a donkey and cart could pass through the narrow street, pressing against the wall. You’ve gotta head south and see it. It’s worth the trip.

Me? I asked with a chuckle. Not likely, we pulled around the corner of the smith’s shop and all its ruckus; metal striking metal, the hum of the forge.

Why not?

I’ve never really left Hunt's Burrow, I admitted, I’ve certainly never made it past Eclipto’s border. Don’t really plan to.

Where’s the fun in that? He elbowed me in the arm. Don’t you wanna see Dazawrath?

I… I guess? I lied, But what business does a tavern boy have skipping across Dazawrath?

Who says you have to be a tavern boy? Ryker asked as I led him past the butcher’s shop. The scent of gamey meat and salt filled the air. I didn’t answer. What’s going on over there? He asked and pointed to the courtyard on our right.

I don’t know, I said, squinting my eyes. A large crowd had formed in the square and it seemed as if nearly everyone from town gathered there. I spotted Maximus perched above them on a cobblestone wall looking down in the center. That’s my brother, he might know.

Ryker and I pushed through the crowd and fought to reach Maximus. Ryker, being larger and quicker than me, seemed to have an easier time carving through the mass of people so I ended up following him.

Sorry, excuse me, I said softly to each person I bumped against, Sorry. Pardon me. I called out once my brother was in ear shot, Hey, Maximus. He waved me over and when I reached the wall, he pulled me up. Ryker climbed up on his own.

Maximus, this is Ryker, he’s from Voltar, I said.

A pleasure, Their hands met briefly and then Maximus quickly brought his attention back to the crowd. He ran his hair behind his ears so it would stop falling in his line of sight. His raven hair, straight and slick, fell wild and unkempt, only tied back when we were in The Bat Belly. His hair appeared identical to mother’s and fell in thin, bodiless lines. I envied them, my thick waves always in a knotted mess.

What’s going-

Hush, Darren, Maximus put his open palm against my chest to quiet me. They’re coming.

Three war chargers, massive stallions, trotted into the square. Two of the horses were a dark gray, but the lead horse was an empty ebony. Upon each of their backs rode soldiers plated in black armor, violet capes hanging off their shoulders. The two soldiers in the rear carried long lances and their helmets hid their faces. The lead soldier had his hair cut short and high, a mustache topped his upper lip, and a broad sword strapped at his waist.

One hundred years, the lead soldier bellowed. The crowd fell silent. One hundred years since the last dragon was born in Dazawrath… Last evening, a hatchling was born in the Lunar Temple of Eclipto beneath the shadows of the night… The crowd rumbled with excitement and chatter waved across the square. Therefore, The soldier re-demanded everyone's attention, the dragon seeks it’s partner. Maximus’ eyes fell in a fierce gaze at the knight before him and he tightened his fist. By order of King Voidrin, every boy and girl, fifteen to eighteen years old, born and raised in Eclipto, will report to the Lunar Temple immediately.

The three warriors turned their horses and marched from the square, hurrying off to the next town.

Finally, Maximus growled, his brow in a fierce knot. He dropped from the wall and followed after the soldiers. I flopped off the wall, falling through the dirt as I tried to chase after him. Ryker fell beside me and helped me to my feet.

Maximus, where are you going? I asked as I brushed the dust off my trousers.

Did you not just hear him? he barked over his shoulder.

You’re going to the Temple? The chances of you- I ran into someone and had to push past them, Sorry, sorry. I apologized quickly, The chances of you being chosen are… are… it's impossible. They bite like, princes’ and princesses’, Ryker and I caught up to him. He marched at a determined pace. I won’t even be bitten, and I’m a far greater choice than you, I said wryly.

A chance I’d gladly take. There’s nothing to lose. He nodded to himself, And if it doesn’t bite me, I’ll enlist, like I always wanted.

Today? I scoffed. You can’t leave today…

I can, he said, a grin pulling across his chiseled face, And I will. I’m leaving Hunt's Burrow today, We had broken clear of the crowd.

No, what about the tavern? What about-"

Did you see those soldiers, Darren? Maximus snapped. That’s gonna be me, A heroic shine lit up his face as his chin naturally lifted towards the sky.

The soldier's life, huh? Ryker chimed in, Good for you.

