Dragonia: Fall of the Dragons: Dragonia Empire, #5

By Craig A. Price Jr.

The empire is on the brink of a collapse...

But can the resistance convince the people of Kaeldroga it is time to march… or will they miss their opportunity…

Devarius knows time is fleeting, and the resistance needs to make their move. He sends the heroes of the resistance to all corners of the land to unite everyone together under one banner to face the empire in a last battle. When he arrives in the capital, no one listens to him. He finds himself imprisoned. Meanwhile, his sister across the country is facing a political showdown to convince a well-meaning duke of the corruption of the emperor… a corruption that has betrayed the duke's family in time's past.

The fate of all Kaeldroga lies in Devarius's hands. Will they be able to overcome the empire, or will they fall to another hundred years of tyranny under the emperor's rule?

If you love Eragon, Dragonriders of Pern, Ezaara, Dragon Blood, Dragon Gate, and every other brilliant dragonrider epic out there, you'll love Dragonia: Fall of the Dragons because... well, dragons. And wyverns, drakes, wyrms, and amphipteres!

Get it Now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claymore Publishing
• Release date: Jul 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201405151

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Year 441 D.A.

The ground shook, rattling pebbles against the slick surface of the dirt, causing them to bounce between Galedar’s toes as he stood at the center of Meldakar barefoot. Dust swarmed through the sky, swirling as if a miniature tornado. The wind brushed against his cheek, colder than it ought to be for autumn. A shiver traveled along the back of his neck as he felt the surrounding power.

His connection with Noranda was unique. He could feel more than he ever had before. It was like an extra sense. He had an ability to tap into her mind, her conscious thought, and even her abilities.

Galedar had kept quiet about that part. He didn’t want the other dragonriders to know he’d tapped into using her abilities. They would want to know how, and Galedar didn’t want that. The others were his allies, yes, but he could not trust them. He could only trust himself… and Noranda. She wanted to help rid the land of the needless wars for him. After all, to her, he was her father. She’d hatched for him. Their bond was strong.

He feared the bonds others would have with their dragons. Galedar already faced opposition to his plan to unite all of Kaeldroga. Not everyone saw things the same way he did. Some thought he was seeking power. That he wanted to rule and oppress everyone.

How foolish. Had they so easily forgotten the endless generations of war? No, what he was doing was a service to all those living in Kaeldroga. Was he harsh? Sure… but like with a child, you had to be stern to keep the people on their path.

He’d ruled Kaeldroga for the last ten years. And there hadn’t been a single war. People had attempted to start a few, but Galedar put a stop to them fast. Few people dared face a man and his dragon. Even fewer when it was several men and dragons.

Ellisar had been by his side for the last ten years, but their relationship faltered. Galedar wanted to rule all of Kaeldroga with force to prevent the wars. Ellisar imagined another way. A peaceful way. A way without the people fearing them.

Galedar scoffed. A fool’s hope. Fear was the only thing that kept people in line. Fear kept them from bloodshed. Sure, he had to shed a bit of their blood along the way. But Galedar making an example of a few dozen men to stop hundreds from dying was a sacrifice worth making.

The ground trembled beneath his feet once more. Galedar wrinkled his nose. He’d never felt such power before. This wasn’t a typical earthquake. He’d experienced plenty of those in the past. No, this was something different.

He glanced up at the night sky. The orange moon hid behind a thin veil of clouds, but the blue moon shone bright, reflecting off the sea to shine through the streets of Meldakar. Stars glimmered in the distance, brighter than he’d ever seen them. A single star moved across the horizon, trails of dust following its path.

The shooting star approached the city. For a moment, Galedar held his breath, wondering if this was the end for him.

Trembles continued to travel through the earth under his feet, gaining in intensity. Clay flowerpots fell off balconies, shattering to a thousand pieces and scattering tulips and daises across the ground.

People in the streets screamed as they locked arms with their loved ones and ran for the safety of their homes. Dogs barked. Dragons grumbled.

Galedar couldn’t tear his eyes away. The star grew in size from smaller than a pebble to the size of a dragon as it continued toward Meldakar.

Its speed intensified, and there was no escape. For the first time in a long time, ever since first landing on the island of dragons, Galedar shivered. He wanted to believe that he didn’t fear death, but in that moment, he feared it very much.

He still had so much left to do. If he was struck down right here, Kaeldroga would fall back into the primitive chaos he hated so much. He wasn’t done yet.

