The Secret Haven

By Leah Warren

A talented horse master with unrealized potential, Zachira faces each day with determination. Her simple life is all she’s known. As her nightmares worsen, Zach struggles to keep them from overpowering her. When tragedy strikes, she must flee her home, leading her down a path to find her family. The search for the truth unearths many dark secrets, but there is only one important question: Will Zachira hide from her destiny or fight for the peace she so desperately longs for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665568340

Leah Warren

Armed with a cup of tea and good pen, Leah Warren has written over a hundred stories. She began writing at 7 years old and hasn't been able to stop since. Her favourite place is a well-stocked library. Her sincerest hope is that her readers might find the same joy in books that she has.

Book preview

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THE

Secret

HAVEN

Leah Warren

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2022 Leah Warren. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  08/15/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-6825-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-6824-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-6834-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022915286

Cover illustrations by Savannah Fell.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Prologue

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Pronunciation Guide

Prologue

L ong ago, before humans had emerged from the forests, the great dragons ruled over this land. They were kind and fair, teaching our ancestors community and justice. They struck an accord with our family, allowing us to bond with their kin. They shared their innate magic with us, giving us the chance to rise in power and claim the land for our communities. The dragons saw how we prospered and left us to live and work as best we could.

But where are the dragons now, Papa? The black-haired prince looked up at his father, hazel eyes wide as saucers.

Besides Aulay and that egg in your lap, no one knows for sure. There are rumors they flew north, into the wilderness. But it is very possible that our two are the last of the royal dragons.

When will mine hatch, Papa? The little boy became very concerned for his shimmery egg.

Soon, my son, soon. You are just now five years old. Take good care of that egg and it may hatch in as little as two years. But you must keep it a secret. There are wicked people who would like nothing more than to capture a dragon for trade or sport. The little prince hugged the egg close to his chest and nodded solemnly. The king smiled kindly at him. Now, run along, Malcom. I have an audience with the horse master today. Take your egg down the secret path to the dragon’s keep. It will be safe there.

The little boy slipped behind the large family tapestry and disappeared down the hidden steps. King Cedric opened the door to the throne room, alerting the stewards to his readiness to receive. He took his place on his throne, straightening his back, and schooling his features into a neutral mask. The horse master entered a moment later, swiping his cap from his head as he bowed.

Master Cole Draighean, it is a pleasure to see you again. Please, rise and state your business.

My king, I requested audience with you so that I might discuss the needs of your horses. I understand that you wish them to be well cared for, and I have a proposition that would benefit not only the animals, but your stable hands as well.

You certainly have my interest, Master Cole. Cedric listened with rapt attention as Cole presented his idea.

Later, Cole placed his hand on the black rose crest on the door and entered his little home, his weary smile greeting his wife and child. He scooped up the little girl, snuggling her close.

What did the king say, Cole? his wife asked eagerly. His smile brightened as he looked at her and pulled her in for a hug, squishing their giggling daughter between them.

He thought it was a great idea. They will begin building a tower in the pasture for us to live in next spring. It may be five years before it is complete. Our little Zachira will be ten by then, old enough to help out. Isn’t that right, sweetheart? He bounced the girl on his hip.

I’ll help, Papa! I’ll be big and strong by then. The trio laughed together, blissfully unaware of the misfortune that would fall in those five years.

1

B lackness engulfed her. A sudden burst of fire lit up the darkness. The sight paralyzed her. Thatch homes burning, women and children screaming and running for their lives, corpses strewn about. Many bodies were bloody from being torn to pieces, but most were just heaps of charred flesh. Though she saw the people screaming in agony, her ears were deaf to their cries. Suddenly, she heard a low and vicious growl. She turned toward the noise and faced a pair of red eyes. Deep blood-like pools of hate and vengeance. Another growl came from the awful, bloodied maw. She could feel the heat of the dragon’s breath scalding her skin. As he opened his mouth, the flame swallowed her.

Zachira bolted up in bed, sweating, skin tingling from the red dragon’s flame. She pulled the covers off and put her bare feet on the cold stone floor. She sat on the edge of her bed, breathing heavily. It was just a dream, she thought, though that did little to convince her. She forced the images to the back of her mind and started to get ready for the day. She had to step over her big, black wolf, Kellion, to get to her wardrobe. As she did, the wolf raised his head and looked at her with a sleepy stare.

Don’t look at me like that, you lazy rug. If you weren’t in the middle of the floor, I wouldn’t have to step over you. The wolf seemed content with the answer and lay back down. Zachira chuckled and thought back to a time when Kellion was much smaller.

The young pup had wandered away from his pack, following a deer’s scent. When he finally found the deer, it was being field dressed by sixteen-year-old Zach. She noticed the pup but hoped it would eventually leave, not wanting a pack of wolves trailing her. But, as she dragged the deer back home, the little wolf followed, tail wagging, panting happily. Zachira left him outside in case his mother came looking. As the sun began to set, the little pup remained outside her door, dusting the ground with his tail. She sighed, took