I gave Ryker a fierce scowl. I stopped my feet and growled, Maximus, He turned and looked at me. You can’t do this, not today. As much as I’d like to finally have the bed to myself, I joked, "I’m not… We’re not ready for you to leave."

The Primal Dragons couldn’t keep me in that tavern for even one more day, Darren, he ran his hand through his onyx hair, his muscular shoulder flexing as he raised his hand. He then looked back at the summit of the Eclipto towers peaking over the pines. You can’t stop me, Darren. Might as well come with and at least come see the dragon.

I sighed a long and shaky breath, closed my eyes and whispered, Fine.

Let’s get going then, Ryker said as he patted me on the back.

You’re coming too? I asked with a raised brow. What about your room?

The first dragon born in a hundred years and I’m not going to go see who it bites? He held up his hands like I was insane for asking. I’d sleep out in the rain for that any day.

Finally, someone else with a little sense for adventure, Maximus playfully batted him across the shoulder. So, you really came here all the way from Voltar?

The two of them bounded off quickly for the main gate and I trailed anxiously behind, trying to think of any excuse to keep Maximus from enlisting.

It wasn’t long before every resident and visitor in Hunt's Burrow seemed to be heading for Eclipto, eager to see who the hatchling would sink its fangs into.

You think the dragon in Voltar hatched yet? I could hear Maximus ask Ryker from behind.

Ryker shrugged beneath his pelt, Maybe, all six are supposed to hatch at the same time, right? I struggled to stay close to them in the herd of people that were pushing and stepping over one another.

You think you and your old man will call the hunt early this year? Head back home and see the lizard? Maximus pried.

Not worth the trip, Ryker laughed, A hatchling born in Voltar will only bite a Thunderforge, he said bitterly. "Every Bitten Knight since they built the Nest has been a Thunderforge," Ryker said in a snobbish, mocking tone. Commander Thunderforge has a son about your age, Ajax, I think. He’ll be bitten for sure.

A chill ran down my spine and my mouth felt dry. I suddenly could hear the wings of Captain Thuderforge’s dragon pounding against the sky as they circled our home all those years ago.

The morning sun remained hidden behind Eclipto’s usual cloud cover and I shivered as a new wave of mist fell upon us. I pulled up the collar of my overcoat hoping I could at least keep my neck and ears dry. The sprinkling of rain didn’t dampen anyone's spirit. The crowd flustered with energy and excitement.

That looks like a good one, come with a good story as well, I’d hope? Maximus said, he slid his finger beneath his own eye. Ryker smirked and touched his hand to the scar that lifted the skin of his face.

This time last year, actually. Ryker explained, Got too close to a Hive on a hunt.

Maximus leaned in close, You’re kidding.

My heart fell, R-really? What… what happened? I asked nervously.

Thankfully it was just a Hornet, but still clawed me good, He swung his arm out in a quick slash and I jumped back. Pa put two arrows in its chest, then I had to finish it with a hatchet just to get it to stop twitching. Tough prey, certainly wasn’t my favorite hunt.

Curse the Six Kingdoms, Maximus growled as he slapped his hands together, I should have been born to a tracker. I’ve never even seen a Swarmborne in person.

Most people are thankful for that, Maximus. I’m sure you’ll get to kill plenty Swarmborne as a soldier. Probably more than you’d like.

I hope you’re right, Maximus said with a stoic grin, his chest puffed with air.

You were lucky your father was there, I pointed out. Old Gord would have left me for dead.

Eh, Ryker shrugged, I’m sure I would have killed the thing. Pa is getting pretty old. I’m honestly hoping this is his last hunt.

Ever? Maximus asked.

Aye, Ryker said with a strong nod, If I can, I’d like to take over for him and bring enough pelts home for the both of us. He doesn’t wanna hang up his bow, but if I can prove I can do it on my own this spring… He paused and looked up at the clouds, Maybe he and Ma could stay home together during the season. They’ve got a quiet place in the Stonehills. She’d like that. I know he’d rather be home with her.

As the wind crept through the trees it forced the needles and branches to shift and flutter in an ominous whisper. I inched closer as I surveyed the maze of emerald for Swarmborne that could be watching from the forest. My stomach felt empty and curious noises caught my attention all around us. I hated leaving the walls of Hunt's Burrow. Wolves, Swarmborne, and other unkind things, other than father, never seemed to find their way into the Bat Belly.