Stepping forward, he channeled the magic inside of him. The magic he’d learned how to use with Noranda. He siphoned her power and stretched himself to his limits, bringing even more elements into himself. Galedar pushed his hands forward, willing all of his energy to stop the falling star.

A blast of translucent white energy bolted from his fingertips. It struck the bottom of the star. A smile found its way to Galedar’s face, but he paused as he watched the star bump upwards slightly before continuing on its path.

He hadn’t stopped it. Yet… he’d changed the path. It no longer headed for the heart of Meldakar. Instead, it swept over the city.

Galedar turned to watch as it flew overhead and beyond. A gust of wind ruffled his hair and wrinkled his tunic. The star flew past the city and continued soaring. It disappeared from his sight, behind the high tower. He attempted to move to a better position to see. Galedar didn’t want to let it out of his sight.

He tripped over a broken pot and slammed onto the ground. The ground rumbled as a deafening thud echoed through the city, vibrating against the stone buildings. Chimes screamed in the distance, well past the simple song a wind would create.

Ellisar rushed out into the street. His eyes met Galedar’s, and after a moment’s pause, he stepped forward and reached his hand out. Galedar didn’t want help. He pushed against the ground and stood up, then dusted himself off before looking past Ellisar to where the falling star had traveled.

What was that? Ellisar asked.

A falling star, Galedar muttered.

A star?

It narrowly missed the city.

Ellisar sighed with relief. Well, that’s good. I can’t imagine the devastation it would have caused had it landed here. The city’s already in shambles from it just being nearby.

Galedar closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then glanced around. He hadn’t been looking before with his attention solely on the falling star, but Ellisar was right—pots of flowers littered the city, along with stoves, grills, tables, and chairs. Anything that had been on a balcony lay sprawled across the ground throughout the city. It was a mess.

Coals burned on the ground, and small fires appeared throughout the city. Yet, Galedar didn’t care.

We need to help clean up the city, Ellisar said.

Galedar shook his head. No, leave that for the peasants. We need to find that star.

Ellisar furrowed his brows. The star? My lord, there are—

There is nothing more important than that star. I felt it. Something about it…

Ellisar frowned.

Come with me. And bring another dragonrider, just in case.

Yes, my lord.

Galedar swept past Ellisar, his maroon cape snapping in the wind. He zigzagged around the peasants on the street as they tried to clean up the mess. In his impatience, he nearly attacked them, but kept his calm and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword while he snarled at them as he walked.

Several of the peasants got the hint and backed out of his way, giving him a wide berth. Galedar almost smiled. Respect and fear. He would change the world with respect and fear.

When he reached the gate of the city, he ordered for it to be opened. He stepped outside, and Noranda was by his side, landing with a bow. Even she respected him.

He climbed onto the saddle and paused, glancing behind with clenched teeth. Galedar didn’t like to be kept waiting.

Ellisar stepped out of the gate along with a young dragonrider, Uriah. Not the kid Galedar would have chosen. He was a novice, and Galedar didn’t know what they would face in the wilderness by the fallen star.

Galedar didn’t wait on the others—he whipped the reins for Noranda to take flight. Flying was still one of Galedar’s favorite things: the gentle breeze caressing against his beard, soft whispering through the wind, a frigid chill against the back of his neck.

Riding at night wasn’t his favorite pastime. No, he much preferred mornings just before the dawn. Seeing the sunrise while balanced in the heavens on dragonback was an experience like no other. The brisk, cold mornings of spring with dew along the grass, cloudy breath, and fog were as close to paradise as Galedar had ever been.

Not tonight. Tonight was dark. Ominous. The chill bit into his bones. It wasn’t the pleasant morning chill of spring, but the cold, harsh cold of winter. The stars above hid in the clouds, making the outside of Meldakar darker than he cared to see it.

Horses neighed in the distance. Owls cooed. Galedar’s eyes kept moving from left to right as he studied the surroundings. He had Noranda with him, but he hadn’t quite tamed the rest of Kaeldroga yet. Galedar knew better than to gallivant off without worry. Raiders still existed. He hadn’t vanquished them all yet. One wrong step and—

The sight of smoldering ground in the distance broke his train of thought. Noranda veered toward it, angling northeast. A crater broke through the surface of the ground, massive at nearly a hundred meters all the way around. Noranda landed on the outside of the crater, stretching her neck out to inspect the center.

Galedar slid off his saddle and climbed down the saddle ladder until he stood at the edge of the crater.

A carriage-sized boulder lay at its center, shattered from the impact of striking the dirt. It no longer glowed. The star was dead.

Galedar didn’t know why, but he’d expected to see more. The crater and the fallen star inside of it were disappointing.

Feet slammed into the dirt behind him. Galedar turned around to see Ellisar and Uriah approaching him. Both men fixated their attention on the crater, looking well past Galedar.

What is it? Uriah asked.

A pile of rocks, Galedar said.

I thought you said it was a falling star, Ellisar said.

Galedar shrugged. Well, it’s dead now.

What’s that? Uriah pointed down into the crater.

Galedar spun around but saw nothing. What?

That glint of blue. Did you see it?

Galedar frowned. He focused his eyes, yet he saw nothing. Go check it out.

Me? Uriah asked.

You.

Uriah gulped. I mean… yes, sir.

He glanced from Ellisar to Galedar before stepping into the crater. His foot slipped, and he had to reach behind him to prevent sliding all the way to the bottom of the crater. He slowly made his way down until the halfway point, when his foot caught loose dirt and slid.

Once Uriah reached the bottom, he brushed his pants off as he stared at the shattered star. His head tilted, and he cautiously walked forward.

Galedar stretched his feet to his tiptoes to see what Uriah saw. Impatience crept into him as he watched from a distance.

Uriah reached down and grabbed something from the ground. When he turned around, he held an object the size of a newborn, but oval and glittering blue in the moonlight. He cradled it as he approached Galedar.

What is that? Ellisar asked.

I don’t know…

Uriah climbed back up the crater, reaching out for Ellisar’s hand as he made the last step. Once secure outside of the crater, he extended the stone toward Galedar.

A tremor went through Galedar, and he took a step back. He could feel the power radiating out of the stone. Was that what he’d felt when its trajectory was Meldakar?

Uriah’s dragon approached, leaning its head down to sniff the stone. When its nose touched the surface, a miraculous white light flashed, outstretching for almost a mile.

Galedar turned, falling down on his knees with clenched eyes. Once the light seemed to dissipate, he opened his eyes and blinked a few times for the night hues to return to normal. What had the stone done?

Jasmine. My poor Jasmine. What have I done? Uriah cried.

Galedar stood, looking down his nose at the young man. What are you going on about?

She’s gone. My Jasmine is gone.

Galedar turned to Ellisar with a raised eyebrow. Ellisar’s expression was stoic. He looked from the young dragonrider back to the dragon.

Explain, Galedar said.

Uriah glanced at Galedar before staring longingly up at his dragon. She’s no longer there. Her intelligence... her presence... her mind. It’s all gone. She no longer talks to me.

Galedar stretched his hand out in front of the beast, moving it from left to right. The creature followed his movements.

Can you hear me? Galedar asked.

The dragon tilted her head.

Galedar studied the dragon. Her eyes, once full of life, were devoid of any emotion. Once a beautiful, intelligent beast, she was now nothing more than a lapdog.

Laughter rumbled from Galedar’s belly.

Uriah glared at him. You think this is funny? Jasmine’s soul is gone.

We’ve caught resistance every step of the way, Galedar said. People want to fight against the empire we’re starting. They’re afraid of powerful leadership. Even dragons are resisting. They all want chaos to reign. No, don’t you see? This solves our problems.

Ellisar took a step back from Galedar. What are you proposing? That we take the souls away from dragons? To make them blindly follow us like trained animals instead of allowing them free thought?

Galedar grinned from ear to ear. Precisely. Nothing will stop us.

Ellisar shook his head. You are insane. We cannot do that. It’s barbaric.

Let me have the stone. Galedar reached out.

Uriah unsteadily handed it over to Galedar, tears staining his face as he continued to gaze at his dragon.

Galedar ripped it from the weak fool’s hands. How pathetic. Galedar would need men stronger than these two at his side to rule an empire. At least Ellisar wasn’t bawling his eyes out.

The stone was cool to the touch, but radiated electricity. Galedar pursed his lips as he closed his eyes and reached out with his senses. He channeled the power he’d unlocked from Noranda and reached into the presence of the stone. He felt something there. The dragon.

His eyes bulged open.

What? Ellisar asked.

I feel it.

Feel what?

The dragon. Locked inside of the stone.

Jasmine is a she. Not an it, Uriah grumbled.