We continued down the trail, towering pines on either side of the path. On our left, I could see the top ridges and horns of the Primal Dragon’s skeleton Maximus made me climb four years ago. On my right, I could see the soft shimmer of Marrow Lake through the parade of people and trees. Along her southern shores fell a massive drop off, a towering cliff that overlooked the entire lake. The gray body of water always sat quietly, nothing ever stirring her waters, a murky reflection of Hunt's Burrow, I suppose.

Soon we were walking parallel to the wall of Eclipto in a tight pack of townspeople. There were few people from Hunt's Burrow in the same age group as Maximus and I, but everyone wanted to see who would be bit. We found ourselves at the main gate, which had been swung wide open, funneling in all who wanted entry. Soldiers protected in ebony armor and wielding long spears and shields lined the gates on both sides. I laced my fingers around Maximus’s belt and looked down at his heels, careful not to be separated in the commotion.

A shadow of nervousness lingered over me as we entered the ancient city. The sky vanished into the roof of the massive cave that hid the capital and the soft drizzle of rain no longer struck us.

Horses and their riders stormed past us as if we were no more than weeds sprouting beneath their hooves.

Clerks battled for our attention by shouting so quickly and fiercely they sounded like a murder of crows pestering their prey from every direction.

Priests in plum-colored robes and tall metallic crowns muttered in the Primal Tongue to one another, their faces hidden behind silk veils.

Cloaked figures moved quietly through the crowds, their sticky fingers sliding across money belts and bags.

Beggars pleaded for change at our feet.

Sharp and pointed crystals, from the size of my hand to the size of a dragon’s tooth, grew all over the fortress. The crystals jutted along the streets, across the edges of their complex architecture, and all across the ceiling of the cavern. They each emanated a lovely lilac glow that covered the whole city in a mauve hue.

The buildings were far taller here in Eclipto’s capital compared to Hunt's Burrow. Each structure lurked like a dark stone giant looming over me, watchful eyes locked on my every move from the windows and cracks in their boxy torsos’.

Being constructed within the caverns, the city seemed to roll in waves. Some homes and towers were built high above us on stone shelves while others fell deeper into the dark. I was most surprised to see a grouping of waterfalls against the western wall of the city, sprouting from three large caves in the wall. Natural streams snaked through the grotto and around the structures our ancestors had built.

We were like salmon fighting to reach open waters as the crowd guided us from the outer edge of the burg deeper towards the center. The Obsidian Spire, where the royal family lived and surveyed over the city, grew closer with our every step.

Eventually we broke free of the smaller streets and were funneled into the town square, a massive octagon shaped courtyard. At the heart of the courtyard sparkled the largest grouping of crystals in the city, growing outwards like a blossoming flame of purple and turquoise. At the northern end sat the Obsidian Spire, the main citadel of Eclipto. Directly adjacent sat the Lunar Temple. My neck reared back and I squinted as I tried to see the top of the Spire. The castle seemed to jab into the roof like a shard of black glass. Two smaller towers of different sizes sprouted from either side of the structure, connected by huge iron bridges.

Now that’s a fortress, Ryker said in admiration with a long whistle as he scanned the castle. Not as big as the Summit Citadel in Voltar, but impressive nonetheless.

There’s no way there’s a tower that size anywhere else in Dazawrath, Maximus said defensively, pushing Ryker to the side. My fingers stayed clenched tightly to Maximus’s belt loop from behind.

How would you know? See many castles from the tavern window? Ryker laughed with a snark. Maximus threw a quick jab into his shoulder.

A stone path connected the entrance of the Lunar Temple all the way to the stairs of the Obsidian Spire. Maximus had dragged us to the center but his strong chest was met with the pole of a spear. Maximus grunted as he looked up at the soldier who stopped him.

No further, The Ecliptian guard said with a snarl. Every three paces or so stood a large guard, keeping people clear of the stone pathway that linked the two monuments. Maximus still pushed back against the shaft of the spear trying to get a better look despite the guards warning.

As I examined the crowd I realized every able body man and woman from every surrounding town had come to the square. I saw hunters and trackers from Hunt's Burrow, farmers from the east, and even stonemasons and miners from the southern mountains.

Five stories up the Obsidian Spire, massive double doors pulled open leading a group of people out onto the main terrace of the building.

Who’s that? Ryker asked, now also curiously leaning against the snarling soldier.

King Voidrin, of course, Maximus said proudly. At the head of the group a lean man marched to the edge of the terrace. His once pitch black beard was now frosted with silver hair. A black crown of stone with six sharp points and amethyst gems at the base of each decorated his head. Cold eyes and a mysterious scowl pulled across his face. His charcoal colored armor had no shine except the silver crescent moon upon his breast. A violet cape ran from his shoulders and across the floor behind him.

Voidrin, Ryker nodded. He’s a First-blood, right?

First-what? Maximus raised a brow.

Means he’s from an ancient house, I informed him. His line has been ruling the north since the fall of the Verdour.

Whoever can punch hardest rules the south, Ryker joked. We only have the toughest brutes on the throne. It’s the way of the Summit.

You folks sound like a smart bunch, I smirked.

King Voidrin raised a stiff hand, while his other rested patiently on the pommel of his sheathed sword. The crowd fell silent.

This day is a momentous day. Not just for the kingdom of Eclipto, but for all of Dazawrath. The king’s voice echoed against the walls of the cavern. A dragon has not blessed us with its hatching in more than one hundred years. This dragon’s arrival is surely a sign of both peace and prosperity for our people. The crowd lifted their voices in a hopeful cheer. I pressed closer into my brother’s back, overwhelmed by the noise. He raised his hand once more, silencing their excitement. He paused and stared out over the crowd. One young woman, or young man, will be chosen by this dragon. If its fangs meet your flesh, your life will forever be changed. Your story, rewritten. My hands began to pool with sweat as I thought about the monster grabbing a hold of one of my limbs with its dagger-like teeth. Whoever you thought you were thus morning will cease to exist... and a Bitten Knight of Dazawrath will take your place. As a king I can admit there is no higher honor than to become one with a dragon. You will fly under no king’s flag... you will serve only Dazawrath. You will be far wealthier than any noble. Far more powerful than any general. Far deadlier than any army.

It seemed as if every young person squirmed with excitement as they envisioned that life for themselves. Everyone, that is, except Maximus, who stared up at the king with a focused glare.

Could you imagine? Ryker whispered to Maximus, his wishful gaze looking up at the glowing gemstones above. No more hunting for your next meal. No more rules. No more borders.

No more tavern, Maximus growled. I felt my grip around his belt loosen a little.

He really, truly, wants to leave… I thought anxiously. But imagine waking up and not seeing my darling face every morning, brother.

Enlisting is sounding sweeter and sweeter, Maximus elbowed me playfully.

Now, King Voidrin’s voice re-snared our attention, we will see who will be the next Bitten Knight of Dazawrath! Maximus straightened. From behind the crowd and at the base of the Obsidian Spire, the thumping of war drums rattled through the city. The beat carried so intensely my heart became restless and I once again tightened my fingers around the hold in which I trapped Maximus.

Every boy and girl, between fifteen and eighteen winters, born in the great Kingdom of Eclipto… step forward, at the king’s command every soldier lowered their defenses, spun their spears in perfect unison, then jammed the butt-ends against the stone beneath us. I felt Maximus drive forward without hesitation; when I slowed his momentum, he slapped my hand away in a fierce slash. I grabbed my wrist and rubbed out the spot where he had struck me. He, and about thirty-five other young men and women appeared from the crowd and stood at the heart of Eclipto.

Well go on then, that means you too, Ryker grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out beside Maximus. Ryker and his golden hair fell back into the crowd. The crowd roared and nearly overcame the heavy beating of the drums. I could feel a hot wave roll over my face as I pushed closer next to my brother in hopes of disappearing. He shrugged me off and faced the king high above us.

"Arro Par’vati," The King announced in the Primal Tongue and gestured behind us. One of the nobles beside us, probably seventeen years of age, translated to himself, High Priestess. We all turned and the doors to the Lunar Temple moaned as they slid apart.

A pyramid shape in a dark marble stone stood before us. The cycle of the moon had been carved from the top of the entrance to the floor. Only the doors were decorated with this elaborate and complex design, the rest of the temple seemed surprisingly ordinary. The full