Galedar rolled his eyes. He took a deep breath and stretched out again to the stone. Magic swirled inside. The essence of the dragon. Jasmine was a gold dragon, and he felt the lightning crackling inside of the stone. Galedar reached for it, attempting to grasp it. At first, it slipped out of his grasp, but after a few more tries, he could pull it out of the stone.

Another flash of bright light blinded them, but this time it lasted for only an instant. When Galedar opened his eyes, he found the two dragonriders staring at him uncertainly.

What happened? Ellisar asked.

Galedar beamed. He held out his palm and lightning danced on his fingertips. I took the dragon’s essence.

Ellisar’s jaw dropped.

Yes… this is the key to the empire. With this stone, I can become the most powerful man in Kaeldroga.

No, Uriah said.

Excuse me?

Give Jasmine her power back. Give her soul back.

Galedar tucked the stone against his side and laughed. You dare talk to me like that, boy?

I’m serious. You’re talking about someone’s life here. She’s a person and deserves not to be treated like an animal.

It, Galedar corrected, is a dragon. A beast. We’re the ones with the civilized world. We have cities and buildings. A written and spoken language. What do they have? A forest? They are nothing without us.

Give it back. Uriah stepped forward, jaw held firm.

No.

Uriah took three quick steps forward, reaching for the stone. Galedar swerved right, clutching the stone tighter to his side as he unsheathed his dagger and shoved it up through the boy’s rib cage. Uriah jerked abruptly, eyes going wide. Blood gurgled out of his mouth as he tried to say something. No words came. He crumpled to the ground.

Ellisar held his scabbard with his left hand as he removed his sword with the other. He pointed it at Galedar, taking a step backward to position himself into a fighting stance.

You’ve gone too far now, Galedar.

Too far? Galedar scoffed. I haven’t gone far enough. You think it’s going to be easy to reshape this world? Everything I do is for Kaeldroga. Everything I do is to prevent more unnecessary bloodshed.

Unnecessary bloodshed? Ellisar shook his head. This is unnecessary bloodshed. You just murdered a boy.

He was weak. He would stop me from using the dragon stone. We need it to save Kaeldroga. Don’t you see?

All I see is a madman who needs to be stopped.

So be it, Galedar said.

He unsheathed his sword and faced Ellisar.

1

Year 512 D.A

Devarius strode through the streets of the unnamed village on Adeth Peak Isle. They hadn’t planned on staying here forever, and yet it was built like a permanent home. They’d organized sturdy buildings made from trees and stones into perfect blocks. The village had everything: a market, a hospital, homes, apartments, and a town hall.

The orange sun crept over the mountaintops, bringing warmth to the otherwise frosty morning. Winter had been hard. They’d barely had enough food for everyone to survive, and they’d had to overcome several battles. But now the red sun was little more than a large star in the distance, and winter was over. Vegetation grew all around the village, and gardens bloomed. Today was a new day.

Devarius placed his hand over his eyes to block the sun. Paedyn meandered toward him, an apple in his hand. He must have visited the market, as there wasn’t a single apple tree on the island. Paedyn took a bite as he came to a stop in front of Devarius.

Morning dew dripped from the roofs of the buildings. Fog lingered in the air, making seeing a distance difficult, but otherwise, it was a pleasant chilly morning. It wouldn’t take long for the sun to warm everything up.

What’s on your mind? Paedyn asked, taking another bite of his apple.

I’m wondering if this is the last time I will see this place, Devarius whispered.

Brown dirt and clay squished under his boots. Birds fluttered in the breeze, dancing in the wind with each other as they went out to search for food. Beautiful chirping sounded in the distance.

It is time.

We can’t avoid it forever. The empire is weak. We can’t just hide and wait to be attacked every time. This has to end.

We should end it with fire, Paedyn said.

Devarius chuckled, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. I know you don’t like to be serious, my friend, but things are about to get real serious.

I know. Paedyn frowned. Do you think we’ll survive it?

I hope so, or at the very least, I hope the resistance survives. I hope the empire falls.

Devarius began walking, Paedyn at his side, and they made their way to the meeting. Since it was going to be such a beautiful day, they’d agreed to meet outside in the meadow, to at least have a bit of relaxation and beauty on a day such as this.

They strolled along the empty streets. No one else was outside yet. Strange for the village, as most people awoke by dawn to scurry about their day. Today was different, though. People hugged their loved ones… one last time. Families ate breakfast together instead of beginning their tasks early. No one knew the next time they could be with their family, or if they would ever be together again.

Such a bright and beautiful day for such gloomy thoughts, but they couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer.

They had set a table in the center of the meadow, a white canopy over it to keep some of the sun out of everyone’s eyes. Devarius paused for a moment to take in the scenery. Doves perched on the top of the tent. Dragonflies fluttered through the sky. Grasshoppers jumped at Devarius’s feet.

Footsteps crunched in the grass behind him. The others were arriving. He took a deep breath, smelling the flowers blooming in the distant bushes.

It was time.

Devarius strode forward, his wet leather boots squishing against the ground with each step. He swept past the chairs on the side of the table until he reached the head, where he sat in a position to watch as everyone joined them.

Little by little, everyone arrived. The resistance was thousands strong, and these were its leaders. It wasn’t a large party, but Devarius could not, would not, do it alone. He had to appoint people to different locations. This might be the last time they would all see each other. Devarius hoped not, but a lump in his throat told him otherwise.

Thank you for joining me today. As you already know, today is the day we discuss our plans for fighting the empire. The time has come. The empire is weak. They have taken the battle to us enough. It is now time for us to take the battle to them.

Aquila sat at his side, her long black hair tied with a silver ribbon behind her shoulders; one hand gently tugged on her braid while the other hand reached to his on the table to squeeze it with encouragement.

Devarius licked his lips and glanced at Veesha, the leader of the pirates they’d found on the north coastline of the island. Her brown skin gleamed on the top of her bald head from the protruding sunlight. Large gold hoops dangled from her ears. She wore tight-fitting black leather armor. Unlike when he’d first met her, no weapons dangled from her hip.

As much as I want to help, my place is here with my people. With my wounded, Veesha said.

Devarius rubbed his hands together. I hoped you would say that. You bring up a good point. We cannot all abandon this island. The empire now knows we’re here, and while we scatter the rest of us throughout Kaeldroga gaining more support from the people, we need people here to protect the others. He turned to meet Aquila’s eyes. I want you to lead the people here, Aquila.

Her nails dug into his skin before she retracted her hand. She turned away from him for a moment, fist clenching. When she turned back, her eyes glared through his. I want to fight.

Aquila.

Quit treating me like a weakling, Devarius. I can fight. You know I can.

Devarius tried to reach for Aquila’s hand, but she retracted it. He sighed. It’s not about that, Aquila. I admit, I was nearsighted. I tried to protect you when it was unneeded. It was more about me protecting myself. But you’ve proven yourself in battle several times. That isn’t what this is about.

Aquila frowned, looking down her nose at him. The freckles in her eyes gleamed in the sunlight, and her hand loosed slightly until her palm opened, revealing the impressions of her long fingernails. Why, then?

Don’t you see? Devarius asked. While we scatter me and a few of the others in different cities in Kaeldroga, it will expose the island to an attack. I trust no one more than you to protect it. Honestly, I fear more danger will be here than out there. At least until the last battle.

You think they will attack? Aquila’s eyes bulged.

Count on it, Devarius said. Especially if they learn we’re away. Aquila, I do not give you this task lightly. If I wanted to keep you from battle, I would task you with the southern cities. They’re already on our side mostly. No, instead, I’m leaving you in the place that’s the most vulnerable. But I know you’re strong enough to protect it.

Aquila tilted her head upward. Her lips twitched as if wanting to form a smile, but they held firm. She didn’t want to show emotion, but Devarius could sense her pride at what he’d told her. He’d spoken the truth. He trusted no one more than Aquila. And he did fear for her. He feared for all of Adeth Peak Isle while he was away, but he couldn’t hold her back any longer. He couldn’t hold any of them back. The resistance couldn’t afford it.

Kaia, you have family in Caspar, do you not?

The woman blinked a few times before turning to face Devarius. Her eyes appeared dead. Little to no life lingered in their depths. She hadn’t wanted to come to the meeting. Kaia hadn’t wanted to leave her bed in weeks. She was a different person ever since the empire had killed her wyvern Indigo at the battle on the northern island. Devarius needed to include her. His sister had talked about her often. Zaviana was worried about the woman. Now that Devarius saw her lifeless eyes, he was worried, too. He couldn’t imagine how he’d feel if he lost Ayla.

I do.

Why don’t you give them a visit? See if they know any resistance sympathizers.

And how will I get there?

A lump caught in Devarius’s throat. You can ride—

I will not ride another wyvern.

A few wyverns are without riders after the battle—

"Indigo